A Little Christmas Charm

by Kathryn Freeman

  ‘It doesn’t mean I forgot, or forgave. I can’t trust you any more. I can’t trust your mood, your fidelity, your treatment of William. I want out.’

  ‘So you’ve already told me.’ Reaching out a hand, he ran his finger down her cheek. ‘Do you remember the day we first met? You were modelling my new range and I’d never seen a more exquisite creature, yet when I went to introduce myself you were so unsure, so shy. I knew right then you were not only going to be a superstar, you were going to be my wife.’

  ‘And you made sure of both.’ Her life had changed almost overnight. He’d thrust her into the limelight, turning her from a painfully shy, unheard of young model into Melissa Raven, supermodel and wife to the hottest designer in the country. ‘I’m grateful for what you gave me,’ she added, moving away from his touch. ‘But now I want to live my own life, not one made for me.’

  He sighed, dropping his hand and swivelling dramatically on his heel before settling elegantly onto the sofa. ‘It’s a mistake,’ he barked coldly. ‘Without me backing you, your career will tumble.’

  ‘You think I care that much about wearing clothes and smiling for the camera?’

  He glared back. ‘You will, when the glamorous lifestyle you’ve enjoyed comes to an abrupt end. Still, it’s your loss. I’m not going to beg you to stay.’

  Chewing on her bottom lip, she fought for the courage to ask the most important question. ‘Will you want joint custody of William?’

  His dark eyes widened in surprise, and then he started to laugh. ‘Of course not. We both know I never wanted the boy.’ Then his features turned sharp. ‘But for appearance’ sake I’ll want to see him now and again.’

  ‘Fine.’

  Joy flared at the knowledge he wasn’t going to fight her for William and for a brief moment she wanted to put her arms around Lawrence. Thank him for letting her have her son. But one look into his eerie dark eyes and the impulse died. ‘I’m going up to my room.’

  Those eyes watched her carefully. ‘It’s Christmas day. Surely you aren’t going to leave your husband alone on such a … what did you call it? Ah yes, such a special day.’

  Though she wanted to escape upstairs, she didn’t. Out of habit, and a desire to keep the peace, Melissa did what her husband asked of her. She spent the rest of Christmas evening with him.

  Later that night though, as she opened the door to her bedroom – the one she’d moved into last week, next door to William and at the other end of the corridor to Lawrence – she promised herself next year it would be different. She and William would spend Christmas in their own house.

  And with a bit of luck, away from Lawrence’s oppressive, controlling presence, they might both learn to loosen up and live a little.

  CHAPTER ONE

  At the knock on the door, Melissa sighed and grabbed at the bag of sweets she’d left on the side. Halloween seemed to be the only time they ever received visitors. Tentatively she opened the door.

  When she saw who was there, all she wanted to do was slam it shut again.

  ‘Lawrence.’

  He gave her a twisted smile. ‘Melissa.’

  She should ask him in, she thought, then dismissed the idea. She was done being subservient to Lawrence. It was nearly three years since she’d left him. Now she did what she wanted, not what was wanted of her. ‘What brings you here?’

  ‘Aren’t you going to invite me in, first?’

  ‘No. I repeat, what are you doing here?’

  He sighed dramatically. ‘Fine, if we must discuss private matters on your doorstep. The reason I’m here, my darling Melissa, is to ask to see my son over the Christmas holiday.’

  Every cell in her body seemed to freeze. Right now she bitterly regretted her decision to let Lawrence know where she’d moved to. At the time she’d harboured a crazy hope that he might change once she’d left him. Might wake up to realise how lucky he was to have such a beautiful son and want to build a proper relationship with him, one borne of love and patience, not disinterest and domination.

  The last few years had only proved how delusional she’d been.

  ‘Christmas?’ she finally managed. ‘How do you expect me to plan that far ahead? I haven’t even thought about it yet.’

  ‘Which is why I’m telling you now. I’ll be spending a lot of my time in the States over the next month, but I’m back in England for Christmas. Evangeline wants to meet him.’

