‘It’s fine. Makes it even more likely they’ll be okay with us having a quick peek.’ I realised just how keen I was to see Dylan’s handiwork up close. ‘Better now than when they’re in their pyjamas watching TV.’

‘I get the feeling these people don’t do stuff like that. Have you seen the size of this house?’

We both laughed. We stopped in front of the door. There was a sign next to it – Veta Skala. It was just like the one Dylan had done for his working hut: D E C. I placed my hand on it and traced the letters with my fingers. I closed my eyes, imagining Dylan here, his warm breath on my neck …

‘Hallo?’ I looked up to see a tall blond man standing at the door wearing a white open-necked shirt and smart jeans.

Cole and I exchanged bemused glances.

‘You look very familiar,’ the man said as he looked at Cole.

Cole put his hand out. ‘Hello, Asher, I’m Cole McClusky. We’re due to meet tomorrow but as we were passing, I couldn’t resist stopping by.’

A bright smile spread across the man’s face. ‘How wonderful! I did tell Dylan to invite you tonight.’

‘Dylan?’ Cole asked. ‘Have you been talking to him?’

‘Yes, he’s here! He’s been here working with me for the past two months!’

My mouth dropped open, my heart thumping loudly in my ears. ‘Dylan’s here?’

Asher opened the door wide. ‘Come see for yourself.’

Chapter Fourteen

I hesitated a moment, my mouth dry.

‘Jesus, I can’t believe Dylan’s actually here,’ Cole said, his eyes shining. ‘Mum was right about him coming here for you.’

‘He’s not here for me,’ I said, recovering myself.

‘Come through,’ Asher said, beckoning us inside.

‘But – but you have guests,’ I said, peering behind him into the large hallway. There were a dozen or so people standing around, drinking champagne and dressed in beautiful attire. I suddenly felt overwhelmed. Was I ready to see Dylan?

‘It’s fine, it’s our Twelfth Night celebration,’ Asher said, ‘Anyone is welcome.’

I walked in, impatiently searching the faces but I couldn’t see Dylan. I felt nerves flutter in my stomach.

‘This place is amazing,’ Cole said, looking around him wide-eyed. He walked towards the vast windows at the back, which looked out over snowy fields and a huge bonfire, a tall bearded man with a heavy winter coat standing by it and throwing things in.

Could that be Dylan?

I walked over and put my hand to the glass. Then I felt something behind me, warm breath, the smell of whisky and ashes.