Читать книгу The Complete #LoveLondon Collection - Nikki Moore - Страница 9

Noel Summerford hated Christmas.

The intense, harried craziness drove him half nuts every year. The pressure to buy everyone presents they didn't want and would never use. Shoving, rippling crowds on the streets forgetting their manners, desperate to cross every item off their shopping lists. People parting with their hard earned cash at rip-off prices that would reduce to near zero as soon as it hit Boxing Day. Endless turkey dinners with dry overcooked white meat, lashings of sickly cranberry sauce and stodgy stuffing. Unwanted, twee greetings cards with their cutesy reindeer or Santa cartoons. Cheesy, artificial music piped into every shop for months, seasonal tunes playing on every radio station until he thought his ears would bleed, especially as the girls in the office insisted on turning the music up to near deafening volumes. His female colleagues wearing silver bauble earrings and pressuring the men to dress in novelty ties and festive knitted jumpers made him grind his teeth, but worse was how they clambered up on desks in ridiculously high heels to hang decorations from the beige walls and white-tiled ceiling. It was an annual health and safety nightmare, given that he was the Corporate H&S Officer for a high-street retail giant.

Yes, Christmas was definitely his least favourite time of the year, and his preference would be to hide in his man-cave for the whole of December. He therefore couldn't think of anything worse than ice skating – or in his case falling on his arse countless, humiliating times – at Somerset House. It was London's favourite outdoor ice rink according to The Evening Standard magazine, or so Matt had informed him. He could admit that the main sandstone neoclassical building, set in a square shape around the central courtyard, was quite impressive with its graceful columns, Victorian style black lampposts, mini white-encrusted trees in massive gold leaf pots and grand entrances on the Strand and the Embankment. Right now that was contrasted against the modern single-storey, white-framed, temporary buildings that housed Tom's Skate Lounge, the Cloakrooms/Box Office and main skate entrance. Mint green and teal SKATE posters were displayed prominently and matching Fortnum & Mason flags flapped in the winter breeze. You couldn't deny there was a great buzz to the place with all the noisy, excitable visitors chattering and skating, both locals and tourists from the sounds of it. But Noel was a disaster on the ice, and the giant Christmas tree in a huge wicker hamper was overdecorated and overdone… as well as a sharp reminder it was only a few days until the dreaded C-day. There was no escaping it.

Leaning up against the transparent waist-high wall guarding the rink, taking a much needed break from skating, he shivered and shifted from one foot to another. Cold vapour formed in a puffy cloud in front of his face as he exhaled. It was seriously bitter today. He checked the watch that'd belonged to his grandfather; rectangular face, brown leather strap, built to last. It was three in the afternoon, so it was only going to get colder and bleaker. Although, if he froze to death, at least it would be a merciful release from this ice-encrusted hell. This was the last time he was doing a favour for a friend. Not that refusing had really been an option, given the favour was to carry out perfectly reasonable god-fatherly duties for Jasper, whose dad Matt was Noel's best friend.

Teeth chattering, as he watched people - including Jasper - whizz around the ice, he decided he was going abroad for Christmas next year. Somewhere he could sit on a beach, dewy beer bottle in hand and read a crime thriller while soaking up the sun's rays. Because even though he was wrapped up in black jeans, a long sleeved top, thick green jumper, woollen winter coat, scarf, thermal lined gloves and a beanie hat pulled right down to cover his hair, he was still bloody freezing.

As if the weather wasn't bad enough, every time he got on the rink four year old Jasper skated rings around him. It was embarrassing to be a thirty year old guy with no sense of coordination who couldn't push away from the wall, stop, or glide along the blindingly white ice without falling over … but it was mortifying that Jasper, who'd only skated once before (or so he claimed) was showing Noel up with such natural talent. Already having taught himself to do some kind of spinning stop, he was currently attempting to skate backwards, forcing his heels together then apart in curved S shapes. The kid had absolutely no fear, throwing his little body around like it couldn't be bent or broken. But that was kids for you. They were resilient little things, unlike some adults.

No. Not today. There were other things to worry about, like looking after Jasper, which was why he'd fought the temptation to dive into the Skate Lounge with its windows overlooking the rink and rainbow coloured assortment of round paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling, and was staying put. He should probably get Jasper to calm down a bit, stop with the tricks and skate in nice sensible circles holding Noel's hand instead. That was what the H&S part of him would do with a potentially dangerous activity; minimise the risk. Except:-

a) the kid probably wouldn't listen to a word he said,

b) Jasper was always on the verge of hyperactivity so it made sense to tire him out,

and most importantly,

c) it was probably safer for Jasper not to hold his hand.

The little tyke came hurtling towards him in an expensive blue ski suit, stopping with a scrape and spraying ice up into Noel's face.

'Jasper!' he snapped, scowling and scrubbing the sharp ice crystals off with his gloves.

The boy's round-cheeked face fell, eyes widening. Noel sighed, feeling like a complete bastard. It wasn't cool to upset Jasper, just because he wasn't enjoying himself. Besides, he was genuinely fond of the little whirlwind and loved being his godfather.

'Never mind,' he joked, forcing a grin and stretching over the wall to straighten Jasper's hat, 'it's only a bit of ice. I was getting bored anyway, needed something to wake me up!' Rolling his eyes in an exaggerated cartoon character way, he crossed then uncrossed them, making the boy giggle. 'How's it going? Enjoying yourself? You're doing some good stuff out there, Jay.'

'Uh-huh,' Jasper nodded, dark head bopping up and down like the dog in the insurance ads, 'it's really, really awesome. But it would be better if you were skating with me '’ncle Noel.' He beamed, showing a gap where his two front teeth should be, reminding Noel of the carol, All I Want For Christmas…

The hope that Jasper might be ready to go after nearly three hours of skating died, and the boy's expression became pleading as Noel fell silent. The rest of the day would be spent with a storm cloud of guilt hanging over his head if he said no. Jasper had been bugging Matt about skating at Somerset House for months, ever since one of his friends had mentioned going the year before.

Time to do his duty. Careful to keep the dread off his face, Noel nodded. 'Sure, I'll give it another go.' My seventh one today. 'Be right there.' He clomped through the skate entrance building and stepped on to the ice. Clutching the wall for support, trying to balance on the metal blades - stupidly risky if you asked him, who would think to put knives on a pair of boots? - he pulled himself over to his godson, sure his knuckles were not just white but positively glowing beneath his gloves. Perhaps he could manage a circuit without making an idiot of himself this time.

Nodding at Jasper, 'Come on then,' he smiled bravely and carefully pushed off from the side. Walking/wobbling more than actually skating, arms extended like a pair of crippled wings, knees shaking, doubt flashed through his head. There's a snowball's chance in hell of me not landing on my arse again.

Holly Winterlake loved Christmas.

The chaotic, festive madness of it all thrilled her every year. The delight of spinning and dodging around people in shops to grab the best bargain to cross off her gift list, bought with her Christmas slush fund which she saved up towards monthly. Scrumptious turkey dinners with moist white meat, lashings of fruity cranberry sauce and fragrant, tasty stuffing, not to mention crispy butter-slathered roast potatoes. Exchanging cheery greetings cards featuring cutesy snowmen or North Pole cartoons, watching the assorted envelopes dropping onto her parents' doormat every morning. The jingling, jingly, upbeat tunes playing everywhere to get everybody into the Christmas spirit, which she turned up to maximum volume on the radio while she and her mum bopped around the breakfast table each morning. Having the perfect excuse to wear her favourite tiny silver snowman earrings. Hanging the circular red berry foliage wreath on the front door, set off perfectly by the green ivy twined around a wire topiary frame. The optimistic pining for snow and a white Christmas. Catching the tube with her mum's favourite metal tray if it did snow (more fun than a sleigh because you had to cram your legs onto it, tuck your chin into your knees and hope for the best) to slide down a steep Hampstead Heath hill.

Yes, Christmas was definitely her favourite time of year. In fact, Holly's preference would be to celebrate it every month, and pretend that summer with its muggy, prickly heat and scorching sun that burnt her fair skin and bleached her blonde hair lighter didn't exist. This December she couldn't think of anything better than ice skating for a living. It was a dream come true to be an Ice Marshall at Somerset House, being paid to loop the rink to make sure members of the public were safe, providing them with help where they needed it, issuing skates on request and helping the Ice Technician clean the ice when it became dented and scarred from use. The skating test before the job offer had been as easy as breathing, she'd completed the training at the beginning of the previous month easily and she was lucky enough to have picked up five shifts a week, working up to eight hours a day. Her mum might be worried about her overdoing it on the ice but the money would all definitely add up towards her start up fund. Come the New Year, she was going into business.

She glanced around, grinning. The forty foot Christmas tree near the North Wing, sprinkled with twinkling lights, gorgeous silver, gold, white, bronze and teal baubles and miniature Fortnum and Mason hampers, was an exciting reminder that it was Christmas Eve the next day.

Letting out a small squeak of anticipation, and checking she had enough room, Holly did a quick one foot spin, the first she'd learnt as a child. Starting with arms outstretched and pushing off with her right foot, twirling around she brought her arms in and her foot up against her knee, then span back out, ending with her arms crossed over her chest, both feet planted. Laughing, she did it again, joy and exhilaration zinging through her as the familiar move brought back a thousand happy memories of her professional figure-skating days. Those years had been filled with hard work, endless hours of practice, more bruises, grazes and sprains than she could count, and little time for friends or hobbies, but had also included some of the best moments of her life. When you got it right, it felt like you were flying.

It was a shame she could no longer do a Lutz or Axel as easily as a one foot spin, but she couldn't take the risk.

When she came to a stop, a small boy with big green eyes and a mop of brown hair peeking out from under a winter hat was staring at her. Steady on his feet, he looked more comfortable on the ice than the majority of adults. She'd seen him earlier, confidently gliding along. He hadn't needed her help and she'd been busy helping a family with twin girls, blonde hair in matching plaits, so she hadn't had a chance to tell him how well he skated.

'Wow,' he breathed, showing off a massive gappy grin. 'That was sooo good. You're a really cool ice person.'

'Thanks. I'm Holly, one of the Ice Marshalls.' Rather than someone who sounded like they were actually made of frozen water. She smiled. He was adorable. All massive eyes and cherry red cheeks. 'What's your name?'

'Jasper.'

'Well, I'll let you into a secret Jasper.' She scooted a little closer to him, bending down to his height. 'When I was only a tiny bit older than you, just after I started school, I started skating. I was in competitions, and won things. So I've had a lot of time on the ice.' Before the injury. When her world turned upside down. 'How long have you been skating? A few months?'

