I can’t help laughing. ‘You do know you’ve still got the price labels on?’
‘Shit, tell me I haven’t?’
Somehow I manage to nod and wobble forwards at the same time. ‘Hanging out the bottom at the back.’
He lets out a groan. ‘Damn. Here’s me, trying my darnedest to impress you with how cool and countrified I am and I end up looking like a total loser.’
‘So youarehere for me, then?’ It’s out before I know, but I care less than I should because we’ve made it to the barrier at the other end of the rink, and now I’ve got something to cling on to I can stop worrying about falling arse over ice skate. And as I’ve blurted, we might as well clear this up.
Milo comes to a halt with his own little flourish, and then suddenly he’s smiling beside me. ‘You’ve rumbled me! Is that a problem?’
I drag in a breath. ‘I don’t know what they’ve told you …?’
As he interrupts me his eyes are shining. ‘Absolutely loads, but don’t worry, it’s all really good, I can’t wait to get to know you better.’
In the face of so much puppy-eyed warmth, I have to come clean. ‘It’s only fair to tell you, Milo, whatever they said, the last thing I want is another boyfriend.’
He gives me a nudge, then his face creases as he winks. ‘Ivy, it’s fine, it’s five minutes skating round an ice rink, no one’s asking you to sign up for life.’
‘You don’t mind you’ve been dragged here on false pretences?’
He’s doing the nose wrinkle again. ‘Never say never, you don’t know what’s around the corner.’ Then he clears his throat, and pulls a face. ‘Actually, I’ve got my own confession to make …’
My stomach sinks. ‘You have …?’ Girls Aloud have finished, and Bing Crosby’s started singingWhite Christmas, and even though he’s crooning really slowly he gets through a whole reprise before Milo begins again.
‘Dad and Miranda are convinced I’m here looking for love … but I’m afraid that’s mostly a cover.’
I feel my eyes go wide. ‘So whyareyou here?’
He drops his voice to a low whisper. ‘I’m looking out for Dad.’ He wiggles his eyebrows. ‘Making sure he doesn’t get too involved with Miranda.’
‘Really?!’ I’m so shocked my voice is a squeak, but I yank it back to normality again. ‘And how’s that going?’
His mouth is so close to my ear, I can feel the warmth of his breath through my woolly hat. ‘She’s lovely, but if you had any idea how many husbands she’s had, you’d see why I have to put a stop to it.’
Oh my.I’m not going to tell him most of us have lost count. ‘So you’re here tobreak them up?’
From his sigh he’s not thrilled about this either. ‘Dad is completely besotted, and Christmas is a very romantic time. I’m simply here to step in –if the worst comes to the worst– to save him from himself.’
I’m sure Libby and Fliss would be delighted to know he’s got this, but I’m still uneasy. ‘I get where you’re coming from, but they’re adults not teenagers, they should have the right to decide for themselves.’ I flash my glare at him. ‘Withoutinterference.’
Milo sighs. ‘We only lost my mum last year, he’s very vulnerable.’ From all the outward signs he’s loaded too, but he’s skimming over that.
I have to say my piece. ‘Happiness isn’t easy to find and Miranda’s a wonderfully warm and thoughtful, talented and creative, loving human being. If your dadishappy with her, is it right to take that away?’ It’s all very tricky and involved. Obviously Milo doesn’t want to see his dad get hurt. And he definitely won’t want Miranda ripping her way through his inheritance. And it’s true, Miranda’s track record is awful. But sometime soon she has to meet Mr Right. And if that is Ambrose, ithasto be wrong for Milo to wreck their chances.
He gives a shrug. ‘I know, I know, it’s hard.’ His voice drops again. ‘You will keep my secret? I’d hate Ambrose and Miranda to feel I’m treading on their toes.’
My voice goes high again. ‘But youare.And it’s not just their toes, you’re stamping on their future with your size nine wellies.’
His eyebrow goes up. ‘Size tens. Hunters come up very small apparently.’
I nod. ‘I should know that, they’re always saying that in shoes atDaniels.’ The number of present returns they get is phenomenal. And we’ve somehow moved on, but at least he knows where I stand on this.
Then his frown softens and he smiles again. ‘Is this a good time to have that cake?’
I sigh. ‘Just when I was getting good on here too.’ It’s ridiculous feeling disappointed we’re leaving the ice now. But you know me, if I have to choose between hot chocolate or exercise, there’s never a contest. ‘Did I see Bailey’s cupcakes at the skate hut?’
‘You did.’ He does the nose thing again. ‘We’ll skate back to the start nice and slowly so Ambrose and Miranda see us being coupley, then we’ll head straight for the cafe.’ As he takes my hand again he grins at me. ‘Come on then, big beams to show everyone how well we’re getting on.’
But for once even the thought of hot chocolate to come isn’t quite enough to make me completely smiley.
