17

I survey the chalet with its open fireplace, deep hot tub and huge double bed, and blush.

“I’ll call and see if I can change the reservation to two rooms,” I murmur, picking up my phone as he drags our bags into the warm, timber-lined room.

The receptionist picks up after just one ring.

“Ah, hi, my name’s Merri Wright. I’m in chalet five. Is it possible to switch to a double-room chalet? I’m happy to pay for the change.”

“I’m sorry, Mrs Wright, all our rooms are booked out completely at this time of year.”

“Of course,” I chew my lip, “ah, what about swapping for a room with two beds?”

“Again, I’m sorry, but we simply don’t have any wiggle room for any changes. Is there a problem with your accommodation?”

I flick my eyes to where Chris is busily taking off his clothes and running a spa, my eyes wandering, against my will, from his broad shoulders, to his slim waist, and lower. With his wings fully retracted he looks like a human man. Albeit the most perfect specimen of homo erectus you could ever imagine.

‘Erectus. Oh, lord. Stop it.’

“No, there’s nothing wrong with the room,” I murmur. “Thank you for your help. But, ah, if anyone cancels and another room does become available with separate beds, please let me know.”

“Of course, Mrs Wright.”

I hang up and stare at the ceiling in consternation, and in an effort to keep my eyes off Chris in all his naked glory. Living with an angel with no personal boundaries certainly has its charms.

“I’ll sleep on the couch,” Chris says as he steps into the hot bubbles. “Stop frowning, Merri.”

“I’m sorry,” I sigh. “I should have thought of this. Of course it would be a double bed. The kids booked this for a married couple.”

“Let’s not forget we are newlyweds,” he smiles, gesturing for me to get into the spa.

“Ah, didn’t you just tell the taxi driver we were brother and sister?” I shake my head. “I don’t know how things work in Heaven, but down here what you’re suggesting is highly illegal, Sir.”

He laughs as I walk to my suitcase, pulling it around to the couch and flicking it open.

“I can’t expect you to sleep on the couch for a whole week when your wing is only just repaired. I’ll take the couch.”

“Merri,” he sighs. “We’re grown-ups. We’ve shared a house without you clawing my clothes off and taking advantage of me. I’m sure I can trust you to share my bed without ravaging me.”

I snort and look across to where he’s leaning back in the hot tub, his arms outstretched along its edges, his mouth, as usual, quirked.

“Chris, I’m not suggesting you might…”

“And I’m not suggesting you might,” he smirks. “But if you did, I wouldn’t mind. Would you mind so much if I did, Merri?”

I turn red and look back down at my suitcase.

“You’re adorable when you’re embarrassed,” he chuckles.