The Christmas Collection

By Tracey Mayhew

This small-town Christmas Collection is the perfect way to warm your heart this festive season!

 

December Magic

 

With Christmas fast approaching, Kayla Jones is preparing for another cold, and lonely, December. But a lost little girl and her father soon change all that and, with them by her side, Kayla finds herself rediscovering the magic of the season…

 

This Christmas

 

Three ghosts… Two choices… One chance to get it right.

 

Morgan Scott hates everything about Christmas, from the garish Christmas jumpers to the over-the-top Christmas songs. Is it any wonder she wants to bury herself in work, until the dreaded holiday is well and truly over?

 

But her plans fly out the window when, on Christmas Eve, she receives an unexpected visitor and there begins the rollercoaster ride through her past, present and future… straight to the only man she has ever given her heart to.

 

This Christmas, will Morgan finally see the error of her ways and reclaim the love she had rejected or will she continue on the same path, no matter where it leads?

 

All I Want For Christmas

 

Will Christmas be the only thing Jess finds herself falling in love with this festive season?

 

After a devastating loss tore her family apart, Jess Harrison left the lakeside village she calls home and hasn't looked back. Three years on, she returns to help Holly Richards, her best friend and business partner, through her own rough patch and quickly finds herself falling back into village life as if she's never been away.

 

But a chance meeting with a handsome stranger soon has Jess confronting her own ghosts of Christmases past and she finds herself accepting his offer to help her rediscover her Christmas spirit.

 

Can friendships, both old and new, help restore Jess' faith in Christmas and will she find love along the way?

 

Discover the wonder of Christmas with this endearing romance collection brought together for the first time, perfect for fans of Kiley Dunbar, Rachael Lucas, Sarah Morgan and, of course, all things Christmas!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tracey Mayhew
• Release date: Sep 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223603405

Book preview

1

Christmas Eve 2016

Kayla Jones awoke with a start, her heart pounding.

Resting on her side, she frowned as she listened for whatever sound had torn her from her sleep; looking to her left, she guessed she had the answer she was looking for: Robbie’s side of the bed was empty, which could mean only one thing: he was just getting home, probably from one of the many lock-ins he was so fond of.

Glancing over to her bedside table, she sighed as she noted the red digital numbers glowing back at her…

3.22am.

She covered her face with her hands, groaning into the darkness. It was far too early for this; despite his many promises to the contrary, she was getting fed-up with his nonsense.

Throwing the covers off, she leapt out of bed, too livid to notice the chill in the air as she crossed the room. Opening her door, she paused as the door opposite was pulled ajar; her roommate, and best friend, Megan Bennett, appeared, looking confused and every bit as tired as she was.

Did you hear something, too? she whispered, clearly struggling to focus on Kayla as she tried to come to terms with the fact that she was now awake at some ungodly hour.

Go back to bed, Megan, Kayla muttered. It’s only Robbie.

Megan stifled a yawn as she ran her fingers through her unusually disheveled hair. I thought he was making an effort this time.

There was no edge or accusation in her voice, but Kayla felt the hidden meaning only too keenly. For months, people had been telling her to ditch him and move on but she had fought them at every turn. Now, it seemed, her loyalty had been betrayed, again, and she wasn’t sure if her anger came from the fact that Robbie continued to lie to her or that, in constantly defending him, her pride had taken another hit.

Kayla rolled her eyes, her anger having vanquished any tiredness she had felt two minutes ago. So did I, she muttered. Seriously, go back to sleep; believe me, you don’t want to witness this.

Not one for any kind of confrontation, Megan eagerly turned tail and ducked back into her room, closing the door behind her as Kayla headed for the living room. The Christmas decorations, which usually gave her so much joy, threw dark, haunting, shadows across the small room.

It didn’t take long to figure out what had awoken her; apparently, as Robbie had stumbled into the living room, he had managed to knock over their LED reindeer, which was now lying on the floor, forgotten. Setting it upright, Kayla wondered why she had ever given him a key to her flat.

