The Complete #LoveLondon Collection. Nikki Moore

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      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 СКАЧАТЬ