‘He’s a child! He only wanted a little warmth and company. Don’t make things so bloody complicated. Now either get in, or stay up, I don’t care, but I’m going to sleep.’ She turned on her side and pulled up the blanket, suddenly exhausted. Ben could take a running jump if he liked, as long as he didn’t disturb her.

She awoke and was aware of his dormant presence by her side. She lay still for a few moments, relishing his solidness and the sound of his breathing. She realised that actually she wouldn’t have felt happy sleeping in the gallery by herself. It was a big space, but only part of a much larger building that was all offices. During the day the building felt busy and welcoming. At night it was extremely quiet. It was a shame she needed the loo and would have to get out of bed, and somehow manage not to disturb him.

The easiest way would be to stand up and step over him, but although her ankle felt a lot better, she realised that if she tried to stand, she’d quite likely fall on top of him. She could crawl down to the bottom of the sleeping bag and creep along by his feet. As long as they weren’t sensitive this might work.

Her indecision must have disturbed him because he suddenly turned over and put his arm round her waist.

She froze, forbidding herself to relax into his hold. It felt so good, so comforting, all she had to do was to shuffle backwards a bit and she’d be totally embraced. It would have been so easy, and lovely, and one thing would lead to another.

She hesitated just too long. He pulled her closer and nuzzled into the back of her neck.

It wouldn’t do. She wanted him to make love to her while he was conscious, doing it on purpose. While he was asleep, thinking she was someone else, would not count. And his guilt would be unendurable.

By now his hands were on her ribcage, pushing upwards under the shirt. She’d undone her bra some time during her nap and he’d reach her breasts any second. For her, that would be the point of no return. She cleared her throat. ‘Ben. It’s me, Thea. We’re here varnishing the floor, remember?’

For a second of two he was bleary and confused. ‘Thea? What? Oh, my God, what did I do?’

‘Nothing, it’s all right. I’m just going to the loo.’

‘Can you manage?’

‘Of course.’

When she came back he said, ‘I am so sorry. I thought you were someone else.’