Who are you kidding? she thought wryly. You were in love with him and, like an idiot, fell for all the lies he spun.

Looking around, her eyes soon settled on Robbie now passed out on the sofa; his mouth hung open as his loud, guttural snores filled the room. His sandy blonde hair was ruffled, sticking up at odd angles and the suit he had worn to work that morning was crumpled, his shirt now hanging open, revealing the white T-shirt he wore beneath; his jacket and tie lay on the floor at the foot of the sofa. Even at this distance, Kayla could smell the cigarette smoke and stale beer rolling off him in waves. At that moment, it was hard to see how she had ever found him attractive as she, finally, saw him for what he truly was: a drunk and a waste of space.

Looking at him now, Kayla felt such intense hatred for him that she couldn’t help herself: she stepped forward and smacked his arms repeatedly until he jerked awake.

Crying out and clearly confused, Robbie tried to grab her hands but failed miserably in his drunken state. Hey, what the hell are you doing, woman? he demanded.

Get up, you pathetic excuse for a human being, she spat, grabbing his shirt as she pulled him into a sitting position. Stop drooling on my sofa and explain yourself.

Robbie watched her warily. Chill out, Kay, would ya? he drawled. I mean, God, I’ve only just got in…

Kayla slapped his arm again; not only had he stumbled in drunk in the middle of the night but now he was calling her by the name, he knew, she hated. And whose fault is that? she demanded. What happened to all your promises? I thought you were trying this time.

Relax, it’s Christmas; the season of goodwill and all that… he slurred, rubbing at his bloodshot eyes. And it wasn’t like it meant anything; it was just a kiss…

Kayla froze, his words cut into her like a knife. A kiss? What? she demanded.

Robbie held her gaze, a rabbit caught in headlights. What? he echoed.

"What was just a kiss?" she demanded, looming over him.

Robbie rubbed his forehead, clearly wracking his brain trying to think of a way out of this. Nothing! he replied quickly, attempting to get to his feet but Kayla pushed him back down.

"Oh no; you’re not going anywhere until you’ve told me everything."

Robbie sighed, dropping his head into his hands. There was this girl… he started.

But, before he could say more, another anger-fuelled blow found his cheek. "How could you do that to me? After everything I’ve put up with from you."

I’m sorry! he cried desperately, clutching his face. It was… He reached for her hands but Kayla pushed him away; she wanted as much distance between them as she could get right now. It meant nothing; I was drunk!

Kayla rounded on him, her temper flaring. That seems to be your excuse for everything; I thought we were getting past this, she continued as her voice cracked and unwanted tears sprang to her eyes; she may have been used to this rollercoaster of a ride but it still hurt every time he broke his promises to her.

I know I did, Robbie agreed forlornly. "But it’s so hard, Kay. The guys from work were going to the tracks and my horse came in so we…"

"You were gambling too? she demanded, barely able to hide her disgust. She scoffed, throwing her hands in the air. This just gets better and better. You know, everyone told me I had to end things with you but I stuck up for you; for some stupid reason I defended you! I said you’d do this for me, for us…"

And I did, Robbie insisted as he clambered to his feet. "I was… I really tried, but…"

But what? Kayla demanded. The temptation was too much?

Robbie moved closer, desperate now. Please, Kayla; please, just listen to me. I love you… At these words, Kayla scoffed; a pained look instantly appeared on Robbie’s face. "I do love you," he insisted quietly.

Kayla shook her head in disbelief. "If you really loved me you would have stayed sober; you wouldn’t have gone to the tracks and you certainly wouldn’t have kissed another girl."

"That was a mistake," Robbie pointed out.

Well, it’s a mistake that’s cost you everything, Kayla said, finally having reached breaking point.

Robbie stared at her in disbelief. What do you mean?

"I mean I want you to out of here: now, Kayla spelled out, her resolve strengthening by the second. I’ve had enough of you and I’ve had enough of finding you in the gutter. She sighed, shaking her head in defeat. I’ve just had enough of everything, Robbie. It’s over."

