‘I’ll lock the door,’ she called up to me. ‘See you later.’

‘Bye!’ I called back.

I was surprised that I felt disappointed to be missing out on singing a few carols and seeing the second advent candle lit, but I thought it best to put some distance between me and Beamish, at least until I had turned off the little torch I had started to shine for him.

I had just started to nod off when my phone began to ring and I jolted upright, sloshing water over the sides of the bath. It was Jonathan, requesting a video call.

‘Where are you?’ he laughed once I had propped the phone up on my towel which was on the chair next to the bath.

‘Can’t you see me?’ I asked, leaning in a little.

‘Oh yes,’ he grinned. ‘Hattie, are you in the bath?’

‘Yes,’ I giggled, then remembering where he was added, ‘You aren’t out in public somewhere, are you?’

‘No,’ he said, ‘I’m in the hotel and I’m rather pleased I called your mobile rather than trying the house phone now.’

‘Don’t get any funny ideas,’ I told him. ‘I just wanted to make sure no one was likely to look over your shoulder, that’s all.’

He laughed again, his whole face lighting up.

‘I’ve really missed you today,’ I told him, leaning even further forward so I could properly see his face.

‘Have you?’

‘Yes,’ I said. ‘I could have done with a hug.’

‘A hug?’

‘Amongst other things,’ I sighed.

‘Are you thinking about that bath in Iceland by any chance?’ he said huskily.

‘The one with all the bubbles,’ I dreamily added.

‘That’s the one,’ he said. ‘That was quite something, wasn’t it?’

‘Oh yes,’ I agreed.

We’d enjoyed the luxurious bath during the most lavish trip we had ever taken. The temperature was a stark contrast to Abu Dhabi but we’d found ways to keep warm while lying beneath a glass-topped dome. The memory of those nights could still melt my insides.

‘Anyway,’ I said, ‘don’t get me all riled up when you’re so far away.’

He raised his eyebrows.

‘I actually wanted to talk to you about the apartment.’

‘You are happy with it, aren’t you?’ he asked, sounding concerned. ‘You seemed pleased in your email and I would have called again sooner, only—’

‘I love it,’ I interrupted. ‘I only wish we were moving in this year instead of next.’

‘Me too,’ he sighed. ‘But it’s not long now. And the place has the most amazing views. We were really lucky to get it.’

I could believe that. Property was fast becoming as hot as the temperature in Abu Dhabi. We chatted about the location, aspect of the rooms and of course, the laundry service.

‘And what have you been up to this weekend?’ Jonathan then asked.