INSIDE THE HOUSE WAS quiet, enough so, I presumed everyone was in bed, until I spotted feet overhanging the end of the sofa through the living room door, and ducking round the panelled wood revealed Connor.
He blinked, and when he beckoned me closer, I padded over to him. Fingers folding around my wrist, he tugged me down on top of him, his bear hug a much warmer welcome than I’d expected.
My cheek squidged into his shoulder as I returned the embrace. “Sorry about my dodgy smell,” I murmured at his audible inhalation.
“I can deal,” he said. “It’s good to see you.”
Connor’s chest rose and fell against me. His body warmed like an electric blanket. Exhausted still, I stayed there, listening to Ethan’s footsteps shuffle around the house.
Outside, the rain gave up, allowing a little winter
