Christmas Curves Page 6
“This is, Robert, man of the house.” A young woman, a couple of years younger than Charles laughed, Amy gave her a disapproving look before chastising her, “It’s Christmas, and your Dad has to carve the turkey, so he’s entitled to be man of the house for the day.”
“I’ll give him until three o'clock before you’ve taken the job back.” The young woman laughed, a look of pure mischief in her eyes, but when she turned to Anita a smile spread across her face and she said, “Hi, I’m Clare. It’s so nice to finally meet a girlfriend of Charles’s that we haven't had to get out our diamond and pearls for.”
“I hope that's a good thing?” Anita replied, looking to Charles for reassurance.
“Oh, yes. Although for Clare anything other than pyjamas and a robe is dressing for dinner.” Clare grabbed a cushion and threw it at Charles, who ducked.
“Please, we have a guest, can we at least get through lunch without any fighting, children,” said Amy. Then she turned and asked Anita, “What can I get you to drink?”
“Oh...” Anita looked around the room, flustered. She hadn't noticed what anyone else was drinking so didn’t know if it was too early for anything stronger than tea.
“Come on, we’ll go and get you a glass of Mom's best sherry.” Clare held Anita's hand and led her out to an adjoining room with a huge drinks cabinet.
Feeling relieved Anita let out a huge breath she didn’t know she had been holding on to. Immediately she began to relax, and felt very grateful to Clare, who was busy filling two sherry glasses.
“Thank you,” Anita said, as Clare handed her a glass. “And not just for this.” She held her glass up.
“No problem. I know we can be a bit intimidating, but you'll get used to us. Mom gets a bit stressed before lunch; she wants it all to be so perfect. You do know Charles and I were just messing around, don’t you?”
“Yes, I know how much you mean to him.”
“He’s not been telling you the family secrets has he?” Clare asked quickly.
“Oh, no. Nothing like that.” Anita was horrified she had said the wrong thing.
Clare laughed. “I’m only joking, but being the black sheep of the family I do wonder what he’s told you about me.”
Anita was intrigued, she had assumed all the Whitmore children were high achievers like Charles. “He’s only told me about your childhood, and that you have strong opinions.”
“He left out all the juicy bits then? Good old Charles, probably frightened I’d put you off the family.”
Anita doubted there was anything Clare could say to put her off, still she would have liked more details, but Charles wandered in, and Clare got another glass out and filled it.
“Here you go big brother. I was about to tell Anita all about my colourful life.”
“Were you? It appears I’ve got here just in time then. I don’t need you roping Anita into one of your campaigns.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s Christmas, and I’m sure the worms, or toads, will survive one day without you recruiting new members to your cause.”
“Endangered species. And they were butterflies.”
He laughed, “We'll be endangered if we don’t get back in there.”
He took Anita by the hand and led her back in.
Amy had gone off to the kitchen to check lunch when the front door opened and Charles’s other sister came in with her husband and their baby.
Immediately all attention shifted to them and Anita was relieved to take a back seat for a moment. They all got up and fussed around the baby who giggled and gurgled at them, sending them into raptures.
Eventually Charles managed to drag his sister away and he introduced them. “Anita, this is my sister, Lizzy.”
“Hello, Lizzy,” said Anita, not sure whether to shake her hand or hug her. It was hard to tell what Lizzy was thinking, but Anita was sure she was being assessed in a more judgemental way than the rest of the family had done.
Lizzy saw her hesitation, and must have noticed the slight blush that came to Anita's face. Her face broke into a beautiful smile and she kissed Anita on both cheeks.
“So you are the one who's captured my brother’s heart,” she said. Turning to Charles she added. “I approve, maybe next year it will be you two with a baby. Might give poor Alex a break.”
Charles looked across the room to the baby being jiggled on Amy's knee while Clare knelt in front of him with a brightly coloured toy. “But he loves it.”
“That’s what worries me,” Lizzy said, and then laughed. “He is quickly learning how to wrap all of you around his little pink finger. He'll be unbearably spoilt by you all if we're not careful.”
“You can’t blame us, he’s seriously cute,” said Charles with a hint of wistfulness in his voice.
“I know, and I’m only joking. Come on Uncle Charles, let’s go wrestle him from Mom so you can have your cuddle fix before lunch.”
“Coming?” Charles asked Anita.
“I’ll just finish my drink,” she said, and watched them cross the room to the baby. Anita had never given much thought to having children of her own; it had always seemed so far off in the future. The only thing she knew was that if she ever had children she wanted them to live in a happy secure family like this one.
She had never known what it was like to argue with a sibling, to have someone there at your side unconditionally. To share things and make memories with people who would be there for you your whole life. It had never been so obvious before exactly what she had missed.
Lizzy’s husband made his way over to introduce himself, “Hi, I’m Clayton. You must be Anita.”
