Just as I was contemplating ringing again, Marcus appeared at my office door, beaming broadly. I quickly rearranged my scowl into a smile. ‘Someone’s in a good mood.’

He walked into the office and perched on the edge of my desk the way he used to when I was his PA. I didn’t know whether to be annoyed and point out that since my promotion, he should stop doing it. ‘Yes, I bloody well am! Turns out that new client you brought in is proving extremely lucrative.’

‘Leo?’ I raised my eyebrows, as if I was surprised by the news. ‘That’s good to hear.’

‘Remind me how you met him again?’ Marcus narrowed his eyes slightly. He obviously suspected that my relationship with Leo was more than just platonic and he made no secret of his jealousy.

I gave a dismissive wave of my hand. ‘It’s a long story … But I’m delighted that he’s proving such an asset to Norton.’ I didn’t want Marcus knowing too much about my relationship with Leo, in case he started questioning how much confidential information I might have passed on, in my efforts to get him to invest his considerable wealth with Norton. It was what had eventually secured my promotion.

I genuinely hadn’t planned to see Leo again and had consigned our illicit afternoon together to the back of my mind. But following Peter’s funeral, with Ben tiptoeing around me like a frightened deer one minute, and sobbing pathetically whenever he locked himself in the bathroom the next, I felt in need of a bit of a boost.

In what had proved to be a master-stroke on my part, I had insisted that Ben give up his job when we moved to Surrey, while I went back to work. Thanks to the money Peter had already given us for the house, plus a substantial inheritance from his estate, we were rolling in cash. But, I told Ben earnestly, I still needed to work for my own self-esteem and so that I didn’t feel like I was sponging off him.

And although in truth I had absolutely no qualms about sponging off him, it certainly had helped my self-esteem, as it meant that I had ample opportunity to hook up with Leo during the week.

His reaction to my call was instantly uplifting. ‘Beautiful Bella!’ he exclaimed. ‘I was hoping you might call one day.’

I smiled to myself, aware that it was the first time in ages that I had worn anything other than a frown on my face. ‘I’m not sure it’s a good idea but …’

Leo chuckled. ‘Couldn’t resist me, eh?’

I laughed, already feeling a frisson of excitement at the prospect of seeing him again. ‘Something like that.’

‘I have to say it was one of the more pleasurable afternoons I’ve enjoyed …’ Leo’s tone was a mixture of amusement and mischief. I liked that we could be so upfront with each other. There was no need to dance around the real meaning of our conversation.