So nice to know that people still have a soft spot for A2A after all this time. Thanks to everyone who took the time to leave a review – it really is appreciated.

Without further ado …

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Chapter 2

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It was late in the evening. Early high spirits had settled into a more reflective mood as people chatted quietly or meditated on Christmases past. 'It'll Be Lonely This Christmas' was playing on the juke box and a couple were wrapped around one another, swaying gently to the music. It had been christened the Magic Juke Box because of its seemingly unlimited capacity: all anyone had to do was to think of a song, and there it was at the top of the playlist.

Alex was still seated at the bar, cradling a glass of house red in honour of happier occasions. She'd long since given up the idea of socialising: her head was too crowded with bittersweet memories. How many times had she and the Guv come close to locking lips? She'd lost count. Either someone had interrupted at the crucial moment, or one of them had realised the enormity of taking that next step and backed away. When it had finally happened, it had been a kiss suffused with sadness and regret. A kiss goodbye. Even now, it still had the power to bring her to tears.

"I go where I'm needed, Bols."

Well, she needed him, now more than ever. Where are you, Gene?

"Looks like we're in for a white Christmas, milady."

Nelson broke into her reverie.

"It's snowing?"

She blinked at him in wonder and he grinned, glancing over her shoulder. Twisting her head, she followed his line of vision and furrowed her brows. Had that window always been there? Slipping off her stool, she moved to stand in front of it, clearing the misted glass with her sleeve. Outside, the world had turned white. Snow blanketed tables and benches, and there were already a couple of inches lying on the sill. The breeze had picked up, blowing the fat flakes around in whirls and eddies. The effect was almost hypnotic.

She had no idea how long she'd been standing there when the oddest feeling came over her. It reminded her of childhood Christmas Eves: the heady mix of excitement and anticipation, the aura of magic hanging in the air. Her skin began to tingle and a prickle of awareness skittered down her spine.

Suddenly the wind moaned louder and an icy blast swirled around her ankles. Behind her, the front door slammed with enough force to rattle the windows. All the hairs on her arms stood up. She froze, rooted to the spot, and somehow she knew. She felt it right down to the bone, even before conversation petered out and a deathly hush fell over the room.

"Its bloody brass monkeys out there tonight!"

A gravelly voice with a distinctive northern inflection punctured the silence. Her heart stuttered in her chest, drumming against her ribcage as the whole place erupted in a cacophony of sound: whoops and yells, cheers and applause. Chairs scraped the floor as folk leapt to their feet and surged forwards en masse, desperate to welcome the newcomer. Voices were raised in exuberant greeting as everyone spoke at once.

"About bleedin' time!"

"What kept you?"

"Nelson, get the man a pint!"

Alex couldn't think, couldn't breathe, couldn't move. Gradually, the noise level returned to something approaching normal, and still she was afraid to look. Please don't let me be dreaming.

"So, Bolly-Kecks. Yer gonna kiss me or punch me?"

There was affection in his gruff tone, but also trepidation. A sob rose in her throat, but she forced it down. This was not the time to fall apart. Lifting her chin, she squared her shoulders and turned to face him.

"To tell you the truth, I'm really not sure."

Their gazes locked and held. For a long moment they simply drank each other in. His eyes were even more breath-taking than she remembered, and she couldn't wait to kiss the pout off those sensual lips. She cocked her head to one side.

"You don't look much like Santa Claus."

"Red isn't really me colour."

"Do you at least come bearing gifts?"

His mouth twitched.

"Maybe. Play yer cards right and I'll give you one later."

She quirked an eyebrow.

"Oh, I'm counting on that."

The urge to reach out and touch him was almost overwhelming.

"Don't move. I'll be right back."

The sashayed over to the juke box, knowing his gaze would be firmly fixed on her behind and glad now that she'd made some effort with her appearance. The little black dress clung to her curves and the heels made her legs look endless. Choosing her song, she pressed the button and made her way back to him. As the first strains of Spandau Ballet filled the room, she held out a hand.

"Dance with me, Guv."

He pouted at her, but there was a flash of longing in the depths of his silver-blue eyes.

"The Gene Genie does not dance."

"You and I both know that's not true, don't we?"

He blew out a long breath before drawing her into the circle of his arms. Laying her head on his shoulder, she breathed in the heady scent of whiskey, cigarettes and something indefinably him, and sighed. He wasn't a figment of her imagination. He was warm, he was solid, he was real.
Suddenly, it was all too much. The strangeness of it. The familiarity of it. Emotion clogged her throat and she began to tremble.

"Gene …"

Her voice wobbled dangerously.

"I know."

Holding her close, he brushed his lips across her forehead. They swayed together until the need for comfort and reassurance passed, and a different longing altogether took its place. Slowly, tentatively, she raised her head until their faces were mere inches apart. His gaze dropped to her mouth and she held her breath.

He kissed her then: softly, lingeringly, his tongue entwining with hers in a slow sensual dance. Moaning low in her throat, she threaded her fingers though his silky mane and moulded herself to him. Wow. She might be dead, but she'd never known heaven until now.

On and on they went, lost in each other, ignoring the wolf-whistles and the suggestions to "Get a room!" until finally the need for oxygen forced them apart. Breathless, she searched his face, relieved to see that he looked as shell-shocked as she felt. Right on cue, the clock behind the bar began to chime midnight.

"Merry Christmas, Gene."

Her lips curved into a hesitant smile.

"Same to you, Lady Bols."

Dropping her gaze to his chest, she slid her fingers slowly down the length of his lapel.

"Would you … um … like to come upstairs with me? If you play your cards right, I might even show you my etchings."

She gazed up at him from under her lashes. His eyes took on a predatory gleam and her heart rate kicked up again. If the Manc Lion was on the prowl, she was more than happy to be his prey.

"That's the best offer I've had in a very long time."

"Glad to hear it."

"Somethin' I need to know first though, Alex."

His voice was gruff. He cleared his throat, rocking back on his heels.

"Not plannin' on runnin' out on me again, are yer?"

She swallowed, her heart squeezing at the memory. Reaching up to cup his cheek, she gazed into his eyes, needing him to know. To believe.

"Never. You and me, Guv. Unbreakable."

He searched her face for a long moment, and then gave a brief nod.

"In that case, what are we waitin' for?"

Nelson watched them leave, hand in hand, and a broad grin spread across his face. Whistling to himself, he returned to polishing glasses.
One of the few remaining stragglers carried his drink over to the juke box, pondered for a moment, and pressed a button.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas.
Let your heart be light.
From now on, your troubles will be out of sight.

He nodded in satisfaction, downed the last of his whiskey, and headed for the door humming along to the final verse.

Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow.
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now …

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THE END

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Because we all know that's what happened, don't we? Methinks they deserve some alone time now … *tiptoes away*

If you enjoyed, you know what to do! Meanwhile, I'm off to spend some quality time with my nearest and dearest, no doubt indulging in the usual festive traditions: eating, drinking and falling out over board games!

Even more reason this year, as it hasn't been the best of times, family-wise. My mum was diagnosed with cancer back in October, bless her. Fortunately, despite her advancing years, she came through the surgery with flying colours and is recovering well, much to our relief.

Anyway, onwards and upwards, huh? Wishing all you lovely people a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here's hoping it's a good 'un. xx