“Yes. Nice to meet you Clayton. You have a beautiful baby.”
“Thank you,” he said grinning. “And how are you coping? They can be a little protective of one another.” His gaze took in the family scene before them.
“Good I think. They are all being very kind.”
“They are, don’t get me wrong they will do anything for you. But Lizzy and Charles are particularly close, so if she gives you a hard time let me know and I’ll have a word.”
“I’m glad they look out for one another.”
“Yes, my family don’t usually give two hoots what any of the others are doing, but not the Whitmore clan. How about your lot?”
“Oh, I don’t have any family.”
Clayton paused, fiddling with his glass. “I’m sorry. Have I put my foot in it? It’s usually my speciality; it’s why Lizzy doesn’t like me going out in public on my own.” He laughed, and looked lovingly at his wife, before turning a concerned eye to Anita.
“No, I’m fine. Family gatherings like this are just a bit strange to me. A new experience, I only hope I survive it without joining you in putting my foot in it.”
Clayton laughed, “You'll do just great. It’s Christmas, by the time they've eaten Amy's delicious lunch they won’t care what you say. The expensive wine helps too,” he added with a wink.
“Lunch is ready,” Amy announced, looking more than a little hot and bothered.
They made their way into the dining room where another magnificent tree stood in all its elegance. One thing for sure, Amy Whitmore had good taste, and her love of her home shone through. Anita could only imagine what it would be like to have grown up here, and when Charles squeezed her hand to reassure her, she was glad that he at least had a happy childhood. It had made him the man he was, the man she loved.
Dinner passed by fairly uneventfully. Robert duly carved the turkey, which was wonderful, as was everything else on the table. Amy sat watching them all, so content she forgot to eat much herself. They all chatted happily, the enormous amount of food making anything more than small talk impossible.
By the time Christmas pudding was finished, Anita didn’t think she would need to eat for a week. The wine had indeed flowed freely, with only Charles abstaining because he was going to drive them home. The others were all staying for the night, something that concerned Anita.
She would hate to be the reason Charles wasn’t staying with his family on Christmas day.
When they went out to the car to fetch the gifts they had bought she tackled him about it.
“I can always get a taxi home,” she said.
“Not on Christmas day. Anyway I want to take you home,” he said and then gave her a wicked grin. “When I stay at my parent's house it always makes me feel like I’m a teenager, and separate rooms would not be a good idea. I have plans of my own for us tonight.”
The effects of the wine and food had made Anita a bit tipsy and she giggled at the thought of them having to sneak around if they stayed here. Plus she couldn’t wait to make love to Charles, it was the best gift she could ever have on Christmas Day. So she settled for giving him a peck on the cheek, and saying, “I can’t wait.”
They went back inside with their gifts, Anita feeling a little self conscious being part of such an intimate part of the celebrations. It had to be said that baby Alex had more presents than the rest of the family put together. However he was oblivious to most of it, and fell asleep before they were all opened.
Lizzy took him upstairs and put him down to sleep, switching the baby monitor on and settling down before they carried on. All the presents Anita had helped Charles pick were so well received she felt a rush of pleasure at their happy faces. However receiving gifts from the family was harder.
They had been picked with care; it was obvious that Charles had taken time to help them choose her gifts. No token slippers or gifts that would end up in the back of a cupboard. Lizzy and Clayton bought her a large bottle of her favourite perfume, while Clare had got her some luxurious throws and matching cushions.
“Charles said you hadn't been in the city long and that your apartment might need cheering up.”
“Thank you,” said Anita.
When she was passed the gift from Amy and Robert she was already feeling a bit emotional. Their present was too much though, it was a set of picture frames, very expensive, and too much for her small apartment.
Amy came over and put her arms around Anita, “We hope you will be part of our family Anita, and you can fill these with good memories.”
Blindly Anita got up and apologised before leaving the room. She headed for the kitchen, and stood for a moment gasping for air. When an arm went around her she had expected it to be Charles, but it was Amy.
She handed Anita a tissue, and said, “I’m sorry if it was too much, but we've never seen Charles so happy, and we really hope things work out between you. I’ve always told him to follow his heart and it has never led him astray. I truly believe you will make a wonderful addition to our family.”
Anita turned and hugged her back. “Thank you,” she gasped between sobs.
“Now, let’s dry your eyes. I think Charles would like to take you home as soon as you’re ready.”
“I’m OK. I don’t want to spoil your day.”
“Nonsense. I know he wants you to himself. I’m not too old to know you two need some alone time. Come one.”
She waited while Anita wiped her eyes and composed herself enough to walk back into the room. Charles was waiting, looking concerned, and something else, nervous. Anita felt sick, had her reaction to his family been that bad that he had seen through her. Did he now realise she would never fit in with them?
