Page 40 of Secret Paths

“You are not allowed to find this funny.”

“I am trying very hard not to.”

“You are failing.”

“I have never been more proud of you.”

“Peter.”

He lifts both hands. “Sorry. Genuinely. I am sorry.”

He is not.

The post van pulls away at the end of the lane. I can see it through the narrow glass panel beside the door, disappearing past the cottage opposite.

“This is exactly why we need rules.”

Peter’s amusement fades slightly. “Rules?”

“Yes. About this.”

He straightens, watching me properly now.

“No more sleeping over.”

His eyebrows lift. “That feels pointed.”

“You were supposed to leave.”

“I know.”

“You did not.”

“It was comfy.”

“And we have just told Dan you stayed overnight to hunt imaginary mice.”

Peter nods. “That was all you.”

“No leaving each other’s houses in the morning.”

“That is going to require some planning.”

“It requires you leaving before daylight.”

“Very romantic.”

“It is not meant to be romantic.”

“Right.”

“No telling anyone.”

“Obviously.”

“Especially Alexandra.”

Peter’s mouth twitches. “Absolutely especially Lexi.”