Sam let out a sigh. She was as tense as a wire. ‘I’m tired and I just want to go home.’

‘Good idea.’ And with that, Gabe drove off. Sam sank back into the cocoon of the seat. It had been a hectic and emotional day, in a variety of ways. A day when she’d allowed herself to glimpse a time when she might forgive Gabe … or at least understand his reasons. If she scaled that hurdle, what might lie beyond for them? Happy years like Troy and Evie had enjoyed and still did?

She snuck a look at Gabe, intent on the road ahead, his fingers curved lightly around the leather wheel. He looked sexier than she’d ever seen him; no wonder he’d attracted so many admiring glances and attention in the hospital. And when he’d touched her, his skin had felt so good against her own. Deliciously warm … even such an innocent gesture had made sparks fly deep inside her body. Or was it only comfort she needed? Would any man do?

No. That was why she’d turned down offers of dates and why no relationship had lasted longer than a couple of months since Gabe had gone. She had to be honest with herself that her lack of a love life wasn’t due to pressures of work or family duties or festival responsibilities, it was the shadow of Gabe, pure and simple.

Was that why she still hadn’t forgiven him? Not because of what he’d done to Ryan but what he continued to do to her?

He caught her eye and smiled. Sam feigned a yawn and closed her eyes, resting her head against the head restraint again while her body told her it needed anything but sleep. She might be exhausted, but the thought of sharing her bed – any bed – with Gabe tonight, no matter what their differences, was more tempting than it had ever been. She had the feeling she only had to say a single word and he’d drive her straight through the gates of Clifftop House and there’d be no turning back.

‘We’re here,’ he said.

She opened her eyes. Gabe was looking at her, his lips pressed firmly together. He’d stopped right outside Wavecrest Cottage.

‘Oh. Right.’ She unclipped her seat belt. ‘I’ll probably see you around.’

‘Probably, although I’ve got some stuff to do in London so I might be away for a few days.’

‘Oh, OK.’ Sam tried to not sound disappointed even though she felt unaccountably dispirited by his answer. She opened the door and got out. ‘Thanks for helping Troy and Evie.’

‘It was no trouble.’ His smile was fleeting and his eyes were quickly back on the road ahead as if he was eager to be gone.

Sam found herself torn between wanting to be out of his sight and longing to stay, which was ridiculous. ‘Bye, then.’

‘Bye.’