Making Jane Proud

Chapter 8 - Fire and Ice

"Ice skating? I thought all the outdoor rinks closed once schools went back."

They had caught the Tube to Canary Wharf and Tom had finally told Ellie their destination. "This one stays open until the end of this month." He replied and as they rounded one of the soaring concrete and glass towers, Canada Square Park came into view. It was a popular spot with the City crowd during the week but blessedly quiet at weekends and now, as they'd arrived soon after opening time, boasted no more than twenty or so other people.

They hired skates and sat on a nearby bench to put them on. Ellie was finished first and then started jiggling about in a way that distracted Tom from tying his laces. "Ellie? Is everything alright?"

"Yes, I'm just moving my pump to a different spot. If I fall down I don't want it in my trouser pocket in case it gets damaged. I also need the tubing well out of the way."

"Oh! Of course! Where are you moving it to, exactly?" The way she was contorting around was fascinating him.

She pulled a face as she replied. "Well, girls tops don't come with built in pockets like you guys get, so I have to improvise." He nodded but kept looking at her, not quite understanding. She leaned closer to say quietly, "What's an article of clothing most girls wear that's purpose is to hold things in firmly?"

Tom's cheeks coloured as he realised what she meant; Ellie grinned and whispered in his ear, "You look adorable when you blush!" Which, of course, only made him blush all the more and he was mortified until he felt her soft kiss on his cheek. "Sorry Tom. I can go do this in the ladies room if you'd prefer."

"No, that's okay." The blush receded. "I would offer to help, but ..." He trailed off when he realised what he'd said but joined in when Ellie burst into laughter. He concentrated on finishing tying his skates, by which time she had safely tucked her pump away and was waiting for him, her gloved hand held out to take his as they headed on to the rink.

They did a couple of circuits slowly, finding their footing and rhythm as it had been a while since either of them skated, then struck out with more confidence, building up speed. Soon they were zooming around the rink and Tom took hold of both Ellie's hands to spin her in a dizzying whirl. She made a sound that was half laugh, half scream and he couldn't help but grin madly at the look on her face. "Hold on tight!" He told her, and spun faster; they ended up in a giggling heap on the ice a few minutes later. "Sorry! Are you okay?"

"That was fun!" She said, untangling herself and getting to her feet. "Let's do it again!" He grinned wider and they set off again, getting faster and faster until he spun them around, all the while watching her face and feeling his heart thud at her look of sheer joy and excitement. She didn't seem to mind at all when they ended up in a tangle on the ice once more and he found himself overwhelmed by the urge to kiss her. He leaned over, taking her cold face in his gloved hands, and placed his lips on hers, thrilled when she moved closer to him and returned the pressure, her hands resting on his chest. When they eventually pulled apart she smiled at him and said, "I'm getting a numb bum!" which made them both giggle and he pulled himself to his feet before helping her up.

After another hour they handed in their skates and headed to a nearby pub, pleased to find it boasted a roaring fire with an empty table nearby so they could sit and dry their damp clothes.

"Would you like a drink?" Tom asked.

"I'd love something to warm up my insides!" Ellie replied. "An Irish coffee if they have one."

"Coming right up!" He went to the bar and ordered one for each of them, glancing at Ellie as he waited. In spite of their recent exertions and the heat of the fire he thought she looked a little pale and the hand she was running through her hair seemed to be trembling. The coffees arrived and he headed back to the table as quickly as he could without spilling. "Are you alright? You look pale ..."