‘Look at this storm,’ exclaimed Callie from the passenger seat as a fork of lightning lit up the sky in front of Hamish’s car.

‘Let’s hope it calms down a little,’ added Felicity, as Hamish parked right at the end of the jetty. Making a run for it, they shouted thank you to Hamish and sprinted towards the boat. The thunder rolled overhead like the fury of the Gods and tumbled towards them through the darkened clouds. The gangplank was down and all four on them ran straight on board and shielded undercover.

Roman gave Ella a huge beaming smile the second he spotted her. Last night he’d been out for the count and Ella had debated whether to leave him where he was. But just after 11pm she’d given him a little shake to wake him, and he’d been mortified he’d fallen asleep.

‘Anything to get out of watching Bridget Jones,’ she’d joked, and he’d agreed with a cheeky grin.

As Roman had packed up his stuff and headed to the front door, he’d hesitated and Ella had been sure he wanted to say something, or maybe even give her a goodnight kiss. Her heart gave a little skip, but the moment had passed, and he’d simply bid her a friendly goodnight. Ella knew once they’d crossed that line it would change everything, and although she was willing for that happen, there was a tiny part of her that was still uncertain.

‘Do we get to sample the cocktails tonight?’ joked Isla, looking towards Callie.

‘Only if you’re paying for them – do you want us to go bankrupt?’ she teased.

Everyone was in good spirits despite the rain and Roman tipped his cap and started the engine. ‘This isn’t the best weather, so sit back and if you stay in the seats in the middle of the boat, it won’t seem as rocky.’ Straight away Ella noticed that Roman wasn’t dressed in his usual uniform, but instead wore a more upmarket jacket accessorised with a pair of white gloves. It oozed ‘designer’, along with his aftershave. He really did look the part.

‘New uniform?’ Ella asked, admiring what she saw.

He nodded. ‘My winter attire. Do you like it?’

‘I do,’ she replied, giving him a darting glance, followed by a silly grin before following Callie to the seats in the middle of the boat. Feeling a fast pulse, Ella knew they were flirting and she liked it.

‘Look at this boat,’ Felicity spun round.

The open-plan saloon and galley had a light and airy feel with a split sliding canopy allowing each side to be opened separately. It was heated, the seats were plush red velvet around circular tables and fairy lights decorated the roof of the boat. The bar at the end came with waiter service, and the whole feel of the boat was magical.