James opened the door to the Studio Three corridor and stuck his head out. All was still and quiet. He felt like a naughty schoolboy hiding in a broom cupboard as he was. But equally he couldn’t remember when he’d last felt so good. Being with Megan gave him that euphoric feeling. It seemed she’d got under his skin, into his mind and was wheedling her way into his heart.

“All clear,” he said tugging her out by the hand. He pulled her close and set a quick kiss on her lips. He just couldn’t help himself, he wasn’t ready to say goodbye yet, even though he had to. And he certainly wasn’t ready to release her from his embrace. Having her near felt so right, so perfect.

She pulled back after a moment. “I’ll see you later then.” She stroked her hand down his arm, shoulder to elbow, smoothing his short-sleeved shirt.

The heat of her palm, just through clothing, sent tingles over his flesh. “Yes, you have my number now. Call me if something comes up, or if you’re free sooner. If not I’ll come over this evening after work. I’m not sure what time it will be, though.”

“That’s okay.” She smiled. “Though I can hardly wait.”

He loved the way her eyes sparkled. She wanted him the way he wanted her. Seeing the reflection of desire just made him ache all the more to be alone with her. How had he got so lucky? He’d forgotten how sweet it was to have a woman in his life. And he wanted more—he wanted more of Megan Rose Winter. She was the woman in his life now. She’d been on the periphery, the outskirts, admired from afar, but now… Now she was slap bang in the middle and he wanted it to stay that way.

“We can go out for dinner,” he said, suddenly panicking that she’d think he was only coming over for sex. Which he kind of was, but it wasn’t just that, he needed to be with her—that was his most basic need. Just to be in her presence.

“Or I could cook for us.” She swept her tongue over her bottom lip. “Maybe it would suit us better to stay in.”

“I like the way you think.” He grinned. “I’ll bring wine.”

“White, I’ll do chicken.” She paused. “If that’s okay with you? Do you like chicken?”

“Love it.” If she’d said she was cooking crow, he would have agreed to it.

“Okay, see you later.” She gathered her bags, positioning the straps on her shoulders and hoisting them upwards.

“Do you want a hand with them?” They looked heavy. He worried about her slender limbs carrying all that weight. It couldn’t be good for her.