‘I think you came out ahead on that one,’ replied James, smiling at Gerry. ‘Gerry, you are a beautiful woman. I have no idea what you’re doing with a schlub like Duncan, but I can say that he is a good man. Perhaps not good enough for you, but a pretty decent sort. That said, if he gives you any trouble, call me and I will happily kick his rear end for you.’

Gerry played along. ‘It’s okay, James. I’m a big girl. If he gets out of line, I’ll handle him myself.’

‘I’ll drink to that,’ James said, and they clinked glasses. I noticed the mood of the table had eased significantly since James had started his story about Duncan. Even Josh had joined in on the laughter rippling around the group at Duncan’s expense. Maybe he was softening towards James. Maybe he would stop being a grumpy dick and we’d all get along, and when Josh and I looked back on the time when we met, we’d remember the silver fox with fondness.

Maybe I had an overactive imagination.

‘So, shall we go and get a drink? I know a great place,’ said Duncan, standing and glancing around the group.

‘A drink or three,’ muttered Josh amid an affirmative chorus. I glanced at him. His jaw was clenched and he was sporting a frown. Still being a dick, apparently. Was he actually jealous about some brief encounter with the silver fox – which led to nothing? Not that he knew that, but all he needed to do was ask.

He was being ridiculous.

When the group moved outside, I took the opportunity to get away from Josh. I had been pissed off with him before dinner; after dinner, I was hovering closer to furious.

Duncan led us to a swanky-looking bar called Cosa Nostra. We followed him out to the balcony and got situated around a large table. I can’t say how much of it was by design, but James claimed the seat next to mine, while Josh ended up at the opposite end of the table. Good – he could stay down there and brood for all I cared.

Besides I had other things on my mind. With the silver fox sitting right next to me, I could not avoid talking to him any longer. And of course, he smelled sublime – like sunshine and citrus and gorgeous manly man.

I buried my head in the drinks menu as a stalling tactic. James seemed to think it meant I wanted privacy – with him. He moved closer and pretended to read the cocktail list over my shoulder.

‘I waited for you that day – at the restaurant. I was disappointed you didn’t show up.’