A Diamond for Del Rio's Housekeeper

‘So long as it’s not that wretched ring,’ she warned, shooting a wary glance at the box.

‘Why don’t you open it and find out?’ Xavier suggested.

She did just that, and pulled out a key.

‘Welcome home, Señora Del Rio.’

‘I don’t understand.’

‘This is your house. Any time you want to get away from me you can come here—’

‘You’re giving me a house?’ Rosie exclaimed. She couldn’t take it in.

‘A Swiss chalet,’ he said. ‘Just the first of many gifts for my beautiful wife.’

He silenced her protests with a kiss, and made her sigh with pleasure as he caressed her cheek. ‘You don’t play fair,’ she complained softly as he nuzzled the very sensitive skin just below her ear, making her shiver with arousal.

‘And I don’t take no for an answer, either,’ he reminded her.

‘But you can’t give me a house. It’s too much.’

‘I can and I have,’ he argued firmly. ‘This is going to be the best Christmas either of us has ever had.’

‘It will be. I promise,’ Rosie confirmed, determined to do everything she could to make it so.

‘Why don’t you open your front door, señora?’

‘I suppose if this is my house I’d better show you around—’

‘Why don’t we start with the bedrooms?’

‘Do you seriously think we’ll get that far...?’

The front door opened on a magical scene. A roaring log fire welcomed them inside the beautiful house, and Xavier carried her over the threshold. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the snow-covered mountains, while the décor in rich, warm shades promised that this would be the cosiest of homes in which to spend the holiday season.

‘What’s in all these boxes?’ Rosie asked as she took stock of them.

‘A ready-decorated home would be too easy for you, my beautiful, romantic wife,’ Xavier told her as he lowered her down and stripped off her warm coat. ‘And so I’ve provided all the ingredients you could possibly need to dream up whatever scheme you want.’

‘Christmas decorations,’ she exclaimed. ‘Can we decorate the chalet together?’

‘I wouldn’t have it any other way,’ Xavier said as he tossed his heavy outer jacket on a chair. ‘Shall we make a start?’

‘I meant you should help me with the Christmas decorations,’ she chastised him as he brought her into his arms.

‘We’ve got all night for that,’ he reminded her, brushing her lips with his.

Rosie couldn’t have been happier with their cosy nest. They were in their own little world, far away from the glare of public scrutiny. ‘You couldn’t have chosen anywhere better. I love it. We can be Mr and Mrs Normal here.’

‘Correction—I can be Mr Normal,’ he argued. He smiled against her mouth as he whispered, ‘There’s no hope for you...’

Grabbing hold of his arms, she attempted to give him a little shake, but he was rock. Her need soared. ‘That rug looks so neglected...’

They cooked Christmas dinner together with the help of a stack of advice from celebrity chefs who had rushed to offer Xavier their congratulations, no doubt in hope of securing franchises at one of his many hotels. They had to be very strict with themselves to make sure the celebratory meal didn’t burn in what had quickly turned into a highly charged second honeymoon. When it came to it, they ended up naked, eating off the same plate on the rug in front of the roaring fire.

Rosie was concerned that her Christmas gift for Xavier wasn’t enough. He had assured her on numerous occasions that their baby was more than enough for every Christmas going forward. Their child was a blessing, as well as the most wonderful gift, but in practical terms Rosie wanted him to have something to open on Christmas Day. And how could she ever compete with the chocolate-box-perfect Swiss Chalet he had given her? She could only hope that her modest gifts would please him.

‘I’ve got another small gift for you,’ Xavier admitted as Rosie brought out a neatly wrapped package.