‘Really, Harry, I came away this week because I didn’t want a fuss. It’s just a birthday, a day in which I spoil myself a little and remember my childhood.’ Despite the words, parts of her tingled slightly, and judging by his smile, her eyes gave her away. She couldn’t remember the last time she had flirted, or felt so hot. It was a good feeling. Exciting and silly and frivolous all at the same time. Although she was only playing with him, it made her heart race and her body sing with romance.

He laughed joyfully, and she wondered if he felt the same, that thrill, an unspoken question.

‘Sounds intriguing. I wonder what you have in mind?’ she said, narrowing her eyes slightly, sending the message, she was interested.

‘Somewhere special to eat; then we have a festival in the next bay, Vourkari, tomorrow night. It’s the name day of my very good friend, Ipomoni.’ She frowned. ‘Ee-pom-on-ee,’ he explained. ‘It means patience. It’s his name day so we all celebrate with him, all his family and friends, and all the other people named Ipomoni, all over Greece . . . Greeks all over the world, actually. It’s like everyone’s united in one big birthday party.’

‘I like the concept of everyone celebrating together.’ But was Harry inviting her to more than a festival? His eyes were treacle-toffee brown and just as warm. Suddenly, Shelly realised she would like to know him better.

They ate at the shore taverna, drank wine and watched the sunset. The lighthouse caught her attention. The light was on now, hazy in the dusk miasma. His hand touched hers while they were talking. She didn’t pull away but looked deep into his eyes.

‘I hope you’re having a good time,’ he said. ‘Tell me about your favourite dive.’

‘That’s a tough one.’ She closed her eyes for a moment, then recalled a moment of utter bliss, clear water, and shocking beauty. ‘The Red Sea, perhaps. Both the reef and the wrecks were exceptional.’

‘Never been, though I’ve always wanted to. Work gets in the way, you know?’

‘I know. The reefs are shallow enough to snorkel, and that’s what I prefer to do there. It’s the greatest wonderland.’ She narrowed her eyes, seeing the spectacular underwater seascape all over again. ‘Lots of sea horses, don’t you love them? It’s breathtaking, you must go.’

He nodded. ‘Yes, I think I must.’

*

The next morning, he met her for breakfast. ‘Happy birthday! I’ve managed to get the key for the Britannic museum,’ he said. ‘Or at least the beginnings of it, we hope. I thought you’d be interested to see what we’ve gathered so far. The work’s spasmodic, funded by small change left from the annual Tourist Development Grant for the Cyclades islands.’

‘It’s relying on tax-payers’ money?’