Meredith
The chest beneath me moves, the arms supporting my neck shift slowly, causing me to grumble.
“Someone’s at the door, Merry,” a deep voice murmurs, and my eyes fly open, just in time to see a fully clothed Dylan slipping out of bed.
Fully clothed? Wait, then we didn’t… oh, God.
I lift the covers to look at myself as Dylan jogs down the stairs to answer the door.
I’m also fully clothed. Either we didn’t have sex, or we did, and it was so cold we dressed immediately after. My head throbs with the early signs of a hangover, but the booming voice that echoes through the house makes me sit up.
“I thought you’d be pleased,” the voice says cheerfully. “Where’s the car then?”
The voices move away, and I glance around for my phone, wondering what time it is and who is downstairs.
I head into the bathroom, locking the door behind me before showering, the warm water greeting my aching body like an old friend's embrace.
Twenty minutes later, I’m dressed. In Dylan’s clothes, obviously.
I make my way downstairs, wondering who our morning visitor is. Dylan spies me from the sofa and calls me over.
“Merry, meet Rob.”
I smile as the man turns to me, a twinkle in his eye. He reminds me of Santa, all ruddy cheeks and white hair. He must be in his fifties, and the overalls he’s wearing tells me he’s definitely the man who runs the garage that Dylan spoke of.
“Morning.” I smile as Dylan jumps up, offering me his seat.
“I’ll grab you a cuppa,” he says, smiling at me.
“Hello, my love.” Rob nods at me with a kind expression on his face.
“Hi,” I say, sinking to the sofa beside Rob, glancing at Dylan as he disappears into the kitchen.
“The roads back up and running,” Rob declares with a wide smile. “That American chap got the council all riled up, and they sorted it out this morning. So, I’m going to tow your car, my love.”
I instantly like Rob, but I realise what this means, and it makes me feel a little numb.
I’m leaving.
“So, did you want me to run you to your sisters?” Rob asks, his bushy brows lifting into his forehead as he looks at me. “You’re wearing Dylan’s clothes, you poor mare. Don’t worry. We’ll soon have you right.”
Dylan strides back in, commanding my attention with his breathtaking smile. He hands me a mug of tea, and of course, two slices of toast. I smile as he stuffs his hands in his pockets, leaning against the freshly lit fireplace.
“Toast an’ all.” Rob chuckles, looking over at Dylan. “Charmer by name, Charmer by nature, that lad. I was just saying I can drop the maid off on the way to the car.”
Dylan nods, his eyes meeting mine. “Yeah, or I can. Whatever’s best.”
“Well, let the girl finish up her breakfast, then we can get moving. It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow, so you’ve got plenty of time to catch up with your wrapping, my love.”
I smile faintly, devouring the toast wordlessly.
“Why don’t you come over to ours for lunch today, Dylan? The missus has made some beautiful bread. It goes nice with that cheese your mum gave us.”
The pair continue talking as I gulp at the hot tea, glancing around for my things.
“I just need to get my things together,” I say, rising to my feet. I take the mug and plate into the kitchen, becoming aware of Dylan watching me from the doorway.
“Will you be okay with Rob? I’m happy to take you to Cassie’s.”
