“Maybe?” He slid his hand down her back and pulled her closer. She could feel him, hard and ready through the flimsy towel and she pulled it away.

He tipped her onto her back so that he was back in control. With hands, mouth, the whole of his body he used the knowledge he had of her to drive her wild and she did the same. Here, in this bed, with Todd, she’d never felt shy. She felt powerful and beautiful and sure of herself, and she was sure of herself now as she wrapped her legs around him and rose up to meet and match his passion.

Afterward they lay together, slick skin and tangled limbs bathed by the morning breeze and birdsong. Warmed and softened by love, she nestled in the curve of his arm. “I’m so lucky to have you.”

“True.” His eyes were closed and he grunted as she poked him in the ribs.

“You’re lucky to have me, too.”

“You won’t hear me arguing with that.”

She pressed her lips to his chest. “I suppose if I’m honest, losing Becca made me appreciate what we have even more. Not that I ever took it for granted—”

“You don’t have to explain. I know what you mean.” For once the teasing note in his voice was absent. “I know it’s been tough for you, Clare. Losing your friend.”

“Yes, but not as tough as it has been for Jack and the children. It can’t be easy for Izzy, seeing her dad with someone else.” Clare jumped out of bed and headed for the shower. She didn’t protest when Todd followed. He’d designed the bathroom, adding skylights and widening the room. He’d then proceeded to install a walk-in shower with more than enough space for both of them.

Clare started to wash her hair, and then let him take over. “Did you see Izzy’s face when she came back last night?” His hands were gentle and soothing and she closed her eyes. The sex was good, but so was this. “I think she’d been crying. I feel bad for her.”

“I feel bad for Flora.” Todd turned off the water and handed her a towel. “You didn’t say much to her, Clare.”

She felt a twinge of guilt. “You know I’m shy.”

“Are you sure that’s what it was?”

His question forced her to face an uncomfortable possibility. Had she been using shyness as an excuse?

With anyone else she would have made excuses. “No.” She forced herself to admit it. “It was probably more than that. It felt difficult, Todd. My tongue was in a knot. I kept thinking about Becca. You know I’m not good with strangers at the best of times, and Flora—”

“It’s awkward, I get it, but sweetheart it’s pretty damn awkward for her, too.”