Suddenly Megan was feeling wonderful. Warmth seemed to be coursing through her veins. She beamed across at him and he grinned back, rolling his eyes in Cynthia’s direction.

As she sipped the coffee, Megan felt happiness continue to surge through her. Far from being besotted with their guest, Ben seemed to be getting more irritated by her each minute. The fire was starting to burn well now and in the small room its warmth was soon felt.

But best of all was the warmth of her husband’s gaze.

He came to perch on the arm of Megan’s couch. She looked up at him. ‘That’s a lovely blaze. You’re a dab hand with fires. I shall have to appoint you Lord of the Flames.’

He gripped her shoulder briefly. ‘I shall be honored, milady.’

Megan could feel the familiar longing uncurl in her belly. It seemed ages since they’d made love properly. If only Cynthia weren’t there, she’d drag him into the bedroom right now! Or spread the blanket in front of the fire and tug him down to join her.

A sweetly acid voice broke the spell. ‘I hate to interrupt you two love-birds, but what are we going to do about a meal tonight?’

Megan came reluctantly back to reality and her duties as a hostess. ‘Did you bring back some steak?’

It was Ben who answered. ‘Sorry. I forgot. I was – um, having a few other troubles.’

She bounced to her feet. ‘Well, it won’t take me long to whip up a spaghetti bolognese.’ Something fell on her head and she looked up. ‘Oh, no!’ She pointed to the ceiling.

‘Hell!’ Ben stared up at the dripping water, whose rate had definitely speeded up. Several drips now formed a line across the middle of the ceiling.

Cynthia rolled her eyes. ‘Look, why don’t we all go into Bunbury? There’s a rather nice hotel there. We can stay the night and travel back to Perth tomorrow.’

Ignoring her, Ben spoke to Megan, ‘I’m going to have to do something about that leak, I’m afraid, or the furniture will be ruined. Keep the fire going, will you? I’ll have to get up on the roof and stick a tar patch over the hole. Lucky someone left a half roll of tar paper here. I think it’s still usable.’

He went over to the window, pulling a face at her over his shoulder. ‘That rain’s here to stay and it’s going to be dark soon.’

She stood up. ‘You’ll need help.’

‘You’ve only just got yourself warm.’

‘So, I’ll have to get warm again afterwards.’ Their eyes met in a promise about how that warming would be accomplished.

‘It won’t take me long once I’m up there.’ The wind whistled round the house and he added ruefully, ‘Though it won’t be much fun in this weather.’