‘But will you be Plan B?’

‘Of course. Lottie, I …’ He paused, his eyes drinking me in as he touched my face. ‘I’d really like to kiss you. May I?’

I didn’t answer. Instead, I leaned in towards him and closed my eyes. My breath trembled as his lips brushed against mine, softly at first, gentle and exploring and then with more heat as we pulled each other closer, my hands in his hair, his at the nape of my neck, caressing me. I felt breathless and light-headed and completely and utterly captivated by the taste of him.

This, I thought distractedly, is the kiss of my dreams.

My head was racing ahead and wondering where this was going but the moment came to an abrupt end as a car came screeching to a halt in the yard outside.

Jensen’s eyes shone. ‘Damn, I was enjoying that.’

‘Me too.’

He stroked my cheek, before going to the door to see who had arrived in such a hurry. I went to join him but before I’d taken a single step I heard a familiar voice. My heart leapt; it was Evie.

‘Is Lottie here?’ She sounded agitated and I rushed across the room to greet her.

‘Yes,’ Jensen answered. ‘She’s here, come in.’

‘Evie?’ I gasped.

Jensen stood back to let her in. She had mascara streaks down her face, her eyes were red and puffy and she was clutching a tissue.

‘Thank God.’ She ran into my arms and hugged me tight.

‘What’s the matter?’

‘It’s Dad,’ she said through great gulping sobs. ‘He’s been in a motorbike accident in Germany.’

Chapter 21

‘He’s never been on a motorbike in his life!’ I felt my pulse pick up speed. ‘Is he okay?’

‘I don’t know.’ She shrugged helplessly. ‘He’s in surgery now.’

Jensen touched my arm. ‘I’ll make tea.’

He filled the kettle and began clattering mugs and spoons while I led Evie to the sofa.

‘Do you know what happened?’ I pulled her down beside me, still clutching her hand and passed her a tissue from the box on the coffee table.

She dabbed her face. ‘I know hardly anything. I had a call from a woman called Agnes who said she was a friend and that they had been on motorbikes around Munich and Dad had come off his, hit a car and landed awkwardly.’

‘Bloody hell.’ Fear gripped my heart. We’d already lost Mum; I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to him. I shut my eyes tight. No, Dad, not you. Please be okay. I don’t want to lose you.

‘I called you as soon as I found out,’ she said, rubbing my back. ‘But you didn’t pick up. I left messages and you didn’t return them.’

‘I’m so sorry. I haven’t seen my phone; Jensen and I were outside.’

He handed us both a mug of tea.