‘See, now I know you’re definitely fibbing because you’ve got that cute little blush going on, just here.’ He tapped the top of his unfairly chiselled cheekbones and raised one dark brow.

‘Oh, I have not. Isn’t it time Bod had a walk?’ Just because I could feel the warmth in my cheeks didn’t mean that I was going to admit that to Lorcan.

‘Yeah. He looks desperate, doesn’t he?’ Bod was once again asleep, this time upside down with all four feet in the air, the two front paws hurriedly scooting along in thin air as he charged along in his dream, the odd cute little noise emanating from him as he did so.

I gave Lorcan what was supposed to be a patient look, which clearly didn’t have the amount of patience in it that I’d aimed for.

‘Fair enough. It’s not fair arguing with you when you’re this shattered anyway. Gives me the advantage.’

I gave a snort of disbelief.

Lorcan didn’t say anything, but the warmth that lit his eyes and turned one corner of his mouth up said plenty. ‘You feeling better now?’

‘Yes, I am,’ I answered honestly. ‘Thank you. It’s easy to get carried away with work sometimes, isn’t it?’

‘It is, I agree. That’s another bonus of having a dog. They certainly let you know when you’ve had enough. Or when they have. Plus it forces you to have a break, go for a walk.’

‘Yes, I can imagine. Unfortunately, I don’t think having one would work with my lifestyle. I’m all over the place – at least I am when business is booming.’ I leant over and knocked on the oak end table for luck. ‘It wouldn’t be fair on an animal.’

‘True. They are a commitment but that’s not always a bad thing.’

‘Says the man who’s allergic to commitment. Or does that only apply to two-legged creatures?’

‘I’ve just found the four-legged varieties more reliable.’

‘Now that sounds like a story.’

Lorcan released a laugh on a soft huff of air. ‘It’s really not.’

‘So why don’t I believe you?’

‘I don’t know, now. Why don’t you?’

‘Because you’re blushing, just here,’ I said, imitating the gesture he’d made earlier to me.