Please, Kayla, Robbie begged, desperation edging his voice as he reached for her hands again. I just need one more chance… he pleaded.

Kayla glared at him, pointing to the door. Get out.

Robbie stared at her, shoulders slumped; in that moment, he looked like a lost little boy. But we love each other, he implored softly.

"No, Robbie, we don’t, she retorted. She grabbed his arm and pushed him towards the front door. Opening it, she shoved him into the hall. I’ll send your stuff in the morning."

And, with that, she slammed the door on him for good.

2

5 th December 2017

"So what do you want for Christmas?" Kayla asked as she knelt down to speak to a little boy of about five years old who had finally reached the front of the line; his mother looked on, surely hoping her son would reveal his wish list, if she didn’t already know it.

The dark haired little boy, hid behind his mother’s leg, causing Kayla to laugh quietly. She was used to this reaction; after all, it wasn’t every day a twenty-eight year old elf approached them, complete with rosy cheeks and a giant candy cane. She could appreciate that, for some kids, it could be a little unsettling, especially when they only wanted to see the man in red.

The boy’s mother looked down at him, stroking his head comfortingly. Dylan, come on; you can tell… She glanced at Kayla pointedly.

Taking the hint, Kayla said, "Poppy; my name’s Poppy and I’m one of Santa’s best elves… We need to know what you want for Christmas so that Santa can make sure he brings it to you on Christmas Day."

A small face peeked out from behind his mum’s leg, the lure of Santa bringing him a gift too tempting to resist. I want a dinosaur! he cried excitedly.

Kayla’s eyebrows shot up and she laughed. Oh wow! A dinosaur; that’s so cool! She paused, hating the next part of the conversation: when she had to bring a dash of reality to a child’s wish. "But a dinosaur is pretty big; I’m not sure Santa could fit it on his sleigh…"

Dylan shook his head adamantly. I saw small dinosaurs over there, he added, pointing at the toy department to their left.

Kayla nodded, grateful that the position of the grotto meant most kids had the chance to explore the toy department before coming to visit Santa - a great marketing ploy, if ever there was one. "Ah, I see; well, Santa can definitely bring you small dinosaurs. But only if you’ve been good; have you been good, Dylan?"

Dylan nodded his head emphatically, puffing out his chest. I got a gold star for sitting! he announced proudly.

A gold star for sitting?! Kayla repeated in awe. Well, that deserves an extra special present! She pulled a mini polar bear cuddly toy from the basket behind her and handed it to Dylan; this was another thing Hamilton’s Department Store did so well: ply the kids with free gifts to ensure they kept coming back. These are only given out to very special boys and girls, she whispered, smiling as Dylan beamed proudly back at her. And, when Santa asks what you got that for, you have to tell him about the gold star; got it?

Dylan nodded and Kayla got to her feet just as Megan poked her head out of the grotto; instead of the green waistcoat and hat Kayla wore, Megan’s were gold, marking her out as one of the two elves that were allowed into the inner sanctum of Santa’s Grotto. Every outfit was completed with red and white striped tops and tights and long, pointed red shoes the toes of which curled up, finished off with gold bells on the tips.

Kayla and Megan had started to work the grotto a couple of years ago, but, unlike Kayla, who was content to remain outside the grotto, Megan had quickly risen to Grotto Elf and had held onto that position this year too. This certainly worked in her favour, as it meant she got to spend a lot of time with Aiden Chambers, the manager of the toy department and resident Santa, whom she had a massive crush on.

Right then, who’s next? Megan asked, her singsong voice attracting Dylan’s attention. "Well, I can see you’ve been a good little boy…"

Kayla watched as Dylan chatted happily to Megan about his gold star as he and his mum were led into the grotto.

Kayla sighed as she found a vacant chair behind the grotto, glad the day was finally over and the make-up was off; the grotto had closed half an hour ago and, this near to closing time, parents had taken their children home with the promise of returning tomorrow.

