She closed her eyes, transported by his touch. She was tempted, oh so tempted, but another part of her knew she wasn’t ready. She had so much to think about. So much to process. And she was glad that she had Nicole staying because she knew it would help to talk it through. “Tonight was a big step for me. I’ve been with Richard since I was twenty-one.”

He drew back. “So we’ll take it slowly.” He stroked her cheek with his thumb. “How would you feel about a second date?”

He made it all sound so easy and natural. She smiled at him. “I’d like that. When?”

“Tomorrow?”

She was ridiculously flattered that he wanted to see her again so soon. “Zoe is back tomorrow evening.”

“Does that matter?”

She thought about it. “I’m not sure I’m ready to introduce another change into her life at the moment.”

But something had changed in her own life.

This was the first time since Richard had left her that she hadn’t spent the whole weekend thinking about Zoe with Richard and Avery and feeling slightly sick. The first time that the focus had been on herself. And it made her realize that she needed to stop wasting her weekends worrying and start living her life.

He let his hand drop. “You’re a good mother. So how about lunch during your working day? She’d be at school?”

“Yes, I could do that.”

“Good, let me know when.”

“I wouldn’t be disturbing you?”

“Some things are worth being disturbed for.”

He waited until she was safely inside the boathouse, and she watched from the door as the lights from his car gradually vanished into the distance.

She felt a brief moment of regret that she hadn’t gone back to his cabin with him, then she turned and saw Nicole standing there.

Her arms were folded, her foot was tapping, and she had a big expectant grin on her face. “Well?”

“Well, what?”

“Details! I want details.”

Milly walked through to the kitchen, the smile she was wearing on the inside almost as big as the one on the outside. “Nothing to tell.”

“You’re lying. I can tell by the happy expression on your face that you’re lying.” Nicole followed her, determined not to let it drop.

“The food was wonderful.”

“I’m not asking about the food.”

Milly poured herself a glass of water. Took her time. “The terrace of the restaurant was pretty. Great views.”

“Not asking about that either, although I’m glad obviously.” Milly drank the water. “I had a lovely evening. Brendan was very good company.”

“Of course he was. So why didn’t you go back to his cabin?”

“Because I have a guest staying.”

Nicole looked appalled. “Please tell me you’re joking. You came back for me?”