Alice slipped her hand from his. ‘I was happy doing what I was doing, thanks.’
‘You don’t feel you missed out? Especially as we got older and I’d go off a lot with Gregg and that.’
‘I won’t lie, when you weren’t around as much, I did miss your company, but I never felt I missed out on having boyfriends because of being around you.’ She gave a half-shrug. ‘I was happy enough.’ She met his eyes, seeing curiosity and something else she couldn’t make out. ‘I used to hear whispers about you, but I never saw you with a girlfriend. Did you have any?’
‘Not one.’ His eyes remained locked with hers, his tone blunt, certain.
‘I was never sure,’ she said quietly. ‘So many years, and no one?’
He leaned forward and placed the lightest of kisses on her cool cheek. ‘I’ve got my angel. I don’t need anyone else. Never have.’
Alice was quite sure it wouldn’t be the ice that tipped her over — her legs had turned to jelly while her butterflies somersaulted all over the place. She simply gazed at him, not knowing how to respond.
Jamie looked down at his skates.
‘Jamie, do you ever want to do anything about us?’
His gaze shot up. ‘Always.’
‘What stops you?’
‘Everything.’ He gently squeezed her gloved hand. ‘I’m scared, Alice. I feel like I’ve spent my whole life in a state of fear.’
Alice stared at him for a moment, wishing they weren’t on such a slippery surface because she wanted to tug him in close, but she was sure if she attempted the move, they’d both end upflat on their faces. ‘Let’s just carry on being us. There’s no rush. I’m not going anywhere.’
A hint of a smile hit his eyes. ‘I’m not going anywhere either.’
‘In that case, all we have to focus on is getting around this rink at least once.’
They shared a laugh, then started shuffling along again, picking up a little speed as they got used to the ice. Not letting go of each other, they managed to go around twice, passing Demi and Robson having a cuddle, Benny showing off his twirl to Ellie, and spotting Sophie and Matt entering the hot drinks cabin.
‘Hot choccy time?’ asked Jamie, gesturing towards the edge of the rink.
‘Yes, I think we’ve earned one.’
‘With marshmallows and cream.’
‘And cinnamon.’ She smiled as they waddled over to the counter to swap their skates for their boots.
‘I feel so much better on solid ground.’
Alice giggled. ‘It was fun though, wasn’t it?’
‘Yep. And we didn’t fall once.’
‘I know. How lucky were we?’
‘It’s called skill.’
Alice approached the long dark bar to gaze up at the menu of drinks at the back. ‘Ooh, they’ve got mulled wine as well.’
‘You fancy some of that?’
‘Nah, hot chocolate will do me.’
Jamie ordered two, then they sat over by the windows facing the ice rink, watching Benny still skating around with his friends and Ellie.
‘It’s quite nice here,’ she said, lifting her drink. ‘I feel like we’re in the Alps.’
