She stared at him, panicking. ‘You won’t say anything. It isn’t – we haven’t …’

‘I understand. It’s early days. And I’m not like Talbin.’ He reached out to lay his hand on hers. ‘Be careful, though. Winter doesn’t have a very good reputation with women.’

‘I know. He warned me of that himself. I’m so sorry, Peter. I wish it were you instead. It’d be much easier.’

‘I do too, but perhaps we can still be friends? A person can never have too many real friends. And if I can ever help you in any way, don’t hesitate to ask.’

‘Why are you being so kind to me?’

‘Because I not only find you attractive, I like you.’

Which made her feel worse than ever.

Only as they turned in to her drive did she realise she’d forgotten to slide down again, and by that time the cameras were flashing.

‘Damn!’ he said. ‘Sorry. I should have remembered.’

‘It doesn’t matter. It’s not a crime to go out with someone.’

‘No. But they’ll twist it round, see if they don’t.’

Chapter Seven

The next morning she heard the buzzer and muttered in annoyance as she finished typing her sentence. When she heard Donna’s voice on the intercom, she pressed the gate button and went to open the door.

Her visitor was grim-faced.

‘Is something wrong?’

‘May I come in?’

From Donna’s expression, Sophie knew something was definitely wrong so didn’t bother offering refreshments.

‘Have you seen the newspapers today?’

She shook her head. ‘I’ve been avoiding them this week.’

‘Better look at the front page of this one, then.’

She took the newspaper and stared at the photo of the house next door in horror.

Winter Buys Love Nest Next to Novelist

Heading a side column on the same page was:

Trouble Already in Paradise?

There was a photo of herself coming back in Peter’s car and the article speculated about her being unfaithful to Jez, comparing her to his ex. That article had the name Gene Talbin at the bottom.

‘I can’t believe this!’ she gasped.

‘Neither can we.’ Donna’s face was still grim. ‘How did they find out that Jez is buying the house next door? We certainly haven’t told anyone and the estate agent swears blind that no one at their end has said a word to the press. They’re a reputable firm, so how could anyone have found out?’

‘Just a minute. Let me see what they say.’ Sophie skimmed through the two articles, feeling soiled before she’d finished the first paragraph, but persevering to the end. Who else had known about him buying the house? She hadn’t said a word. Then she suddenly guessed who it must be.

‘Oh, no! It’s my fault, I think.’

‘You told them?’

‘No. I let the information slip when I was talking to my daughter. But I asked her not to say anything …’

‘Could you ring her and find out if it’s her? The thing is, if there’s some other leak, we need to plug it.’