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‘And what about the in between time?’

I lock eyes with Jasper and my breath catches. ‘No plan as yet, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out, eventually.’ I have to do a bit of research but I haven’t wanted to spend time locked away in my cabin when I can spend it with my new friends. Every moment we share is precious and I want to enjoy all our time together. It’s not often seven people, if you include me, gel the way we have. It’s one of those magical travel marvels that make you wish that the time together will never run out, but maybe the beauty of it is that our time together is limited and that’s why it is so special. We’ve all cast aside those masks everyone wears when you first meet and peeled back those layers to get to know one another on a deeper level, fast. But then there’s me, who hasn’t been truthful, despite trying umpteen times.

I’ll have to come clean. But not now, not while they’re all smiling and laughing and enjoying the festivities.

‘I hope we can all meet again,’ Princess murmurs. ‘But life sure is a wily beast, so I know to take it one day at a time.’

26

23 DECEMBER, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

We’re all squashed together in a booth at the bar on the Winter Wonderland Express, while the staff sing Christmas carols. When it’s Sabrina’s solo, we all hush. She belts out the lyrics for ‘Little Drummer Boy’ and it’s enough to bring a tear to the eye; her voice is mellifluous and soulful.

‘Wow,’ CJ says. ‘Who knew she could sing like that?’

Even Princess, our resident karaoke queen, is stunned. ‘Sabrina has the voice of an angel. Her talents are being wasted.’

When Sabrina’s song is over, she gives us a fluttery little wave as if she hasn’t just captivated the crowd and goes behind the bar to help.

The next singer pales in comparison so we get back to our conversation and chatter about our plans for Lapland, including meeting up for Christmas Eve dinner at the lodge. ‘What about Sabrina, though?’ Karen asks. ‘She and her boyfriend are staying in a hostel close by, aren’t they? It would be great to celebrate with them too.’

‘Definitely,’ Princess says. ‘We’ll ask her what their plans are.’

The staff finish their carolling. We stand and clap, thanking them as they pass to resume their duties.

‘Music requests?’ Sabrina calls from behind the bar, gesturing to the sound system.

‘What about “Last Christmas”?’ Princess announces, holding out her hand to Barry. ‘May I have this dance?’

Barry blushes and fumbles. ‘I’d love nothing more.’

Princess gives me a not-so-subtle kick as she edges past me. There’s absolutely no way I’m asking Jasper to dance, if that’s what she’s thinking. Princess tries her laser-like stare at me, but I duly ignore it. Instead, I study my nails like they’re endlessly fascinating.

Jasper lets out a surprised gasp, which I take to mean she kicked him on the way past too. The minx.

‘Ah – Aubrey, would you like to dance?’ he asks, darting a glance at Princess, as if to ask why she has to resort to under-the-table kicks. She’s as subtle as a sledgehammer, that woman.

‘You’re not asking under duress or anything, are you?’

He laughs. ‘Absolutely not! I’m sure you didn’t receive a nudge to the shins, either?’

I take his hand and we make our way to the small area used for entertainment. When Jasper pulls me tight against his body, everything melts away, except him and his intense gaze, which burns so hot I have to look away. He’s like a real-life romance novel hero come to life and I just want to delight in that. It feels natural, being in his arms, feeling the beat of his heart as I press up against him. It takes me a moment to work up the courage to stare into the unfathomable depths of his eyes, because that’s where I get lost, looking for signs that this is where I’m meant to be. That he is the one I want.

‘Aubrey,’ he says, his voice husky.

I keep my gaze on his. ‘Yes?’

So much remains unsaid but sometimes words are just words. I don’t need assurances, I just need to feel his lips on mine. Maybe that’s all I need to do, listen to my body for once.

I slowly rise on my tiptoes as he brings his mouth to meet mine. Stars collide as we kiss tenderly, softly. Desire flames in my heart and my soul. All at once I’m sure I’ve never felt like this before, and how can that be?

‘What the hell? Aubrey…’

The voice breaks my reverie. It’s so familiar. Jasper pulls his lips from mine but keeps me in his arms.

‘I – I didn’t expect to see that.’ The once missing groom nervously runs a hand through his thick dark locks.

Oh God, Miles is here. I’m frozen to the spot, unsure of how to react, while my lips are still tingling from Jasper’s kiss.