Page 90 of Someone For Everyone

‘What happened?’

‘A tree happened.’ She felt Calvin’s cheek crease against hers. ‘I managed to steer the pony towards a giant oak tree, and whereas the horse was able to travel beneath the low-hangingbranches, I spent the next ten minutes being smacked in the face by them.’

He laughed.

‘The instructor kept yelling at me to change direction, while Alex remained doubled-up on the fence, laughing his head off.’

Calvin hugged her tighter. ‘Were you hurt?’

‘No, but I spent the next twenty-four hours sneezing from all the tree pollen up my nose. It was not a good experience.’

‘Poor Katiekins,’ he whispered, sending a shiver up her spine. ‘Thank you for overcoming such a traumatic experience to come to my rescue.’

‘Are you taking the piss?’

‘I wouldn’t dream of it.’

‘Then why are you laughing?’

‘Because if anyone had told me a year ago that this is what I’d be doing right now, I’d have assumed they were on something. Like you said, it’s beyond surreal.’

‘Which bit?’

‘All of it. The weather, the horse… you. My life is unrecognisable.’ He sounded bemused. ‘I’m just puzzled as to why I’m not more disturbed by it.’

‘Well… give it time,’ she said, her shivering masking the shake in her legs. ‘This isn’t over yet. I still have Rowan’s voice in my head, warning me about the phantom coach and horses that reputedly haunt this section of road. If rumours are to be believed, we could be mowed down at any moment.’

‘I’ll make a bet with you. If we encounter a spectral carriage between now and returning to Rose Court, I will personally pay for you to go on a round-the-world cruise, stopping at any destination of your choice.’

She twisted her head to look at him. ‘Why a cruise?’

‘You said you envied your aunty heading off on a cruise. I thought it might be something you’d enjoy.’

She focused ahead, in case her expression gave her away. Why did he have to be so darned nice? ‘One flaw.’

‘Which is?’

‘I can’t go on a cruise if I’m dead.’ She steered Bernard towards the lane leading up to Rose Court. ‘If we encounter the phantom coach then we’re done for. Haven’t you heard the saying, “dying of fright”? It’s not used without good reason.’

He rested his chin on her shoulder. ‘Nobody’s dying tonight.’

‘Well… good.’ She glanced away from the sight of his dimples. Up close, they were even more lethal. ‘But then I’ll have lost the bet.’

‘Then you’ll have to pay up.’

‘I might’ve known there’d be a catch.’ She rolled her eyes. Not that he could see, but still. ‘What’s my forfeit?’

‘Staying at Rose Court for Christmas.’

This statement should have caused more displeasure than it did, but the idea of staying at Rose Court did make her feel a little excited. It wasn’t like she wanted to leave; it was just in her best interests to do so. ‘That’s a loaded bet.’

‘That’s why I made it.’ His voice was barely a whisper. ‘I want you to stay.’

The gargoyles perched on the pillars viewed her with disdain, as if they were as disgusted with her as she was. It wasn’t like she hadn’t tried to escape. The weather had conspired against her. She wasn’t staying for any other reason… but she knew that was a lie.

‘Doesn’t look like I’m going to be able to leave anyway,’ she said, as Rose Court loomed ahead. ‘More snow is due and it’s Christmas Eve tomorrow. I might’ve missed my last chance.’

‘Then we’re both winners.’

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