She felt herself start to ramble and truly hoped that Ed didn’t decide to show up now because at this point it would be a seriously unwelcome intrusion. She got the sense that she and Ward were on the verge of something important, and she needed an answer to her next question.

‘Why?’ she asked, her voice no more than a whisper.

‘Why what?’

‘Why did you want me to think that you were with Shelley?’

‘Because I was afraid, Hannah. I already crossed a line that night in the park. And I was terrified of losing you, not as my publicist or a friend but …’

Her eyes met his and she knew without a doubt that he was telling her the truth.

‘Oh . . .’ she breathed as the weight of his admission weighed on her heart.

Then Ward stood up. ‘How late is your friend running?’ he asked, suddenly changing the subject so fast that her thoughts spun back to the present. She’d almost forgotten she was here to meet someone else.

‘Quite a bit to be fair.’ She too looked absently at the door.

‘Well, I guess I’d better get going. Again, I’m so sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused. Just know that I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and I wish you didn’t need to leave. I especially hope that my actions haven’t caused you to want to do that. You’re a special person, Hannah, and you deserve so much better than someone like Kendrick.’ She nodded, unsure what to say, and Ward continued. ‘I’m sure that the guy you’re waiting for knows how lucky he is to have you in his life.’

‘Apparently not since he’s decided not to come after all,’ Hannah mused, a little let down, but also somewhat relieved that Ed hadn’t appeared.

Her emotions were all over the place and she didn’t think she could take any more surprises, nor handle idle pleasantries.

‘Well, at least it meant you and I got the chance to say goodbye.’ As he turned to leave, Ward tentatively reached across and rested a hand on hers. ‘See you round, Hannah.’

She barely managed to utter goodbye in return she was so overcome by the significance of what he’d revealed to her. He cared about her too. Yet what was she supposed to do? Run out on the street after him and fling herself into his arms?

Hannah sat there for a few moments longer, uncertain if she was still waiting for Ed or deciding what to do about Ward.

But before she could think any more about either scenario, Frank reappeared at the table with a plate, on top of which sat one of his famous pastries, the same one she’d chosen the very first day she’d come here.

She glanced up in surprise. ‘But I didn’t order …’