The Yuletide Engagement & A Yuletide Seduction Read Free

things.
    Ellie looked up at him affectionately; she was proud of him—of the way he had carried on with his plans to go to university to study law after the accident that had killed their parents, of the way he had obtained a first-class degree, of the way he had worked doggedly in a law firm for the two years following, before applying and succeeding in getting this position with Patrick McGrath. Yes, she was very proud of him—she just wished that she had taught him to be a little less candid when it came to their own private affairs!
    â€œAll settled?” He sat back on his heels to look at them both expectantly after placing the tray down on the low table.
    â€œAlmost.” Patrick McGrath was the one to answer him dryly.
    Almost nothing! Ellie was grateful to him for his praise of Toby and of the part she had played in helping to form him into the likeable young man he was—but that did not mean she was going to agree to this ridiculous plan for Patrick McGrath to accompany her to the company Christmas dinner!
    â€œWe just have to dot the i’ s and cross the t’ s,” Patrick McGrath assured the younger man.
    â€œReally?” Toby looked pleased by the prospect as he stood up. “I have a date later, so if neither of you mind I’ll just go upstairs and change while you two chat. Be back in a couple of minutes,” he added, before leaving the room.
    â€œYou see what I mean,” Patrick McGrath murmured softly. “He’s like a puppy, or a little brother that you don’t want to disappoint.”
    â€œHe happens to be a little brother,” Ellie reminded him frustratedly. “And I’m afraid this time he’s going to be very disappointed!”
    â€œWhy?” Patrick McGrath regarded her with cool eyes.
    â€œBecause—because, Mr McGrath—” she began impatiently.
    â€œPatrick,” he invited smoothly.
    â€œVery well—Patrick,” she bit out decisively.
    â€œHas something changed since Toby spoke to me this afternoon?” he prompted interestedly. “Have you and the ex-boyfriend managed to patch things up after all? Because if you have—”
    â€œNo, we haven’t managed to ‘patch things up’,” she cut in evenly, her frustration increasing by the minute as she felt this situation slipping more and more out of her grasp. “And we never will,” she added firmly. “But that does not mean—”
    â€œYou have to go to the dinner with me instead,” Patrick McGrath finished slowly. “Do you have someone else in mind?”
    â€œNo. But—”
    â€œThen where’s your problem? I was asked; I said yes—”
    â€œYou’re starting to sound like Toby now,” she interrupted weakly. “Mr—Patrick,” she corrected as he raised his brows in silent rebuke, “you can’t seriously want to come to a boring company dinner as my escort!”
    â€œWhy can’t I?”
    â€œBecause it will be boring !” she assured him heatedly. What was wrong with the man? Couldn’t he see she didn’t want him to go with her?
    His mouth twisted into the semblance of a smile. “Ellie, I think you underestimate yourself,” he drawled huskily.
    â€œI wasn’t—” She broke off, her cheeks fiery red. “Look, Patrick, Toby shouldn’t have told you any ofthose things about my personal life. Because they are personal. And, quite frankly—”
    â€œA little embarassing?” he finished calmly, obviously having taken note of her red cheeks.
    A little? This had to be the worst thing Toby had ever done to her. Honest and trustworthy were fine, candid she really needed to discuss with him!
    â€œYes, it’s embarrassing.” Ellie sighed heavily. “And, apart from the fact that you value Toby as your employee, I have no idea why you should even have listened to his suggestion, let alone actually