‘It’s not alcoholic. Jez doesn’t indulge. I think I’m going to have to investigate making non-intoxicating drinks that are interesting next.’

‘Mum.’

His voice was pleading. She laid one hand on his arm. ‘William, I’m a grown-up. I’m allowed to have a love life.’

Jez looked at her in surprise then gave her a smile so warm it curled her toes.

William finished his dessert and stood up. ‘I’ll come and see you another time, Mum.’

‘If you must. And William – don’t believe everything Andi tells you. She seems to have lost touch with reality lately.’

‘She really has upset you, hasn’t she?’

‘I didn’t give you the details when you phoned, but it was she who told the press about me and Jez, and was well paid for it.’

He stopped moving, shock making his mouth fall open. ‘She didn’t!’

‘Have I ever lied to you?’

‘No. I just … She didn’t tell me that.’

‘She wouldn’t.’

At the door, William whispered, ‘Be careful. I don’t want you to get hurt, Mum.’

‘Few relationships are without thorns. Yours included.’

He reared back. ‘Kerry is a wonderful wife.’

‘Kerry is a miserable control-freak.’

‘I shall forget you said that.’

She shouldn’t have criticised his wife, she knew, but she was fed up of her daughter-in-law sniping at her and sending William round to lecture her.

When she sat down at the table again Jez said mildly, ‘I can see that you’re a formidable woman when crossed.’

She smiled. ‘I hope so. Be warned.’ She raised her glass in a silent toast. ‘Here’s to rebelling against one’s children!’

The rest of the evening passed quietly and happily. They listened to music. She found she fitted nicely against him when they cuddled up together on the sofa, and that their musical tastes fitted nicely too.

When it got to ten o’clock, she moved away. ‘I’m going to send you home now. You’re starting to look tired and it’s my bedtime. I’m an early riser.’

His eyes gleamed and the breath caught in her throat for a moment. When they stood up he pulled her to him, but when she held back, he didn’t try to stop her.

‘I’m not falling into bed with you, Jez, even if I do fancy you. I’ve only ever slept with one man in my life and if that’s old-fashioned, too bad.’

He was staring at her in shock. ‘You’ve only ever slept with your husband?’

‘Yes.’

‘That’s amazing. I’ve had a much more varied sex life, but not nearly as varied as the press would have you believe. I suppose I’d better tell you that I was tested for STDs last year and as I’ve not indulged since, I can be considered safe.’

‘I’ve never even thought about being tested.’

‘I doubt you’d need it.’

‘I agree. Bill was the faithful sort. I am too.’

‘I’m beginning to understand that. What I can’t understand is why you say you have secrets. Your life seems remarkably open.’