God, my feet are killing me! Kayla moaned as she slipped off her shoes and massaged her feet. She loved this job, and spending time with the kids, but being on her feet all day was a horrible price to pay. She glanced over at Megan, whose attention was fixed on the exit curtain of the grotto. Are you even listening to me?

Megan waved her hand at her; without the make-up her natural beauty shone through, her long dark hair falling straight down her back. Yeah, sure… sore feet, she murmured.

Kayla sighed, her feet forgotten as she pulled her shoulder-length black hair into a ponytail. God, why don’t you just ask him out? she demanded. You look like a stalker, staring at him all the time!

Megan whipped her head round. I can’t ask him out! she hissed, clearly horrified at the suggestion.

In truth, Kayla hadn’t expected anything less; when it came to guys, despite wanting the whole fairytale ending, Megan would never be the one to initiate anything. However, that didn’t mean Kayla was about to stop encouraging her to do just that.

"Why not? This is the twenty-first century, you know, Kayla retorted. Women can do things now; you don’t have to wait for guys to make the first move. Just go in there and say: ‘Ooh, Aiden, I’m completely in love with you and I want to marry you and have your babies!’" And, with that, she collapsed into fits of laughter as Megan glared at her.

Shut up, he’ll hear you! she cried, her face turning bright red; Megan really was way too easy to tease.

Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad thing if he did, Kayla reasoned. That way, you could stop pining over him and I wouldn’t have to listen to how good he looks, how strong he is or what big muscles he has.

Well, he does, Megan sighed wistfully. "You’ve seen him when the deliveries come in. And he looks so good in a Santa suit."

Kayla raised an eyebrow. Santa? Really? she questioned. Tell me, your dad never dressed up as Santa.

Megan pulled a face. Ew, no way; that would be weird.

At that moment, the curtain was pulled aside and Aiden stepped out, his white beard pulled down to reveal the five o’clock shadow covering his chiseled jawline; his blue eyes sparkled as they landed on Megan and he rewarded her with one of his charming smiles. And how are my little elves tonight? he drawled in his Scottish accent.

Kayla gestured at Megan. Megan was just telling me how much her bunions were killing her, she explained, her face deadpan.

Megan practically jumped up from her chair. What? I don’t have bunions! she cried indignantly. She turned to Aiden. I don’t have bunions, she insisted. "She has the bunions!" she added, pointing accusingly at Kayla.

Aiden grinned at Megan, giving her a wink. Well, any time you need a foot rub… Undoing his belt, he took off the thick red fleece jacket and padding, revealing the tight fitting white T-shirt beneath. Well, I’m off; things to do… His gaze lingered briefly on Megan before he turned and made his way to the lift.

Kayla looked between Megan and Aiden’s retreating figure. God, if you stare at him any harder, he’ll spontaneously combust! she quipped, rolling her eyes.

Finally turning her attention back to Kayla, Megan slapped her arm. Why did you say that? she demanded angrily. "Bunions? Really?" And, with that, she stormed off.

Kayla sighed helplessly; it was obvious, from the way they looked at each other, they were madly in love. She wished they would just get their act together.

Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard a rustle coming from inside the grotto. Standing, she pulled the curtain aside, hooking it open. Stepping into the dimly lit grotto, she stood amongst the usually animated polar bears and penguins but, now still, they cast eerie shadows around the room.

Standing there, in the stillness, she heard sniffling noises ahead of her near the entrance of the grotto.

Hello? she called, making her way over towards the noise. Rounding a polar bear, she paused as she caught sight of a little girl of about six years old; she was sitting in front of a reindeer, its sightless black eyes staring down at her. Her dark hair hid her face from view. Hey, what’s wrong?

The little girl looked up at her, sniffing as she wiped at her tears. I can’t find my daddy, she sobbed.

Kayla was instantly at her side, putting an arm around her. Oh, I’m sure he’s around here somewhere, she assured her, concern overwhelming her. You know, he’s probably looking for you right now and can’t find you because you’re hiding in here.

The little girl sniffed. But I wanted to see Santa and Rudolph.

