‘It’s lovely,’ she said, settling into her seat. Just friendliness, she told herself firmly. She was so beneath him – why would he even look at her?

‘Much better in the summer with the top down,’ he said. ‘Then you can really feel the wind in your hair! Right,’ he went on, once they were both in their seats. ‘Tell me where I need to go – we’ll soon have you home. I get a few supplementary coupons to get me to and from work, and I’m sure they’ll stretch to include your place.’ They pulled away from the kerb. ‘Not that I’m in any hurry to be out of your company . . . In fact,’ he looked each way as they crossed over into Cheapside, ‘I’d say it was rather the opposite.’

So it was more than friendliness! Katie had a feeling of unreality. Here she was, sitting in Simon Collinge’s car, and he was saying these things to her. She glanced at his profile in the gloom. He was so handsome. Had he really said he wanted to spend time with her? She was full of tremulous feelings. Was this love – could she be in love with this man already?

‘Whereabouts do you live?’ she asked, hoping that didn’t sound too forward.

‘Kings Heath. I’ve got my own little place. The old man bought it, more as an investment really, but he said he didn’t think us living and working together forever was the best of ideas. Especially after my being at the university. They thought I ought to stand on my own feet. They’ve still got my brother living at home. My sister’s married – with a couple of kids.’ He peered out of the windscreen as they slowed down again. ‘It’s flaming dicey, this blackout driving . . . What about you – your family, I mean?’

‘Oh, there’s only me and Mom. No brothers or sisters. My father died when I was very small.’

‘That’s sad. My goodness, I can’t imagine that – growing up on your own. It must make you very independent.’

Katie thought back to her odd, secretive childhood. ‘I suppose everyone’s different,’ she said carefully.

She enjoyed bowling along in the car, passing a couple of buses on the way, and the blacked-out cars and trams. All too soon they were pulling up outside the house. Simon cut off the engine.

‘Well – thanks very much,’ she said, reaching for the handle.

‘Wait – just a minute.’ He put his hand on her arm. She leapt inside.

‘What is it?’ She tried to keep her voice steady.

‘Look, Katie – I know we work in the same office, and we all have to be careful of our behaviour and such like. But would you come out with me? For a drink or something? You’re – well, I think you’re a really nice girl and I’d like to get to know you better. I could call for you . . .’