'Nope,' shaking his head, 'this is my second time. Daddy works a lot and Melody has gone home for Christmas. But she'll be back as soon as she can and she promised, promised, promised to bring me lots of presents and hugs. She said I'm a busy boy who keeps her running around but I'm on Santa's good boy list.' From the way he said it, he'd heard it a lot in the past few weeks.

'I'm sure you are,' Holly agreed, amused at his babble. 'Melody sounds cool.' Who she was, Holly wasn't quite sure of, obviously not the boy's mum, but would his Dad's girlfriend really disappear off for Christmas? 'But is this really only your second time? You're very good you know.' She paused, 'Do you want me to show you a few tricks a bit later on?' Strictly speaking she was here to help the customers who needed it but she could wait until the end of the afternoon, when it got a bit quieter, to spend some time with him.

'Would you?' he jumped, heels to his bum, and landed perfectly again on both skates, which was harder than it looked. 'That'd be super cool!' he paused, expression dropping. 'I have to ask if it's okay though.'

'Ask who?'

Spinning around in a perfect one eighty, he glanced around the rink. After a moment he extended a podgy finger, glancing at her sheepishly. 'Him…he's not very good.'

'I'm sure he's not that bad- Oh.'

They watched in silence as a man wrapped up to the max with a face like a British thundercloud under a beanie hat slipped and lurched around the rink, arms flailing, even though every few feet he was using the wall to steady himself.

From the look on his face, Jasper was embarrassed. Heck, Holly felt embarrassed, but it was for Jasper's dad on his behalf, rather than not wanting to be seen with him. 'Well, at least he's trying,' she said from corner of her mouth, 'he might get better.'

'Ummm…' the boy gave her a doubtful look.

But bless, you had to give the guy points for being here for his son, and making a bit of an idiot of himself in the process. Maybe he just wasn't very fit. He looked a bit bulky and soft around the middle. Or perhaps he didn't have good balance. Shame he wasn't a child; otherwise he could use one of the penguin skating aids available for the younger skaters in the separate area down the South Wing end.

Right. Two birds with one diplomatic, tactful stone then. 'Come on,' she gestured the boy to follow her, 'let's go ask him about you trying something a bit more adventurous.'

'Hi, there!' Her tone was friendly as she skated up behind the man, but unfortunately it unnerved him. Whipping his head round, his feet scissored, arms wind-milling. Trying to find his centre of gravity but failing, his legs started to slide in opposite directions. 'Oops!' Acting on instinct, Holly moved in, threading her arms under his to hoist him up, leaning forward for balance. 'Woah, there you go. I've got you.'

Practically spooning the guy upright wasn't the most professional way to help and she might get a telling off by the Front of House Manager, but it was the best she could do at short notice.

He didn't reply, just made a grunting sound and shook his head.

With his back plastered to her front and bum tucked into the curve of her hips, she realised he wasn't as bulky as he first seemed; it was the never ending amount of layers he was wrapped in. No wonder he was having issues, his upper body was totally constricted. No, he wasn't soft around the middle; he was actually quite nicely built.

'Okay?' she asked a little breathlessly. Untangling their arms, she steadied him with a firm hand and glided them over to the side, checking to make sure Jasper was still with them. The little boy gave her a reassuring nod, keeping pace.

'No, I'm not okay,' the guy spat as soon as he was hanging on to the wall, 'you scared the crap out of me!'

The girl took a step back at his tone, emotions flickering over her face; astonishment, irritation, simmering anger, settling at last on blank politeness. Pale blonde hair tied back in a high ponytail, she had glacier blue eyes, creamy skin and was girl next door pretty, but everything about her screamed winter. He preferred the hot Latin type. Women with curves and smouldering dark eyes. Not women who looked like Taylor Swift's slightly taller twin. The loose purple tabard - Ice Marshall in white script across the front - worn over some kind of waterproofs was hardly sexy. She could be straight up and down under there. Not that it mattered.

'I'm sorry if I startled you,' she said, every word coated with frost. 'But perhaps I can talk you through some skating tips?' Looking pointedly at Jasper, who was gazing up at Noel with a puzzled expression.

Noel realised what he'd said and the way he'd said it, and gritted his teeth. First he'd had to be publicly rescued, then he'd spoken to his rescuer like a spoilt five year old. That wasn't okay. Frustration tumbled through him. He wasn't getting any better at skating. And there was a funny hitch in his stomach at having a woman plastered up against him for the first time in two years, since- Stop. There was no way he was going to think about her now.

'I'm sorry if I was rude,' he glanced at the girl apologetically. 'And thank you for the offer…?’

'Holly.'

'Holly. But I'm not interested in getting any better.' Shaking his head. 'I might be here tomorrow, but after that I don't plan to come near an ice rink for a really long time.'

She giggled, then bit her lower lip, teeth straight and white except for a slightly crooked canine. It was a tiny imperfection, but somehow appealing.

He cleared his throat, raising one eyebrow, 'Are you allowed to laugh at customers?'

'S-sorry,' she choked, covering her mouth, 'probably not, I just- ahem,' she dropped her hand, smiling, 'you just sounded so pained. I had a fleeting thought … I wondered if you were traumatised.'

'Yeah,' he drawled, elbowing aside the mental note his treacherous brain had made about what an appealing shade of pink her lips were, 'I'll be seeking compensation from Somerset House to fund some counselling sessions.'

Her smile widened, eyes twinkling. 'It would be a conflict for me to give evidence on your behalf,' she joked, 'but you definitely seem like you could use them.'

'I'll let you know how I get on,' he grinned back, then fell silent. Why was he flirting with her? She wasn't his type, and the last thing he needed was a woman complicating things. 'Anyway,' he muttered, 'I'd better get on.' He turned away to pull himself along the edge of the rink using the wall. 'Come on, Jay.'

Jasper frowned but nodded, obediently skating a few metres ahead, near enough that Noel could keep an eye on him, but not so close that he'd be in the danger zone if his godfather fell over.

Noel was surprised when Holly stayed with him, matching pace.

Taking a breath and winking at Jasper, who'd turned to watch them over his shoulder, she lowered her voice. 'Look, I am sorry if I surprised you, and if you don't want my help that's fine, but I'd actually come over to speak to you about something.'

He nodded, trying not to think about what he was doing with his feet. The more he thought about it, the more likely he was to fall over. 'I see. And what's that?' he'd caught the look passing between Holly and Jasper. They were obviously up to something. No wonder Jasper was staying close, rather than zipping around like he had done earlier.

'I'd love for Jasper to stay on so I can teach him a few moves later. He's a natural.'

'I'm not sure that's a good idea. It sounds sort of dangerous.' He risked taking his hand off the wall and moved faster, trying to remember to slide his feet in turn, instead of walking on the ice.

'I know what I'm doing and would be with him the whole time,' she said earnestly, accelerating to keep up with him. 'It's no more dangerous than a lot of other childhood activities; riding a bike, swimming in the sea.'

'I wouldn't know,' he dismissed, then stumbled on a groove in the ice, and started going down, arms flailing. She was there immediately, slipping her right arm around his waist and fitting neatly under his left arm to steady him, as if they were a couple, like they'd been doing this for years. He could feel the warmth of her body up and down his side. Smell strawberries in her blonde hair, her glossy ponytail swinging against his cheek. Their faces were so close he could tilt his head and kiss her if he wanted to. 'Thank you.' He straightened up abruptly, got his balance, feeling his face go red. 'Like I was saying,' he continued gruffly, 'I really don't know that much about kids.'

Holly squinted at the guy, aware of her hand clutching his waist, and the way she could feel his minty breath on her cheek. 'Pardon?' How could he not know about childhood activities, or kids? 'But you're got one!'

'What? What are you-? Ah.' Letting out an exasperated sigh, he gently disentangled himself from her, and hobbled back over to the wall. 'Jasper,' he called, 'come here please.'

Jasper waved, and started back toward them.

Pulling his hat off, Jasper's dad scrubbed a tanned hand through his thick dark hair, which was starting to curl. She did not want to run her fingers through it. Okay, maybe she did a tiny bit, because he was kind of cute when he wasn't frowning, scowling or grumbling, and he had lovely long eyelashes, but he wasn't really her type. She preferred blond sunny guys with open expressions and the preppy college look. Grumps need not apply.

'Well,' she tried to hide her confusion behind an uncertain smile, 'I suppose a lot of parents go through a steep learning curve.' She had two nephews who'd definitely put her older sister through some challenging times.

'He's not mine.' He explained, putting an arm around Jasper's narrow shoulders as the boy appeared beside him. Looking down, his wry smile communicated you little tinker. Jasper pulled a you got me face and smiled back hopefully. 'I'm his godfather, Noel.' He explained, looking back at Holly. 'And while I spend time with him whenever I can, I'm hardly an expert when it comes to kids.'

'Oh, right.' She paused, something in her melting at the affection between them. Noel clearly hated skating but had brought Jasper here anyway. Perhaps he wasn't so bad. Irrelevant, get back on track. 'Well in that case maybe you can ask his dad? Or I can talk to him? If he understands how talented Jasper might be-'

'That won't be possible.' His face settled into a blank Keep Out: This Ski Trail is Closed, expression.

'Why not?'

'He's working.'

'We could call him-'

'Pleeeeasseee.' Jasper tugged on Noel's jacket, eyes wide and bottom lip stuck out. 'Please can you phone Daddy-'

'Nope. Sorry. Not now, kid. He's not available. The best I can do is try and talk to him tonight and see if he'll let you try some stuff tomorrow, if we come back.' He glanced down at the boy, his expression softening. 'Why don't you skate a bit, Jay, while Holly and I talk. Stay close, okay?'

'Kay,' grinning mischievously, Jasper started skating in a semi-circle, pushing himself off the wall behind Noel, flying past them to touch the wall a few feet beyond Holly, turning and launching himself back to the wall beside Noel again.

'Look, I'm sure he'd enjoy learning from you,' dropping his voice, Noel looked down at Holly and she realised with a flutter in her belly that he must be well over six foot, given he towered above her. 'But Ma- my friend isn't usually keen to let Jay participate in risky stuff. He's very protective.'

She gave him a quizzical look.

'Jay's mum died in a car accident.' Noel expanded quietly. 'Jasper and his sister were in the car when it happened.'

'Oh. Wow.' Holly tucked her hands into her trouser pockets. 'Poor things. It must be awful to lose a parent so young.'

