Page 17 of Christmas at the Home Farm Vets (Hartfell Village #2)

She dodged Jason’s attempt to hold her hand again, self-conscious about such gestures with Oli here and cross with herself for minding what he might think.

When they reached the church, a rough stable complete with bales and a manger was ready, and as the birth of Jesus was proclaimed, shepherds and wise men arrived to deliver their gifts.

The brass band played carols between each reading, finishing with ‘O Holy Night’ and the exquisite tone of a small choir, voices rising and falling to the music.

For Erin it was a bittersweet reminder of home; Christmas with her family and the concerts she’d played in, the years of festive routines the same until she’d left for university.

Jason nipped off to take a call, and she heard him muttering behind her about the lack of signal.

Most people with children took them to meet Santa, who’d also arrived at the church, and Erin, Oli and Jason strolled back down over the river to the pub.

A crowd was gathered outside on the cobbles, holding drinks and braving the chill.

Inside they were welcomed by merry festive music, and Erin caught Kenny’s eye at the bar and returned his wave.

She spotted Elaine, Jess and Noah alongside Gabi and her wife Michelle, seated at a large table in the corner.

A fire was blazing, and the Christmas decorations were subtle and stylish, evergreen with occasional splashes of scarlet and silver.

Jess waved them over and everyone shuffled up.

Erin introduced Jason and they took their seats as Oli headed to the bar to make good on his promise to buy a round for his new colleagues.

Jason removed the beanie and his coat, fixing his man bun in place and outlining a pair of impressive biceps in a snug T-shirt.

Noah was lovely and although Erin had only met him a couple of times, she’d always felt he was the perfect foil for Jess’s exuberance.

Oli returned with a tray and Elaine moved along to make room for him.

He took a seat opposite Erin, who was aware of his every little gesture, trying hard not to notice and focus instead on Jason to her left.

She attempted to draw him into conversation, but he’d connected to the Wi-Fi and was busy on his phone, swiping the screen.

Oli was chatting with Gabi, Elaine and Michelle, and Erin caught bits of their conversation as he leaned in to listen, a hand resting around a pint of craft beer.

When Jason finally put the phone down, she was relieved to have someone other than Oli to occupy her thoughts.

By ten p.m. most people were drifting away, and she decided to join them, surprised Jason had stayed so long.

‘Sorry, I’m going to make a move.’ She leaned across to speak to him, staring at his phone again. ‘I’m on call from six a.m.’

‘Want me to walk you home?’ He spoke without looking up, but she was already gathering her things.

‘No thanks, it’s fine, barely five minutes.

’ Erin wound the scarf around her neck and pulled her hat on.

She hadn’t meant to sound dismissive, but if Jason came home with her now she’d feel obliged to invite him in and that was the last thing she wanted with Oli there and an early start in the morning.

‘I’ll walk Erin home, Jason.’ Oli had stood too, and he shrugged into his coat. ‘I’m heading in the same direction, and you mentioned you’re meant to be online with your friends by now. I’m guessing you’re a gamer?’

‘Right, yeah. Cheers.’ Jason followed them outside and she submitted to a goodnight kiss, wondering if he was dragging it out for Oli’s benefit.

She’d been clear about just dating so far but Jason was getting impatient about taking things further and she knew she wouldn’t be able to delay it much longer.

Hopefully long enough to get Oli out of the house though; she cringed at the thought of Jason spending the night with Oli just the other side of her bedroom wall.

She and Oli set off for home, a full moon lighting a path along the cobbles.

‘Oli, don’t do that when I’m with Jason.’

‘Do what?’

‘Play the “when we were at Catz” game. You did it again in the pub as well, just to annoy him. And mentioning that you have to duck in the cottage, it’s perfectly obvious he’s not as tall as you.’

‘Just a bit of fun. Sorry.’ He didn’t sound it, and Erin heard, rather than saw, the smile in his reply.

‘It’s not that funny for me. And did you have to be so insistent about walking me home? He was only trying to be nice.’ She bit her lip; even she wasn’t convinced that Jason would’ve wanted to see her safely to her own door if there was no chance of him coming in.

‘You think?’ Oli pushed his hands into his coat pockets. ‘“Nice” where Jason is concerned is maybe a pejorative term. Tosser is more like it.’

‘My relationship with him is my own and your opinion of both is irrelevant. I hope you remember that and treat him with more respect next time.’

‘I’ll start treating him with respect when he shows you some, Erin.’

Her lips tightened as she drew out her keys and opened her front door. She hurried inside and straight up to bed, forgoing her usual late-night tea to avoid Oli and any more uncomfortable truths he might be tempted to reveal.