  ‘Evangeline?’ Her mind instantly recalled the dark-haired woman she’d shared both a catwalk and a husband with. Evangeline hadn’t smiled because it caused wrinkles, and hadn’t talked to the other models because she thought she was above them all. ‘Why her?’

  ‘What do you mean, why her?’

  ‘Why would she want to see William?’

  ‘Because he’s my son.’

  Melissa registered the implication, that Lawrence was now dating the super bitch, and felt nothing. No anger, no bitterness, no jealousy. Just a calm nothing. She almost smiled. Almost. ‘Why do you want to see William?’

  Lawrence gave her one of his arrogant smirks. ‘Don’t most fathers want to see their sons? Especially over Christmas?’

  ‘You’re not most fathers. In fact, you’ve barely been one at all.’

  ‘Come now, you’re being cruel.’ He gave a dismissive shake of his head. ‘It’s not my fault I’ve had to spend most of the last few years out of the country. Let’s just say I want to make up for lost time.’

  ‘You want to update your image more like.’ She knew her ex-husband, and the world of fashion he was driven by. As one of the country’s leading designers he was constantly setting new trends, many of which continued into his personal life. When she’d first met him he’d been the sophisticated bachelor. A party-animal, enjoying his freedom following a strict upbringing. When he’d married her, he’d morphed into the glamorous, attentive husband. At least as far as the media were concerned. Since their divorce, his star had started to wane. ‘Is William the latest attempt to prop up your dwindling image? Are you trying for super dad?’

  ‘Sarcasm doesn’t suit you.’ Scorn filled his features, making him appear cruel.

  ‘Well, whatever your reason, you can’t take him away for a few days. He hardly knows you. It would terrify him.’

  ‘Still frightened of his own shadow?’

  Her hand clutched tighter onto the door handle. ‘William is a shy, sensitive seven-year-old who needs love and support. Not a fickle father who bullies him.’

  Lawrence’s mouth hardened. ‘You’re exaggerating. I simply instilled some much-needed discipline into him. And besides, it’s my right to see him.’

  ‘Just as it’s my duty as a mother to do what’s best for him. God, Lawrence, you’ve only bothered to see him once since I left you.’ And that stilted afternoon would remain with her for a lifetime. ‘If you want to build a relationship with him, I can’t stop you. But you’ll do it my way, or not at all.’ Melissa marvelled at how calm she sounded. He’d never know by the tone of her voice how much she shook inside. How terrified she was that Lawrence would simply push her aside and take William away.

  ‘And what is your way?’ Lawrence asked, leaning his shoulder against the wall, his hands loosely shoved into his pockets.

  ‘We all go out together, at a time and place of my choosing.’

  Lawrence snorted. ‘Oh my dear Melissa, I hardly think you’re in a position to dictate terms. The custody agreement clearly stated I would have access to him when I wanted.’ His dark eyes skimmed over her face, scrutinising, assessing. ‘You’re harder than the shy girl I married. It doesn’t suit you.’ Straightening, he carefully secured his flamboyant wine-coloured fedora onto his head. ‘I’ll be in touch.’

  Melissa waited until he’d driven off before slamming the door and collapsing on the bottom stair. God, how she wished he were right, and she had become a tougher version of the girl he’d married. If she had, she wouldn’t feel this absolute terror whenever she saw him. At twenty-eight
she might have learnt to act confidently, but inside she was still intimidated by him, and she hated herself for it.

  ‘Mum, are you okay?’ William stood at the top of the stairs, his dark hair spiked up at awkward angles and his round grey eyes looking worried.

  Forcing a wide smile onto her face, Melissa stood and beckoned him down. ‘Of course I am. Come on young man, I’ve got something I want to talk to you about while I make the tea.’

  Wariness added to the worried look in his eyes. ‘Is it about Dad?’

  Her heart squeezed painfully. ‘Why do you ask?’

  ‘That was him just now.’

  She wondered how much he’d heard – clearly enough to make him worry. Taking hold of his hand, she gave it a quick squeeze. ‘Your dad just needed a quick word with me, that’s all. Now come into the kitchen because I want to tell you about these tennis lessons I’m trying to set up for you.’

  ‘Simon plays tennis.’

  Relieved that the tension had disappeared from his face, Melissa laughed. ‘I know. How would you like to play, too?’