Face tightening, Noel's voice dropped a few octaves. 'Yes. It is.'

'Still. It's really not that risky, learning a few spins. He's out on the ice anyway-'

'I get it, but it's not my decision to make.' He cast a look over at Jasper, who was still skating around them, getting closer but still not quite in earshot. 'Like I said,' he spoke quickly, 'I'll talk to his dad this evening and if he's okay with it, I'll bring Jasper back tomorrow and you can show him a few tricks then.' He looked positively depressed at the prospect.

'Thanks, I guess I'll have to be happy with that for now.' She paused, 'I take it you don't like, or enjoy, skating?'

'Hate it,' Noel agreed flatly, staring around the ice rink accusingly like it was a living thing.

'It's not the ice's fault!' she protested lightly.

'Obviously.' He turned his attention back to her. 'But I'm rubbish, that's all there is to it.'

'You're still learning-' she began.

'I know I'm a paying customer,' he said, dark brown eyes amused, 'but come on, be honest.'

'’Ncle Noel, ’ncle Noel!' Jasper paused, stomping his skates on the ice, 'I can stamp out the tune to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie!'

'That's great kid,' Noel gave him a thumbs up, 'but be careful please.'

Holly smiled and picked up the ribbon of conversation as Jasper resumed skating in a half-moon around them. 'Well, you could definitely use some practice…' She backtracked at the glowering expression Noel gave her, 'Okay. Truthfully? You're not good. And I know you said you're not intending to work on your skating, and I get it, but it's still nice to be here, surely? It's so lovely and Christmassy,' she breathed, grinning, throwing her arms out. 'It's such a great atmosphere. Everyone's in a fantastic mood. Well, almost everyone.'

He studied her, eyes narrowing. 'Personally I can't think of anything worse than all this,' he edged forward as Jasper narrowed his semi-circle, getting closer to Holly and Noel each time he tapped the wall, 'festive rubbish. I'm just here for him.'

'Festive rubbish?' she squeaked, 'You don't like Christmas either?' she could hear the horror coating her voice and this conversation was probably getting too personal, but she couldn't leave it there.

'It's an expensive exercise in commercialism,' he replied. As she opened her mouth to respond, he held up a hand, palm out. 'Before you say it, yeah, I'm being bah-humbug. Guilty.'

'I don't know what to say. That's really sad. I just see it as a time of giving, fun and spending time with friends and fam-'

'I can do without the lecture, thanks, but generally speaking people are in a great mood because it's an excuse to drink alcohol, eat lots and have time off work.'

'Woah. That's a bit strong. Maybe you just need to experience the joys of Christmas.'

'See the wonder of it through a child's eyes, you mean?' he quipped, unzipping his coat.

Obviously this guy had a cynical streak a snow-covered mountain-peak wide.

'Perhaps.' She muttered, gliding nearer as Jasper brushed her arm. 'Or maybe … is there a reason you don't like Christmas? Are there bad memories, or-?'

'It's really none of your business, and please don't psychoanalyse me. Despite us joking about counselling, I don't need therapy. I don't mind other people enjoying Christmas, I just don't want to be forced too as well. I mean,' he pointed at the enormous Christmas tree, 'look at that. Is it really necessary?'

She flushed. This guy was deeply unhappy about the whole thing. Well, each to their own, and he was right, he was a customer - the last thing she wanted was a complaint. She was enjoying this job too much. 'Maybe not necessary, but it's tradition, which to some people is important. Anyway, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you.'

'I'm not upset. Don't worry about it.' He waved off her apology. Rubbed a hand along the back of his neck. 'Oh, man,' he muttered under his breath, 'I'm being an idiot.'

A waft of sexy male aftershave hit Holly at the same time as his admission, and something tingled in her belly. She realised how close they were, only a foot spanning the space between them, thanks to Jasper's game. Her eyes wandered over his face, noticing that actually he had a lovely firm jaw line, with a slight coating of stubble. She gulped. Shame he was such a Scrooge. Not that she was really into dating at the moment. She planned to be immersed in her new business for the next few months, or years, if that was what it took.

Noel suddenly lurched toward her, as Jasper ran into the back of him. 'Oof! Jasper!'

He grabbed Holly's shoulders so as not to crash into her, and she braced her hands against his chest so that they didn't head-butt each other. She caught another waft of sexy aftershave.

Jasper giggled and skated away in a figure of eight.

'I am so …' Noel trailed off as he stared down at Holly.

She held her breath, aware of the firmness of his chest under his woolly green jumper, the way her fingers were clinging to the soft material.

Shaking his head, looking confused, he tried again. 'I'm sorry. He's a handful sometimes. And I'm sorry I snapped.' Stepping back carefully, he made an effort to smile, and the corners of his eyes crinkled slightly. 'It's not you at all. It's completely me. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that. It's just that I've had the same conversation with people for years. It's getting boring. Not to mention frustrating. Christmas just stresses me out.' He touched her arm, and she swore she could feel the heat of it through her waterproof top, which should not be possible.

She dropped her arms and tucked her hands in her trouser pockets. 'Fair enough.'

'Really?' he looked surprised, quickly followed by suspicious.

'It's your choice.' Holly shrugged. 'And I get it; people going on at you about the same thing over and over can drive you a bit barmy. My mum does it all the time about the skating. I've just learnt to listen, nod in the right places and then do my own thing anyway. Works wonders for my stress levels.'

'Maybe I'll try that,' he mused. 'But I mean it,' he insisted. 'I am sorry. And I'm not like this about everything, honest. You should see me in the summer. I can tell jokes with the best of them.' He smiled. 'I know a good one about a health and safety officer who walks into a bar-'

'You don't have to convince me of your comedy value,' she shook her head, 'it's fine. Hopefully Jasper can come back tomorrow, but if he can't, he can't. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon.' She'd done all she could, and would just have to see if they'd show up the next day.

'Wait, I-' he caught hold of Holly's sleeve as she went to skate away backwards.

Jasper appeared next to them, stopping with a spray of ice. 'Can we go have a hot drink ’Ncle Noel? I'm cold.' He chattered his teeth to demonstrate how much. 'Pleeeeease.'

Despite her desire to leave, and that she should be asking Noel to let her go, Holly smiled. The little boy was a real cutie.

'And can pretty Holly come with us please?' He turned to her, eyes bright. 'I want you to say about ice skating. And your cups and trophies.'

'I- ' she gazed at Noel over the boy's head. Oh, help. 'I'm sure you can manage without me. I'm due a break but-'

'Please join us.' Noel said, to her bewilderment. 'If you can.' I'm exhausted, he mouthed, rolling his eyes. 'The drink is on me.' Please, his brown eyes begged, in much the same way Jasper had pleaded with him a moment before. He obviously wasn't used to looking after kids, and needed a break from Jasper's steady stream of random chatter and demands. 'I'll be nice,' he promised.

She decided to take pity on him. But only to make his godson happy. 'Okay.' It's at a price, her eyes sparkled back. 'They do a nice hot chocolate or cream tea in the Fortnum's Lodge.'

'Yay!' Jasper hopped up and down, 'Yay, yay, yay.'

She noticed Noel swallow at the brand, and could almost see a cash register in his brain ringing up the bill, but to his credit he simply nodded. 'Sounds good to me. The lodge is in the West Wing right, just behind us?'

Nodding, 'Have you been here before?'

'No, I looked up the floor-plan online.'

'You're a guy who likes to be prepared.'

'I don't like the unexpected.' He said, looking serious. 'I like to know where I am, where I'm going, what's happening.'

Holly stared at him. 'Sounds like you're talking about more than maps of Somerset House. But surely you can't always know where you are, where you're going or what's going to happen.'

'I don't see why not.'

'Life isn't like that,' she shook her head, 'it's messy and complicated. You can never know what's around the corner.'

'I can't think like that. I couldn't think of anything worse.'

'But,' she drifted closer to him, 'the unexpected things are the best parts.'

'They are? Why?'

'Because they usually end up being the fun or exciting bits, or the times you learn the most about yourself, or your friends or family.'

'That's very idealistic,' he replied, his dark gaze fluttering over her mouth before returning to her eyes, 'but an interesting way of looking at it.'

Feeling her cheeks warm, she grinned to hide how flustered she felt. 'You know I'm right, despite that lukewarm reply. Now let's get going, I can't be too long.'

Signalling to a fellow Ice Marshall colleague that she was taking a break, Holly tapped on the face of her sports watch and held both hands up twice. He nodded in reply and waved back at her, grey hair catching the bluey-purple spotlights spanning the rink.

Spinning around, she got off the ice and took a seat in the Skate Entrance building, Noel and Jasper following close behind. Rapidly unlacing her skates, she encouraged Jasper to do the same. 'Come on, the quicker we get our shoes on, the quicker you can have a hot chocolate. Race you.'

'While you two do that, I think I'll get rid of a few layers.' Noel said above her. 'I'm sure it'll be a lot warmer inside the main building.'

Holly heard rustling and when she straightened up, skates in hand, her eyes widened. Who'd have known he'd have such gorgeous broad shoulders in that clinging green jumper and amazingly taut, muscular thighs in snug black jeans?

'If you come back tomorrow,' she muttered, 'you might want to try wearing trousers that aren't so…' she got her breathing under control with a effort, 'tight.'

Huh. It was obviously too long since she'd pulled if she was finding the Grinch of Christmas Present so damn attractive.

A few minutes later, Holly lead Jasper over to grey double doors with a red sign hanging above it, Fortnum's Lodge at the Christmas Arcade in bold white lettering. Noel was trailing a few feet behind. He loved Jay, but his boundless energy could be challenging. At least Jasper was practically attached to Holly's hip, giving Noel a break.

'Thank you for saying I'm pretty, Jasper,' Holly pulled the door open for the boy, motioning him ahead of her, 'it was very nice of you.'

Swivelling his head, Jasper gave her a toothy smile. 'S'okay. You are. Melody's pretty too, but she has darker hair. You look a bit like Rapunzel out of Aimee's book but I don't think your hair is long enough.'

Holly ran a hand down over her pale blonde ponytail, which reached the middle of her back. 'My hair is long, but I agree a prince couldn't use it to climb the side of a tower. Who's Aimee?'

Scrunching up his face like he'd eaten something icky, 'My big sister.'

'Oh,' she bit her lip, 'I see. Right, go and pick a table.' She gestured around the wooden floored room they'd stepped into with its high square tables and bronze effect metal stools with rectangular backs. It was connected to another space that was meant to be a pop-up version of the Fortnum and Mason store in Piccadilly, fresh nuts and fruit arranged next to neat rows of green and teal boxes of tea and other dried goods.

