them when he could. But he would never have a tree in his home—a constant reminder of the pain and loss and guilt associated with the festive season.
They walked together to the elevator. When it arrived, there were two other people in it. They got out two floors below. Then Dominic was alone in the confined space of the elevator, aware of Andie’s closeness, her warm scent. What was it? Sandalwood? Something exotic and sensual. He had the craziest impulse to hold her closer so he could nuzzle into the softness of her throat, the better to breathe it in.
He clenched his fists beside him and moved as far as he could away from her so his shoulder hit the wall of the elevator. That would be insanity. And probably not the best timing when he’d just quashed her Christmas tree display.
But she wouldn’t be Andie if she didn’t persevere. ‘Not even miniature trees on the lunch table?’ she asked.
‘No trees,’ he said.
She sighed. ‘Okay, the client has spoken. No Christmas tree.’
The elevator came to the ground floor. He lightly placed his hand at the small of her back to steer her in the direction of the best exit for the restaurant. Bad idea. Touching Andie even in this casual manner just made him want to touch her more.
‘But you’re happy with the rest of the plan?’ she said as they walked side by side towards the restaurant, dodging the busy Sydney lunchtime crush as they did.
‘Very happy. Except you can totally discard the marketing director’s suggestion I dress up as Santa Claus.’
She laughed. ‘Did you notice I wrote it down but didn’t take the suggestion any further?’ Her eyes narrowed as she looked him up and down in mock inspection. ‘Though it’s actually a nice idea. If you change your mind—’
‘No,’ he said.
‘That’s what I thought,’ she said, that delightful smile dancing around the corners of her mouth.
‘You know it’s been a stretch for me to agree to a Christmas party at all. You won’t ever see me as Santa.’
‘What if the marketing director himself could be convinced to play Santa Claus?’ she said thoughtfully. ‘He volunteered to help out on the day.’
‘This whole party thing was Rob Cratchit’s idea so that might be most appropriate. Take it as an order from his boss.’
‘I’ll send him an email and say it’s your suggestion,’ she said with a wicked grin. ‘He’s quite well padded and would make a wonderful Santa—no pillow down the front of his jacket required.’
‘Don’t mention that in the email or all hell will break loose,’ he said.
‘Don’t worry; I can be subtle when I want to,’ she said, that grin still dancing in her eyes as they neared the restaurant.
In Dominic’s experience, some restaurants were sited well and had a good fit-out; others had excellent food. In this case, his favourite place to eat near the office had both—a spectacular site on the top of a heritage listed building right near the water and a superlative menu.
There had been no need to book—a table was always there for him when he wanted one, no matter how long the waiting list for bookings.
An attentive waiter settled Andie into a seat facing the view of Sydney Harbour. ‘I’ve always wanted to eat at this restaurant,’ she said, looking around her.
‘Maybe we should have our meetings here in future?’
‘Good idea,’ she said. ‘Though I’ll have to do a detailed site inspection of your house very soon. We could fit in a meeting then, perhaps?’
‘I might not be able to be there,’ he said. ‘I have a series of appointments in other states over the next two weeks. Any meetings with you might have to be via the Internet.’
Was that disappointment he saw cloud her eyes. ‘That’s a shame. I—’
‘My assistant will help you with access and the security code,’ he said. He wished he could cancel some of the meetings, but that was not possible. Perhaps it was for the best. The more time he spent with Andie, the more he wanted to break his rules and ask her on a date. But those rules were there for good reason.
‘As you know, we have a tight timeline to work to,’ she said. ‘The more we get done early the better, to allow for the inevitable last-minute dramas.’
‘I have every confidence in you that it will go to plan.’
‘Me too,’ she said with another of those endearing grins. ‘I’ve organised so many Christmas room sets and table settings for magazine and advertising clients. You have to get creative to come up with something different each year. This is easier in a way.’
‘But surely there must be a continuity?’ he asked, curious even though Christmas was his least favourite topic of conversation.
‘Some people don’t want to go past traditional red and green and that’s okay,’ she said. ‘I’ve done an entire room themed purple and the client was delighted. Silver and gold is always popular in Australia, when Christmas is likely to be sweltering—it seems to feel cooler somehow. But—’
The waiter came to take their orders. They’d been too busy talking to look at the menu. Quickly they discussed their favourites before they ordered: barramundi with prawns and asparagus for him; tandoori roasted ocean trout with cucumber salsa for her and an heirloom tomato salad to share. They each passed on wine and chose mineral water. ‘Because it’s a working day,’ they both said at the exact time and laughed. It felt like a date. He could not let his thoughts stray that way. Because he liked the idea too much.
‘You haven’t explained the continuity of Christmas,’ he said, bringing the conversation back to the party.
‘It’s nothing to do with the baubles and the tinsel and everything to do with the feeling,’ she said with obvious enthusiasm. ‘Anticipation, delight, joy. For some it’s about religious observance, spirituality and new life; others about sharing and generosity. If you can get people feeling the emotion, then it doesn’t really matter if the tree is decorated in pink and purple or red and green.’
How about misery and fear and pain? Those were his memories of Christmas. ‘I see your point,’ he said.
‘I intend to make sure your party is richly imbued with that kind of Christmas spirit. Hannah told me some of the kids who will be coming would be unlikely to have a celebration meal or a present and certainly not both if it wasn’t for your generosity.’
‘I met with Hannah yesterday; she mentioned how important it will be for the families we’re inviting. She seems to think the party will do a powerful lot of good. Your sister told me how special Christmas is in your family.’ It was an effort for him to speak about Christmas in a normal tone of voice. But he seemed to be succeeding.
‘Oh, yes,’ said Andie. ‘Heaven help anyone who might want to celebrate it with their in-laws or anywhere else but my parents’ house.’
‘Your mother’s a marvellous cook.’
‘True, but
