Page 46 of Fiendish Delights
I gazed at the offending decoration. ‘I don’t think a piece of mass-manufactured plastic is what our forebears had in mind.’
‘All the same, Daisy, it would be very rude not to.’
Fine. I moved closer, stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. ‘There.’
Hugo ran his tongue over his lips. He gazed at the mistletoe again before meeting my eyes. This time when he spoke theteasing edge had gone from his voice. ‘You know there is something between us, Daisy. You feel it like I do.’
I blinked. I’d had the feeling this conversation was coming, I just hadn’t expected it would happen now. Or on my parents’ doorstep.
‘It’s been some time since that kiss we shared outside Smoo Cave. And it’s been some time since I’ve faced up to the surprising truth that I want you.’ He lifted his chin and I recognised the glint of challenge in his expression.
Hang on a minute. I folded my arms and took a step back. ‘Thesurprisingtruth? You really know how to make a girl feel good about herself.’
Hugo didn’t miss a beat. ‘You haven’t struck me as the kind of person who enjoys platitudes or white lies. Of course it’s surprising that I want you, and you must be surprised that you feel the same way about me. If you’d prefer me to tell you that we’re kindred spirits whose destinies are entangled with each other, or that my heart sings because I’ve finally found my true soul mate, you’ll be disappointed. I have many flaws but I’m not a liar. I’m telling you the truth, and the truth is that I want you. And I know you want me too.’
If I could have written down all the reasons why nothing should happen between Hugo and I, it would have been a very long list indeed. Not to mention I was still stung by that‘surprisingtruth’. ‘We both know it’s the hunt that thrills you, not the reward. You’ve said as much yourself.’
‘You’re putting words into my mouth. That’s how I feel about treasure, not people. Besides, you’re as much a fan of the hunt as I am. So,’ he said smugly, ‘instead of telling me how you think I feel, why don’t you tell me howyoufeel?’
I looked into his blue eyes. What the hell; maybe itwastime to admit the truth. ‘Sure,’ I said. ‘Idowant you.’
Hugo’s grin returned.
‘But,’ I added, ‘only in the physical sense of the word and in the same way I want the talented Mr Ripley or the Goblin King.’
‘Who?’
‘David Bowie’s character inLabyrinth.’ It was my turn to smile. ‘You’re a good-looking guy and you know it, Hugo. Sure, I’m physically attracted to you, but I’m not a teenager. I don’t live my life according to my baser desires – if I did, I’d eat chocolate ice cream for every meal. But chocolate ice cream wouldn’t satisfy me for long.’
I didn’t bother reminding him that I was also a spider’s silk addict. He hadn’t forgotten.
‘I’m not asking for your hand in marriage, Daisy.’ He raised his eyebrows. ‘I might be chocolate ice cream. I am definitelynotvanilla.’
’Vanilla is my favourite,’ I said for no other reason than to be perverse.
Hugo’s voice was suddenly soft. ‘Liar.’
I half-laughed and stepped away. ‘It’s not a good idea.’
‘Bad ideas are under-rated.’
I shook my head, both amused and exasperated. ‘You have a long journey ahead of you, Hugo. You should go.’
‘Daisy—’ He ran a hand through his tawny hair.
‘I’ll see you in the new year,’ I said firmly.
‘Don’t fight the inevitable.’
‘Goodbye, Hugo.’
He paused for a long moment. ‘Goodbye, Daisy,’ he said finally. ‘Don’t forget to keep up your training exercises.’ Then he turned on his heel and left.
I thought I was fine; I thought I had myself under control. But ninety seconds after Hugo’s Jeep departed and was swallowed up by the night, I couldn’t stay calm any longer.
Magic burst out of me, erratic, wild and entirely uncalled for. My knees buckled and I fell forward. Cumbubbling bollocks.That wasn’t good at all – and it was one of many reasons why Hugo and I could be nothing more than friends.
Mum and Dad were still talking about it on Christmas Day morning. ‘It’s extraordinary,’ Dad said. ‘An earthquake! In these parts!’
