Anger rose within Megan. Indignation that Dylan thought he could get her affection like this. She drew her foot back and kicked him as hard as she could in the shin.

He snapped backwards, releasing her. “Ow, what the…!” He bent his knee and clutched his lower leg. Hopped on the spot.

“Seriously!” she said, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “What part of I don’t want you don’t you get, you moron?”

“What the hell is going on?” Brendon rushed into the room, arms in the air and a yellow and black scarf flapping about his neck. Gucci barked around his ankles excitedly, making figures of eight when Brendon drew to a halt.

Dylan spun around with a glowering look on his face. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Megan breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness.

“Dylan, long time no see,” Brendon said, stooping to retrieve Gucci. He was breathing hard.

Gucci spotted Dylan and his lips curled back as he let out a long, low growl. His small sharp teeth flashed and his hackles rose.

“I bloody hate that dog,” Dylan shouted, standing on both legs again and pointing at Gucci. “Keep it away from me.”

“Yes, well, he’s not too fond of you. I guess you could say he’s a good judge of character.” Brendon clenched his jaw. “Behave and I’ll keep him under control.”

Gucci barked again, as if trumpeting his fierceness.

Brendon ruffled his hair then straightened his sparkly blue collar.

“Don’t tell me what to do,” Dylan said, walking to the island and reaching for his Stella. He took a long slug. His gulps were noisy and his head tipped back.

Brendon widened his eyes at Megan. “What’s going on?” he mouthed.

Megan shook her head and glanced out of the window. A sleek black car pulled into the passing traffic. It’s headlights on full beam and its engine roaring.

“So,” Dylan said, turning to face Brendon. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to see my friend.” Brendon nodded at Megan. “But more to the point, why are you here?”

“I’m here to see Megan obviously. My fiancée.”

“Ex-fiancée.” Megan added. “We’re over, finished, remember.” A flashback besieged her. Running down the aisle. Dream mixed with reality. A sudden urge to run overtook her. She glanced at the door.

“I don’t think you’re thinking straight, honeypie,” Dylan said, his voice mellowing again. “I have so much to offer you. We have a bright future.” He paused, a smile stretched his mouth but didn’t quite reach his eyes. “And we’d make beautiful babies.”