‘Sam, I wish so much that we could move on from the past,’ he said. ‘At first I thought coming back here was a mistake but lately … We’ve been civil too.’ He smiled and her heart beat faster. ‘More than civil … are we at least on the path to something beyond that?’

His face in the streetlight. Lips parted, eyes intent on her. He held her round the waist.

She nodded. ‘I don’t know but … us continuing to argue, me continuing to blame you. Well, that’s never going to bring Ryan home, is it? Only he can decide he wants to do that.’

Gabe dropped his hands from her waist. The warmth where they’d been evaporated. What had she said to make him let her go? She’d thought it was a major step forward. Crashing disappointment, or was that the booze wearing off?

‘Gabe?’

‘You’re right. Only Ryan can decide.’

‘Wherever he is,’ said Sam, looking out to sea, as if her brother might suddenly materialise from the waves, before refocusing on Gabe’s face, a few inches above hers. ‘I wanted to apologise for snapping at you after you offered to help with the van repairs. I’ve managed my own business for years now and I didn’t – don’t – want you to think for a moment that I’m after you for your money.’

Gabe burst out laughing. ‘After me for my money?’

‘Well, yeah. You know, now you’re kind of – well a bit famous.’

‘Famous?’

‘Yeah. You are and stop laughing at me, you git. It’s true. Lots of people have heard of you and you’re on the telly.’

He wiped tears from his eyes but Sam wasn’t amused. She gave him a little push. ‘It’s not funny!’

He brushed a hand over his face and turned down his mouth in a serious expression that lasted all of a second. ‘I’m sorry, but it feels weird to hear you say that. Or anyone. OK, I have done well, but I’d never think you were after me for my money.’ A cheeky smirk spread over his face and his eyes gleamed wickedly. ‘But you are “after me …”’

Sam groaned. ‘I never said that. I mean, I didn’t mean “after you”, literally.’

He made a little fishing reel motion.

Sam squeaked in indignation. ‘Gabriel Mathias, you are a horrible wind-up merchant and you’ll never change!’

‘Ah but I have changed. That’s the point, but not when it comes to how I feel about you.’ He reached for her hand and pulled her closer. His expression changed into something far from amusement. She’d seen that look before: intense, sexy, full of desire. Desire for her. An electric thrill shot through her from top to toe.