Page 146

“Yep.”

“You can’t take you anywhere.”

“Nope. Anyway, to cut a long story short, we helped a long-dead smuggler be reunited with his aristocrat lover while battling an evil entity.”

“Of course, you did. Can’t you just shag until you get friction burns like normal honeymooners?”

“That’s next on our agenda. Anyway, in return for our service we got given a cottage by the seaside.”

There’s a long silence. “You got given a cottage?”

“Yep.”

“By the seaside?”

“That’s what I said.”

“How is it that when I go away with this group, I get grey hairs, and you get real estate?”

“You should learn to be as spiffing as me,” I inform him and he snorts.

“You’re buying me dinner when you get back.”

“Maybe you should be buying it for me. I’m a landowner now, you know. I’ll have expenses.”

“Make room in your mahoosive wallet.”

I laugh. “Love you. See you soon. Give my highest regards to Jem.”

“Love you too. Tell Levi I love him, and I’m very sorry.”

“For what?”

“You.”

I laugh out loud, sliding my phone into my pocket. I’ve just settled back into my chair when there’s a footstep behind me. “Nope,” I say without opening my eyes. “This office is closed and the door is bolted with a notice saying I’m on my honeymoon.”

“Outrageous,” the ghost says, and stomps off.

I smile. A few minutes later I hear the car pull to a stop and then the sound of someone on the steps. It’s Levi. I’d know him if I were blindfolded in a dark room.

“You took your time,” I say.

“You try searching for a bakery open this morning. Odysseus had less trouble on his travels. I’ve had to scour the whole of fucking Cornwall for a saffron bun.”

“You’re so dramatic,” I say approvingly.

He falls into the chair next to me. He’s wearing a faded pair of jeans, my old navy jumper, and his freshly washed hair falls in waves over his pretty face.

“Guess what?” I say brightly.

“Oh god, what?”

I prop my arm on the chair. “Go on. Have a go.”

“Erm, Elizabeth the First popped out of the porridge box wearing nipple tassels and danced the fandango.”

I stare at him. “Oh my god. Why do you always spoil the surprise?”