‘Well, like you, I started with a tiny fib and then it grew … At first, buying the boat was confidential business information, but I’d had some ribbing from a few of the guys on the quayside about my “love life” and one day a few months ago when I let slip that I was interested in a Caitlin from Falmouth, they assumed it was a woman and I decided to go along with the joke. I like to keep my private life private, which isn’t an easy thing to achieve in a place like Porthmellow. As you know.’

Chloe struggled to reply but then the bubbles got the better of her and she burst out giggling. ‘You’re outrageous, Drew, and very very wicked for tormenting us all like this – does Sam even know?’

‘Not yet. You’re the first. I’ll tell her later. I promise.’ He bit his lip.

‘You should and she’d have every right to be pissed off.’ Chloe shook her head again, still not sure whether to be annoyed at his fibs or delighted that Caitlin was no real rival. Although, being a boat, she might well be.

‘So … our white lies have cancelled themselves out and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t get to know each other better and, possibly, if you want to, as more than friends.’ He screwed up his nose. ‘Mind you, after winding you up about my other woman, maybe you’ve changed your mind about me? Whatever you decide, I’m not going to rush anything. You’re in control.’ He sighed. ‘After what happened at my house, when I pushed you away, well, I wouldn’t blame you for being angry with me. You see, a little white lie about your real age is nothing compared to the way I’ve behaved.’

‘I was annoyed, I’ll admit it, but mostly with myself for jumping on you.’

He smiled. ‘You didn’t exactly jump on me. It was only a kiss, but a very very nice kiss. In fact, it was too nice. I realised then how much I’d love to have kissed you back – properly – and what it might have led to. But how could I have done that after you’d just told me about your problems with Hannah? What kind of a bloke takes advantage of a woman who’d finally decided to trust someone? Who wants him to listen to her not use the opportunity to drag her into bed?’

Chloe took a gulp of her wine before replying. She hadn’t expected him to be so up front, even though it was refreshing. Drew was no Fraser, willing to use his charm to get what he wanted, no matter who he hurt. She touched his cheek, looking into his gorgeous eyes and shivered deliciously.