‘I’ve managed to pin him down for a longer meeting tomorrow and will be insisting he show me what his plans are. I’ve got a copy of the standard poses Peyton and Patrick are after, but I know they want a lot of candid ones to capture the day more naturally on top of those. He’s charging enough and, from what I see, hasn’t done an event on this scale before, but seems to be very full of himself about knowing “just what Peyton wants”.’ I raised a brow at my recollection of the exchange.

‘He’s the one thing Patrick hasn’t been sold on from the start, but Peyton was adamant, and we know that what Peyton wants, Peyton gets.’

‘It sounds like this guy has been pretty persuasive and played on his existing friendship with Peyton. You know what she’s like. Yes, she’s used to getting her own way, but she’s also quite naïve at times because she’s had everything done for her. That’s why I wanted to get this meeting booked tomorrow so that I can talk to him before Peyton gets here.’ I plopped down on the bed and tucked my knees up, hugging them to me. ‘Seriously, this element is usually already sorted ages ago.’

‘But you’ll fix it. He’s not going to mess with you once he meets you.’

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

‘Let’s just say you have a determined way about you, which belies your size.’

‘I’m not sure how I’m supposed to take that.’

‘OK, let me put it this way. You look like this petite, sylph-like waif but underneath that exterior is a backbone of steel and a woman who can kick arse. Clearer?’

‘Yes. Thank you.’

‘I’m not sure if any of that is politically incorrect – it’s not meant to be.’

‘I’m not offended. I rather like the description actually. It’s always nice to have an advantage, and someone thinking they can get one over on you because of your size or gender is incredibly annoying and wonderfully satisfying when you prove them wrong.’

‘I can imagine. By the way, the hot tap in there can be a bit temperamental so just shout if you’re stuck.’

‘If I’m stuck?’ I asked, my voice pitching up. Lorcan and I had certainly taken another step closer today, but I wasn’t about to invite him into my bathroom just yet.

‘Running the bath, I mean,’ he replied, the palest hint of pink on those cut-glass cheekbones.

‘I see. Thanks.’