Kayla smiled at the simplicity of the little girl’s need; she didn’t think for a moment that her poor dad would be worried sick about her. Come on, let’s get out of here and go look for your daddy.

The little girl shook her head. But I don’t know where he is.

Then, we’ll have to find him, won’t we? Kayla replied simply, helping the girl to her feet, and guiding her out of the grotto. My name’s Kayla; what’s yours?

Arya, she said, wiping at her eyes with the sleeve of her pink unicorn jumper.

Kayla smiled, the name instantly making her think of her favourite TV show. What a cool name!

Are you an elf? Arya asked, pointing at her outfit.

Kayla laughed, glancing down at herself. Yes, I’m an elf and it’s my job to make sure lost little girls and boys find their mummies and daddies…

Arya, thank God!

Kayla looked up to see a handsome, dark haired man running towards them; he looked frazzled, his hair disheveled. He was laden down with bags from a variety of shops and, under his arm, he held a small pink coat that he was just barely able to keep from slipping out of his grip. She smiled as Arya’s face immediately brightened at the sight of him.

Daddy! she cried, running towards him.

The man immediately dropped the bags and coat to catch his daughter as she launched herself into his arms. Wrapping his arms around her, he hugged her tightly, his relief at finding her safe evident. Are you okay? he asked, holding her at arm’s length, giving her a once over. Seeing Arya nod, he pulled her into another hug. "Don’t you ever do that to me again, he warned. I was so worried. Spotting Kayla, he stood up and smiled. Thanks for looking after her."

Kayla nodded, ignoring the butterflies she felt on his approach. That’s okay; she’s a lovely little girl.

He grinned, ruffling Arya’s hair proudly. I can’t disagree with you there.

Arya fidgeted, moving away from him, smoothing out her hair. Daddy, don’t!

Kayla grinned at Arya’s obvious discomfort; it was easy to see these two had a great relationship. Arya is such a cool name.

The man grinned, ducking his head in embarrassment. It’s from Game of Thrones, he admitted.

Kayla laughed. I recognized the name!

You watch the show? he asked, clearly surprised.

Kayla scoffed. It’s only the best show on TV! She narrowed her eyes as she studied him. You seem surprised; do I not look like the type of person who would watch the show? she asked, glancing down at herself.

The man shrugged, appraising her; under his gaze, Kayla felt herself blush. Well…

Hey, I’ll have you know, when these clothes come off at the end of my shift… The man laughed as she gasped, mortified that her mouth had run away from her; she glanced at Arya who, thankfully, hadn’t seemed to notice her mishap. Well, as I said: I am a fan, she repeated, trying to claw back some dignity.

Once the man had stopped laughing, he held out his hand. I’m Lucas, by the way.

Her cheeks still burning, Kayla took his hand, feeling an immediate jolt it closed around hers; it had been a long time since she had felt anything remotely like this and it made her pulse race. Kayla, she eventually managed in reply. She continued to hold his hand, his dark gaze drawing her in… She shook herself, suddenly aware that they were now essentially holding hands in the middle of an empty department store.

Right, well… we better be going, Lucas said, releasing Kayla’s hand and stepping back. Arya, come on; let’s get your coat on.

But I want to see Santa! Arya protested.

Santa’s gone home, Arya, Kayla explained gently. Arya hung her head in disappointment. But he’s back tomorrow, and every day, up until Christmas Eve, she added, rolling off the usual spiel, eager to cheer her up. So you can come back any time to see him. She glanced at Lucas as she spoke, hoping she would see him again, even if it was just because his daughter wanted to see Santa.

Arya’s head snapped up at this and she grabbed Lucas’ hand. Can we come tomorrow? she begged. Please, Daddy, please!

Lucas sighed as he ran his hand through his hair. He glanced at Kayla, who looked back apologetically. Yeah, okay… we’ll try and come back tomorrow after school. He grinned, clearly pleased to see the excitement on his daughter’s face. He glanced at Kayla hopefully. Are you working tomorrow?

