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The quality of these came up consistently in the online reviews, and I know from my own experience that the mattress in room six is terrible. When I first arrived, I demanded to be shown to a different room because it was so bad. That should have been the only prompt Ally needed to replace it, but he still hasn’t done so.

“I shouldn’t need Ally’s permission to buy new mattresses,” Lewis says. “We’re a hotel—offering guests a decent night’s sleep is a basic requirement. You know what? I’m going to grab the credit card and place the order now.”

Crap, have I over-inspired him? I’ve no doubt those mattresses need to be replaced, and I agree Lewis should have more of a say in the hotel’s running—he’s the one who’s passionate about it. On the other hand, if Lewis wants to win Ally around, the best way to do that would be to sit Ally down in a comfy seat, prepare him a hot drink, put a few biscuits on a plate, then leave him to read over the report in peace, staying close by to answer any questions he may have.

Bypassing Ally’s authority and ticking off items without his sign-off? That’s only going to annoy Ally and make him unreceptive to everything else in the report. What’s more, from an entirely selfish perspective, I’ve no wish to get caught up in a squabble between the brothers.

“Maybe you should wait for Ally to get back?” I suggest.

“Oh, come on! You and him may be an item, but you know as well as I do those mattresses need to be replaced. Let’s just call this using a bit of initiative.”

He grabs a credit card from a drawer then pulls up a website. God, Ally isn’t going to like this, and he’s going to think I’m part of it. And I am part of it. I helped Lewis write the report. I got him out of his funk.

Jamie strolls into the office and quirks an eyebrow with interest. “Spending money, are we? Ally’s going to give you a right bollocking.”

“Fuck off,” Lewis says. “Actually, no, don’t. I need you to print something for me.”

“Charming! Maybe if you say pretty please, I’ll help.”

Lewis shows Jamie his middle finger, which Jamie ignores. He leans over his brother’s shoulder to get a closer look at the laptop.

“While you’re on that website, could you order a new bed frame for room two?”

“Room two?” I chip in. “That’s my room. The bed frame there seems fine to me, and I’m normally picky about these things.”

“Aye, it’s fine for now,” Jamie agrees. “The way you and Ally have been going at it, though, who knows how much longer it’ll last?”

My mouth drops open in horror. Lewis quickly turns away, but he’s not able to conceal a snigger. Jamie, it seems, is difficult in more ways than one. I thought he was quiet when I first met him, but apparently there’s a whole other side to him.

Not knowing what else to say, I reply, “For your information, Ally and I slept in his room last night.”

“Better order him a new bed and all then,” Jamie quips.

This time, Lewis lets out a full-on laugh.

“You two, honestly!” I rebuke, my cheeks burning. “And after all the help I’ve given you, Lewis!”

“Sorry! I do appreciate your help, but you’ve got to admit, it was pretty funny.”

“If this is what having brothers is like, then I’m glad I’m an only child. Professionalism is key to a successful business!”

“Oh, really?” Jamie says. “And is it professional for Ally to sleep with—”

“All right, you’ve had your fun!” Lewis interrupts him. “If you could just print this out, that’d be great.”

Jamie looks way too pleased with himself: clearly he derives pleasure from my discomfort. The printer chugs out the report, and just as Jamie’s grabbing the sheets to staple them together, the front door clicks open. He sticks his head out into reception to see who it is, and when he turns back to us, he’s wide-eyed with delight. He hops from foot to foot.

“Guess who just got back? Ally doesn’t know you’ve been using the credit card, does he? This is going to be so good!”

I share a glance with Lewis, then we both get to our feet and follow Jamie through to reception. Ally and Aidan have just come in. As soon as he sees me, Ally’s face lights up. He strides over to me, swoops me into his arms, and plants a kiss on my lips. The suddenness and openness of this display of affection—done unashamedly in front of his brothers and best friend—sends my heart racing.

“You’re in a good mood!” I say after catching my breath, which he literally just took away. “Today went well, then?”

“I’m in a good mood because I’m seeing you again. But aye, today went well. I’m beginning to think Aidan and I could really do this thing. It’s pretty exciting.”

“It’s very exciting,” Aidan interjects. “It’s what we’ve dreamed about since we were teenagers.”

“Aye, it is.” Ally scratches his neck. “The only problem is Aidan wants to team up with the Glen Garve Resort.”