The Yuletide Engagement & A Yuletide Seduction by Carole Mortimer Page A

circumstances have turned out I think that favour has more than been returned. After all, George is your uncle; you knew that the engagement announcement I told you about was actually between Gareth and your cousin—that’s why you weren’t surprised when I arrived in your office earlier in the week!” Her eyes sparkled accusingly as that realisation finally dawned on her too.
    â€œEllie—”
    â€œNo, Patrick.” She firmly resisted his teasing tone. “This evening has been awful. I have no wish to repeat it.”
    â€œAwful, Ellie?” Patrick repeated softly, suddenly standing much closer than was comfortable. For her peace of mind! “All of it?” he prompted huskily.
    No, as it happened, not all of it. The kiss the two of them had shared earlier had been more pleasurable than she cared to think about. Certainly more disturbing than she cared to admit!
    â€œAll of it,” she insisted forcefully. “I am absolutely, definitely not going to the party with you tomorrow!”
    He looked at her consideringly. “Not even for Sarah’s sake?”
    â€œNot even for— That’s emotional blackmail, Patrick!” she snapped irritably as her resolve began to sway at the mention of Sarah.
    She and Sarah had been good friends in the past, and she knew the other girl to be bubbly, loving, completely carefree. Marriage to Gareth, once Gareth had shown just how ruthless he could be—and there was no doubting that he would show himself in his true colours one day—promised to ruin all that.
    â€œI don’t want to go to this party with you, Patrick,” she protested.
    And it sounded weak, even to her own ears.
    â€œI have nothing to wear!” she added inconsequentially when he made no reply.
    Which sounded even weaker!
    As evidenced by the fact that Patrick laughed, eyes twinkling warmly, his teeth showing whitely in his mouth—that mouth that only two hours ago, on this very spot, had very thoroughly kissed hers!
    It was a mistake to think of that kiss…
    Because she wanted very badly for Patrick to repeat it!
    Something of that desire must have shown in her face, because Patrick took her very firmly by the shoulders and held her away from him at arm’s length. “No, Ellie,” he murmured regretfully. “I’m not going to be accused of seduction as well as emotional blackmail!” He grimaced.
    Ellie felt warmth enter her cheeks at her emotionsbeing that transparent. Maybe it was the way her gaze had gone to his mouth—and stayed there. Or maybe it was just an expression of longing on her face. Either way, it wasn’t very sophisticated of her to allow her emotions to be so easily gauged.
    â€œVery well, Patrick,” she bit out abruptly. “I’ll come to the party with you—”
    â€œI knew you wouldn’t let me down!” Patrick beamed, seeming to forget his resolve as he pulled her into his arms to hug her.
    Ellie pulled back, looking up at him warningly. “I’m not doing this for you,” she reminded him firmly.
    â€œNo, of course you aren’t,” he accepted lightly, but he still grinned broadly, looking far too attractive for Ellie’s peace of mind. For the sudden rapid beat of her heart. For the heated longing that coursed through her body. For the way she wanted to just throw caution to the winds and kiss him if he wasn’t about to kiss her!
    She really would have to get a grip on her emotions where Patrick McGrath was concerned. Because to fall in love with him wouldn’t only be ill-advised—it would be pure madness!

CHAPTER FIVE
    â€œN OT a word,” Ellie cautioned Toby when he looked up from reading the Saturday newspaper as she came into the kitchen, dressed warmly for going out, needing only to pull her coat on when the time came. “Not one word, Toby,” she repeated as he continued to look at her. “You aren’t my