Page 27 of Christmas off Script
‘Are we naughty for wearing these to the read-through?’
‘Never! We’re on the nice list.’
‘But Finn and Scott are going to be there.’
‘Exactly! We’ve got to psych them out. Now come on, let’s get breakfast.’
He gave Ella the side-eye as they set off down the corridor. She was trying to smother a grin.
‘What?’ she finally cried.
‘Come on, you can admit it. You wore that sweatshirt just as accidentally-on-purpose as I did.’
She let out a guilty snort of laughter, then glanced around as if to make sure they weren’t being overheard. ‘Maybe…’
Leo slung his arm around her and squeezed. ‘There’s my partner in crime. Don’t forget now, ’tis the season to be winning!’
‘Sleighing it at the Christmas quiz?’
‘Yes!’ Joy filled his heart. ‘God, I love you. Best bloody friend in the world.’
Ella grinned, then glanced forward. They’d reached the top of the staircase and it was impractical for Leo to continue side-hugging her.
But he didn’t want to let go.
Internally giving himself a shake, he released her. ‘I wonder if Summer’s back from London yet?’ he mused as they stepped down the wide staircase.
‘This early?’
‘You’re right. She normally doesn’t even open her eyes until after nine. It’s such hard work being an internet sensation.’
Ella smirked. ‘Well then, all the more breakfast for us.’
‘Yep. Being this epic requires regular refuelling. And right now my stomach is demanding eggs, bacon, black pudding, hash browns, and coffee with cream so thick it can be sliced.’
He took Ella’s hand as they reached the ground floor and jogged forward, tugging her along with him.
‘What are you doing?’ she asked as he pulled her down the corridor.
Whatwashe doing? He wasn’t sure. He just knew it had to involve holding her hand.
‘Making sure we’re not late,’ he replied. ‘And burning off enough calories to justify a Danish pastry as well.’
Later that morning,Leo and Ella wandered through the manor to the ballroom. A large stage had been erected along one end. This was for the band playing at the annual Winter Ball in two weeks’ time, then for the pantomime.
Henry, Leo’s oldest brother, was setting out chairs in a circle with Libby, his fiancée. As soon as Libby saw them, she bounded forward. ‘You’re here!’
‘Can we help set up?’ Ella asked.
Libby’s auburn hair whipped from side to side as she shook her head. ‘We’re good to go, although we could use this quiet time to chat through the set design and painting if you’ve got a minute?’
‘Of course! I’ve got my sketchbook with me.’
‘Wonderful! This is the first panto I’ve directed since drama school and we never had anyone as talented as you on board back then.’
Ella blushed, and Libby led her off to the side.
Leo ambled over to Henry. ‘Let me guess. She’s persuadedyouto play Prince Charming?’
