‘Perhaps you shouldn’t get involved in this, Zak. I’d hate to think that it might cost you your job. Jude could get very funny about it.’

Her friend shrugged. ‘It’s a risk I’m prepared to take.’

Lauren sighed. ‘You really are a good friend.’

Zak smiled. ‘I keep telling you that.’

‘Come back to my place for a coffee,’ Lauren said impulsively. ‘I don’t want to be alone.’

‘Only if you have Jaffa Cakes.’

‘We’ll pick some up at the shop at the end of my road on the way.’

‘You certainly know how to please a man,’ her friend joked.

‘If only,’ she said with a sigh.

The night was warm and pleasant, and Zak flagged down a cab straight away. They had the driver stop at the shop near her flat, to pick up the requisite Jaffa Cakes on the way.

Zak followed her up the stairs to her apartment, letting her lean on his arm for support. She fumbled the key from her handbag as he waited beside her.

‘I don’t feel very well,’ she admitted as, eventually, she opened the door.

‘I’ll do the coffee,’ Zak said. ‘Though peppermint tea might be better if you’ve got any.’

‘Putrid stuff,’ Lauren said, and her stomach lurched at the thought of it. ‘Have to go! ’Scuse me.’

She ran for the bathroom and, making the loo just in time, parted with all the champagne and canapés that she’d consumed.

Lauren was kneeling on the floor of the bathroom, her head in the toilet bowl, feeling wretched, when the door opened behind her and Zak was standing there with a glass of water.

‘Thanks,’ she said gratefully as he handed it to her. ‘Go home, please. I can manage. Let me die in peace.’

‘Wouldn’t dream of it,’ Zak said.

‘I don’t want you to see me like this.’

He sat down on the side of the bath. ‘I’m particularly attracted to puking women. I have a fetish for it. Did you know that there’s an entire website dedicated to the art?’

Lauren laughed weakly. ‘I’m sure there is.’ She sipped at the water.

‘Feeling better?’

‘Yes. Much.’ Then she turned to the loo and threw up again.

Zak knelt down beside her to hold back her hair and stroke the small of her back.

When she’d finished, she said weakly, ‘I think I really am dying.’

‘Clean your teeth,’ Zak instructed. ‘Then I’ll tuck you into bed.’

‘You’re so kind to me.’ Tears were fighting their way forwards.

‘Want me to sleep on the sofa tonight?’

She nodded feebly. ‘Please.’

Zak pulled her to his chest and she snuggled against him. ‘Well, girl, you nearly got through that unscathed.’