'Cool.' Jasper raced over to the corner of the room and clambered up onto a stool.

'What a charmer.' Holly smiled at Noel. 'Sure to be a heart-breaker.'

'Yeah, he's much better with the ladies than I am,' he joked, but knew there was an edge to his voice, 'takes after his dad and uncle.' Matt and Stephen were usually the ones who got the girls. He was the wingman, the quiet afterthought. Matt had told him to try smiling more, engage in conversation. Stephen, younger and brasher, had taken a different tack. 'If you stopped scowling and looking so flipping miserable, you might get more action.' Thanks so much, mate.

He did all right if he wanted to. He just wasn't that bothered most of the time. He liked being alone. Avoid the complication, minimise the risks.

'So.' Holly said as they threaded their way through the tables. 'Pretty ironic that someone who hates Christmas is named after it.'

'Hilarious.' Noel dead-panned, sliding onto the stool next to Jasper, trying to work out how to avoid the questions she was sure to ask. The air smelt of cinnamon, and the steam rising from jugs of hot milk staff members were heating up and pouring into mugs. The clatter of cutlery and conversations created a lively din.

'So, one of your parents must have liked Christmas?' Holly prompted, sitting down opposite him.

Yep, just as he'd expected. He shifted in his chair and picked up a menu. 'What's good in here?'

Holly blinked at his deflection, then shrugged. 'You can make it merry; they do a mean tipsy hot chocolate, or there's mulled cider, and you can get champagne and truffles or cream tea as part of Skate Extra,' at his blank look she explained, 'packages you can book. And their signature drink is the Fortnum's Bees Knees cocktail I think…but seeing as it's only half past three it's probably a bit early for that.'

'Yeah, and you're also showing what you spend your evenings doing,' he replied cheekily, 'but what else is good?'

'Everything really. The standard hot chocolates are nice; you can add whipped cream, chocolate shavings and marshmallows.'

Jasper started humming noisily and swinging his legs, attracting attention from the family at the next table who were feasting on a delicious looking chocolate fondue.

'What are you going to have, Jay?' Noel asked. 'Hot chocolate?'

Jasper nodded, his humming increasing. Then he stopped. 'What is there to do in here? Are there any toys?'

Noel hesitated. Come clean or try and fudge something? 'No, not really, this is a café really but-'

'I'm bored, did you bring my iPad?'

'No, because we came to skate,' Noel said patiently.

'But Melody always-'

'Why don't we order and then we can-' his voice broke halfway through the sentence.

'Have you ever seen this before?' Holly exclaimed, pulling a smartphone from her pocket and quickly tapping the screen. 'Look at this cool app.'

'What is it?' Jasper scooched nearer to her.

'It's a tracker for Santa. On Christmas Eve you can see where he is as he travels around the world delivering presents.'

'Woah, really?' he bounced up and down in his seat, using his new favourite word. 'Cool.'

Noel rolled his eyes at Holly. 'Now you've done it,' he murmured in a low voice.

Holly carried on what she was doing but to his surprise stuck a small pink tongue out at him. 'Yep, really.' She turned back to Jasper, 'And you can even see where he is now, at his home in the North Pole. Look,' she handed the phone over, showing him where to press for more information, 'but it only works for good boys and girls. So you need to let your uncle sort out the drinks nicely.' She threw a look at Noel and he got the hint. She was good. He went and spoke with a member of staff and within minutes they each had a luxurious hot chocolate in front of them, the heat of the milk quickly melting the generous lashings of whipped cream.

Noel wrapped his hands around the drink and chilled out while Holly and Jasper chatted about ice skating. It would soon be time for him to take another turn on the ice before taking Jay home, giving him dinner and trying to wrestle him into bed at a sensible time. At least he was going to be doing it at Matt's pad in Knightsbridge rather than attempting to somehow shoehorn Jasper into his tiny flat in Camden.

'So, what do you like most about Christmas?' Holly was quizzing Jasper as Noel turned his attention back to their conversation.

'I like the tree, and decorations, and sweets and presents and games and being with Daddy! And sometimes Aimee when she's not reading, or telling me what to do.' The boy rocked back and forth in his chair, a cream moustache coating his top lip. 'What about you?' he asked Holly.

Noel swore he could already see devotion in the boy's eyes, as Jasper waited for Holly's response.

'I like crackling log fires,' Holly replied, face glowing, 'and drinking eggnog. Being with my family to see them open their gifts, then watching Bond films and Disney classics on TV, cracking open nuts and filling up on Quality Street and After Eights. I also like the excuse for big hugs on a cold day, and mistletoe hanging in unexpected places.' She slid a sideways glance at Noel. 'There are lots of good things about Christmas.'

Noel sighed. Despite what she'd said about respecting his wishes, he was sure she was making a play for converting him. But she was nice, really nice. It made him feel bad about the partial lie he'd told her about the reason for Jay not being able to learn tricks, in terms of Matt being overprotective. The core of the truth was that because of who Matt was, he wouldn't want Jasper attracting any attention. He was all about keeping his kids out of the spotlight, not thrusting them into it.

'Noel?' Holly waved a hand in front of his face.

'Hmm? Sorry I was thinking about something.' He zoned back in. 'What did you say?'

'That there are lots of good things about Christmas.'

'Oh yeah, hugs and mistletoe.' He paused, a sudden image of kissing her under a bunch of small white berries and green leaves springing into his head. He shifted in his seat, wishing for looser jeans. 'I suppose it might have some compensations.' He agreed slowly, looking at her intently and raising an eyebrow.

Holly blushed, then shook her head. 'I-I'm going to have to go,' she jumped off her stool. 'Thank you for the hot chocolate, Noel,' she gave him a tight, polite smile but turned a megawatt grin on Jasper, so he was in no doubt whose company she'd preferred, 'it was lovely meeting you. I really hope I see you tomorrow. If not, have a great Christmas.' She held a hand out to the boy and they shook solemnly. 'Take care,' she backed away, and ran out the door.

And with that she was gone, Noel staring after her bewildered, with a goodbye, thanks for everything, dying on his lips.

***

Holly skidded to a grinding halt on the ice, much less graceful than her usual style. So they were back then. She'd spent half the day hoping Jasper and Noel would return so she could spend more time with the boy and get him started on some basic spins if his dad okayed it, and the other half dreading them showing up. She'd made an idiot of herself yesterday running out so abruptly, but the look Noel had given her had been unnerving in intensity. The last time a guy had looked at her that way it had ended in heartbreak. Hers.

Still, they were heading over, so she'd better suck it up and be polite.

She'd just have to ignore the flutter of excitement mixed with nerves in the pit of her stomach.

'Jasper! It's so cool to see you again,' she crouched down on her skates, tucking her hands into her armpits to keep them warm. It was colder today than the previous day, but she didn't like wearing gloves, it didn't feel right. She'd always skated bare-handed. 'I wondered where you'd got to yesterday.'

'Hi, Holly,' Jasper touched her shoulder shyly, 'Daddy said you can show me some things later today, if he can come and watch.'

'Excellent. I'm on split shift today because I'm working the club night tonight though. Do you know when he might come down?'

'He said around five or six,' Noel addressed the top of her head, and she craned her neck to gaze up at him. 'And it took a lot of convincing for Matt to say yes, and come down. A lot.'

He was wearing a hat pulled down over his dark hair again, but his coat looked thinner - it might be thermal - and he wasn't as bundled up, his blue jeans baggier than the black ones had been. He'd followed her advice about less restrictive clothing then. But he still looked far too good, far too appealing.

'That might work. You and Jasper managed it then.'

'Yes, and hi again,' he smiled down at her. 'I also managed to convince Jasper to cut me a break after our drinks yesterday. Which is why you didn't see us afterwards.'

'Hi again to you too,' she rose slowly, watching as Jasper started skating rings around them. 'So how did you manage that?'

Noel eyed the boy warily, extending his arms slightly to balance. 'I asked nicely and made him an offer he couldn't refuse.'

'Did it by any chance include a certain fast food chain?' she teased, thinking of her sister's favourite bribe for her sons.

'I couldn't possibly comment,' he shot back, 'except to say that I used all the charm and patience at my disposal-'

She pulled a face.

'Hey!' Noel protested, 'I know I was a bit grouchy about the whole Christmas thing, but-'

'’Ncle Noel bought me a Happy Meal yesterday, Holly,' the boy trilled as he slid past.

She laughed at the look of consternation on Noel's face. 'Busted!'

He burst into laughter. 'Oh well, it was worth a shot! Anyway, I think Matt should make it, he's been working pretty hard the last few days, so he kind of promised Jasper he'd be here. If you can show the kid a few things, I'd appreciate it…' he went quiet, a funny expression stealing over his face, 'And I'm sorry if anything I said yesterday made you feel awkward-'

'Oh, not at all,' she said quickly, 'why would you think that?'

'Just the way you left so suddenly.'

'I didn't want to be late back from my break, that's all. I love this job.' Nice save, Holly.

'Clearly,' he paused, 'still, would you mind sparing us a few minutes of your break later on? Jasper is keen to have a look around the rest of Somerset House and although I know the layout of the four main wings and the new one, I probably can't make it come to life for him like you can.'

Holly frowned, biting her lip. It was an innocent enough request, and she didn't have an issue giving up part of her break or spending time with Jasper, it was his godfather she wasn't sure about spending more time with. Noel made her feel so unsettled. She'd almost called one of her best friends, Carly, to talk it through last night. But what would she have said? I met a guy but he's closed off and sensible and hates Christmas and I don't want to get involved with anyone anyway. What a waste of breath that would have been.

'Don't worry,' Noel dismissed, turning his focus on Jasper. 'It was just an idea.' His body language and tone said casual, but a red tinge started creeping up the back of his neck between his collar and hat.

'No, it's okay,' she scrambled for an excuse, feeling bad for hesitating. And after all, what could it hurt? 'I'd be happy to do it, it's just I'm not that qualified. I don't really know about any of the art stuff in the North Wing, or the history of the place. I only really know parts of the South and East Wings. But I could walk you around those and show you my favourite things if you want. I was thinking about timings too. I could be free in an hour or so?'

'Great,' he beamed at her, and it was such an open, happy expression compared to the scowls of yesterday he looked like a different guy.

'Okaayyy,' she said slowly, 'I'll tell you when. In the meantime, do you need any help?'

'No, thanks, I'm still not interested in learning to skate. But I am wearing plasters and extra thick socks. I've got blisters the size of the London Eye,' he joked.

