‘I hope you don’t mind – I ordered champagne to calm the nerves.’ The glass was fizzing gently in front of her, condensation beaded on the sides. No drink had ever looked more inviting. She took a grateful sip, then another, relishing the bubbles in her mouth, the sudden whoosh of well-being that swept her fears away. James beamed at her and topped her up.

‘Here’s to some time out,’ he said, a twinkle in his eyes as they chinked glasses.

‘Rest and relaxation,’ she replied, drinking the second glass as quickly as the first.

She started to enjoy the evening, her mind fuzzy with champagne, which hushed her worries until they were indistinct murmurings that were easy to ignore. James entertained her with anecdotes, and the food was delicious, but as the evening wore on, she felt increasingly tired, fighting to keep her eyes open.

‘I think it might be time to retire to bed.’ He laughed. ‘I’ve been talking you to sleep, I think.’ He stood, held out his arm. ‘Come on, let me help you.’

She forced herself to move, and took off her shoes to make it less of a struggle, giggling at the state she was in after a couple of drinks.

‘Sorry, I’m such a lightweight with alcohol,’ she slurred as they walked to the lift. ‘And it’s been a hell of a week.’

‘No problem,’ James assured her, patting her hand. ‘It’s been a lovely evening and I’m quite tired myself.’

When they arrived at her room, he took her bag, retrieved her key card and opened the door for her, helping her inside before saying goodnight. She staggered over to the bed, flopped down and closed her eyes, her head spinning.

She woke up slowly, eyelids stuck together, feeling groggy and sluggish. After a moment’s panic, thinking she needed to get up and deal with Ezra, she remembered she wasn’t at home, and allowed herself to enjoy the dreamy moments of not quite being awake for a little while longer. When her eyes finally decided they had the will to open properly, she realised she desperately needed the loo.

Hauling herself out of bed, she noticed her dress and underwear hung neatly over the back of a chair, her shoes tucked underneath. Amazing what you manage to do when you’re drunk. She didn’t even remember getting undressed.