“How’s your grandfather? And his cat?”

“The hotel is blocked by a downed power line, but they’re fine. Thankfully. We’re still without power because of that downed line, so I’m glad they staged a rescue mission.”

I glanced over at him. “Are you all right? I know you have an electric fire.”

“I’m fine. I have plenty of jumpers.” He indicated round a miniature roundabout. “Like David Cameron once said, if you’re cold, put on a jumper. Or something like that.”

“You have no power or heating. How is that fine?”

“I have blankets.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

“Why do you care?”

“Because I’m not a horrible person, despite what you seem to think, and I do care about your wellbeing.”

Miles glanced at me, and his throat bobbed with a swallow. “I don’t think you’re a horrible person, Gabriella.”

“You could have fooled me.”

“I suppose you’re right. I’ve never made much of an effort to be particularly nice to you, and I’m sorry about that.”

Wait.

What?

“What?” I shifted in the seat and stared at him. “You’re… apologising?”

“Yes,” Miles said slowly. “Contrary to what you seem to think, I’m also not a bad person. Although I admit I’ve given you every reason to think so, whereas you’ve done nothing but be nice to me.”

“Wow.”

“Is that all? Wow?”

“I didn’t expect you to… Never mind.” I shook my head and shifted back again.

“No, what?”

I sighed. “I didn’t expect you to apologise for that, that’s all. It’s pretty obvious you don’t like me, and we’re not friends, so it doesn’t matter.”

“Gabriella, I—” The car rolled over a pothole, stopping him mid-sentence.

I let out a big, “Oof!” as the car bumped over the miniature crater. Thankfully, we were right in front of the Arrowwood Estate gates, and Miles coasted the car through the open gates and onto the driveway. He drove silently up the gravel drive and parked in front of the house.

There was still no sign of my dad or aunt.

I sighed.

“What’s wrong?” Miles asked, shutting off the engine.

“I thought Dad and Aunt Cat might have been able to get back by now.”

“Maybe the roads into Arrow Woods are flooded?”

“Possible. It might just be too busy for them to have gotten here. I know they’re only in Bath.” I shrugged. “There’s also the chance they’re catching up with friends and didn’t let me know.”

We both got out and looked at each other across the front of the car.

“Thank you for—”

“Do you want—”

We stopped.

“Go ahead,” Miles said, motioning for me to speak first.

“Oh, um, thank you. For the lift home. I appreciate it.” I wrapped my arms around my waist.

“You’re welcome.” He swallowed. “I was going to say… Do you want to come and check the greenhouses with me?”

“Can I go inside?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Seems unreasonable. Why would I check them if I can’t go inside?”

“Because I’m not done talking to you.”