‘Look, yes, things have been difficult the past few months since that bloody article went viral,’ Hayley said, throwing me a warning glare. I didn’t dare look at Jake. ‘But this is why this trip has to happen. It’s an opportunity to repair the damage from it and build Jake’s reputation back up to where it was before, and secure a new book contract. You need to convince everyone you’re still the king of romance, Jake. And Freya, you’ll be there to logistically make sure it all runs smoothly, but also offer any advice along the way to get Jake’s fans and publishers back on board. You both have got this.’ She sounded so confident while my brain started to get foggy. ‘And you can use the company credit card for everything, first class all the way…’ she added, giving me a smile. ‘Okay, Freya?’

I couldn’t smile back. I shifted uncomfortably. ‘I guess, if you can’t go…’ I said, but the enthusiasm had left my voice.

‘Great, start organising everything. Make sure you liaise with Jake,’ Hayley said. ‘Call me if you need anything, Jake.’

‘I will.’ He got up as I walked to the door, and we left one after the other. As we walked away from Hayley’s office, I felt my nerves increase and I turned towards my desk, Jake moving past me towards the exit.

‘Freya.’

I paused in surprise at him addressing me directly, and looked back at him.

He looked down at me, our height difference almost as large as the ten-year age gap between us. ‘You’ll email me the details for the trip then?’

I was still a bit stunned about having to go on this trip.

‘Yes?’ Jake prodded when I stayed silent. He sighed in frustration, clearly indicating that I irritated him.

‘Yes,’ I said, nodding. ‘I will organise it all, don’t worry,’ I added as confidently as I could manage.

‘Hmm,’ he replied. ‘Well, at least the weather in New York looks good at the moment. It’s supposed to be dry all week.’

Did I imagine that he emphasised the word ‘dry’? Was it a warning he had overheard my conversation with Liv about my dry sex spell?

‘See you,’ he said before I could respond and carried on walking back towards the lifts.

A minute later, when Hayley came out of her office, I still hadn’t moved from the spot where he left me.

‘This has to go well, Freya. Jake’s career is hanging in the balance. I hope you know how important this conference is to us all.’