“That’s good. You’re going to be fine. My sister had panic attacks for a while, and she told me it’s helpful when someone reminds her that it’s going to pass, so I’m telling you this is going to pass. Try and slow your breathing.” His voice was hypnotic, soothing, and she listened while he told her how he’d restored this place from its original dilapidated state. He talked her through each stage in detail and as she focused on his words, the pain in her chest eased and the dizziness faded.

Her legs were shaking badly, and she leaned against the counter for support. “I’m okay.” She whispered the words. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry? I’m the one who scared you half to death, and I feel terrible about that. You’re pale and you don’t look great, to be honest.” He frowned. “I really think I should just call Milly.”

“No.” She was miserably embarrassed that he’d witnessed her reaction. She didn’t want Milly to know. There was so much she hadn’t told Milly. “Just go.”

“I’m not leaving you like this. And also your hand is turning red. We really need to get that under cool water.” His gaze slid from her face to the mess on the floor. “I terrified you.”

“I wasn’t expecting—”

“Anyone to just walk in.” His voice was rough and apologetic. “My bad. I don’t normally barge into people’s homes uninvited, but Milly and I have been trying to catch up all morning. It’s changeover day, so it’s always hectic. The café said she was over here, so I thought I’d see her before she headed off to her next task.”

Her mouth was dry, and now that the panic had faded she could feel the burn on her hand throbbing. “You just missed her.”

“Right.” He walked to the sink and turned on the water, adjusted the flow of water until it was the correct temperature and then stood a little to one side, careful not to crowd her.

Deciding that the quickest way to get rid of him was to comply, she stuck her hand under it and winced as the cool water ran over the burn.

“Hold it there,” he said. “I’m going to clean up the mess, as I’m responsible for it.”

She didn’t want him to clean it up. She just wanted him to leave, but he was already sweeping up the jagged shards with a brush and dustpan he’d retrieved from the cupboard.

She told herself that Milly trusted Joel, so that was a little reassuring, although Milly trusted almost everyone, so maybe not. Milly lived in a place where she didn’t bother with an alarm and didn’t lock the doors.

Joel disposed of the broken shards, mopped the floor and then joined her at the sink.