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Embarrassed, I looked away and had the distinct impression that Lulu’s attack had taken Dylan by surprise too. He climbed out, collected our bags from the front of the cab, and paid the driver.

“I’ll see you later,” he said as she leaned out of the cab window to kiss him again.

We watched the cab make its way down the street. I stared at Dylan, trying not to laugh.

“What?” he snapped and reddened.

“Nothing.” I shook my head innocently.

Dylan frowned. “I don’t know what’s gotten into her,” he muttered.

“You did.”

“Emily!” Dylan blanched, shocked.

I gave him an apologetic shrug, but inside, I was reeling. I couldn’t quite believe I’d said that out loud.

What happened to polite?

He shook his head and proceeded to open the front door, pushing to the side mail lying on the floor. The alarm started its furious beeping, but I braved it out and followed him in, carrying my small suitcase. Dylan dumped my holdall and his suitcase on the floor and deactivated the alarm, explaining how to reset it as he did. This time, I scowled. I really didn’t like the alarm.

“You’ll need to know how it works at some stage,” he said with an edge to his voice. I knew he was either irritated or disturbed by my inappropriate comment.

Just keeping it real.

“I’m going to check my messages and then I’m off to the supermarket. Do you want to come?”

I shook my head. Tristan might be waiting, though I couldn’t detect his scent.

“I’ll unpack and put some washing on.” I smiled.

He frowned again, suspicious of my smile. “Do you need anything?”

“Um… hangers.”

“Oh. Yes, okay.” He gathered the scattered mail, then went into his study.

Picking up my holdall and suitcase, I dragged them upstairs to my room. To my utter disappointment, there was no trace of my favorite neighborhood ghost.

The disappointment was real.

So I started to unpack.

“Emily!” Dylan called, and I peered out of my room. He was standing at the top of the stairs. “Your photo Oyster card has arrived. I’ve left it on the console. You’ll need it for the tube and buses. And I’m off. Sure you don’t want to come?”

“No. Do you want me to wash your clothes too?”

He looked surprised. “You know how to use the washing machine?”

Stepping into the hall, I put my hands on my hips. I couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of my voice. “Dylan, I’m sure I’ll figure it out.”

He grinned. “I don’t think I should subject you to my laundry.”

“It’s the least I could do. I used to do it at…” My voice trailed off.

Home.

“Okay, if you’re up to it,” he said quickly. “I’ve dumped it all in the en suite. Thank you,” he added.