Logline

Snowed in and forced to self-isolate with her grumpy boss right before Christmas, Susie refuses to let circumstances stop the festive fun, and ropes a reluctant Henry in on the plans.

Blurb

This year, Susie Miller has just one thing on her Christmas list; to have the most magical holiday experience with friends and family after they all spent the last one in a pandemic lockdown.

She doesn't expect her car to break down in the snow, leaving her stranded at the home of her gruff boss, Henry. Or the call that forces them to self-isolate together for two weeks.

Determined not to let circumstances get her down, Susie decides her festive plans aren't unravelling, just being rewritten.

Roping in a reluctant Henry for festive fun and favourite traditions, she decides to teach him the magic of Christmas and maybe even get through that gruff facade to discover the man underneath!

~Chapter One~

Susie

"We need to go." Ayla's urgent tone cut through my focus and pulled me back to the office.

"What? Why?" I asked, spinning my chair to face her.

She rolled her eyes. "Have you seen the state of the weather? Literally everyone else has gone."

My eyes flicked briefly towards the floor to ceiling windows, which gave me uninterrupted views over the snow-blanketed Kent countryside. Despite the fact it was getting darker as the day drew to a close, the yellowing colour of the sky promised more snow to come.

My dreams of a perfect Christmas were coming true. After the year we had all had, we deserved a little festive magic.

"It looks beautiful, doesn't it?" I sighed happily, "Like a Christmas card."

"You're kidding. Susie, there's a weather warning in place and they're recommending not to travel. Literally everyone else has gone home already and Mr. Carter suggested working from home earlier." Ayla replied, already pulling together her things.

As much as I wanted to get home and go out and play in the snow, there was no way I'd be able to relax knowing this report was waiting for me.

The stack of printed figures I was referring back to would be impossible to take with me, and I was determined to finish up everything before heading home to start on my perfect Christmas. Perfect Christmases did not start with taking your work home. Everyone knew that.

"I'm almost done." I lied. "I'll walk you out and then finish up and shut the office down."

I could see the indecision warring on her face. Desperation to get home and worry about leaving me.

It was clear the moment she made her mind up from the way her shoulders slumped. "OK, I'm really sorry to leave you. Normally I'd wait, but I've got the headache from hell brewing and I just want to get home and get to bed." She admitted.

I frowned. "Are you sure you're OK to drive?"

She waved a dismissive hand. "Yeah, yeah, fine. Just been working too hard."

I offered a small smile as I herded her towards the door. My best friend since we were both kids, I had noticed something was off with her today. Her saying she wasn't feeling one hundred percent was so out of character for her, I very nearly offered to drive her home.

"You'll let me know when you're home safe?" She asked, zipping up her coat and turning back to me.

"Of course. You'll let me know when you're home too patient zero?" I joked.

Ayla rolled her eyes. "It's just a headache drama queen. See you Sunday?"

I nodded. I couldn't wait for the wreath making workshop she had booked for us. Partly because she was crushing on the instructor, but still. It was right up my street.

"Drive safely." I reminded her as she opened the door and stepped out into the freezing evening.

"You drive carefully too. And don't stay too late." Ayla wagged a finger at me hurrying out into the snow.

From here I could see the car park and her car alongside my own, just beyond our boss's home. What sort of person built an office space at the end of their own garden? It wasn't like he even bothered to make use of it or even check in regularly.

I watched Ayla carefully making her way down the path and grinned at the little wave she gave before getting into her car. From here, on a clear night you could see right through to the home my elusive boss hid himself away in. What did he even do all day? I could count on one hand how many times I'd seen him moving around his house. Not that I was watching him. That would be weird.

The warm lights from within his home were oddly welcoming and at odds with his usual standoffish nature. A movement at the window caught my attention and with a squeak, I quickly dived in and shut the door, hoping he hadn't caught me staring into his house.

God that would be an awkward one to explain. My heart thudded in my chest and I pressed my hand to it, as though that might somehow help calm it.

It was the smooth sound of Michael Buble's Winter Wonderland playing in the office that finally shook me out of my embarrassment. Ok, it was on. Time to finish up this work and get myself home before the snow started again.

Pushing Henry Carter from my mind, I danced my way back through the office and I sank into my chair, ready to settle to the job at hand.

"Sleigh bells ring. Are you listening?" I murmured, adjusting the column on the spreadsheet to accommodate the data. "In the lane, snow is glistening. A beautiful sight. Just gotta finish this report tonight, and then get to enjoy being in a winter wonderland."

I glanced around the office with a grin as though expecting some sort of applause for my inventive changing of the lyrics, before remembering there was no one there to appreciate my genius. To think they hadn't been planning to decorate it before I got involved? The paper snowflakes and tinsel sparkling from the doorframes was enough to bring a smile to even the biggest humbug.