'Poor baby,' she replied before she could censor herself. 'I'm thinking that may be a slight exaggeration though.' Stop flirting. He's not your type, remember. You've got other more important things to be focusing on.

'It's possible. So, what about you? Don't you get blisters, skating around all day?'

'I was a professional figure-skater, my heels are rock solid.' Wow, that sounded so attractive.

'You were?' he looked confused.

'I told Jasper yesterday. Weren't you listening?'

'Obviously not,' he said sheepishly, 'sorry. So what were you, regional?'

'International, medal-winning,' she enjoyed seeing the shock on his face, 'I had sponsorship deals and everything.' Now it sounded like she was showing off, when all she was doing was stating facts.

'You did? I don't remember you.'

'It was a few years ago,' she glanced down at the ice, digging a toe-pick into it, a nervous habit from her childhood, 'and if you didn't follow the sport, it's not surprising you wouldn't know who I was.'

'Is it classified as a sport? I always thought it was just dancing,' he spun a finger round in a circle, 'on ice.'

'Figure-skating takes stamina, athleticism and agility, not to mention being fearless,' she flared, old sensitivities rising, 'it was the first winter sport included in the Olympics in the early 1900's. Have you ever had the ice whistling past your head while doing a death spiral? Until you've tried it, don't tell me it's not a sport.'

'Hey, I didn't mean to cause offence,' Noel held up both hands, 'I'm really sorry. Genuinely. I just don't know about this kind of stuff. It's ignorance, nothing else.'

Holly took a deep breath, seeing the sincerity in his chestnut brown eyes. 'I'm sorry for snapping. I'm just so used to some people not getting it…'

'That's okay. We all have our things, the ones that catch us on the raw, like me and Christmas. But I have nothing but respect for skaters in terms of the danger involved; when I've caught it in passing on TV the sight of people being twirled and thrown around in the air, and those razor sharp skates skimming past people's ears …' he shuddered. 'The health and safety side of me goes on full alert. There must be an incredible amount of injuries every year.'

'Oh, loads,' she agreed, 'in terms of minor ones; banged knees, scraped skin, sprained ankles and wrists. Fortunately there aren't that many serious ones, involving heads and backs. But then, it's not always the major ones you have to worry about.' She dug her toe-pick deeper into the ice, working a dent into it.

'Is that what happened to you?' Noel asked softly. 'I assume you don't figure-skate professionally any more.'

She frowned.

'You said was, in the past tense.'

'I'd rather not talk about it, but in short, yes that's what happened. It doesn't matter though,' she forced a smile, 'I have other plans now.'

'Good for you.'

'Yes.'

There was a silence as they gazed at each other.

'I'd better-' Noel broke eye contact and scanned the ice for Jasper. 'Where's he gone?' he muttered.

'Yes, I need to,' Holly caught a sharp glance from a manager who was walking past with a stack of pale blue SKATE flyers, 'get back to work.' How had she neglected her duties for so long? 'Do you see him?'

'Yes,' Noel huffed with relief, 'he's weaving around that group over there.' He pointed to the other side of the rink. 'Stay there Jay, I'm coming!' he yelled, then raised an eyebrow at Holly. 'Thank god I didn't lose him. That would be awful.'

'Yes, losing people is pretty brutal,' she agreed, sure that they were talking about more than a four year old boy going walkabout when a darkness settled over Noel's face.

'Anyway,' he turned and picked his way carefully over to the plastic wall, starting to pull himself around the edge of the rink towards Jasper, 'I'll see you later.'

'See you later,' Holly echoed, as Noel stop-started away, his broad-shouldered, long-legged body somehow looking forlorn. She had a mad urge to skate after him and hug him, though they hardly knew each other.

Weird. Unexpected. Scary.

'So, you've been in the Fortnum's Lodge in the West Wing, and you know there are shops in the Christmas Arcade too?' Holly turned to Noel as he and Jasper trailed along behind her.

'Yes,' Noel nodded, hooking a quick hand into the hood of Jasper's coat as he made to dance off somewhere. 'We had a quick look as we left yesterday.'

'’Ncle Noel bought me some sweets, and Daddy told him off,' Jasper ratted him out.

'He did not tell me off, cheeky, he just said they would make you hyper!'

'And?' Holly looked at Noel, eyes shining with amusement. He wondered how he'd ever thought of her as an ice princess. She was one of the most engaging people he'd ever met.

He mumbled something under his breath.

'Pardon?' she leaned closer and he inhaled her perfume, something fresh and sexy.

'I said, it took me over an hour to get him to bed last night.'

She let out a giggle. 'Hilarious.'

'Yeah, right. So come on, show us around.'

'No problem,' the look she gave him quite plainly said you lost that one, but she let it slide. 'As I said, I don't know much, but Somerset House was established as a charity in 1997 as an arts and culture hub to enhance the education of the general public. It's also meant to maintain the historic buildings. Apparently they're of English national heritage interest. The public programme includes open air films, festivals and art exhibitions, but other than that I can't tell you any more. You'd have to come back for a guided tour for that.' She smiled over her shoulder at him, gesturing to one of several sets of double pale grey doors of the South Wing facing the rink. 'But I'll tell you about my favourite bits, like Rizzoli’s bookshop. It's got illustrated subject books and gorgeous home-made cards, pads and other stationery. In here.' She led them into a lovely shop with white walls, shelves and displays of books, puzzles, notepads, pens and knitted Christmas toys laid out on antique wooden tables, decorated with red berry wreaths, seasonal prints and posters. The shop was arranged in a series of connected rooms, and they were in there for five long minutes, Noel browsing at the same time as trying to stop Jasper from touching the merchandise and asking for everything. Several times he let out exasperated breaths, and caught Holly holding back smiles.

'I know a little girl who will like this.' He showed Holly an embroidered journal, with something about dreaming, planning and doing on the spine. 'Do you mind?' he jerked his chin at Jasper.

'No, that's fine. I'll take him along the corridor into the main lobby of this wing. Just use the door over there,' she gestured opposite the till, 'rather than the one back out into the courtyard. Turn right.'

'Thanks,' he nodded. For an instant he wondered if he should trust Holly with his godson but when she smiled down at the little boy and squeezed his shoulder, he relaxed. He was just being paranoid.

A few minutes later he found them relaxing in matching curved black leather chairs, exactly where Holly had said they'd be. 'This is another favourite spot.' She explained, smiling lazily up at him. 'I mean, there are some great places to eat in here, like Tom's Kitchen, and Fernandez and Wells in the East Wing, where they do mean mince pies and hot dogs, but I like sitting here and people watching. Seeing their faces. And this is pretty cool,' she pointed her thumb at the wall behind her head, where there was a painting in an alcove, something grey and orange with antlers on top. He stepped closer to read the writing next to it, absently resting his hand on her shoulder. She fidgeted under his touch as he read the quote from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe out loud, about the Snow Queen and it always being winter but never Christmas.

'A bit like you'd have it,' Holly jumped up, shuffling a few feet away and catching hold of Jasper's sleeve as he leapt out of his seat, 'imagine that.'

'Wrong actually,' Noel smiled wryly, 'I'd have it always summer and never Christmas.'

'Silly me, of course you would,' she let go of Jasper and swung away, heading for a pair of doors that lead outside, but on the opposite side of the building to the courtyard. 'Right,' she called, 'time for one last thing before I have to get back to work.' She threw open the right-hand door with an unintended bang, 'Oops! Every time,' and headed outside and down a flight of wide stone stairs. Throwing her arms out, she spun around as Noel and Jasper reached the bottom. 'The River Terrace,' she said, sounding content, 'with a view of the London Eye and Westminster.' She indicated the busy Thames, length of the stone terrace and rows of chairs and tables set out along it. 'I'm coming back here in the summer. I might not get on with the sun, but can you imagine how heavenly it will be when it's nice weather and people can sit out here enjoying it?' Her eyes lit up further. 'I wonder if they have weddings here. What a venue.'

'Woah, slow down, we've only just met,' Noel said playfully, though he immediately regretted his words when she uncomfortably checked her watch and avoided eye contact.

'I'd better go,' she murmured.

'I was joking, you don't have to run away.' Noel wandered over to her, resting his elbows on the stone balustrade and studying the grey-green depths of the river. Jasper was only a short distance away, running in circles with his arms outstretched, so it was easy to keep an eye on him.

Holly blew out a long breath, 'Sorry. I know you were.'

'Been burnt by a guy with commitment issues?'

'My ex-fiancé,' she stared over at the capsules on the London Eye. 'About the same time I found out I wouldn't be able to skate professionally again, he cut and run. We were too young to be engaged really, but still,' her eyebrows folded together, 'it was crappy of him and I loved him so it hurt, a lot.' She sighed. 'How about you? Been burnt by someone at Christmas, or was it a bereavement?'

Somehow the fact she wasn't looking at him made the question easier to answer. And while he didn't usually offload his baggage on people, she'd shared her angst, so it only felt fair to do the same in return. 'Both,' he admitted grimly, 'my long-term girlfriend and I broke up on Christmas Day two years ago, and it's also the anniversary of my mum's death. I was eight years old when she died.'

Checking Jasper's location over Noel's shoulder, Holly laid a hand on his arm. 'I'm sorry,' she said sympathetically, 'that's utterly awful and sad, on both counts.'

Turning to make direct eye contact, he was horrified to see pity in her eyes and the softness of her expression.

'Don't feel sorry for me!' He shook her hand away. 'I'm fine. I got over it a long time ago.'

'The way you hate Christmas says something different,' she pointed out, hurt shining in her eyes.

'It's not about that, I told you I just don't like or agree with all the commercial rubbish and pressure.' He could feel his teeth gritting, but he wasn't sure how to stop the anger building.

She went to answer, but instead flew past him to yank Jasper down off the wall he'd been trying to climb, a ten foot drop to the street below his likely destination. 'Jasper, no!'

'Jay! You're a liability. Honestly.' He eased the boy out of Holly's arms and unclenched his jaw. 'Thanks. I'd better get him inside before he causes more trouble. And thank you for showing us around. We enjoyed it. I'll catch you later.' Slinging the boy over his shoulder, he took the stairs into Somerset House two at a time without looking back at Holly.

Aware he'd left her standing there, open mouth and wide eyed.

'That was incredible, Jasper.' The dark haired man patted his son on the back after watching him perform a few spins. Holly had spent only an hour showing them to him at the end of her first shift. 'Thank you so much,' Jasper's dad turned to her, 'I really appreciate it.' He grinned charmingly, forest green eyes twinkling.

