The barren winter landscape whizzed past outside the car window. Dark branches of naked trees pierced the sky and the clusters of houses blocked the light at intervals. But try as she might to focus on the outside world, she was acutely aware that next to her, in the driver’s seat, was Tom.

He’d knocked on her door at five minutes to nine and she’d been ready and waiting; her excitement hadn’t allowed her to sleep past six-thirty. She’d got up, showered, dressed and tried to force down some breakfast but her stomach had been so fluttery that she’d only managed half a piece of toast.

Tom had refused to tell her where they were going other than that it was a very nice Christmas Market and it was less than an hour away. When she’d locked her front door then walked down the path, she’d gasped when she’d seen his car. A brand new Range Rover Velar, it was sleek, black and so shiny that she could see her reflection in the door as Tom opened it for her to get in. The interior was just as luxurious with smooth leather seats and touchscreen controls. It had that new car smell but the confined space meant that she could also enjoy Tom’s scent of sandalwood aftershave and something lighter that she suspected was a citrus shower gel.

As Tom drove, Camilla allowed herself to relax. It was actually nice to have someone else taking care of things and making the decisions. This was unusual for her, because she liked to control where her life was going and when, but something about Tom made her feel relaxed, and that she could trust him. And this surprised her, even as it pleased her.

“Will HP be all right while you’re out?” she asked Tom as they drove through a country lane.

“He’ll sleep all morning then use the dog flap if he needs the toilet. He only eats twice a day, and had breakfast before I left, so he’ll be fine. Besides, we won’t be out late.”

Camilla nodded.

“Did you enjoy the quiz last night?”

“I did. It was a good evening.”

“Me too.” He glanced at her and her stomach flipped as she recalled their goodnight kiss.

“Right we’re about ten minutes away so do you want to know where we’re going?”

“I think I have an idea…”

“You do?”

“Yes but I don’t want to say in case I’m wrong.”

“No harm in guessing, Camilla. It’s okay to be wrong about some things. And you probably won’t be anyway.”

“Okay then… is it Reading?”

He nodded.

“I’ve been shopping there before but not to the Christmas Market.”

“I did some research and it’s meant to be a good one.”

“I’m excited now.”

Camilla gazed at his profile, taking in his strong jaw, dark eyelashes, short brown hair and straight nose. His skin was clear and he was freshly shaven. It made her want to run her hand over his cheek then up through his hair. More than that, being so close to him made her want to hold him close. And that was not something Camilla was used to feeling.

Tom pulled the vehicle into a space in a large open-air car park and cut the engine.

“Do you need to get much today?”

“A few things. Mainly for Dawn and the children. And I suppose I’d better get something for Dad too, now that it looks like he’s here for Christmas.”

“No problem.”

“What about you?”

“If I see anything suitable for my parents I’ll pick it up.”

“Are you going back to Brighton for Christmas?”

He shook his head. “Not over Christmas because of work but I am going back next weekend for a few days to drop gifts off and show my face.”

“Is your mum okay with that?”

He shrugged. “She understands that I needed a fresh start and that my work is here now. She’ll be fine. It’s a surprise but Dad’s whisking her away this year to Paris. He thought that seeing as how I’ve moved away, it would be a good plan to take her somewhere so she’s not moping around. He’s always fancied Christmas in France, so now he has the perfect opportunity. He’s not a big fan of the festivities anyway.”

“Really?”

Tom shook his head. “He says it’s all a waste of time and money and that we’d be better off scrapping it altogether.”

“I can kind of understand that. I mean, Christmas is about children really isn’t it?”

“It is about children but it can also be fun for adults. I’ll be on call this year and that’s fine, but if I had a family it would be different I suppose.”

“Do you like Christmas?”

“I do. Mum always made it really special when I was growing up and Dad even made the effort to get into the festive spirit.”

“I’ve always gone along with it all for Mum and Dawn, but more recently it’s been about Laura and James. I don’t know though… there’s just something about Christmas that I like.”

“There is a sense of magic about it.” He smiled. “Especially when you have good company.”

“Exactly. And the best part is the build up.”

“Days like this.”

“Yes.”

“So let’s have some fun, shall we?”

