Beth turned her attention from the road to Ralph. ‘She was a fool to treat you the way she did, but her loss is Olivia’s gain.’

Ralph eyed her curiously. ‘Try telling that to Liv. You do know the two of us aren’t official, don’t you?’

Beth nodded. ‘Although I think it’s only a matter of time.’

Ralph smiled. ‘Perhaps you could put in a good word for me.’

Beth began to fan her face with her hand. ‘Can’t we see if we can do something about my window? I’ll melt if I have to sit here much longer.’ As she spoke, she loosened her tie and undid the first two buttons of her blouse.

To her alarm, Ralph swerved the car off the road and into a lay-by hidden behind a row of trees. ‘What’s wrong, is it the engine?’

Ralph turned the engine off. ‘The car’s fine, but I can’t fix your window whilst we’re on the move.’

Beth heaved a sigh of relief. ‘Thanks, Ralph, you’re ever so thoughtful. Most men would leave me to boil, probably hoping I’d remove more clothing!’

‘Oh well,’ chuckled Ralph, ‘in that case …’

Beth giggled as he pretended to grab the crank handle. ‘Olivia’s one lucky woman to have a man like you, Ralph. I shall tell her she’s a fool to leave you dangling, I know I wouldn’t.’

‘What can I say?’ said Ralph. He was leaning across Beth to reach the window winder, which he clasped firmly in one hand. ‘I’m a real catch!’ he half chuckled, half grunted as he pushed hard, forcing the winder free.

Feeling the cool air hit her face, Beth put her neck back to allow the flow to cool as much of her as possible. ‘You sure are …’ she breathed. Holding her tie in one hand, she began to pull it loose and closed her eyes, feeling the air caress the heat of her skin. When she opened her eyes, she saw Ralph’s face, inches away from her own, his eyes fixed on hers, his lips millimetres away from her mouth. Beth let out a squeal of alarm.

‘W-what are you doing?’ she stammered.

Ralph’s forehead wrinkled. ‘What am I doing?’ he said, his tone incredulous. ‘You’re the one who started stripping off, telling me how much you liked me! Good God, woman, you practically threw yourself at me!’

Beth gaped at him. ‘I was hot! You could see I was.’

Ralph gripped the crank arm, got out of the car and spun the engine into life. Climbing back into his seat, he cast Beth a withering glance. ‘I know you were hot all right, you made that perfectly obvious. Don’t worry, Beth, I’m not angry at you,’ he shook his head, ‘I’m angry at myself, for falling for your act!’

‘Act?’ she cried. ‘What act?’