They began to dance around the room, and Guy perched on the edge of a coffee table, the lens of the camera fixed on them both. After snapping a few photos, he reached into his pocket and took out his phone. He began to video as Libby took Holly’s hand and they spun round and round, holding each other tightly as they leaned backwards, their hair trailing. They squealed and laughed and, as the song came to an end, they fell to the floor to catch their breath. Libby opened her arms wide and Holly hugged her. The feeling of the little girl’s arms wrapped around her neck made Libby come over all emotional. She liked it. A lone tear escaped and she quickly brushed it away with the back of her hand.
She caught Guy’s eye as Holly pulled away slowly. He narrowed his eyes and mouthed, ‘Are you okay?’
She nodded and took Holly’s hand in hers. ‘I’ve had just the best time. Thank you, Holly, for a wonderful afternoon. I’ve enjoyed every second of it.’
‘Me too and thank you for my dress. I love it.’
‘You’re very welcome, and don’t forget that if you ever need help making any of your clothes, you can just give me a shout.’
‘I will. I promise.’
‘Now let’s get you changed.’
A few minutes later Holly handed the dress to Libby, who wrapped it up in blush-coloured tissue paper and placed it inside a fancy cardboard bag with rope handles. ‘And for being my favourite helper…’ Libby held up the tiara. ‘A present from me to you.’
Holly gasped. ‘You’re the best.’ She flung her arms again around Libby, who squeezed her tight.
‘And so are you.’
‘Daddy! Look what Libby has given me.’
‘Yes, I can see, but please let me pay for that. You’ve already given up your time to make the dress. It’s too much. Let me pay for both.’
‘Absolutely not. This afternoon has been my pleasure.’
‘That is very kind,’ replied Guy, touching her arm. ‘Thank you.’
Libby placed the tiara in its own special box, gave it to Holly then they headed into the main studio. Libby pointed outside. She’d spotted Cynthia through the window pulling Pickle on the sledge.
‘Why don’t you go back with Granny and I’ll see you in a bit,’ said Guy.
Rushing out of the door, Holly called, ‘Granny! Pickle! Wait! I have a dress and a tiara.’
‘Be careful of the ice,’ Guy bellowed after her.
‘I think she’s excited,’ said Libby, standing next to him. They watched Holly hand over the bag to Cynthia and budge Pickle out of the way as she climbed onto the sledge. Immediately, Pickle jumped back on and settled on Holly’s lap, then Cynthia began to pull them both back towards the lodges.
‘You’re extremely talented,’ Guy said as he turned towards Libby.
‘Are we talking about my singing or my dancing?’
Guy laughed. ‘I’m not quite sure about your singing.’
‘Me neither,’ she replied, smiling up at him.
‘But I have to say I was impressed with your bum-waggling.’ There was a sparkle in his eyes as he flashed Libby a gorgeous smile. He was definitely flirting a little and it made her heart skip a beat. He reached out and took her hand. ‘Dance with me.’
‘What, here? Don’t be daft.’
‘Yes, here. Why not?’ he said softly. With both hands in his, Guy led Libby into the middle of the studio. ‘I used to love to dance, but it’s a long time since I’ve danced with anyone.’
Sheer pleasure mixed with apprehension ran through Libby’s body. It had been a very long time since she’d danced with someone too. Her heart rate quickened instantly and she thought she was going to either melt or combust. There was something about his gentlemanly confidence that made her go weak at the knees. They moved together slowly, every inch of her tingling with desire as they floated weightlessly around the room. The intensity between them was like nothing she’d ever felt. He drew her in closer and Libby felt breathless. Snuggling into his chest, she buried her face in the soft wool of his jumper. She immediately felt safe with his arms wrapped around her—a feeling she realised she’d missed and could get used to again. As the song came to an end, she had to remind herself to breathe. For a moment, they stayed locked in each other’s arms, then gazed at each other in a contemplative silence. Then—she couldn’t help it—her eyes filled with tears.
‘Hey, are you okay? My dancing wasn’t that bad, was it?’
‘Of course not, it was beautiful. It’s just been a long time since anyone has held me like that.’ Her voice wavered. The electricity between them was exhilarating but unsettling. He held her head gently in his hands, his thumb caressing her cheek.
‘I can’t quite believe that,’ he replied tenderly.
