She was like a breath of fresh air but he’d noticed the sad look in her eyes at the mention of her mother. He lent back, closed his eyes as images of a certain feisty redhead came to mind wearing a tight corset…where had she said he could find out her bra size??
***
Matt’s peaceful relaxation was shattered by ear-splitting, tuneless warbling coming from the far end of the pub. Even George woke up, pricked his ears, and whined.
“Good grief lad, we better go and put them out of their misery before they clear the pub.”
Matt walked into the games room at the far end and decided that he’d obviously snoozed for a while in front of the fire. Ana and Pip had empty shot glasses lined up in front of them and had their arms around each other holding a microphone in the middle; the height difference was comical. Matt couldn’t be sure but thought he detected the tortured sounds of the Bee Gee’s’ “You Should Be Dancing”. At least, that was the tune in the background, but Ana and Pip were too busy giggling and improvising to be bothered with actual lyrics… or tone.
He hoped she didn’t have plans to be a pop singer.
The girls had attracted an audience of the young village males who seemed keen to keep the girls supplied with alcohol.
Okay, enough fun.
“Yay, Matt’s here!”
His name was shouted by them both and echoed around the room through the speakers, which complained loudly with shrill reverb.
Matt winced. “Okay you two, time to let someone else have some fun. Share the lime light.”
Matt heard the grumblings from the lads who had congregated towards the back of the room. He silenced them with an arctic stare. Intelligent lads that they were, they recognised his alpha status in the room, dropped their eyes, and busied themselves with a game of pool.
“Boo boring!” Pip chanted. “We’re just having some fun Matt. Come on Matt, sing with your ’lil sister purrlleeeaasse…”
“I think Matt’s right Pip, too much fun for me. I’m shattered and… oops, possibly slightly inebriated.”
Matt noticed the slight slurring of her words right before she stumbled off the stage. He sprung forward to catch her.
“Whoops, falling off the stage, thank God that’s never happened to me before. Career suicide, Naomi never fully recovered. Thank you my—" She hiccupped. “Hero.”
“You’re welcome, now let’s get you home.” He placed his arm around Ana’s waist to help her. “You coming Pip?”
“No, not yet. James texted before and he’s on his way. He’ll bring me home later.”
“Fine, not too late though. If you’re not back before twelve I’ll be coming back for you.”
“Alright, alright, I’ve got it. Byyyeee Ana!!”
Matt turned back to Ana. “Ready?”
“You have beautiful eyes.”
Or at least that’s what he thought she slurred, before she added, “even with the bags underneath. I know a beauty trick for that.” She hiccupped again and giggled.
Oh great. This was going to be a long walk home!
He manoeuvred them out of the games room and towards the exit. “Come on George. Night Bob, thanks.”
“Night Matt, see ya at the Ball. Oh and tell ya lass she’s welcome t’ come and see me ferret anytime she likes.”
Ana lifted her head slightly and giggled whilst slapping an open palm against Matt’s chest. “Naughty Barman Bob.”
Matt rolled his eyes and huffed. “He’s not propositioning you Ana. He really does have a ferret – and before you ask no, I don’t.”
***
Despite a lull in the snowfall, a cold blast of air hit them as they left the warmth of the pub and Matt was taken aback as Ana immediately snuggled into his chest in protest and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. The unexpected action had him frozen like the children’s snowman: standing proudly in the village square. He was completely out of his depth here. Did he put his arm around her or keep his distance? Although, untangling her from his body might be a bit tricky. The woman’s grip rivalled that of an octopus.
She mumbled into his chest."urghmattitsbloomfreezingoutereletsgobackinsidecozitsniceandwarm.”
Matt had to smile. Miss Harper was drunk and, evidently, she was an affectionate drunk. So much better than an aggressive or loud drunk.
“Hmmmyousmellsoooogood,” she slurred, and then giggled for absolutely no reason he could determine. Odd woman.
“Hmm hm, you do too.”
It was taking them forever to walk down the street. For every step forward, Ana seemed to force them to the side but in actual fact Matt was beginning to enjoy the excuse for the close contact that he didn’t have to think too much about. He eventually gave up trying to keep any distance between their bodies and brought his left arm around her shoulder, the other covering her clasped hands.
“Comeonemattpleaseletsgoovethehillpleaseprettypurleessee.”
It took a moment for him to translate her meaning.
“No way Ana, we’re sticking to the road,” he said sternly, shaking his head. He would not be moved on this.
Ana stopped abruptly and turned to face him, sulking as she put her hands on her hips. Or at least he thought that was the look she was going for. It rather missed its objective when her hands slipped forward off her hips and she started to fall forward. Matt stopped her by placing his hand on her forehead and pushing her back gently.
He arched a brow. “I see the stroppy two year old is back again, Miss Harper,” he said in a mocking yet light tone.
She stuck out her tongue and blew a raspberry at him. He was relatively sure she hadn’t meant to cover his face in spittle.
Matt wiped his face and didn’t try to hide the smile creeping suspiciously to his lips. “Nice, Miss Harper. Very refined.”
“Ah there’s ya smile; see ya do have one farm boy.” She chucked at her own joke and dropped her head back onto his coat. “Dowhateveryoozewantimgoingoveryonderhill.”
Nope, not a clue this time.
Matt sighed. If this was what having a child would be like maybe he should re-think his desire to have lots of the little blighters.
“Right then come along Jill, over the hill we go. Let’s just hope it doesn’t end as badly for us.” He looked up at the stars as if seeking guidance.
“Whooohoo!” Ana jumped up and down like a child.
Matt steered them off towards the relatively small hill over which Melville House stood. It was usually a much quicker way into the village but tonight, with the snow and Miss Harper, he wasn’t so sure.
Ana snuggled towards him and linked her arm through his as they strolled along the end of the high street in anything but a straight line.
The snow was about a foot deep making the trudge over the hill take twice as long as usual, but thankfully the light cast by the full moon and the torch he had brought with him was enough to guide them.
Eventually they came to a sty and Matt helped Ana up from behind and guided her foot over. Wow, her bottom looked mighty fine in his jeans. Unfortunately as she brought her other foot over she caught it on the top of the wooden post and tumbled forward, face