Lily gave a reminiscent smile. ‘I didn’t intend to stay here long, either. Then I fell in love with the place.’ Her smile became wistful. ‘How long I stay is up for debate. Zinnia extended an olive branch by inviting me out on Friday but I know she’d like me to move on after Switzerland.’ She sighed.

Isaac moved closer, captured by the regret in her eyes. ‘It seems unfair if she expects you to change your whole way of life to accommodate her insecurities.’

She pulled a face. ‘Agree. But I can’t push her on it now she’s up to her ears in the aftermath of the fire. I’ve made up my mind to forget it for now and just enjoy the run-up to our trip.’ Wistfulness gone, she sent him a mischievous glance. ‘Like you, I’m ripe for a little adventure.’

All at once the atmosphere was charged. There was something in her gaze, the deliberate way she delivered the words as if he was meant to pick up a cue. It made him imagine what it might be like to share an adventure with Lily, an adventure that might also be called a fling and involve hot kisses and discarded clothes. As if the vision were controlling him he inched closer. ‘Intriguing,’ he murmured. Her eyebrows rose as if encouraging him to go on and he told himself not to, even while his mouth said, ‘You’re intriguing. I’ve been trying hard not to like you.’

Interest sharpened her gaze and she replied seriously, ‘How’s that going?’

He sighed. ‘You’re hard to get out of my mind. I like you more all the time. I’d love to …’ He looked at her mouth. Stopped. Collected himself. ‘But I really am not staying long. If Mr Tubb decides to retire then he’ll sell. If he comes back then he won’t need me. Either way, I’m gone. I think you have a right to expect more than that.’ Tentatively, he looped his fingers with hers, not sure if it was wrong to even discuss it or worse to let her pass out of his life without acting on the attraction he felt.

‘Expect?’ she said softly. ‘I expect little from men. Maybe it’s because I was brought up in an all-female household but I honestly don’t think I’ve relied on one in my life. Even Sergio. It wasn’t that hard to part from him – and we were married.’ This time it was she who took a tiny step closer.

Another inch and they’d be touching.

His hand tightened on hers. ‘A gorgeous, sunny woman who doesn’t mind men who don’t want to be relied upon. My Christmas may have come early.’ His heart rate had picked up at her nearness, at the fresh, damp smell of her hair.