Page 42 of Under the Mistletoe with You

The blush on Christopher’s cheeks refuses to go away.‘Is there anything else we can help you with?Shaz mentioned your PA can’t make it today.’

‘I’m guessing your version of a PA might be different from mine?’asks Nash.

‘In some ways it’s the same.I’m no Miranda Priestly tormenting young fashionistas, but a care personal assistant can do similar things,’ Myffy says kindly.‘My care team help me out with tasks around the house and admin and things like going to get my medicine.But one of my girls, Selina, is up in Scotland for Christmas – she got out just in time but is probably stuck up there now – and my main PA, Polly, couldn’t make it today as she’s sickandsnowed in, which seems doubly unfair to her.And my lovely husband Mohan is stuck in London!So I’m in a bit of a pickle, boys.’

‘Can the council not get you anyone from a care bank or agency as it’s an emergency?’asks Christopher.

‘Well, normally I don’t love having someone I don’t know well for helping with some things, though I was willing to just go with it given the circumstances.But when Mohan called them they said that, given the weather, it’s quite possible that I’m stuck with no one for now.’Myffy takes a sip of her tea and turns to Christopher.‘You know a lot about this stuff.Do you work in healthcare?A veryhandsomeEnglish doctor perhaps?’

Christopher tries not to choke on his tea.He’s not used to older women aggressively flirting with him.Or anyone, for that matter.‘My sister is disabled so I know bits of how the system works, or doesn’t work.And no, I bought Pantri Bach down on the high street last summer.I’m a baker, but I do have my first aid training at least.’

‘Oh, gorgeous news!I didn’t realise it was back open.I’ll be down there like a shot once this snow is cleared out.Hell of a sweet tooth on me.’

‘We’re fully accessible too, not a step in sight, and the bathroom is accessible and has plenty of turning space.The same sister is an architect so she made sure everything was up to code and actually usable.’

‘That’s what I like to hear.But you know, you won’t be rid of me at this rate,’ she teases.‘What’s the best thing you sell?’

‘Well, I’m probably going to make some croissants with a pistachio filling when we reopen in January.I think they will be quite good.’

‘Sold!’she laughs heartily.‘Consider that my pre-order.’

As Christopher sips tea from his X-rated mug, he catches Nash eyeing him.But as he looks up, Nash looks away.Strange.

Instead, Nash asks, ‘Well, if Polly was here today, what would she be doing to help?Maybe we can help you with a few things.’

Of course, this is what Christophershouldhave been asking, not talking about his bakery.Typically, Nash Nadeau, Fixer of Vans and Clearer of Snow, wouldremember to help.It’s a little annoyinghowhelpful he’s trying to be today.

Myffy chuckles.‘Well, she was going to help me bathe today, which I think might be an ask too far of you and too much fun for me.’

Christopher knows she’s making light of it, but that must be awful, to not be able to do the things she needs to or wants to do.

‘Don’t stress,’ Myffy continues.‘I can sort me out a flannel wash later.And hopefully Polly will be back tomorrow.Or Mohan if we’re really lucky.I do have a few things on my shopping list that aren’t desperate, but that would help.Maybe you could pick these bits up if you’re safe to drive a bit longer?Other than that, clearing the snow off the path just in case I need to go out would be marvellous.And I’ve got some washing in the machine that needs hanging, and some to put away, if you wouldn’t mind?’

Nash takes a sip of his tea, and stands, saluting Myffy.‘Your sidewalks will have never been so clear.’At that, he disappears off out of the front door.

‘He’s a bit bloody handsome, isn’t he?Got that sort of made-for-television face.I feel all a-fluster with you both around.’

‘Yes, well, he’s an actor,’ Christopher says a little reluctantly.

‘What he’s doing here then?Going method for a part as a farmer?’

‘Wanted to come for a quiet holiday apparently – he was going to stay in the flat over the bakery while I was away.Unfortunately, he’s stuck herewithme, as I couldn’t get out in time.’

‘Tricky for you, that.’

‘Not being able to go away for Christmas?’

‘No, I mean being cooped up with that gorgeous face.I wouldn’t be able to contain myself.You must have a stronger will than I do.That bottom!’

It turns out Myffy has the dirtiest laugh he’s ever heard, and it’s absolutely infectious.She’s not wrong, though.Nash does have a very nice bum, although obviously Christopher already knew that from watching his movies.

And also in real life.

Not that he’s been looking.

Well, he might have looked, but it was accidental.Probably.

It makes him feel rather strange to hear someone else being gooey over him, especially someone who doesn’t recognise him from TV.He can’t pin down the feeling.Perhaps he’s just jealous that Nash seems to find being all attentive and helpful and charismatic natural and much easier than Christopher does.