The corner of the room reminded Libby of a recording studio. Guy sat down next to her. ‘This looks all very technical,’ she remarked, taking in the cameras and a control panel with rows of small black knobs, which lay before a TV screen.
‘It’s all my video and editing equipment,’ he replied, pressing some buttons on the remote control. ‘This is what I’ve put together so far for Flynn’s promotional video. See what you think.’
Libby sat back, crossed her legs and waited for the video to start. As soon as the vision of Starcross Manor flashed on the screen she gave a tiny gasp. The entrance to the manor house looked enchanting as the camera moved along the snowy driveway capturing the magical festive feel. Next came the footage of the baby deer following the herd as they lolloped majestically across the untouched snowy ground. There was a glimpse of the look-out tower and a small clip of the two of them sharing the moment they’d spotted the herd. The camera then moved to the woods, the path leading to the studio, then the lodges with their twinkly fairy lights and finally the ice-skating rink. There were people bustling on and off the ice, the beautiful huts with the hanging mistletoe … and then there she was, gliding across the ice looking almost like a professional skater. It felt surreal watching herself. Taking a sideward glance at Guy, she noticed he hadn’t taken his eyes off the screen.
Up next was Guy and they started skating together, laughing and joking, looking like a happy couple and very much in love. The film oozed romance and chemistry and Libby knew exactly what was coming next.
Goosebumps erupted all over her skin as their skating slowed towards the middle of the ice rink. Libby could see the look in his eyes as he held up the mistletoe and his lips dropped softly onto hers. They were lost in that moment and it was clear they’d both wanted it to happen. She knew she wanted him to do it again and she tried to banish the thought that she would soon be leaving for New York. The editing of the footage was outstanding, and the scenes had been set perfectly to music. Libby knew this was exactly what Flynn had been looking for to market Starcross Manor’s wedding services.
‘And that’s as far as I’ve got. What do you think?’ asked Guy, pressing a button on the remote control before looking in her direction. ‘Oh my God, I didn’t mean to make you cry!’ He frantically grabbed a tissue from the box on the window sill.
Dabbing her cheeks with the tissue, she said, ‘I’m so sorry. Ignore me, I’m just being silly.’
He reached over and placed his hand on top of hers. ‘You’re not being silly.’
‘It’s just that that was so beautiful, I’ve come over all emotional.’ She fanned her hand in front of her face. ‘It felt like I was watching a romantic movie about a couple falling in love. You captured everything so perfectly, I got lost in the moment there for a second. I can categorically say that Flynn will be bowled over. This is exactly the type of thing he was looking for. There is just one thing though…’
‘And what’s that?’ asked Guy, his eyes not leaving hers.
‘That’s the beginning of the love story but how does it end?’ The words had left Libby’s mouth before she could stop them.
‘With a winter wedding at Starcross Manor,’ replied Guy, making Libby laugh. ‘Come here, you daft bugger.’ He opened his arms wide and as she leaned in to him, he hugged her tight.
‘I really enjoyed myself last night,’ he said, pulling away from her slowly.
‘Me too, but I have to say my heart was racing when I saw Flynn standing there and he assumed we were filming for his promotional video. After putting this together for him you must be okay with that now?’
‘You captivated me by your skating. I think you could talk me into anything. I’m now putty in your hands,’ he declared. ‘There’s something about you—’
‘Likewise,’ she interrupted.
He paused. ‘I’m not having an easy time of it at the minute but you have made my days a lot brighter.’
Libby wanted to ask him to explain what he meant, but she also didn’t want to press him to talk if he wasn’t up for it. The last time she’d given her opinion without knowing all the facts, it had led to a heated argument. She was going to let Guy open up in his own time and if and when he did she would be ready to listen.
‘You have surprised me,’ he said softly, taking hold of her hand.
‘In what way?’ she asked.
‘In the past few years, I’ve found it difficult to open up or get on with anyone new. But I find it easy to be around you.’
Libby knew exactly what he was saying because she felt the same. Since Daniel, she’d found it difficult to let anyone completely in. She’d built her walls high, not letting anyone get close to her after what she’d been through. Guy was the first man she’d felt comfortable around in a long, long time.
‘I think we may be a bit similar in that respect. Can I ask how you’re feeling after last night?’ Libby had been wanting to ask the question since she’d arrived.
‘It just felt the most natural thing in the world to do. I hope that was okay by you.’
‘Perfectly okay,’ she replied.
‘And would you mind if I did it again?’
With a racing heart Libby leaned forward and pressed her lips to his in response. It was exactly how she remembered it and the same feeling immediately exploded inside her. She didn’t pull away, but in the back of her mind there was a small feeling of guilt that she hadn’t told Guy she was leaving soon. It was only fair that he knew all the facts before things went any further, so he could decide if he still wanted to kiss her again. She needed to be honest with him, because despite all the self-preservation she’d practised over the years, she was falling for him fast.
Building up the courage, Libby pulled away slowly and took a deep breath. ‘Guy…’ But she didn’t get a chance to finish her sentence as just then the front door flew open. Pickle barked the second he noticed Libby and ran towards her, launching straight onto her lap while frantically trying to lick her face.
Holly was in fits of giggles. ‘Pickle loves you!’ she exclaimed, shaking off her coat and handing it to Cynthia who hung it up.
‘And who couldn’t love Pickle back,’ replied Libby, placing her down on the floor.
