19

By the time we finish dinner I’m a little tipsy, more than a little, actually. I’m as drunk as a skunk.

Usually I don’t drink too much when I’m out. I can’t remember the last time I went to a bar or any place that served alcohol. But tonight my nerves had gotten the better of me, and I’d well and truly let loose and overindulged.

Chris holds me tight against his side with one arm as he opens the chalet door and leads me inside.

“Home shweet home,” I giggle as I stumble to the bed and fall across it diagonally, face first.

Rolling onto my back I stare up at the open timber beams and feel the world rock back and forth. I don’t quibble, just hold one foot up and then the other as Chris takes my heels off for me. It feels wonderful to be looked after — and it feels delicious to lose my inhibitions.

“Thanks,” I giggle. “Hey, you never said how you chose my shoes and dress and panties. How’d you get the size right?”

“A very nice young woman helped me with my own clothing selection,” he shrugs, “she put the colours together for me and told me my size. She was kind enough to offer to help with anything I needed.”

“I’ll break her legs,” I mutter, starting to rise.

He bursts out laughing.

“I’ll get you a glass of water, Merri. Then I think you’d better call it a night.”

“No, no,” I hold out my arms to him, “come lie next to me and look at the ceiling. The beams are rocking. It’s like we’re in a shpasheship.”

Smiling he sits beside me.

“You humans can’t hold your liquor,” he murmurs as he studies my face, “but you’re absolutely adorable drunk.”

“Adorable-sporable,” I snort. “That’s what you call babies. I’m a sexy, shstrong, adult woman and I can do what I want.”

“Given your youth, I’m permitted to call you adorable,” he laughs gently as he stands and retrieves a pillow before walking to the closet to get some blankets. “And yes, you are very sexy — when you’re sober.”

“Youth? Ha. And I don’t wanna be sober anymore. It’s no fun. Hey, where are you going? You said we were going to share the bed.”

“Not tonight, Merri,” he says gently as he walks back to pull my feet around so I’m lying correctly, before pulling the covers over me. “I don’t think that would be wise.”

“Wise shmise,” I pout. “I finally get up some courage and you change your mind?”

“Oh, believe me woman,” he murmurs, putting his fingers to my lips to stall any further words, “I haven’t changed my mind. But when I share your bed I want you to be clearheaded and accountable. I want it to be a night you never forget, and one you never regret.”

“Okay,” I mumble around his fingers as my eyelids begin to feel heavy and my eyes close of their own accord.

“Sleep, beautiful,” he whispers.

I think I feel him kiss my forehead. But I can’t be sure.