He undid his seatbelt then turned to her and gently stroked her cheek. They gazed at each other for a moment, and the gentle movement of his thumb against her skin made heat course through Camilla. It wasn’t just that he was handsome, intelligent and kind. There was more to him and she felt that she had only scratched the surface of who he was and what he could mean to her. Part of her mind cried out that this was wrong, that she didn’t do this. Camilla Dix did not develop feelings for men. Ever.

But she quickly squashed the voice and instead turned her head slightly and pressed her lips to Tom’s palm. Whatever had happened in her life up to this point, right now, she didn’t care. She wanted to enjoy being with Tom today, to lose herself in his company and in just being alive. It might be risky, it might be something she would have scolded herself for just weeks ago. But for today, at least, Camilla was throwing caution to the wind and letting herself have fun.

Camilla slipped her charcoal grey poncho with the faux-fur trim over her head then pulled on her black leather gloves. She’d worn black jeans and a long-sleeved black tunic top with her low-heeled knee-high grey leather boots. It had been cosy in the car but outside, there was a chilly breeze, so she was glad that she’d also brought her black beret, which she now put on before hooking her small cross-body bag over her head and tucking it securely in front of her. When she was ready, she looked up to find Tom smiling at her over the roof of the car. She returned the smile and felt her cheeks glow as she realised he’d been watching her get ready.

She walked around the car and paused as he zipped up his brown leather bomber jacket then tugged a black beanie over his brown hair.

“Do you have gloves?” she asked him.

“No.” He frowned. “Keep losing them. It’s okay though, I have pockets.”

He tucked his hands into his jacket to demonstrate and Camilla nodded.

Then he shook his head, brought one hand back out then offered it to Camilla.

“Don’t want to risk losing you if it’s busy.”

“Please don’t.”

She took his hand and he tucked his into his pocket while holding hers firmly, then they made their way towards the Christmas market in Forbury Gardens. Camilla’s first thought as they approached the market was how colourful it was. Everywhere she looked she saw red, green, gold and silver. From chalet-style stalls to rides to decorations that hung from lampposts and trees, everything was gorgeously festive.

As they approached a stall, a large Santa plodded past them, rubbing his ample belly as he tucked into a slice of Christmas cake. He smiled as Camilla caught his eye and offered her a Ho Ho Ho.

“Think I’ve got competition there?” Tom nudged her.

“What? From Santa?”

“Well, he does have a fantastic white beard and a sleigh that flies.”

“Good point.” Camilla grinned. “But he lives in the North Pole and it’s a bit far to travel for work.”

“Thank goodness for that.” Tom laughed. “Although I bet the skiing is amazing there.”

“Have you been skiing?”

“A few times. Have you?”

Camilla nodded.

“And?”

“I enjoyed it. Once I managed to stop, that was.”

“It’s great exercise and so invigorating being out in the fresh air, cutting through the snow.”

“I’d like to go again.”

“I’ll remember that.”

Camilla smiled inwardly. He made it sound as though there could be a future for them. Then she released a deep breath. She shouldn’t get ahead of herself; she didn’t even know if she could fall for someone. She’d spent a lifetime erecting emotional barriers, preventing herself from caring for a man. What was different this time?

She knew the answer to that.

It was Tom. He was different. He was… everything she admired in a man and more.

“Penny for them?”

“I was just thinking about how lovely this is but also how hungry I am.”

“Well let’s find something to eat first then we can go shopping.”

“Great.”

They approached a colourful stall that looked like it could have blended in at a fairground, where steam poured out of a funnel like chimney in the roof and the aromas of spices and savoury meats filled the air.

“Schnitzel?”

“Sorry?”

“Frites?”

“Pardon?”

Tom pointed at the front of the stall where the words were written. “It’s the German Sausage Company. Fancy something from here?”

Camilla frowned then shook her head. “I’m in the mood for something sweet. How about crepes?” Camilla nodded at the next stall.

“Now that sounds perfect!”

Tom waited in the queue, still holding Camilla’s hand, and when they reached the counter, he ordered for them both, glancing at her twice to check she was in agreement.

Soon, the vendor passed him two large paper plates.

“Let me give you some money.” Camilla released Tom’s hand to open her bag but he shook his head. “My treat.”

“Oh, no. I can’t allow that.”

“Please, Camilla, it’s just food. You can pay for some drinks or something later on. There’ll be plenty of chances for you to spend your money.” He handed her one of the plates.

