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Tristan laughed, his arms tightening around me as we fell into a comfortable silence, and I closed my eyes, letting the quiet night wash over me. Down below, I could hear the disco music still playing, but it was faint enough to barely register.

“We should probably go back down. Show our faces before the night ends.”

Tristan didn’t look keen on the idea, but he relented. “You’re right. Don’t want to be criticised for abandoning the party too early.”

He helped me from the sunbed then spent the next few minutes assisting me with my boots and dress. We set our appearances back to rights to make sure no one suspected what we’d just been up to. Not that there was anything wrong with two consenting adults enjoying themselves in the privacy of a roof terrace that one of them owned, but still, it was no one’s business but ours.

Like before, we entered the disco separately. I walked in first and noticed things had gotten significantly rowdier since we’d left. The first two drinks were complimentary, but it was clear that most everyone was long past those initial two drinks.

“The Hustle” came on, another number with a recognisable dance, and I couldn’t have been more surprised if she’d walked into the middle of the dance floor and did a hand stand than when Katy appeared. I wasn’t sure how much alcohol she’d consumed, but I suspected the number was close to double digits. There was no way she’d be dancing her way into the middle of the floor like that if she was sober or even tipsy.

Lou was already dancing with Lisa and Becky when he spotted her. His eyes lit up with interest, and then he was dancing his way towards her once again; only this time, Katy didn’t shy away. Lou held out his hand, and she took it, the two of them completing the steps to “The Hustle” like they’d done it countless times before. It was honestly impressive.

Miraculous the sorts of things alcohol could fuel.

I knew Lou was drunk, too, because although his dance moves were on point, his mullet was all askew, and he’d let someone, probably either Lisa or Becky, paint a love heart on his cheek with pink lipstick.

“I feel like I’m watching one of those YouTube videos where two dancers who’ve never met before start improvising, and then magic happens,” someone said, and I turned to find Derek’s wife, Milly, standing next to me. Unlike most of the people here, she wasn’t drunk, her appearance still as put together as it was when I’d seen her earlier. “I’ve met Katy a couple of times now, but I’ve never seen her let loose like this.”

“Me neither. I feel like I might be having a fever dream,” I joked, and she smiled, holding out her hand.

“I’m Milly, by the way. We haven’t formally met, but I remember you from my wedding.”

“Yes, nice to meet you. I’m Erin, but everyone calls me Rinnie. You looked beautiful that day. Your dress was stunning.”

She flushed at the compliment. “Thank you.”

We stood side by side, watching Lou and Katy for another minute before she said, “Have you seen Tristan about? Derek was looking for him, but he disappeared off somewhere.”

From the look in her eyes, I suspected both she and her husband knew exactly where Tristan had disappeared off to and with whom, but she didn’t say it.

I searched about. “He’s um … oh, there he is,” I finished just as Tristan walked into the room, his eyes finding mine as a secret smile curled his lips. Instantly, I was transported back to the roof terrace, his sexy, heavy breathing in my ears.

“Ah, yes, there he is,” Milly agreed, a lilt in her voice. She placed her hand on my arm, “Well, I think we’re going to head out before everyone gets any more intoxicated, but it was lovely to meet you, Rinnie.”

“It was lovely to meet you, too.”

She gave my arm a little squeeze, a playful glint in her eyes, “And just so you know, I think you and Tristan would make a gorgeous couple.”

With that, she walked away, rejoining Derek and leaving me standing there wondering if we truly were that transparent. Maybe Tristan had said something to his brother about me since they were close like that. Oddly, I didn’t mind. In fact, I felt flattered that his feelings for me were strong enough that he felt the need to talk about it with his sibling.

Samara, who I hadn’t seen much of tonight, came over and pulled me into a hug. She wasn’t as drunk as the others, but she was definitely tipsy. “Rinnie! Where’ve you been? I missed dancing with you.”

“I was …” My words trailed off, no excuse springing to mind until I said, “I was in my office for a bit. One of the suppliers called about a delay in shipping.”

She looked a little sceptical, but thankfully, she didn’t question me. Instead she continued, “Have you heard about Barry?”

“Barry?”

“His eczema has started to clear up already. It’s a miracle. I’ll definitely be visiting the Cure the next time I’m sick.”

“That’s great news,” I said, a tendril of something almost whimsical winding around my insides. Maybe magic really did exist, and after the night I’d just had, it certainly felt like it.

Then Teddy appeared behind Samara, asking for a dance. He’d just closed up the bar, which was good timing since I didn’t think anyone needed more drinks. At least, the night might draw to a close soon. I made the rounds, greeting everyone I’d missed speaking to earlier. A few more songs played before everyone started calling it a night. I was walking out with Lisa, Becky and Samara when my phoned buzzed with a text. It was from Tristan.

I’m staying in room 19 if you want to come up.

My skin flushed at the thought of spending the rest of the night with him, and although it would probably be wise to go home, I found myself making my excuses to the ladies and heading back upstairs.