When Ellis had first brought me to the beachside estate, things between us had felt strained and awkward. Now, in the car driving back to the city, and reality, the air between us felt lighter. I felt much better about our future.

Ellis reached across the seat, taking my hand, and raised his lips to it, kissing the back of it. I blushed and looked at my lap.

“You know, while I was sick with the fever, I had the strangest dream,” he announced.

“Did ...