“No, but it’s early. No one is awake. Aiden is a teenager so no chance of seeing him until lunchtime, and as for the Americans—with the time change I calculate that it’s three in the morning for them. They’ll be dead to the world for a while.”

“Molly will be awake soon.”

“If she appears in the doorway I’ll tell her I couldn’t undo the knot on the towel and you were helping me. No one is going to come in, Clare.” He slid his hand behind her head and drew her face to his. His kiss was hungry and demanding and she melted into it, wondering how it was possible to love him more each day. They had their moments of course. Those minor irritations that were inevitable when you shared living space with another human being, even one you adored. But the foundations of their relationship were strong and solid. She wouldn’t tempt fate by saying that nothing could shake them, but she was confident they could withstand most anything.

“I love you, sweetheart.” He murmured the words against her mouth. “I love that you’re shy and that you listen more than you talk. That’s not a flaw, it’s who you are, and when you say something it’s always worth hearing. I’m not surprised you enjoy your own company—I enjoy your company, too. There’s no one else I’d rather spend time with. I don’t give a damn that you hate public speaking, and I promise that whenever I can I’ll be by your side when you have to walk into crowded rooms full of strangers. Did I miss anything out?”

“Team sports?” She was reminded of all the reasons she loved Todd, not that she needed much reminding.

He put his hands on her hips and held her firmly. “When there are balls involved, I’ve always been more of a one-on-one kind of guy.”

She gasped. “Todd Dickinson! What would your mother think?”

“I’m not having this conversation with my mother. I’m having it with my wife. And if we’re having a conversation about flaws, I have more. And they’re bigger.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Are you being competitive about flaws?”

“I don’t need to be, because I win. And I win big. I’m stubborn and never see obstacles—”

“—which is why we’re together, because you ignored every obstacle I put in your path.”

“It’s also why I’m currently handling a nightmare project with an engineer who is desperately trying to make my design work.”

“It will happen. You always make it happen.”

“I talk too much. I dominate a room.”

“Not true. You entertain people.” She kissed his jaw, smooth now against her lips. “You’re the perfect host. Maybe we’re a perfect pair.”