Not Just for Christmas

Chapter 41

Chapter Forty-One

I t was surprising there was a train going to the Cotswolds on New Year’s Eve at all, so Erin tried not to be too impatient when it was delayed. Once she was finally on the train and chugging towards Chipping Campden – and Lewis – her excitement levels rose until she felt like a tightly wound ball of energy which might explode at any moment. The thought of surprising him felt wonderful, and she was so grateful to her girls for pushing her into it.

She exchanged frenzied messages with them throughout her journey and was entertained by their banter and the photos Alicia sent of Jessie and Irina drinking wine and apparently being little help with the party preparations.

When she arrived at the station, she rushed outside and into a taxi, directing the driver to take her to the hotel.

Stepping out onto the quaint main street in Chipping Campden, it was hard to believe it was little more than a week since she’d arrived for the first time.

Music drifted from the hotel, and warmth flooded through her at being back there. It was exactly the place she wanted to be. Not that she wouldn’t have enjoyed the party at Jessie’s place, but deep down, she knew her heart wouldn’t have been fully in it.

Pulling her phone from her pocket, she was surprised that she hadn’t heard from Lewis. He’d messaged briefly the previous evening, but there’d been nothing since. Earlier, she’d been worried that he’d call her while she was on the way and she’d either have to lie or ruin the surprise. Now, it struck her as a little unnerving that she hadn’t heard anything. Presumably, the party at the hotel was keeping him busy.

As she lugged her case to the door, the thought that he might not be happy to see her crept in, overshadowing her excitement slightly. Maybe a surprise was a bad approach.

She gave herself a mental shake and pushed the door open to find the lounge full of people. Music mingled with the hum of chatter and laughter.

Her eyes scanned the crowd, seeking Lewis, or another familiar face.

She only recognised one person. Warren. He wasn’t in his chef’s whites but the standard staff uniform as he wandered through the throng with a cheerful grin and a plate of pastries.

A moment passed before he caught her eye and smiled.

“Hi,” he said, as he neared her. “Did you bring Lewis with you?”

“I just arrived,” she told him, confused. “Is Lewis here?”

“No.” His brow wrinkled. “I’m not entirely sure where he is. I sort of thought he was with you. Haven’t seen him for a couple of days.”

“He was in London with me for a day, but then he came back.”

He shrugged. “He’s been messaging on the staff group, but essentially told us to look after the place.”

“I thought he’d be here for the party…” She trailed off at the sight of Ivy entering the lounge from the direction of the dining room. As soon as she spotted Erin, she made a beeline for her .

“Is Lewis with you?” she asked, concern clear in her eyes.

“No. I just arrived looking for him.”

Warren wandered away again.

“Where is he?” Erin asked Ivy.

“At home, as far as I know.”

“I assumed he’d be here.”

Ivy tilted her head. “He came back from London and picked Molly up, but hasn’t been back to the hotel since. I’ve been telling him for ages to take time off, but now that he has, I’m worried about him. This isn’t like him. Especially not with the party and everything.”

“Have you spoken to him?” Erin asked.

“I called him earlier. He said he was fine, and he just didn’t feel like being at the hotel.” She tipped her head towards the dining room. “Anna and Carla are here. Usually we all celebrate New Year’s together. His sisters are worried about him, too. They said they went to see him earlier, and he was in a weird mood.”

“I just assumed he’d be here,” Erin said again. “I didn’t even think to go to his house.”

“So he doesn’t know you’re coming?”

“No. Now I wonder whether surprising him was a good idea.”

“Go and see him,” Ivy said. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you. Maybe you can convince him to come to the party.”

“I’ll try.” She nodded decisively and turned to the door.

Ivy called her back, then leaned in close and lowered her voice. “I just want you to know that you’re not treading on any toes as far as I’m concerned. I love Lewis, but only as a friend.”

Erin winced. “He told you what I said.”

“Yes. And you have absolutely nothing to worry about. I know I was a little unfriendly, but only because I was concerned about Lewis. If you make him happy – and it appears you do – then I’m happy too.” She gave a shy smile. “I’d like it if we could be friends.”

“I’d like that too.”

“Good. Now find him and figure out what’s going on with him.”

She didn’t need any more encouragement, and was out of the door and striding along the street, cursing her suitcase, which slowed her pace.

The quiet cottage came alive with the sound of barking the moment Erin rang the bell. She smiled to herself when she heard Lewis’s voice through the door, talking to Molly and telling her to calm down.

Then the door opened, and he looked up at her from his hunched position, a hand on Molly’s collar. When his gaze collided with Erin’s, his fingers slackened and he released Molly, who bounded around Erin’s legs.

“Hi,” she said, eyes trailing over him as he straightened up. In the back of her mind, she’d expected him to look as worn out as the last time she’d seen him, but he looked fresh in his jeans and T-shirt. “Surprise!” she added weakly when he just stared at her.

His lips parted as though he were about to speak, but no words came. He shook his head and his face broke into a smile as he stepped outside. In an instant, he swept her into his arms and left her feet dangling above the ground as he swung her around.

“Happy to see me then?” she asked when he stopped spinning.

“So happy.” His hands came to cup her face as he kissed her greedily. “This is the best surprise ever.”

“From a guy who once won twenty-six million on the lottery, that’s quite the compliment.” She took his face in her hands and held his gaze. “I missed you,” she sighed.

“I missed you too.” His arms tightened around her back as he kissed her again .

“I thought you’d be at the hotel,” she said, drawing back enough to register his bare feet. She ushered him inside. “I went there first.”

“I didn’t want to work today.”

“Everyone is worried about you,” she said, tilting her head as they moved into the hallway. “Ivy and your sisters.”

“I know, but it’s ridiculous. All I did was take some time off, which is what they’ve been nagging me to do for years.”

“Are you okay?” she asked, resting a hand on his chest. “I was worried about you, too.”

“I’m great.” He slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. “Even better now you’re here. How long are you staying?”

“A couple of days. Then I need to get back to work. I just realised I wanted to start the new year with you.” She wrinkled her nose. “Actually, my friends kind of pushed me in the direction of the train station, but as soon as they suggested I should be here with you, I knew they were right.”

“I like your friends already.”

She stroked the fine hairs at his nape. “I’m sorry I seemed so hesitant about us.”

“I’m just glad you’re here now.”

She felt a warm glow at his infectious grin. “Are you going to explain why you’re not at the hotel for the party?”

His eyes flashed with mirth. “Because I’m a millionaire and I don’t have to go to work if I don’t want to.”

“You just figured that out?” she asked, eyebrows rising.

“I just figured out a lot of stuff, thanks to you.”

“How do you mean?”

“I mean, you inspired me and I’ve been making plans.”

“That’s still pretty cryptic.”

He kissed her hard, then took her hand and led her towards the living room. “Come in and get comfy and I’ll tell you everything.”