'No problem,' she said faintly.

'Come on, Jasper,' he turned to his son, 'let's go do a few laps around the rink.'

Holly stared after them. She'd known Jasper would pick the skating up quickly, but what was flooring her, what was making her heart squeeze up her chest and into her throat, was who his father was.

She turned accusing eyes on Noel where he was lounging against the other side of plastic wall, and skated over to him. 'Matt Reilly is Jasper's dad? Matt Reilly is your best friend?'

'One of my best friends.' He corrected, straightening and plunging his hands into his coat pockets. 'But uh,' he cast his eyes up as if the darkening indigo sky contained all sorts of interesting things, 'yes.'

'Matt Reilly. The Matt Reilly. Mega-famous, mega-rich music producer. The guy in all the magazines-'

'Yes, all right, I get it.' He dropped his gaze back to hers. 'He's got the wow factor.' His jaw clenched, 'And you think I should have told you, but if I had, security precautions would have clicked in because Matt's so overprotective and I wanted Jasper to have normality, just for a few days, while his nanny is away. You wait and see, as soon as Matt thinks people are clocking who he is, he'll take Jasper and vanish.'

Holly watched Matt and Jasper skate around the rink, arms down by their sides. 'Still…'

'Be cross if you want, but I was thinking of Jasper. Like I said earlier, it took a lot of persuasion for me to be able to bring Jasper back and let you work with him. Matt seriously dislikes anything drawing attention to his kids.'

'I- I guess I can't judge. You know him better than I do. And I suppose you were keeping it from me for the right reasons. Still, I wished you'd told me, you can trust me-'

'We hardly know each other,' Noel stepped back, voice cold, 'I've had people I know and trust far more than you let me down.'

Direct hit. It was a good thing she wasn't seriously interested in him, or that one may have hurt. The sharp sensation in her side was a stitch. Just a stitch.

His eyes flickered over the top of her head. 'As predicted,' he nodded at Matt, who was beckoning to Jasper to hurry up as a couple of people started to notice them, 'time to go.'

'Noel, wait-'

'Yes?' he bit, face hard.

There were so many things she could say but Matt was bearing down on them fast, and Noel looked so unwelcoming she doubted he'd listen anyway. 'Nothing, you'd better go. Take care then.' She spun away quickly.

She didn't wish him a Merry Christmas, there was no point. Besides, there was work to do.

'Bye,' he said to her back, and there was a tone to his voice that hinted he wanted to say more. But when she checked over shoulder, he was already striding away with Matt, both their heads down, Jasper between them. That was it then. He was gone.

Making her way into the skate entrance building she stomped off to staff quarters to have a rest and something to eat before getting ready for the club night.

Her eyes stung and she knew moral support was needed. Pulling her phone out, she tapped the screen. 'Carly? It's me. Fancy coming clubbing with a difference tonight?'

Noel leaned up against the rink wall by the oversized Christmas tree, hands stuffed in his pockets for warmth, face burrowed in the depths of his navy scarf. He must be mad, standing in the freezing cold like this.

He hadn't planned to be here. Originally he was supposed to be at home, like he usually was on Christmas Eve, drinking beer, eating a take-away and watching unashamedly non-Christmassy TV. Then Matt had persuaded him to spend a few hours with him and the kids, and this year for some reason Noel had softened and agreed. But as he'd stared blankly at the crackling flames and logs in Matt's fireplace, he'd known he couldn't leave it like that with Holly. So unfinished. He hadn't thanked her properly for everything she'd done for Jasper, or - even as he thought it, he realised how true it was - told her how much he'd enjoyed her company. He'd got up from his chair and found Matt in the kitchen.

'Look, Matt, I need to-'

'Don't tell me. You've changed your mind and are heading home to hibernate,' his friend joked as he made coffee using the space-age looking machine. It probably cost more than Noel earned in a month.

'No. But I am heading out for a while.'

'You going back for the girl? I saw the way you looked at her.'

He thought about denying it but settled on a shrug. 'She's nice. And I just need to clear the air, that's all.'

'Right. Still flying the no complications flag then?'

He avoided an answer, because he wasn't sure he knew it himself. 'I hardly think you're one to talk, mate.' He smiled to take the sting out of it, 'I'll see you a bit later.'

Matt threw a bunch of keys across the kitchen. 'Take the P1, and park in my usual space at the hotel.'

'Thanks.' Noel caught the keys and pocketed them. Matt drove an environmentally friendly Prius but had a few other cars and had insured him and Stephen on them all a long time ago. The P1 was Noel's favourite; sleek, sexy, low to the ground and fast.

Stephen charged in, shrugging into his jacket. 'I'm coming too,' he insisted. 'I want to have a look at the hot blonde totty who's taught Jasper all these tricks. Maybe she can teach me a few things.'

'That's not what I said about her,' Matt protested.

Noel threw Stephen a dirty look. 'I don't think so.' He ground out. 'She's far too nice for you.'

'Come on,' Stephen spread his hands, 'I'm not that bad am I? I wine and dine the ladies.'

Silence greeted his comment. They all knew that while he was good at romancing women initially, he was not good at anything that came after that. Like returning their calls, being honest with them or telling them when the relationship was over.

'Thanks.' Stephen sighed heavily, green eyes mocking. 'Can I come if I promise to behave?'

Noel blew out a breath. 'If I say no, are you going to turn up at Somerset House anyway?'

'Of course.'

'You might as well get a ride with me then.'

'So where is she then?' Stephen asked now, jumping up to sit on the plastic wall, ignoring the dirty look he got from a passing member of staff. He seemed unaffected by the cold, leather jacket open over a white open necked shirt.

'I don't know,' Noel scowled as the DJ started a club anthem up, lights starting to spin across the ice.

He looked around, unable to see her in the heaving crowds of skaters and spectators. And then he did.

Wow.

Jasper had asked Noel to help hang the Christmas stockings above the fireplace the night before, but as Holly skated gracefully onto the ice, and Noel caught sight of an expanse of long, lean thigh encased in black tights below a short, twirly figure-skating dress it was a different type of stocking he was thinking of. Black sheer stockings that ended as lacy hold-ups on upper thighs, leaving inches of bare skin sexily bare below lacy black knickers…he gulped. Shit. He had the hots for Holly. Pity he'd blown it by acting like such a cold bastard earlier.

He watched as she helped someone up off the ice, and then checking she had enough room, went into a series of spins and jumps to the beat of a remixed Ellie Goulding track. Some kind of diamanté studding on her skates flashed and caught the lights and the way she moved her body was stunning. She had control and precision but a flair in the flick of her arms. The way she went so low down to the ice with one leg bent in front of her and the other extended behind, in what he now knew was called a drag – he'd googled figure-skating while at Matt's – was almost artistic. And at the same time, sexy as hell.

Stephen let out a loud whistle and looked at Noel. 'That's her, isn't it?' His grin was wide and knowing. 'She's gorgeous. Looks like an ice princess.' He dismounted and turned to scope Holly out some more, slapping Noel on the shoulder. 'If you don't, I will.'

'Don't you fucking dare,' he shot, returning Stephen's slap on the back with a gratifying oof from the younger man. He was shocked at how possessive he felt over Holly.

'Doing your principled bit, are you?' Stephen raised one eyebrow, looking taken aback. 'Fine. But don't try and pretend it's all about being noble. You want her too.'

Noel opened and closed his mouth a few times, but couldn't actually deny it. He did want her, and he really liked her. He just hadn't acknowledged it until now. She'd definitely managed to creep under his defences.

'I knew it,' Stephen crowed. 'Never mind, I'll find someone else. I always do.' He smiled arrogantly. Studying Noel's face under the strobes. 'So, what are you going to do about it?'

'No idea, Stephen. Not a clue.'

Carly slithered out onto the ice. It was the only way Holly could think to describe it because her friend inevitably spent more time on her hands and knees, or bum, or spread-eagled on her stomach with her arms pulled in tight to her body to protect them, than upright.

Anyone else who was so bad at skating would look silly, but Carly was one of those girls who was effortlessly graceful and stylish. She made a pair of jeans and plain top look haute couture and Holly had never seen anyone look as devastating in a skirt, slim Bambi legs attracting the attention of every guy around.

'So what do you think?' Holly asked, gripping her friend's arm to steady her.

'Of?' Carly tossed her long black hair away from her face, pale skin looking Snow White-ish in the club lights.

'Of Noel.' She'd spotted him half an hour earlier, but was unsure whether to go and talk to him, and if she did, what she would say. Did he even warrant five minutes of her time after the way he'd spoken to her?

'Do you like him?' Carly challenged.

'I don't know,' Holly moaned. 'I didn't think so, and he was off with me earlier, but there's something about him. Sometimes he's pretty cool. Oh, I don't know. I don't even want a boyfriend so I don't know why I'm bothered.'

Her friend pursed her lips thoughtfully, running assessing hazel eyes over Noel, who was in animated conversation with a younger guy. 'He's kind of hot,' she grinned, 'but not your usual type.'

'Not in looks, no. But maybe my usual type is overrated?' Holly frowned. 'Never mind, this is making my head hurt. Come on, let’s skate.'

'You know I can't skate,' Carly laughed, 'that's a really bad suggestion.'

'Yes, but you can stand still and concentrate on the dancing bit. We both know you can shake that booty.'

Carly grinned, 'Yep, we do. And yes, I can.'

Noel clutched a cup of non-alcoholic punch, watching Holly twirl around the rink. Her friend had gone home, and so had Stephen, thank god. The crowds had started drifting away and the music had been turned down once it hit ten. Club night was finishing early given it was Christmas Eve and the place was closed the next day. Holly was still on the ice though, eyes closed blissfully as she skated around. It was easy to see how much she loved it, how she got lost in the flow.

Then something went wrong. Her right knee seemed to lock and then fold. She turned white, wobbling and starting to go over, but just saved herself from falling by sinking down onto the ice on her bum. She clutched her knee, face contorted.

'Holly!' Noel ran over the ice in his trainers. Reaching her, he knelt down and ran careful hands over her leg, first-aid training kicking in. 'Where does it hurt? Is this better, or worse? Do you feel sick? Did you hit your head on the way down?'

She squirmed as he ran hot hands up and down her leg.

'No, I didn't hit my head. I'm fine, just in pain. It's the old injury. I've just overdone it. Noel,' she stilled his hands by laying hers on top of them. 'I just need to get home.'

She inhaled through her nose and blew out through her mouth, fighting to control the pain. Wincing, 'Mum is going to have a field day. She's been telling me not to skate so much. Fantastic.'