Feeling miserable she said goodbye to the Whitmore family, thanking them for their gifts, and especially Amy for making her feel so at home. Then they went out to the car, the fading light as gloomy as her mood. She was such an idiot, but she couldn’t help the way she felt, and hoped she could make Charles understand her.
“Your family are great,” she said after they had been driving for a few minutes and the silence between them seemed too deep and uncomfortable.
“I am really glad you liked them. They liked you, but then I knew they would.”
“I hope I didn’t ruin their day.”
“Don’t be silly, they understand.” He smiled at her, but he still looked different somehow, nervous.
Anita wondered if one of his sisters had said something to him when she was out of the room. Perhaps they had given him a woman's point of view and told him he could do so much better, and Anita knew for a fact that he could.
The rest of the journey flew past, there was little traffic on the road at this time on Christmas Day. Most other people would be with family and friends enjoying the evening, and Anita felt even worse for dragging him away from his family.
They headed back to her apartment, which surprised her because she thought they had planned on spending the evening at his place. Wordlessly, and with a mounting feeling of dread she got the key out of her purse and opened the door, letting them both in to her shabby apartment.
“I thought you might like to see what your gifts look like in their new home,” he said, carrying in the things his family had given her.
She turned to him, tears in her eyes. “It’s OK. I understand, I blew it.”
“Hey, honey, no tears, not today.” He gathered her into his arms, holding her close.
“I don’t understand, I thought you were going to break up with me.”
He burst out laughing, sounding even more nervous now. “No, you’ve got it all wrong. I’m sorry, I thought this was a good idea, but now maybe I should have left it for another day. It’s already been a bit much for you. But here goes anyway.”
He pulled away from her and self consciously got down on one knee, a small box in his hand. Reaching out he took her hands in his and asked her, “Anita, will you marry me?”
The shock was so great she thought she would faint. Of all the things she had expected, this was not it. In no way had she seen this coming, but with a shuddering breath she managed to breathe out, “Yes.”
He opened the box; a huge diamond glinted in the light as he pushed it onto her finger. Then he got up and pulled her into his arms, kissing her fiercely, and leaving her breathless. “I can’t believe you thought I would break up with you.”
“I’m sorry, but you seemed so distant after we left your parents house.” She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. It hadn't sunk in yet that Charles Whitmore wanted her to marry him.
“I’ve never been so nervous in all my life. Out of all the business deals I’ve ever done this has to be the hardest thing ever. I don’t know what I’d have done if you had said no.”
Then he pulled his phone from his pocket. “I need to call my family. They'll give me hell if I don’t let them know.”
“They all knew you were going to ask me?” she asked incredulously.
“Only my mom and dad. But no doubt they spilled the beans once we left.” He dialled and the call was answered immediately. “She said yes!” Anita heard a huge cheer from the other end of the line. Then he handed her the phone, “My mom.”
With shaking hands Anita took the phone, “Hello,” she said quietly.
“Welcome to the family, Anita. We all truly mean that. All I ask is that you don’t let Charles monopolise you, we want to get to know you properly.”
“I promise,” she said, and handed the phone back to Charles.
“That’s it; you'll be lost to me now. My mom is itching to help arrange the wedding.”
“Oh, I feel sick. A wedding! Can’t we just go off and do it quietly on some desert island or something?” she asked.
“You must be joking! But don’t worry, we’ll do it together.” He pulled her into his arms, and held her close.
“But I’ve got no money, and no one to give me away.” Her past hit her again.
“None of that matters,” he said, and kissed her tenderly, until her nerves had changed to a different feeling, tendrils of desire growing in her body, curling around her insides.
For now she was willing to believe him. He led her to the small bedroom where they had first made love and began to undress her, kissing her slowly and thoroughly until she wanted to tear his clothes off and demand he made love to her.
However, Charles took his time, stroking her flesh, kissing her breasts when he removed her bra, before pulling her panties off to leave her naked before him. Only then did he undress himself, and Anita sat and watched him, full of wonder.
How had she ever captured the heart of such a man? She could never have dreamed of such a thing happening, it had been sudden, and thrilling, yet there was nothing unbelievable about the way she felt for him.
When he eased himself down between her thighs, and she felt the familiar pressure of his cock against her sex she relaxed and allowed him to penetrate her completely. At first he moved slowly, and when she wrapped her arms around his neck she forgot about everything as the ring on her finger glinted in the light.
For now, at this moment, he was all that mattered, the feel of his thick length thrusting inside her, and his mouth covering her breast and sucking on her nipple. She sighed with utter contentment when he moved his hand between their bodies and his thumb found her clit.
This contentment soon passed to be replaced by a tension that grew and grew until she cried out as her climax consumed her. She clung to Charles, holding him close while he jerked hard into her, his orgasm strong and powerful. After he had finished he smiled at her and she kissed his lips.
“I love you,” she said to him, and for once she felt as though she belonged, to this man for ever, it made up for all the years she had spent feeling alone.
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