Kayla smiled, her heart racing now. Yeah, I’m here all day, every day, she replied, impressed that she sounded so calm when, inside, a storm was brewing.

Lucas nodded, his eyes holding Kayla’s gaze. So… I guess I’ll see you tomorrow, then.

Yes, you will, she agreed and, as she watched Lucas lead Arya to the lift, she felt something she hadn’t felt in a long time: anticipation.

3

Kayla!

Kayla looked up to see a little girl, dressed in a grey skirt and a purple cardigan making a beeline for her, Lucas bringing up the rear, carrying her school bags. The small tornado came to a stop in front of her, hugging her tightly around the hips.

Kayla grinned down at Arya. Hey, you! You’re back! she exclaimed; after nearly a week, she had, all but, given up hope of ever seeing the little girl, or her father, again.

Daddy’s letting me see Santa at last! she cried dramatically, shooting her dad a disapproving glare.

I said I would, didn’t I? Lucas asked as he arrived, readjusting the weight of her bags. He glanced at Kayla. And, trust me, I’m nothing if not a man of my word.

Well, that’s good to know, Kayla acknowledged.

Although it did take me a little longer to get here than I thought, he admitted. I’ve just been really busy, he said, smiling apologetically.

Kayla laughed. You don’t need to explain, she insisted. I’m nothing but a lowly elf…

You’re my favourite elf! Arya declared.

Well, I’m glad to hear that! Kayla smiled as she looked at Lucas. Are you on your own or… she asked, hoping she wasn’t being too obvious.

Lucas shook his head. No, we’re on our own, he replied, glancing at Arya.

Kayla nodded, noticing how quickly Lucas had answered her question, as if he didn’t want to linger on the subject too long; part of her wanted to find out more but she knew it wasn’t the right time. She turned to Arya. So, are you excited to, finally, be seeing Santa?

Arya grinned. "Yeah! I want to tell him everything I want for Christmas!"

Kayla smiled, glancing at Lucas. Oh, wow; sounds like you have a lot of ideas.

Lucas laughed. Tell me about it! He nudged Arya. You were up all night writing your list, weren’t you, Titch?

Arya nodded excitedly.

That’s great! Kayla grinned. Santa needs to know everything you want. So, what’s at the top of your list?

Lucas groaned, putting a hand to his forehead. Oh God, don’t ask…

Kayla grinned; despite his grumblings, it was clear Lucas doted on his daughter.

A puppy! Arya cried, jumping up and down.

Kayla gasped excitedly. A puppy? Glancing at Lucas, she smiled. And… does Daddy want a puppy? she teased.

Arya looked sadly at her feet. "Daddy says no… but I think if I tell Santa, he can bring me one and Daddy will love him."

Kayla nodded. I hope you’re right. You know, I wanted a puppy when I was little.

Did you get one?

Kayla shook her head sadly. No, Santa couldn’t make that wish come true.

Arya hugged her. "If I get a puppy, you can share mine."

Kayla smiled at her innocence, hugging her back. Well, isn’t that a good idea? I might take you up on that.

Will you come in and see Santa with us? Arya asked.

Kayla shook her head. I’m sorry, sweetie, but I have stay out here.

Arya looked disappointed. "Why can’t you see Santa?"

Because I’m not allowed in the grotto, she explained.

Lucas scoffed. Why? What did you do? he asked, leaning towards her conspiratorially.

Kayla felt her heart skip a beat as she caught the scent of his aftershave. Apparently, Santa doesn’t like his reindeer being set free in the middle of the night, she quipped, earning a laugh from Lucas.

Arya gasped, mortified. You let Santa’s reindeer out? she asked.

Well, he didn’t bring me a puppy! she reasoned. Recovering, she added, Not that you should do anything naughty if you don’t get a puppy; I don’t want your Daddy telling me that you’ve put snails in his bed!

Arya squealed at the thought. "That’s not nice! I would never do that," she stated emphatically, looking at her dad reassuringly.

No, it isn’t, Lucas agreed. Kayla was very naughty indeed, he added and Kayla blushed at the flirtatiousness of his comment. What time do you get off tonight? he asked suddenly.