“Okay then.”

They made their way to a bench where they sat down and Tom As they ate, Camilla savoured the perfectly thin crepe that was coated in crunchy sugar and fresh tangy lemon juice.; it seemed even nicer because they were eating alfresco.

When they’d finished, Tom took the tray back to the stall then handed Camilla some paper napkins to wipe her hands.

“Are you thirsty?”

“Yes.”

“How about a hot chocolate?”

“Mmmm.”

This time, Camilla paid, and handed Tom a colourful mug featuring a festive pattern.

They stood near the stall as they drank the sweet creamy drink that was topped with whipped cream and marshmallows. It might have been the sugar hit from the crepe and the drink but Camilla felt full of energy and she couldn’t stop smiling.

After they’d returned the mugs, they walked along, peering into the chalets and soaking up the atmosphere. Camilla realised that she’d never done this with a man before, at least she’d never walked along holding a man’s hand, comfortable when they were talking as well as when they were silent, and she marvelled at how Tom relaxed her so much that she could enjoy it.

They paused at a chalet selling colourful wooden toys.

“Do you think there might be something in there for your nephew?” Tom asked.

“There might be.”

They went into the cosy space and looked at the toys on offer. There were small red trains, figures, animals and houses.

“What about this?” Tom asked as he held up a car transporter. “It has four cars with it and looks pretty sturdy.

“That’s lovely. I think James would really like it.” Camilla took the box from him. “Ooh! And there’s a car wash. I’ll get that too.”

“What about your niece?”

Camilla roamed her eyes over the rest of the toys. “Well she’s not much older than James but sometimes she seems like a teenager.”

“They grow up so quickly these days.” Tom shook his head and pursed his lips. It made his chin dimple more prominent and Camilla had a sudden urge to kiss it. “Are you okay?”

“What? Why?”

“Your cheeks just went bright red… as if you suddenly got hot.”

Camilla smiled. “I’m absolutely perfect, thank you. I’ll get these for James but keep looking for Laura.”

She paid for the toys then the stallholder wrapped them in tissue paper and put them into a bag, which she handed to Tom.

“Oh it’s all right. I can carry them.” Camilla held out her hand but Tom shook his head.

“Allow me. You can keep your hands free for shopping then.”

“But you have shopping to do too.”

“Not as much as you and besides, you need one hand free to do this.” He took her hand as they walked out of the chalet.

“Of course I do.”

Camilla smiled and squeezed his fingers.

They went from chalet to chalet and she bought gifts for her mother, Dawn, Rick, Allie and Honey. When they reached the end of the row, she groaned.

“What’s wrong?” Tom leaned closer to look at her.

“I just realised I’ll need to get something for my dad. I haven’t bought him anything in years as there was no point, obviously, but now he’s here and staying for the foreseeable future, I need to get him something but I have no idea what.”

Tom frowned. “It’s a difficult one but everyone needs something to drink out of, right?”

He pointed at a stall opposite and Camilla saw that it sold kitchenware.

“You could get him a tankard. That’s a suitable dad present, right?”

They made their way over to the chalet.

“These carved pewter tankards are nice.” She held one up. It had an elaborate Celtic band around the middle.

“That is nice. Does he have any Celtic roots?”

Camilla chewed her bottom lip. “I think there was a Welsh great grandfather in the mix somewhere.”

“There you go then! Perfect.”

Camilla paid for the tankard then they went back into the fresh air.

“Okay, I think I just need something for Laura. But what about you? You haven’t bought a thing yet.” Camilla gazed up at Tom, enjoying the warmth in his soft brown eyes and the way his skin glowed in the cold. He was so handsome that she was breathless just looking at him.

Tom nodded at the bags he was carrying. “It looks like I’ve bought plenty though doesn’t it?”

“Give me some of the bags.”

“Nope. You need to keep looking for Laura. Don’t worry about me, even if I don’t get anything today, I’ll pick something up next week when I go back to Brighton. They’ll be away for Christmas anyway, so if I get them something to take, it’ll need to be small enough to fit into their suitcase.”

An hour later, following another stop for roasted chestnuts and a coffee, they came across a bookstall selling beautifully illustrated versions of children’s fairy tales. Camilla bought two collections for Laura and picked one up for James, explaining to Tom that she couldn’t resist buying books for her niece and nephew.

