‘Don’t look so worried,’ James said, settling back in his seat. He smiled at her, eyes searching hers. ‘I’m just trying to treat you in the way you deserve, that’s all. I know it may seem strange, but it gives me pleasure to see you having a good time.’ He raised an eyebrow. ‘And we did have a good time last night, didn’t we?’

She thought about their dinner, the easy chat, the laughter, and nodded. ‘Yes, we did. But the thing is… I’m homesick. I know that sounds daft, but I’ve never been away from the kids before, and although I might have yearned for this type of weekend, the reality is different. You know Matt’s being really awkward and suspicious, and now I’ve started thinking about it, I can’t relax. I need to go home. Be with my family.’

James pressed his lips together, thoughtful. He picked up his coffee and took a sip before putting the cup carefully back on the saucer. ‘I don’t want to bully you into spending time with me.’ He looked a little sad, and she realised she’d been insensitive, perhaps hurt his feelings. ‘But a deal’s a deal.’

‘I can pay you back.’ This was her trump card, and she saw the surprise in his eyes, felt a moment of triumph, like she had the upper hand for once. ‘Matt’s finished his contract, so he’ll get paid soon. I can pay you some of the money, if not all of it.’

He stared at her, an intensity in his blue eyes that she hadn’t seen before, and she looked away, hands fidgeting in her lap. It was all she could do to stop herself from getting up and making a run for it back to her room.

‘Well, I’m pleased for you.’ The curtness in his voice suggested the opposite. ‘But until that money is in my account, our deal has to stand, doesn’t it?’ He sighed. ‘I think you’ve got me all wrong, though, Sara. I’m not trying to make life hard for you. I’m just a friend, someone who wants to look after you. And now you’re going to run back to that yob of a husband.’ He held up a hand. ‘Sorry. No offence, but I can…’ He took a deep breath, his voice gentle, pleading. ‘Why don’t we stick with plan A? Just for this weekend. I’ve booked the treatments for this afternoon. Then we can have a lovely dinner tonight. You get another good night’s sleep and we’ll leave before lunch tomorrow instead of staying the whole day. How about that? Just allow yourself to relax and be treated for once in your life.’