A Beastly Christmas

By Marie Godley

A short story inspired by Beauty and the Beast but with a modern twist - role reversal.

Tina needs help with her business paperwork in the run-up to Christmas. When Greg arrives instead of the PA she'd hired, she's not happy.

Greg has to work for Tina because of staff shortages. He finds her short-tempered and unfriendly.

When he discovers an abandoned puppy he's nearly out of a job, but he can't leave the dog to an uncertain fate.

Can Greg and a puppy work some Chrsitmas magic to transform Tina?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Godley
• Release date: Jan 9, 2018
• ISBN: 9781540155955

Marie Godley

Marie Godley resides in Christchurch, Dorest with her family. Lucky enough to live in a town with historical buildings to roam around, as well as having the sea and the New Forest National Park nearby, she has plenty to do when taking a break from writing.

Book preview

Dedication

To everyone who loves Beauty and the Beast,

and Christmas, as much as I do.

Love as always to my family for putting up with me,

And to you all for reading this book.

Chapter One

He made sure his collar was even and tucked inside his jacket, tweaked his glasses so they sat properly – he’d twisted the frames and hadn’t had time to get them fixed – and rang the bell. A shrill noise sounded deep in the house, the last notes escaping through the open window. The final echoes died away to be replaced by silence, until the unintelligible shouting started.

Oops, someone wasn’t happy. He fussed with his clothing again and stood up straighter.

Then, the brisk clacking of heels on a wooden floor, each drop of the heel an irritated beat.

Why do I bother paying these people? The words wound through the window just before the door was wrenched open. 

Yes? The question snapped out of the beautiful woman standing before him, its harshness ruining the effect she presented with her looks and flawless dress sense.

Tina Hunter, for he was sure this was her, might have looked lovely but Greg was forming a different opinion of her.

Miss Hunter, I’m Greg from Professional Providers. I believe you’re expecting us.

I’m expecting a Molly – you’re not her.

No, sadly she is unavailable.

That’s not professional. She was promised to me.

Greg clenched his teeth whilst trying to retain his smile, not easy, but he must not give into the retort that was fighting to get free. It wasn’t Molly’s fault she’d come down with the flu. He would have explained the situation had Miss Hunter not been so snappy, now he didn’t feel like explaining who he was. I’m here instead, may I come in?

Tina glared at him a moment longer, before stepping aside.

Greg moved his bag in front of his body to avoid hitting her or the paintwork.

Are you qualified, do you know what’s expected of you?

I am, Greg replied, if she knew who he really was maybe she’d curb her rudeness, or perhaps not, he’d met plenty like her before.

Nice of you to join us. Tina greeted the woman who’d appeared in the hallway, drying her hands on a tea towel. Watch him.

To Greg she said, I’m going to ring Professional Providers and check your authenticity.

Please do. Greg held back a laugh.

Tina slammed the door of the study behind her. Why wasn’t anything simple these days? It was bad enough having to employ someone this close to the holidays, but to have a man turn up – someone whose credentials she hadn’t checked – was insufferable. Sitting down heavily in her desk chair, she tapped at the keyboard until the details came up. She picked the phone up, then dropped it down again. Damn. He’d only introduced himself as Greg, and she’d forgotten to ask his surname. She rose out of her chair, then sank back down. She was not going back out there to ask him. Tina punched the numbers hard. Unfortunately, it didn’t make her feel any better. Drumming her nails against the desk, she listened to the