“What time is it?” Tom asked.

Camilla checked her mobile. “It’s one-thirty. I can’t believe it. Where did the morning go?”

“Are you tired?”

“Not really. Are you?”

He shook his head. “Let’s walk for a bit then and see what else is here.”

They wandered along, holding hands and enjoying the pretty chalets, the colourful strings of lights that hung from lampposts and food stalls and the Christmas carols that filled the afternoon air as they flowed from speakers positioned around the market.

At the end of the path was a large Christmas tree decorated with hundreds of round white baubles. As the approached, Tom sighed audibly.

“What is it?”

“Look closely.”

Camilla did and she saw that the baubles all had pictures of dogs on them.

“It’s a rescue charity that supports dogs.”

“By selling baubles?”

“All sorts of things but this is what they do at Christmas. I’ve seen them around before.”

He pulled his wallet out of his back pocket.

“Pick one.”

“Oh… Uh…” Camilla gazed at the baubles and saw greyhounds, Yorkshire terriers, labradors, poodles and more.

“How about this one?”

Tom held out a silver bauble with a handsome British bulldog on it. The dog’s bottom teeth protruded slightly from his jaw and he wore a red Santa hat on his large head.

“He’s gorgeous! Looks just like HP.”

Tom nodded then handed a twenty-pound note to the fairy holding a collection tin.

“Thank you kind sir!” she said. “We don’t have any change though unfortunately, so do you want to give me something smaller?”

Tom waved a hand. “I don’t want change. Hope you raise plenty today for the dogs.”

“Merry Christmas!” the fairy said, offering Tom and Camilla a broad smile.

Tom gave the bauble to Camilla.

“Merry Christmas, Camilla.”

“Don’t you want to keep it?”

“No. It’s for you. So you can remember today. If you want it of course.”

Camilla slid the bauble into her handbag then zipped it carefully.

“Thank you. I can’t wait to put it on my tree.”

As they wandered around, they passed an ice rink and bumper cars, both of which Tom asked Camilla if she wanted to try but she laughed and declined. They had lots of shopping bags and she suspected that the skating needed to be booked in advance. There were teenagers whizzing around on the ice and she didn’t fancy getting bumped, plus the queues were building for the stalls and the Christmas market was getting really busy.

“Ready to make a move then?” Tom asked. “Just thinking that with the drive, it’ll be about right then to get back for HP and give him his dinner.”

“Yes, okay.” Camilla nodded as they turned and made their way back to the car park.

“Let’s pick up something for lunch on the way back.”

They stopped at the German Sausage factory stall and Camilla bought them a tray of frites to share. They ate as they walked, savouring the hot salty chips.

Once they were inside the car and her shopping bags were safely stowed in the boot, she realised how tired she was. The combination of good food, hours in the fresh air and the emotions that Tom stirred in her, had all combined to make her sleepy. And as Tom pulled out onto the main road and Silent Night flowed from the car radio, Camilla tried to stay awake, but soon found herself drifting into a delicious snooze.

Camilla pushed open her front door then turned and waved at Tom. He beeped the horn before driving away. As she closed the door behind her then set her bags on the hall floor, she smiled. It had been a wonderful day and she’d enjoyed Tom’s company immensely. But she couldn’t deny that having to say goodbye just then in the car, was difficult. She’d fallen asleep on the journey home and only woken when they’d reached Heatherlea. Tom had smiled when she’d apologised and told her that he completely understood and planned to have a nap once he’d fed HP. It had made her feel a bit better but she also felt sad that she hadn’t made the most of his company in the car. However, yet again, she realised that Tom made her feel incredibly relaxed. So relaxed that she was able to sleep in his company.

Was that a good thing? She wasn’t sure. Especially if she’d been dribbling.

She unhooked her handbag from around her body and went to hang it on the banister but then noticed that it was bulging and remembered the bulldog bauble. She took it out of her bag, went into the lounge then hooked it onto a branch of the Christmas tree, right at the front. It was a gift from Tom and she knew she would treasure it, just as she’d treasure the memories of their day out.

Camilla knew that she was acting out of character, she knew that she’d never allowed herself to get this emotionally attached to a man before, and she wanted to stop herself caring about Tom, but she also knew, without a doubt, that it was far too late for that.