'If you're in a lot of pain you should go to A&E.'

She looked aghast. 'No way, not on Christmas Eve. Are you kidding? Scrub that, are you mad? It'll be heaving. I'm not waiting around for hours surrounded by drunks. I just need to get home and take an anti-inflammatory.'

'I really think that-'

'Noel.' Her blue eyes, when he looked into them, were calm. 'I've been here before. I know what I need; go home, medicate, and rest my knee. It'll be better in a few days’ time.'

'I'll take you home then. I'm parked up just around the corner.'

'Haven't you been drinking?'

'Nothing alcoholic.'

'Right. But,' she pushed off the ice, wincing, 'I can probably tube it. I live in Wembley.'

'I'm driving you home,' he stated as he wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted her up, 'just accept it.'

She threaded an arm around his neck, staring up at him. Her cheeks reddened. 'Only if you're sure.'

'I am,' he nodded, picking his way carefully across the rink.

Holly hissed and muttered at regular intervals at his slow progress, but he ignored her and concentrated on getting off the ice safely. Once on the grey lino flooring, he sat her down and gingerly removed her skates, kneeling at her feet. 'All done.' He murmured, looking up at her.

'I-I, y-yes,' she stuttered, gazing down at him. Her pupils dilated in her ice-chip blue eyes, creamy skin darkening with a blush that swept up from her chest and into her face.

He felt his own temperature rise in response, and shifted uncomfortably. At least his jeans weren't as tight today. 'Are you all right? In much pain?'

Her expression cleared and she frowned. 'No. Yes. Can we please get on with it?' she asked thinly. 'The sooner we're on the road, the sooner I'll be at home with my prescribed drugs.'

Following her additional instructions, he found a manager drifting about starting to lock up, explained the situation and got Holly's belongings from her locker. He smiled. Who'd have thought that for once it was her being a grouch, instead of him?

To Holly's mortification, Noel insisted on carrying her to the car. She hid her face against his chest, just inside the collar of his coat. The streets were still busy, and it was difficult to ignore the wolf whistles and catcalls from party-goers, caused by both the way he was holding her and the amount of leg she had on show in her tiny figure-skating dress.

Even so, there was a pang of regret when he set her down in the underground hotel car park next to some kind of black low-slung super-car. He'd smelt amazing, and in the end being held by him hadn't exactly been a sacrifice. The way he helped her into the expensive car, carefully sliding her injured knee in, then taking his coat off and tucking it under her leg to elevate it, really touched her.

'How are you feeling?' Noel asked, staring into her eyes. 'Ready to go?'

She nodded but was quiet on the way home other than giving him directions. The pain in her knee worsened with every movement of the car, even though he was driving sensibly, and she closed her eyes, nausea rolling across her in heavy waves. She did not want to throw up in a car like this; the damage would probably cause tens of thousands.

'It's snowing.' He remarked into the silence.

'Really?' her eyes fluttered open but she felt too ill to be enthusiastic.

'You really must be suffering,' he mused, 'if you can't even raise a smile for a white Christmas.'

'Tell me again later, after I've taken my painkillers.'

'Will do.' A silence, 'Holly?'

'Yeurgh?'

'Tell me your home address. You've been dozing for the last two minutes and we must be getting close.'

'Kay,' she murmured, clocking distantly that she sounded a bit like Jasper. Reciting the address, she let her head fall back against the chair in the cosy darkness, concentrating on not being sick.

Thirty seconds later, or at least that's what it felt like, although her watch said over five minutes had passed, she was back in Noel's arms, cold flakes of snow kissing her face.

He leaned on the doorbell, waiting several moments before pressing his elbow on it again.

She mumbled under her breath.

'What was that?'

'Said you still smell amazing!'

He laughed oddly. 'Pain has a strange effect on you by the look of things. Ah, um, hi!' he exclaimed as the door swung open. Light and noise, including seasonal music, spilled out into the front garden. 'I believe she belongs to you? She hurt her knee at the rink.'

'I ruddy knew it!' An exasperated voice said over her head. 'She never listens to me. She's so bloody stubborn.'

'Muuum,' Holly grimaced, and snuggled closer to Noel and comfort, and away from the fierce warmth emanating from the centrally heated terrace house which was making her feel sicker. 'Please, not now.'

'I can't think where she gets her stubbornness from,' another voice, this one amused, spoke over the top of her mum's.

'Hi, Dad,' her mouth curved.

Loud, rapid-fire barking joined in over the rabble and she waved a floppy hand in the air. 'Hi, Pudding. I love you too, but don't feel well, so please be quiet.'

Immediately the barking stopped.

Noel stood patiently as the large chocolate Labrador came out of the house, circled him and Holly three times, sniffed them both, gave Noel a half approving, half distrustful look then pranced into the house with his moist, dark brown nose in the air.

'He thinks he's a show pony, I swear.' Holly said, burrowing her face further into Noel's coat, making him smile.

'Come in, son,' Holly's dad ushered him into a narrow hallway, while his short, rounded wife made constant clucking sounds with her mouth, concern etched on her face. 'Second door on the right.' He told Noel. ‘I'm Tom, by the way. We'll take her out to the back room, away from this rabble,' he explained as they went past a front room packed with milling people and loaded plates of food and bottles of drink lined up everywhere. 'She'll feel better after some cold water and fresh air. There are patio doors in there. She'll be fine, love,' he said, turning to his fretting wife, 'go and find her tablets.'

Noel caught sight of the dog standing in the doorway to the room Tom had indicated. Hurry up for god's sakes, his big brown eyes seemed to say, we haven't got all night. Noel nodded, readjusting Holly's weight and carrying her into the back room. Then he realised he'd taken instruction from a dog. He must be tired. Or going mad.

Tom was already ahead of them, throwing open the double patio doors so a fresh breeze swept through the room, bringing mini snow flurries in with it.

Noel settled Holly in the middle of one of the sofas facing the doors, with a pang of regret, sorry to have to put her down. She came to a little, when he guided her head down between her knees, complaining about the position hurting her leg.

'I know Holly, but the pain is making you feel sick and dizzy, so it's a good idea to get some blood pumping to your head.'

The Labrador seemed to agree with him, padding over and holding Holly's arm still when she tried to move by gripping the fabric of her sleeve gently between his front teeth.

'Here you go.' Holly's mum bustled in, holding out two sugar-coated tablets and a glass of iced water to Noel.

He stared at her.

'She seems to listen to you, so you can do the honours,' she bossed, dropping the tablets into his hand.

He studied them, then looked at the dog, who was watching him expectantly. Okay then. 'All right. But I'm going to give her a few more minutes like this first.'

Holly's mum nodded and sat down on the edge of the sofa cushion beside her daughter, lifting her long hair off her neck to help cool her down.

'I'm Tina by the way,' she said. 'She always reacts to bad pain like this, ever since she was small.'

'I see. I'm Noel. Pleased to meet you.'

'How do you know our Holly?' she asked, flicking a glance at her husband, who was standing in the open doorway with his face lifted to the falling snow.

Noel fidgeted under Tina's scrutiny, then the dog's, who was next to his knee, practically sat on his feet. Honestly, who'd have thought an animal's face could be so expressive.

'Customer. Friend. I-' he shifted in his seat, 'I'm not sure yet,' he said honestly.

She nodded, looking entirely comfortable with his non-answer.

He cast his eyes around the room, hoping for a change of topic. 'I'm sorry, but can I just ask … what's with all the-?' Pointing at ruined wooden table legs, holes in the arms of the suite, upholstery hanging out, a large chunk of plaster missing from the far wall, like a little dip. 'Did you get burgled or something?'

Tina let out a long, pealing laugh, joined by a deep guffaw from her husband. 'No. That's all Pudding's doing. Labs eat a lot, and some of them eat everything. He's one of those, or he was when he was a puppy. He should know better by now.' She remarked disapprovingly, looking at the dog.

Pudding at least had the grace to look shamefaced, getting up and leaving the room but, Noel noticed, still with a slight air of disdain and a dainty picking up of the front legs.

'Holly.' He turned back to her. 'Holly.' She lifted her head and clear blue eyes met his. 'Feeling a bit better?'

She nodded, 'Leg still hurts like a bugger though.' But normal colour was starting to seep into her face. 'Tablets please,' she said, hand held out.

Within twenty minutes of taking the meds, and sitting quietly whilst sipping the water, Holly was feeling almost human, or so she said. 'I don't feel sick or dizzy any more. My knee is much better,' she assured him, 'a dull throb rather than shrieking agony.'

Her eyes widened when he stood up.

'Good.' He stated, 'Then I should go.'

'Why?' her bottom lip stuck out sexily. Did she want him to stay?

'It's after eleven,' Noel said, 'getting on for midnight.' He started along the hallway and they all followed him, Holly with her arm around her dad's shoulder at her insistence. 'It's almost Christmas.' He continued. 'I can't intrude.'

'You can't go back out in this weather on Christmas Eve after bringing our girl home. Stay with us, have some fun.' Tina grabbed his hand, smiling up at him.

'Come on Noel,' Tom said, 'I think you'll enjoy it. Our way of saying thanks.'

'What kind of fun?'

Holly, standing beside him, looked awkward.

He groaned inside, having reached the front room, overwhelmed by the sheer Christmassyness (was that a word?) of it all, including a pine tree rammed with a clashing assortment of baubles and miles of gold tinsel, shiny foil and paper chains hanging down the walls, a nativity scene, candles lit around the room, letting off the scent of berries. Festive cards were strung across the ceiling on coloured threads, making him feel like he was enmeshed in a giant spider's web. Panic kindled and began to catch fire. His breath twisted in his throat, hands clenching. Could he do this? He wasn't the family Christmas type.

'Christmas themed games?' he asked shakily.

'No!' Holly's mum gave him an appalled expression. 'Sod that. Drinking games!' Shuffling over to a cupboard, she pulled open a door to reveal shelves packed with no end of snacks, bottles, packs of cards and tea towels, like an overstuffed sock draw, and yanked out a garment covered in turquoise sequins.

'This is the drinking jacket. Put it on love,' she didn't give him much of a choice, shoving his arms into it. She ran her hands over his broad shoulders. 'Nice fit,' she said approvingly.

Holly clutched her head with her hands. 'Oh, Mum!'

Noel hid a smile. Holly looked adorable. Exasperated, but adorable.

'Don't worry, handsome,' Tina put her hands on her hips, 'if you drink too much we'll stuff you in a cab. Or there's a spare room you can stop in.'