Kayla stared at him for a moment, taken aback. Four thirty. Why?

I was just wondering if… He hesitated before continuing, if you’d like to grab some dinner with us?

Kayla grinned. Dinner? With you guys? she asked, trying to still her rapid heartbeat.

Lucas shrugged nonchalantly. Only if you want to, that is; I mean, I know you probably don’t get asked this every day… not that I’m saying you don’t get asked out, he added hurriedly, clearly digging a deeper hole for himself. I mean, not that I’m even asking you out. I just mean… He paused, taking a breath. I’m sorry; as you’ve probably guessed, I haven’t done this in a while. Forget I said anything.

No, Kayla protested. I mean: I’d love that. I’d love to have dinner with you guys, she smiled.

Lucas grinned, his relief evident. Great! Well, we’ll come back at four thirty, then.

Yeah, sure; I’ll have to change but you caught me on my early day.

Then it must be fate.

Kayla grinned stupidly, both excited and nervous at the prospect of her unexpected dinner date.

It wasn’t long before Arya and Lucas were called through to see Santa. Kayla watched Lucas lead Arya into the grotto, smiling when Lucas looked back at her and waved. As they disappeared inside, she turned to the next child in line, already counting the minutes until her shift ended.

4

"You have a date?" Megan demanded as she watched Kayla remove her make-up.

Alright, no need to sound so surprised! Kayla snapped defensively.

Yeah, but you always said that, after Robbie…

Kayla frowned. "Yeah, well, Lucas isn’t Robbie."

"But he does have a kid, which means he could have an ex lurking in the shadows… Megan reasoned. And that could be a whole lot of mess waiting to happen."

Kayla glared at Megan. Okay, who are you and what have you done with my best friend? she asked as she discarded a heavily stained cotton wool pad before reaching for her much-needed moisturizer. Aren’t you usually the die hard romantic?

Well, I’m taking a leaf out of your book and being the level-headed one for a change. She paused, watching Kayla in the mirror. Seriously, have you thought this through?

Kayla sighed. It’s just dinner, Megan; it’s not like I’ll be picking out china patterns and honeymooning in the Maldives anytime soon. And it isn’t a date; for crying out loud, his kid will be there! She screwed the lid of the moisturizer back on. "Look, if he does have an ex, or whatever, hiding in the shadows, then I’ll deal with it; I have dealt with disappointments before."

Yeah, and the last one had you swearing off men for nearly a year! Megan reminded her. Look, I’m just worried.

"I know, but you want to know what I think? I think you should spend more time worrying about your own unrequited love story before you start on mine. Kayla hugged her. I’ll see you back at the flat later."

And, with that, she left the staff room, leaving Megan, and her negativity, behind. Part of her knew Megan was right; there was every chance Lucas had an ex hanging around and, normally, she wouldn’t put herself in a position where she would risk getting hurt again but… there was something different about him, and his daughter, that had, somehow, captured her heart.

Arya was such a sweet kid and meeting Lucas had certainly brought unexpected, but not altogether unwelcome, feelings to the surface. Since ending things with Robbie, she had barely allowed herself to look at another man… until Lucas, had walked into her life. After so many months alone, she was ready to give another man a chance and, if things didn’t work out, then she may have a shot at a good friendship.

As promised, Lucas and Arya were waiting for her by the nearest exit. When she saw Kayla, Arya started jumping up and down, pulling on Lucas’ arm; Lucas looked up from his phone, his gaze, Kayla was pleased to note, lingering on her just a little longer than necessary. She grinned as she approached them but, before she could ask where they were going, Arya spoke.

Daddy said we can go to McDonalds! she cried excitedly.

Lucas winced. I had kind of already promised her, he explained. But if you don’t want to…

Kayla laughed. Are you kidding? I love McDonalds! She dropped her gaze to Arya. "It’s, like, my favourite food ever!"

Mine, too! Arya beamed.