  He wrinkled his nose. ‘But it’s winter. People don’t play tennis in the winter.’

  ‘Ah, that’s where you’re wrong. If you play indoor tennis, you can play all year round. I used to love playing when I was younger.’

  William shrugged. ‘I dunno.’

  She stifled a sigh. William was always so reticent about trying anything new. ‘Well, the tennis player I used to love watching, who happens to be Simon’s uncle, runs a tennis centre with courts inside, so you can play even when it’s snowing.’ And while her experience with Lawrence had left her distrustful of men, especially rich, successful, overly confident men, she wasn’t averse to the idea of drooling over Daniel McCormick from afar.

  ‘Is it going to snow?’ Latching onto the last part of her sentence, William’s eyes shone with something close to delight. ‘I want it to snow for Christmas.’

  ‘That’s a while away yet.’ Smiling, she dipped down to kiss the top of his head. ‘But who knows, by then you might have to walk through the snow to play tennis. Maybe strap the rackets onto the bottom of your feet to help you.’

  He started to giggle and the sound warmed her heart. She only wished she heard it more often.

  Sitting in the café in his tennis academy, Daniel eyed his sister over his coffee cup. ‘Let me get this straight. You’re asking me to find a space in my coaching programme for the shy seven-year-old son of your friend. I’m expected to be warm and friendly to them both, but under no circumstances come onto her?’

  Alice smiled sweetly back at him. ‘I always knew you were good at assimilating information. Come on, you can find little William a space, can’t you? She’ll pay, you know. She isn’t poor. And Simon will love having his friend in the same group.’

  Daniel sighed and reached his hands behind his back to stretch out his shoulders. Injury had forced him to give up his professional tennis career several years ago and every now and again he felt a twinge in his right shoulder where they’d had to operate. It became worse when he tensed up, like he was now. Sisters. ‘I’m pretty sure I can find William a place, yes. But assuming the mother is as lovely as you’re saying, why am I not allowed to chat her up? She’s single, isn’t she?’

  Alice shifted back against her chair. They shared looks – dark hair and brown eyes – but not temperament. Where he was calm and patient, Alice was impetuous. Where he was laid-back and easy going, unless he was on a tennis court, Alice was gregarious and at times temperamental. Daniel was thirty-three and still single. Alice, older by three years, was onto her third husband.

  ‘We’re talking about Melissa Raven, Daniel. Haven’t you heard of her?’

  Daniel searched his mind, but came up blank. ‘Should I have?’

  Alice let out an exasperated sigh. ‘She was the face of the Raven fashion label for years. Surely you’ve heard of Raven? You’ve probably got a suit made by them somewhere in your wardrobe and you’re just too ignorant to know it.’

  ‘Hey, if we’re going to start trading fashion insults I can think of a few horrors you’ve worn over the years. I still remember that fluorescent-green dress.’

  She gave him the traditional sister put down – sticking her tongue out at him. ‘I was just trying to tell you that Melissa was a famous model and that Lawrence Raven, the world-renowned designer, was her husband.’

  ‘I take it they’re divorced?’

  ‘Yes, and she goes by her maiden name of Stanford now. I’ve only known her for two years, since William and Simon became friends at school, but long enough to know she doesn’t like talking about her marriage. I think she went through a pretty bad time and still carries a lot of pain and mistrust. She tells me she’s sworn off men.’

  Pushing his empty cup away, Daniel raised a dark eyebrow. ‘If that’s the case, neither of you have anything to fear from me.’

  ‘Oh no, I know you too well. You won’t be able to stop from trying to charm the socks off her. She’s just your type.’

  ‘First, I don’t try and charm. I charm. Second, what do you mean, my type? I wasn’t aware I had a type.’

  Alice smirked. ‘Not in the traditional sense of blonde versus brunette, no. But you do always hanker after women who are both gorgeous and smart. Then you get let down because that combination are usually also arrogant and pushy, which you hate. Melissa is stunning, clever, but actually quite shy.’