'That's really kind but like I said, I can't intrude on you, with tomorrow being what it is.'

'Nonsense, we have guests all the time,' she marched over to a table and picked up a bottle of whiskey.

Sorry, Holly mouthed at him. 'Mum, Noel probably has other plans.'

As she said it, giving him an out, something strange happened. The panic started receding.

'Pffttt, if that was the case he'd be there already. You listen to your old mum. He wants to stay. You're going to have to be careful though love,' she told Holly, 'after taking those tablets. Don't go trying to be drinking champion like you usually do.'

Holly rolled her eyes. Great, now Noel was probably going to think she had a problem with alcohol.

'Are you staying, Noel?' Tina peered up at him. 'It'll give you a chance to relax. You look too uptight for a youngster.' She pinched his cheek and patted it, turning away, assuming she'd convinced him. 'Right everyone,' clapping her hands to get people's attention, 'let's get started. Form the circle.' Obediently, people stopped their conversations. Someone switched off the TV, and they all lowered themselves to sit down cross-legged on the floor, even an old lady with pink tinted hair who looked about a hundred, who rubbed her hands gleefully. 'Bring out the port!'

Holly signalled frantically behind her Mum's back, 'Go now, quickly,' she whispered, 'escape while you can.'

'I don't know,' he drawled, 'it kind of sounds like fun.' It did. Plus there was still the matter of the sheer black tights and flirty black dress. He wasn't ready to give that up yet. And Matt probably wasn't expecting him to come back now anyway, it was too late, but he could easily text his friend to let him know where he was.

'But…I really didn't think it would be your thing. You don't like Christmas.'

'It's not Christmas yet, and it's just a drinking game. It would also be rude to leave when your Mum is so obviously keen for me to stay.'

'Huh, if you're not careful she'll have us married off by New Year,' she muttered.

'What?' he dipped his head toward her.

'What?' she echoed innocently.

'Come on you two,' Tina called across the room, 'I've made space for you to sit together,' Holly let out an audible groan at her mum's match-making, 'and we need Noel to start it off. He's wearing the drinking jacket.'

'Okay, stay.' She looked up at him, and he fought a mad urge to stroke her hair. 'I'm warning you though,' she said, looking serious, blue eyes wide, 'about my Aunt, the one in the dark blue twin set. She uses the mistletoe.' She pointed to a sprig above the kitchen door. 'Don't let her catch you under it.'

'I'll be careful,' he said solemnly, taking her hand and leading her across the room. Tensing, she looked down at their joined hands. He let go quickly. Maybe he had it wrong, perhaps she didn't want him there and she'd only stopped him leaving out of gratitude for helping her. Settling on the floor, Noel ignored the thought, slowly relaxing as Tina explained the rules of the game, a version of Fizz Buzz, where any number divisible by three was replaced by fizz and any number divisible by five replaced by buzz, and players took it in turns round the circle to say a number, fizz or buzz, counting upwards from one to a hundred.

At the beginning of each round everyone had one drink. Players only had three seconds per turn.

'Three seconds? Is that it?' he turned to Holly, who was biting the inside of her cheeks.

'You were the one who decided to stay,' she shrugged, eyes twinkling.

'So where does the drinking jacket come in then?' he asked.

'Every time one of us gets it wrong, you have to have a drink. Every time you get it wrong, you nominate someone else to have a drink. After the first round of one hundred, you pass the jacket to someone else.'

'Wait,' he said suspiciously, 'if I have to drink every time someone gets it wrong, the odds are against me. Aren't I going to get drunk pretty quickly?'

Holly's dad smiled sloppily, raising his glass of whiskey in a toast. Noel realised they'd all been drinking for a while, it was just that his appearance with their daughter had sobered her parents up rapidly.

'I'm going to regret this aren't I?' Noel asked Holly mournfully.

'Shut up and have your first drink,' she ordered, fanning her face and standing up to scramble out of her tights, before sinking down again. 'That's better. I was getting hot.'

'You're telling me,' he said under his breath, eyeing the generous length of bare legs on display, and casually readjusting his jeans. 'Okay,' he said, 'let's start then. Cheers,' holding his shot glass aloft then throwing back the contents.

'Wait!' Holly said, grabbing hold of his arm. 'Mum forgot to tell you, when you nominate someone to have a drink, you can include Pudding too.'

'What?' staring at her, amazed. 'What were in those tablets I gave you?'

'He likes the taste of straight coke,' she ignored his dig, 'so we let him join in.'

On cue, the chocolate Lab appeared next to Noel, eye-balling him fiercely.

Noel had never known any family quite like them. 'All right, fine,' he put his hands up, palms out like he was being held up. 'This is getting more surreal by the minute.'

Holly laid her head on his shoulder, gazing up at him and fluttering her eyelashes. 'But it's also getting more fun, right?'

Grinning, he nodded. 'Right.'

Two in the morning found them sitting outside on a frozen wooden bench, an inch of snow crunching underfoot, giving the night a fairytale feeling. Despite her mum's protestations, Holly had proved herself Champion again, and was giggly as a consequence. After Fizz, Buzz they'd drunk creamy Baileys over ice, played monopoly, Pictionary and charades, and at one point Holly had laughed so hard that rum and coke had shot out of her nose. She'd put on a funny Christmas jumper as they'd left the back room, and now she shivered, huddling into his side.

'It's a shame about the jumper,' he remarked, studying it, praying his eyes didn't cross.

'Yeah, I'm sorry I had to ruin your fun by reminding you of what day it is,' she hiccupped.

'It's not that. I was just sad to see the sexy dress covered up.'

'Oh.' Her eyes brightened, 'Oh, do you like it? I designed it.'

'You did?'

'Yeah,' she paused, eyes sliding closed, then jerking upright. 'After the injury, when they said my knee wasn't healing right, that it would never be the same again and I couldn't skate professionally any more … well, it was bad. For a while at least.'

'So what did you do?' he wrapped an arm around her shoulders for warmth.

'Felt sorry for myself then realised I had to make other plans. So I studied design at college and decided to set my own company up designing and selling figure-skating dresses. It's something I know about, what's comfortable and what isn't, what emphasises and what distracts.' She raced straight on into her next thought. 'Noel?'

'Yes?'

'You don't like Christmas because your mum died at this time of year, and you broke up with your ex, and I get those are horrible associations to have, but you must have had some nice Christmases growing up?'

'My mum did love it, and the ones I can remember with her were … really special.' He drew in a deep breath. 'My grandparents raised me, and loved me, but they weren't very warm people, and were deeply religious, so it was all about the Christian tradition, and symbolism, not the kind of Christmas a kid who'd just lost his mum needed. They passed away a few years ago, six months apart.'

'It must have been hard,' she took a sip from the beer she'd brought out. 'But can't you start creating Christmases that you enjoy?' she suggested in a soft voice. 'After all, it's not about the time of year really is it, why you don't enjoy it? It's about that relationship, those people. The memories. So you should try and separate it out in your head. Spend some time with your family, just for the enjoyment of being with them, and don't worry about the whole exchanging presents thing.'

'I don't have any left.' His arm tightened, and he picked up her hand, tracing a pattern over the knuckles.

'You have your friends,' she replied, breath audibly hitching, squirming on the bench. 'Family is whatever you want it to be, whatever that might look like. Sometimes you choose them, it's not always who you're stuck with through blood.' She laughed. 'And maybe you should be glad, I mean look at my lot! They're pretty overwhelming.'

'Well, your aunt did pin me up against the fridge and tell me the mistletoe was pointing in our direction earlier.'

'Nooo,' she shook her head from side to side, blinking slowly.

'And they are pretty overwhelming. But I like it. And you're part of that. You overwhelm me.' Sod no complications, and not risking his heart. He had to get to know this positive, bright, energetic girl better. It might not be part of the plan, but it was the only thing that made sense.

'Say again?' Holly sat bolt upright, gazing at him. 'In what way?'

'In a good way.' Sliding his hands around her waist, he hauled her in close, watching her watching him.

An endless silence grew, and she leaned in to him. 'What is it?'

'You're worried about what happened with your ex-fiancé, and about needing to focus on your business.' He summarised, despite the fogginess of alcohol in his head. He wanted to get this right.

'I- yes.'

'But I'm not here to hurt you.'

'Okay.' Running a hand up over his broad shoulders, she stroked his stubbly cheek.

'Okay.'

'So?' she nudged.

'So?'

'Are you going to kiss me, or what?' she blurted.

'Oh, that. All right then. But we might have to conduct a risk assessment,' he joked. 'After all, kissing in the snow could be a dangerous activity, or if there's too much heat-'

'Ha ha,' she murmured, and solved everything by kissing him.

He was gratified when she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and clung on, moaning when he lifted her up and sat her on his lap. He ran a hand up her bare thigh, then broke away from her luscious pink mouth, framing her face with gentle hands.

'Merry Christmas, Holly.'

'I thought you didn't like Christmas,' she said breathlessly, twirling shaky fingers through his dark hair.

'Still don't,' he said bluntly. ‘I still think it's stressful, expensive and driven by retailers.'

'You do?' she looked disappointed.

'I don't think I'll ever like it, but I do like you, so I'll consider not hiding in my man-cave.'

'Yeah?'

'Yes.' Resting his forehead against hers, chest to chest, the button of his coat caught her jumper, starting up an electronic, jangly Silent Night.

They both roared with laughter, their cold breath forming clouds between them.

'There's something I should probably tell you,' Holly admitted.

'What? Another ex? A child? A horrible disease that will cause hideous boils?'

'Nope. Just that I hate summer.'

Noel smirked, 'Wow, what a pair. Well, how do you feel about spring? Is spring all right?'

'Spring is good,' she grinned, 'I guess during certain times of the year we'll just have to distract each other.'

'I can definitely see certain activities being distracting enough to keep me happy.' He kissed her, hard and fast, and when he lifted his head she looked dazed.

'Wow,' she breathed.

'Yes,' he agreed. Squeezing her tight, he nodded. 'You know, you were right.'

'Right about what?'

He grinned. 'The unexpected things can be the best parts.'

'They can,' she nodded, blue eyes sparkling. 'Hey, what are you doing?' She yelped as he dug his phone out of his pocket and she almost slid off his lap into the snow. 'You're not texting or calling someone now?'

'I am,' he arranged her on his lap and looped his arm around her, holding on tight. 'I'm going to text Matt and thank him.'

'What for?' she rested her head against his broad chest, snuggling in.

‘For making me take Jasper Skating at Somerset House.’