I can hear the bathwater running as I chop some carrots and add them to a pan of water. I’ve got a head of broccoli as well, and I was stunned to find a tub of Ben & Jerry’s in the freezer that we somehow must have forgotten about, so we’ve actually got enough for a reasonable feast. It’ll be nearly nine by the time it’s ready, as I was distracted by my book and lost track of time earlier. It’s a whodunnit with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, but that’s actually worked out well. Normally, I’d have eaten and cleared up by the time Sam got home, but that would have meant she’d have had most of a bottle of wine on an empty stomach, and I have enough experience with her to know that wouldn’t have ended well.

‘How are you feeling now?’ I ask when she pads in a while later. She’s changed into her pyjamas, with her fluffy dressing gown over the top.

‘Bruised and battered,’ she replies. ‘Angry, disappointed, like I’ve had my time wasted. I’m not getting any younger. Do you think I should freeze my eggs, just in case I can’t find the one decent man in the world before I hit the menopause?’

‘We’re twenty-eight,’ I remind her with a smile. ‘I don’t think you need to worry about the menopause just yet.’

‘You’re probably right,’ she sighs as I dish out and carry the plates over to the table. ‘I’ve made a decision though.’

‘Oh, yes?’

‘No more men. Not for a while, anyway. I’m going to come off the apps and just enjoy being me.’

I smile at her but wisely say nothing. This is also a familiar refrain, and I’d be prepared to bet my bastard bingo prize money, if there were any, that she’ll be back in the saddle before Samson has caught his next mouse.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you so much for reading this book, and I hope you enjoyed Tilly and Will’s story.