‘When I first spoke to Jake, it didn’t go well,’ Davis said once we were back in the sofa area of Simon’s office, the sun streaming in through his windows, each of us holding a coffee. ‘He was annoyed as soon as I mentioned your name, Freya; I think he was jealous. I mean, I can understand why he thought you would like me more than him⁠—’

‘Davis,’ I interrupted as he grinned at me. ‘The point?’ I prompted, not needing to hear his little digs about me and Jake. I saw Simon smile behind his coffee cup.

‘You never want me to have any fun.’ Davis pouted. He sighed but then carried on more sensibly. ‘As I was saying, he didn’t seem very keen on ending our feud or saying anything publicly about me being inspired by his work so I thought we were at a dead end but he rung me back yesterday and said he’d changed his mind and now wanted to help.’

‘Oh, great,’ I said, immediately thinking back to how I had told him off about Davis. Jake had clearly realised there was nothing at all romantic, nor would there ever be, between me and Davis so there was no need to keep their feud going. It did make me feel good that not only had Jake stepped in to help me with Hayley but he was doing the same with Davis. ‘So, what’s the plan?’

‘I’ll do a post on all my social media with a sample of one of the romance scenes and say how Jake inspired me, how hard it was to write and how I can’t wait for readers to tell me what they think about it,’ Davis said. ‘Jake said he would share it on his accounts and say something supportive back, and he also agreed to read a proof so I’ve sent that over. Hopefully, he’ll give us an endorsement quote but obviously, it’s not guaranteed.’ There was a hint of nerves in his voice and expression. His arrogance was a front, I was learning.

‘It’s a great book; I’m sure Jake will enjoy reading it,’ I reassured him.

Simon nodded. ‘Exactly. I’ll email your publishers now to tell them what is happening and ask them to share your posts too. Once we get some good reader feedback through, and the boost from Jake, surely they will go ahead with the planned publication.’

‘Let’s hope so,’ Davis said. ‘I’ve also drafted an apology to the organisers of the romance conference; can you check it over, Freya?’

‘Sure. That’s a great idea. Maybe they can share it on their website; I’ll talk to them.’