  Feeling slightly irritated now, Daniel glanced at his watch. ‘Much as I’d love to carry on discussing your version of what I might find attractive, I’m afraid I’ve got to dash.’ He rose from the table, unfurling long, muscular legs encased in navy track suit bottoms. At six and a half feet tall, he dwarfed most people he met, including his sister. Bending down, he placed a kiss on her cheek. ‘Tell this friend of yours that she and William can come by next week. And I promise to keep my hands off her.’ He walked away a few steps before looking over his shoulder and giving Alice a wink. ‘At least for now.’

  CHAPTER TWO

  The moment Daniel caught sight of the two women and two boys walking through the reception area towards him, he swore softly. He hated it when his sister was right. Even from a distance, and having not yet spoken to her, Daniel knew the tall, slender blonde walking alongside Alice was most definitely his type. She walked with the easy grace he’d expect from an ex-catwalk model. Her head held high, her elegant frame fluid in its movement. As they came closer he could make out the striking angularity of her face. It shouldn’t work, he thought as his sister waved at him. Melissa’s mouth was too full, her grey eyes too large, her cheekbones too sharp. Yet as she came to a halt in front of him, Daniel could only stare. Of course it worked. The combination was stunning.

  ‘Daniel, meet Melissa and her son, William.’ He was only dimly aware of Alice making the introductions. His eyes, his mind, his focus, were all on Melissa.

  ‘Uncle Daniel, I’m going to beat you today.’

  The sight of his nephew, Simon, leaping up and down in front of him, knocked Daniel out of his trance and he grabbed the boy by his legs, dangling him upside down. ‘What did you say?’ he remarked gruffly, swinging him slowly from side to side.

  ‘I said I’m going to beat you,’ Simon giggled from his upside down position.

  In a routine he’d begun when Simon was just a toddler, Daniel slowly raised his nephew up and down. ‘Who’s the best tennis player in the family?’ he growled, allowing Simon’s face to come perilously close to the floor.

  ‘You are,’ Simon squealed, clearly ready to come back to earth.

  As he carefully put his nephew back on his feet, Daniel glanced at the quiet boy standing next to Melissa. ‘Do you think you’re going to beat me, William?’ he asked, grinning down at him.

  William shrank back, clutching tighter to his mother’s hand. ‘No, Sir,’ he replied quietly, his eyes watchful and unsure.

  ‘Is that because you don’t want to be dangled by your feet?’ Dani
el prompted, his voice more gentle this time. William was one nervous little boy.

  ‘Yes,’ William whispered.

  Daniel searched for the beginnings of a smile on the boy’s serious young face, but wasn’t sure he could find one. ‘Very wise. Perhaps Simon here will learn some sense from you.’ He ruffled his nephew’s hair before turning back to William’s mother. ‘Now is probably a good time to mention that I don’t hang all the children here by their feet. Only family members.’

  ‘I’m glad to hear it.’

  For a moment Daniel stared into her clear grey eyes but then her lids lowered and she dropped her gaze to the floor.

  Damn, he’d embarrassed her.

  ‘Have you bought me a new racket yet?’ His nephew piped up, breaking the slightly awkward silence.

  ‘Simon,’ Alice admonished. ‘I know it’s only Daniel, but that was still rude.’

  ‘Thank you, I think.’ He smiled wryly at his sister before turning back to Simon. ‘Why would I want to buy you a new racket?’

  ‘Because it’s nearly Christmas.’

  ‘Okay, I’ll bite. Even though we’re only just in November, why would I want to buy you a racket because it’s nearly Christmas?’

  ‘Because you buy me a tennis racket every Christmas.’

  As Simon’s face lit up with laughter at his own joke, Daniel bit back a smile. ‘Maybe this year I’m going to be less predictable.’

  ‘Nah. I like you being pre … whatever. I get an awesome racket.’

  More laughter, this time with Simon and Alice joining in. When his eyes shifted over to Melissa though, she was looking everywhere but at them, as if she felt out of place.

  As the laughter died down, she cleared her throat. ‘Thank you for finding a space for William. I know you’re fully booked, so I really appreciate you letting him join.’

  ‘No problem.’ He couldn’t seem to stop staring at her. If Alice was right, and the lady had sworn off men, it was a crying shame.