Lucas held the door open, allowing Kayla and Arya through and, as they joined the busy Christmas shoppers, Arya placed herself between Kayla and her father holding tightly onto their hands.

The twinkling Christmas lights strung between the lampposts brought joy to an otherwise drab high street and Arya spent most of the time pointing out each and every design, never failing to see the magic in them.

Lucas glanced at Kayla guiltily. I really am sorry about the McDonalds thing; I should have said-

Seriously, Lucas, it’s okay, she assured him. Trust me, I’m a cheap date. She blushed, realising what she had just said. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.

Lucas laughed. It’s okay.

Kayla nodded warily. Good, cos I know this isn’t a date or anything, she insisted, ignoring the feeling of disappointment at these words.

Right, Lucas agreed quickly.

Kayla groaned. You must think I’m a total idiot or something.

Lucas smiled. No, I don’t. I think you’re refreshing.

Kayla scoffed. Well, I’ve been called many things but never that; I hope that’s a compliment.

Of course it is, he assured her.

Thankfully, they soon arrived at McDonalds and Lucas, again, held the door open for Arya and Kayla. Once they had their orders, which Lucas insisted on paying for despite Kayla’s protests, they found a table.

There you go, Titch…

Arya took her box and, kneeling on the bench beside her father, began to dig inside for her toy. Pulling out a plastic-wrapped box, she grinned. Daddy, it’s your favourite!

Kayla glanced at Lucas. Daddy has a favourite Adventure Time character, does he? she teased, noting Lucas blush.

He likes the vampire, Arya explained, showing Kayla the black box, the front of which had a vague likeness of a vampire on it.

Lucas glanced at Kayla. When you have a seven-year-old, you have to get on board with their TV pretty quickly, he explained.

Kayla held her hands up. Hey, so you like Adventure Time; I’m not judging.

Lucas squinted at her. "By the tone of your voice I can tell you are judging me," he pointed out.

Okay, Kayla conceded. Maybe I am, but only a little, she added quickly.

They finished their meal all too quickly but neither Lucas nor Kayla was in a rush to leave, content to talk to each other while Arya coloured a picture of a reindeer whilst listening to music on Lucas’ phone; pink unicorn earphones covered her ears as she danced a little jig in her seat.

So what do you do when you’re not an elf? Lucas asked.

Kayla smiled. Actually, my roommate and I work in Hamilton’s toy department, she explained. She’s one of the Grotto Elves. In real life, Santa is actually our manager.

Wow, Lucas grinned. That must be cool. I wish my job was as cool as that.

What do you do? Kayla asked.

I’m a mechanic, Lucas explained. I work part-time so I can fit it around Arya’s school.

Oh, that’s cool, Kayla began, trying hard not to imagine Lucas in his overalls. Determined to change the subject, she asked, So… only a few weeks until Christmas; you all sorted?

Lucas nodded. Yep; most of my presents are bought.

Are you spending it just with Arya or… she ventured, hoping her questioning wasn’t too obvious.

Lucas smiled. I’m spending the morning with Arya at our house and then we’ll head to my parents’ in the afternoon for Christmas dinner; my mum knows how to cook a turkey, he added appreciatively.

Kayla nodded, noting that, yet again, Lucas had avoided mentioning Arya’s mother. What about Arya’s mother? she finally asked, eager to know the lay of the land; she knew she was beginning to really like this guy but she needed to know if it may all be for nothing.

Lucas hesitated, glancing at Arya. She left when Arya was a baby, he said, satisfied she couldn’t overhear their conversation.

Kayla stared at him; the thought of anyone leaving their baby disgusted her. Are you serious? she demanded.

Lucas shook his head. Unfortunately, I am. She always wanted to be a singer; having a baby just wasn’t part of her plan, he explained. But she had Arya anyway and it seemed she was going to give it a go; I thought we would be a proper family but that wasn’t to be. Coming up to Arya’s first birthday, Sarah met a bass guitarist in a band and took off with them for life on the open road.

What? That’s awful! Kayla cried in disgust.

Lucas