I lie on my back on the sleeping bag, adjusting Dean’s arm so that he holds me closer. He makes a snuffly protest in his sleep. I kiss his nose and watch his chest rise and fall with his steady, even breath. I have a horrible feeling that I’m falling in love with this man. It feels too soon and too silly, but there’s only so much I can blame on the mind-expanding powers of rakshi and soothing thermal baths. A few short weeks ago I thought I could never love anyone as much as I loved Jake and was destined to spend the rest of my life in a limbo-land somewhere between Jake and happiness. I can’t believe how much things have changed. I look at Dean and trace my fingers over his skin and smile as I make him snuffle again.

We stayed in the pool until we were all relaxed and wrinkly and loved up and then came back to my tent and made love all night—well, most of it. I wasn’t counting, but I was pretty impressed. And Dean might insist he’s out of practice, but I’d say it was like riding a bike—it all seems to be coming back to him rather rapidly. Not that I’m complaining. Far from it.

It’s still dark, but outside the tent I can hear the sounds of the breakfast being prepared, the faint clattering of pans, the chatter of the kitchen boys. The porters are rising from their sleep too, as always laughing and joking. Dean snuggles down next to me. He needs to be going, as Sanjeev will be here with my tea any minute.

On cue Sanjeev pokes his head into the tent. If he’s taken aback at the sight of my company, he doesn’t show it. Dean’s eyes flicker open.

‘Come, come, sister, brother,’ he urges. ‘The sun is soon up and I think it will be very beautiful.’

‘We’re with you,’ Dean mutters and drags himself up. He rubs his cheek sleepily against mine and he’s all rough and stubbly and I think I might love him more for it. ‘Wanna see the sunrise?’

‘I’d love to.’

‘I was worried you might say that.’ He kisses me and then pulls his combat pants towards him. We wriggle into our clothes and crawl out of the tent. The rest of the group are waking and mobilising too, judging by the rustling sounds emanating from beneath the line of blue canvas.

‘You go up to the ridge alone,’ Sanjeev says with a knowing smile. ‘I’ll take the rest of the group farther along the valley. Quick. You haven’t got much time.’