Yes. This was going to be the perfect Christmas.

A Christmas to end all Christmases I had promised my family. One that would make up for the year we had all been through. That was a pretty big promise to fulfil considering how Christmas crazy we all were. But if forcing festive fun on others was an Olympic sport, my family would be getting gold every time.

Not only had I, the Queen of Last Minute, finished all my Christmas shopping early, but I had also landed an amazing job. Sure, spreadsheets and reports weren't everyone's cup of tea, but for me? Well, I wouldn't say I loved them, but I did enjoy working for the investment company which owned my favourite bakery franchise and free food that included.

I was lucky Ayla had sent me the link for the role. With no previous experience in administration, I hadn't had high hopes for my success, but now I was working here and living the dream.

Especially this near the 'most wonderful time of the year'. The whole office smelt of gingerbread, Christmas cake and a famous local brandy butter. Who else could say their work day had included taste testing the merchandise with their colleagues?

I gave a small satisfied sigh as my eyes found the window again and spotted the pretty flurries of snow swirling down. Everything was perfectly falling into place. Especially now a white Christmas was seeming more and more likely.

Humming a nonsensical mix of jingle bells and mistletoe and wine, I flipped through my notes from the meeting earlier. A few more figures to input and it would be time to go.

Another glance at the window confirmed the snow was falling thicker and faster now and my brow creased into a frown. That was not going to be a fun drive home.

It was beginning to make sense why everyone had already left or decided to work from home today. If I didn't have the attention span of a goldfish and the need for social interaction of a Labrador puppy, I probably would have chosen home working too.

As it was, I couldn't say I really minded the drive to the office, and the time it gave me to sing festive tunes at the top of my lungs without anyone judging me. Plus, my flat, although perfectly adequate for what I needed, didn't possess the coffee-machine-of-dreams and the all-you-can-eat breakfast pastries the office did.

With a triumphant stab of the keyboard, I saved the spreadsheet that had consumed the last four hours of my life and pulled up a blank email.

"Dear Mr. Carter, I have attached the quarter three figures for the South East Muffin Compares chains. I have highlighted the overall spend for marketing, upkeep and staff for all 6 locations on tab three. Please let me know if you need anything else and have a wonderful evening. Many thanks Susie."

Hitting send and then closing down my computer had my whole body relaxing. It took a moment for the twenty open tabs I had running (an excellent representation of my brain) to accept they were no longer needed and close. As the screen went dark and the mechanical whir, I had become so used to fell silent, I shuddered.

Instantly the office, which was usually noisy and full of life, felt far too quiet. The Christmas playlist we had been listening to had ended at some point without me noticing and now the quiet was almost eerie.

With a shudder of unease I quickly shrugged on the coat I had left draped over the back of my chair. The bright rainbow coloured scarf my Mum had made was far longer than it needed to be, and it wrapped three times round my neck before hanging down to my waist. I snorted with laughter, remembering when I had first unwrapped it and assumed it was a blanket.

Going into lockdowns as a result of the pandemic had led to her taking up far too many new hobbies. Between the knitting and weekly banana breads left on my doorstep, I had really benefited from them though, so who was I to complain?

I frowned at the horrendous state of my desk. I had started here with the best intentions of being organised and tidy. Sadly, that had lasted all of a week. A swipe of my arm had my notepad, pens, and assorted pieces of paper tumbling into my drawer. Closing it quickly to hide the haphazard mess from the world, I scooped up my rucksack and gave the office a last satisfied look around.

How did I get so lucky that my life had gone from unemployment and struggling to make ends meet, to this, in six months?

Practically skipping to the door, I yanked it open and inhaled the fresh air deeply. But the icy chill that hit as soon as I did momentarily took my breath away. A snow drift, which had been slowly creeping higher against the door, tumbled over my feet and I thanked my lucky stars I had decided to wear boots today.

With a shiver, I pulled my coat tighter around myself as I trudged down the path towards the car park. A warm glow emanating from the vast house lit the way down the partially gritted path.

Skidding on an icy patch, my hand shot out and grabbed the trellis attached to the side of the house to catch myself. It groaned under my weight and I quickly released it, hoping that he hadn't heard me from inside.

Hurrying the last few steps I pressed the button on my key to open the car and tossed my bag onto the passenger seat. Scooping up the spray bottle of de-icer, I covered the windscreen with a few generous squirts and watched with fascination as the snow instantly melted. It trickled down into the deeper snow on the bonnet leaving oddly pretty trails.

Using my coat sleeve to wipe off my wing mirrors, I gave the thick snow a dubious look before climbing into the car. Beautiful though the snow was, I was acutely aware of how dangerous it could be as I looked out onto the road. For the first time, I regretted not leaving earlier when everyone else did.

