Karen gave her a look. “How many brides have truly been into the guy they were marrying? From what you’ve told me, not many. Maybe you think Abby is different to the others, but in this instance, she’s not. She’s looking for status, financial security, and a father for her child. Even in this day and age, women have to think about these things.”

Jordan shook her head. “True enough. Depressing, isn’t it?”

“No argument here.” Karen yawned, putting a hand to her mouth. “But anyway, let’s steer the subject away from off-limits Abby and back to you. When was the last time you had a shag? Was it that woman you met on Tinder?”

Jordan frowned. “Not that it makes any difference, but yes. However, I’m not planning on sleeping with anyone in Cannes. I’m working.”

“I know you are. But maybe when you get back, you could open yourself up a little more.” She held up her hands. “Before you go off on one with me, I know you don’t do relationships. You’ve been hurt before. One-night stands are easier in your line of work. I get it. But you’re getting older. Time ticks on. Take it from me, it’s kinda nice to have a relationship. I’m sure you had some good moments in ones in your past, didn’t you?”

Jordan slumped. “A couple. But they all worked out the same in the end, didn’t they? Heartbreak. Me losing my home and some of my possessions. They take up too much time and bring too much pain. I’ll stick to one-night stands. But not until this job is over.” The thought of having a one-night stand with Abby made all the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.

She could never imagine that. Abby was not your one-night stand kind of girl.

Neither was Jordan when she was around her. She buried that thought.

Karen got up, then reappeared a few moments later, throwing a Marks & Spencer bag at her.

“What’s this?” Jordan opened the bag and pulled out a red bikini. As she unfurled it, her eyes widened. “Who’s this for?”

“You. I knew you wouldn’t buy it for yourself, but you were eyeing it up the other day in the shop, and so I got it for you. You want to look the part in your fancy Cannes villa, don’t you?”

Jordan gulped. She hadn’t stopped to think too much about the poolside activity, but now she was realising she was going to be seeing Abby in a bikini too, most likely. That thought sent her pulse into overdrive. “Good job I’m doing those sit-ups, because this bikini leaves little to the imagination.”

“It’s a bikini. It’s kinda the point.”