Then, of course, she couldn’t sleep, but started reliving the evening, thinking of witty remarks she could have made, but hadn’t. She wished she had half his confidence and his easy way of dealing with people.

But even so, he did want to see her again. And she most definitely wanted to spend more time with him.

It’s just a day out, she warned herself sternly. Don’t read too much into it. Strangers meet, enjoy one another’s company, spend a little time together, then go on their way.

But still… a man like him was such a boost for her morale.

She lay awake for a while, listening to the wind whining around the hotel. She couldn’t help indulging in a few foolish fantasies, but who was to know about that?

All this after one kiss?

Chapter 2

When Megan drew back the curtains it was to see a misty landscape and rain hissing steadily against the windowpanes. She groaned in disappointment. ‘Great day for a walk in the woods!’ She went into the bathroom, feeling bitter about how life could give with one hand and take away with the other.

As she got out of the shower. Given the weather, the outing would be off, of course, so Ben would probably smile at her over breakfast, wish her well, then drive off into the mist.

When she went down to the restaurant, dressed in jeans and a sweater, she found Ben waiting, sipping a coffee and watching the door.

He greeted her with a rueful smile, waving one hand towards the windows. ‘Just look at that weather! And the forecast is for more rain to come.’

Megan slipped into the chair opposite him and a waiter appeared from nowhere with a jug of coffee. She said it first, to get it over with. ‘Looks like our day out is off, then.’ She looked across at the display of food at the side of the big room and added brightly, to hide her disappointment, ‘Shall we get something to eat?’

He shook his head. ‘I never eat at this hour. You go.’

Why had he asked her to have breakfast with him, then? Hope twitched inside her. Maybe… She didn’t let herself finish that thought, but turned resolutely towards the buffet. How people could start their day without a proper breakfast, she would never understand. She piled fresh fruit salad into a bowl and spooned creamy yoghurt over it for a starter.

He grimaced as she set it down. ‘Rather you than me.’

‘I’m always hungry in the morning.’ She began to eat.

He said nothing until she had swallowed several spoonfuls, then asked idly, ‘What are you doing in Northumberland anyway? We got interrupted when you were going to tell me last night.’