The timer on his mobile buzzed. He opened the terrace’s french door and popped his head inside. “Elise, could you check the potatoes? I think they’re done.”

“Of course.” Elise got up from the lounge sofa and disappeared into the kitchen.

Harry turned off the flame, then plattered the meat and veg, entering the cottage backward, so he didn’t bump the crockery into the door. He set the dinnerware on the worktop, then shrugged out of his anorak and tossed it over the back of a chair.

Neatly, he scooped veg onto both plates he’d set on the worktop, followed by the steaks.

“Mmm. That smells wonderful.” Elise came up beside him and snatched a slice of aubergine off her plate.

He pushed the crockery with her medium-done steak in her direction and plunked a potato beside her veg. “There’s butter and seasoning in the cupboard just there.” He pointed his chin toward an upper cabinet.

Opening the cabinet door, she reached inside for the butter and salt and pepper.

“Why don’t you cut into the meat and see if it’s the way you like. I can cook your steak a few more minutes if it’s too red,” he told her with a smatter of worry tightening inside his chest.

Picking up the cutlery he’d left on the worktop, she cut into her steak. “Perfect.” She popped the sliver of meat into her mouth and chewed. “That’s fabulous, Harry.”

Harry took in her stockinged feet. She must have slipped out of those biker boots while he was outside.

“Do you want to eat at the table or in front of the telly?”

“The telly’s fine.”

“And what are we watching, girlie show or football?” Please say the game. Please say the game. He didn’t want to miss the kickoff.

“Football.”

“Your price is above rubies, my dear.” Harry led the way into the lounge and set the plates on the coffee table, pulling it closer to the tan sofa. “Do you want anything to drink?”

“I’ll have what you’re having.” She indicated his water bottle.

He went back to the kitchen and grabbed another bottle of Highland spring water. Harry joined her on the sofa and picked up the controls. He clicked to the game between Liverpool and Manchester United, and they settled into companionable silence while they ate. Liverpool quickly dominated the first half, leading 1–0, despite the incredible saves by Barens in both quarters.

Elise leaned into the soft cushions and folded her arms. Harry side-eyed her from his end of the sofa. If he was a considerate host, he would start up the wood burner or provide her with a lap rug to keep off the chill. But if he was clever . . .