Twisting the key in the ignition, the car spluttered pathetically and died. "No, no no." I groaned.

This could not be happening. My eyes scanned the dashboard, desperately searching for a reason my car had decided to give up on life, as I twisted the ignition again.

This time, the car didn't even bother to splutter or pretend it was trying to work. Like any good millennial, I reached for my phone and quickly googled, "Why won't my car start in the snow? ". Most of the results suggested the car was cold. "You and me both, sister." I muttered, patting the wheel and flexing my freezing fingers as I tried to work out my next move.

The suggestions for how to remedy this situation varied from just giving it a chance to warm up to fully giving up and calling for help. With no other real other options, I waited a few minutes before trying again. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. This time, it didn't even click.

With a groan, I flopped forwards and my head hit the steering wheel with a loud thunk. Of course, the first time I would ever need to call someone out for my car would happen just days after I had cancelled the upgrade to my insurance, that included free vehicle recovery.

The snow was coming down harder now, and in larger flakes than before. Less than half an hour ago, this had been the most beautiful sight, and now it was a major pain in my backside.

With everything crossed, I searched the number for the AA. It took almost half an hour to get through to an actual person, a sign I knew didn't bode well for a quick recovery. The guy I finally got through to sounded exhausted and apologetic.

It was going to be at least six hours until they could get someone to me and it was going to cost even more because it was so late. He recommended trying to get home using public transport or finding somewhere nearby to stay for the night and then trying again tomorrow. Like that was a real option.

I gazed around the car park. Despite the fantastic wi-fi, I couldn't have been more out in the arse-end of nowhere if I tried. The twinkly lights of two other houses sparkled in the distance, but I was at least a couple of miles from any form of civilisation. It wasn't a walk I would have been particularly keen on, even if the whole world hadn't decided to visit the ice age.

A glance over my shoulder at the house I knew contained my all too serious boss had me pausing. The inviting glow was enough to make me consider knocking and asking him for help. But I hardly knew the man beyond exchanging pleasantries and professional discussions.

Biting my lip, I agonised over what to do before focusing back on the office building. Those staff room sofas were comfortable. Maybe they would be alright to sleep on for a night?

Better than attempting to talk to Mister Stern-And-Grumpy at least.

Mind made up, I grabbed my bag and braced myself before stepping out into the snow. The snow was resembling more of a blizzard now, and the wind howled across the hillside as I fought my way back down the path to the building.

It took three attempts for my fumbling hands to type in the code as the sideways snow half blinded me. When I finally fell through the door, I breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn't exactly homey, but it would do for a night. Stomping off the clumps of snow stuck to my boots, I shook my head, sending droplets of half-melted snow flying from my hair.

Two stumbling steps helped me find the light switch, instantly flooding the office with light. "Alexa, play some Christmas music." I asked, hanging my sopping wet coat on the rack I was pretty sure no one ever used.

A cheerful rendition of All I Want For Christmas started playing as I made my way through to the small staff kitchen.

The coffee machine had never looked so inviting than on a bitterly cold night like today. Reluctantly hitting the button for decaf, I leaned against the side as I waited for it to pour into my mug.

I couldn't wait to wrap my fingers around it and soak in the warmth. I almost groaned as it gave a cheery little bleep, signalling it was ready.

Inhaling the scent deeply, I smiled. This wasn't so bad, really. Retrieving my phone from my pocket, I pulled up the Kindle app before sinking into the sofa, decaf coffee in hand.

Thank goodness it was Friday, so I didn't have to worry about work tomorrow, and running into any colleagues. My only concern would be getting home.

Ten minutes later, I was totally lost in a fantasy tale of fae and magic. My phone balanced on my lap, I swiped to the next page and took another sip.

"Now, what are you still doing here?" A deep voice asked, startling me out of the story.

I screamed, jumping so violently that the coffee I had been so excited to drink spilled down my skirt. The movement knocked my phone from my lap and sent it spinning off across the floor until it hit a pair of dark green wellies.

My eyes moved slowly up to meet the owner of the wellies and the voice.

My boss. Henry Carter. He looked down at me with eyebrows slightly raised in a questioning look. It was a good job I was sitting down because no matter how good I thought he had looked in a suit, nothing compared to how he looked now.

His usually slicked back hair was ruffled as though he had run his hands through it a few too many times. A black overcoat clung to broad shoulders and opened to reveal a plain white t-shirt and grey jogging bottoms. The dark khaki wellies definitely didn't go with the outfit, but considering the weather, I decided to let it slide.

"Well?" Henry asked, his brows drawing together in a look that was half concern and half scowl. "Why the hell are you still here?"