‘What? You want me to throw myself out of the speeding vehicle?’
‘On three.’
‘What?!’
But the lake was getting closer and they weren’t slowing down even the slightest.
‘Three,’ yelled Quinn, and with that he launched them both out of the sledge where they tumbled and rolled through the snow together. She finally came to a stop with Quinn on top of her. His eyes filled with concern, his arms cradling her body and head.
‘Are you OK?’
‘Of course I am, I’m with you.’
A smile brightened his face. ‘I so want to kiss you right now.’
‘And I really want you to.’
However, any thoughts of kissing went straight out the window as a snowball exploded against the side of Quinn’s face. Somebody clearly had a really good aim.
Quinn blinked in surprise and then shot up, roaring like a monster. The two girls scattered, squealing with laughter as they ran away and Quinn chased after them.
‘That looked like fun,’ Chloe said, her eyebrows waggling mischievously.
‘What, the near-death experience?’ Alex said.
‘No, the bit after that. I didn’t know you and Quinn were together.’
‘We’re not.’
Chloe gave her a look that said she didn’t believe her for a second.
‘We’re not,’ Alex insisted, knowing she was a terrible liar and Chloe would most likely see right through it.
‘Then you should be. That man is in love with you and I’m pretty sure you’re in love with him too. I’ve always thought you two were perfect for each other. I’m not quite sure what’s holding you back.’
Alex was beginning to wonder that herself.
Dear St Nick,
Sorry I didn’t reply to your message last night, I had a bit of a busy and unexpected night.
I love that you love Midsomer too and that’s something you and your other half share. Does she know you’re St Nick, what does she think about you doing such a kind thing for the people of Lovegrove Bay? And if she doesn’t know, how are you painting all these baubles without her seeing you?
I know from your clue yesterday that you’re one of the elves helping to decorate Santa’s cottage tonight and I’m excited that I get to work alongside you, even though I might not know which elf you are. I dare you to come and talk to me tonight. Not to identify yourself, just say a few words and maybe I can whittle down my choices even more.
Warmest wishes,
Alex
CHAPTER 11
Alex arrived back at her house after the lunchtime rush ready to have some more fun in the snow with Zara. Quinn had been dealing with a customer when she left the Wonky Tree Studios so she’d waved and left him to it. She wasn’t expecting him to give up his whole day to play with her daughter. This time of year was the busiest for all the artists.
Violet had happily taken Zara for a few hours and they were going to make some Christmas cookies and, by the smell of it as she opened the kitchen door, they’d done exactly that.
The kitchen was spotless, probably more so than when Alex had left, apart from a small area on the kitchen table where they were decorating… heart-shaped cookies.
Zara looked up with a big smile on her face and icing on her fingers.
