‘Okay, well, will you think about what I’ve asked and see how you feel after your meeting?’ Davis tapped his proof which was still on the table. ‘And maybe you could just read a couple of chapters tonight? See if this is a book that you think should be published or not.’

‘I’m really not sure I can help you,’ I reiterated. I wasn’t sure I wanted to either and I was certain he realised that after our interactions in New York.

‘Don’t decide yet,’ Davis begged me. ‘Tell me tomorrow, please?’

He seemed so desperate, I felt bad just shutting him completely down. Despite the fact he likely deserved it. His proposal was unexpected and I didn’t want to hurry and say no and then regret it. I knew I needed to pin Hayley down tomorrow as to what was going to happen with my career and then I could feel confident in turning down Davis’s offer. So, I nodded. ‘Okay. I will think about it.’ I picked up the proof and read the title: He’s Behind You. I never really fancied reading a thriller but I was curious as to what his books were like. I eyed him as I put it in my bag. ‘Are you really worried?’ I asked.

Davis shifted in his seat, avoiding my eyes, but he nodded. ‘Simon is worried too. My publishers think I’m now a bad bet. And I’m not sure how to convince them otherwise. I know that I can be arrogant but I do care about my career and I know that I’m in trouble.’

I was surprised by his honesty. ‘Okay, let me think about it.’

‘That’s all I ask. Thank you.’ Davis took a sip of his coffee and then he grinned at me. ‘So, you and Jake are really over?’

I rolled my eyes. ‘Don’t ruin it all now by coming on to me!’

‘I wouldn’t. I told you, I have a girlfriend, and I’m head over heels for her. I was never really interested in you, Freya, no offence. I just knew it would wind Jake up as I could tell he liked you.’

‘He doesn’t any more,’ I said, unable to hold back the tinge of bitterness to my tone.

‘What’s changed so quickly?’

‘We had an argument after we spoke at the party,’ I said, nodding at him. ‘I think we’re too different to make it work. It’s better we keep things professional.’

‘I spent years not telling the woman I just mentioned that I liked her, and we lost all that time we could have spent together, if I hadn’t been worried about her rejecting me. Just don’t make that mistake too.’

I raised an eyebrow. ‘You’re advocating for Jake Richards now?’