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‘It made you look a bit silly.’ Frankie’s chest felt quite tight and her heart was hammering a crazy tattoo in her ribcage.

‘You said I suited it,’ Jay teased softly.

Once again, Frankie found herself staring at Jay’s lips.

‘I lied,’ she said in barely more than a whisper.

The snow continued to fall heavily. Frankie could feel the flakes landing on her head, soaking her hair.

And then, Jay moved closer and kissed her.

It was a slow, tentative brush against her lips at first, but when Frankie circled her arms around him, pressing her body against his, the kiss deepened. Her mind raced at a thousand miles an hour. She was kissing Jay. They were only meant to be friends. But, oh God, it felt amazing. Her stomach fizzed as little electrical sparks seemed to burst inside her body like fireworks.

As well as amazing, it also felt right.

There was a dull thud as Frankie felt something hit her back. She stumbled forward slightly. They broke apart and another snowball hit Jay on the shoulder.

‘Get a room!’ someone shouted as another icy missile sailed over their heads a moment before their assailant ran off.

Jay and Frankie continued to look at each other, their breath clouding.

‘What do you think?’ Jay said softly. ‘We could go back to mine; Mum’s out until late.’

Frankie’s stomach practically did a somersault.

‘Only if you want to… if you’re sure.’

Frankie smiled. ‘I want to. I’m sure.’

* * *

Afterward, Frankie and Jay walked back to Drumkeldy. They held hands and kept looking at each other, big grins on their faces.

Frankie felt like she was floating. She’d had sex with Jay! And it had been magical. Yes, she’d felt a little self-conscious at first, and they kept giggling as they undressed but then… something shifted and all awkwardness was forgotten and then it was… simply amazing! As if reading her thoughts, Jay squeezed Frankie’s hand and pulled her round for a kiss.

The clock struck the hour. Frankie counted eight chimes.

‘I’d better get back. Mum’s making lasagna and warned us not to be late,’ said Frankie.

They smiled at each other before continuing walking. The snow had been falling relentlessly and everything was now covered in a thick white blanket, which added to the magical atmosphere for Frankie.

Just as they were passing the Drumkeldy Arms a car drew up beside them. The driver’s window slid down and Valentina stuck her head out. ‘Mum’s on the warpath! I’ve been sent to round you and Rocco up.’

‘Coming!’ Rocco called as he hurried out from the entrance of the hotel. ‘Shotgun!’ he yelled, getting into the passenger seat.

‘Want a lift, Jay?’ Valentina asked.

‘Thanks, but I’ll walk. It’s a lovely night.’

‘It’s a bloody blizzard, you nut!’ Valentina said.

‘See you later!’

Frankie got into the car and watched Jay walk off, her internal organs doing all sorts of strange somersaults as she stared dreamily out the window, reliving every moment of their time together.

Valentina sniffed the air as she slowly pulled away. ‘Dear God! Who is wearing that shocking perfume?’

‘Rocco’s date,’ Frankie said.