‘I don’t care about them,’ she said honestly, and he stroked her hair away from her face, his expression serious.

‘Yes, you do, and I don’t blame you for that. Glenmore is your home. Talking of which…’ He frowned suddenly and then released her and sprang out of bed. ‘Where did you park?’

‘Sorry?’

‘Your car. Where did you park your car?’

She frowned. ‘Outside your barn. Where else?’

‘Someone could see it.’ He reached down and pulled her gently to her feet. ‘You have to leave, angel.’

‘Now?’ Bemused, she slid her arms around his neck. ‘I—I assumed I’d stay the night.’

‘At least eight islanders drive past my barn on the way to work in the morning. I don’t want them seeing your car.’ He gently unhooked her arms from his neck and retrieved her underwear from the floor. ‘You need to leave, Flora.’

His words made her feel sick and her heart bumped uncomfortably. ‘So—that’s it?’

He slid her arms into her bra and fastened it with as much skill as he’d shown unfastening it. ‘No, of course that’s not it.’ He lowered his head and kissed her swiftly. ‘Are you busy tomorrow night?’

‘No.’

He smiled and winked at her. ‘Then you can cook me dinner. Meet me here at eight o’clock.’ Then he frowned. ‘On second thoughts, your place is probably better. Evanna’s cottage is off the main road.’

She felt a rush of excitement and anticipation but tried to hide it. ‘Why can’t you cook me dinner?’

‘Because I’m rubbish in the kitchen and I’m assuming you’d rather not be poisoned,’ he drawled, sliding her silk knickers up her legs and then giving a tormented groan. ‘Why am I dressing you when all I want to do is undress you?’

‘I don’t know,’ she said breathlessly. ‘Why are you?’

‘Because I care about you. I care about your reputation.’

She looked at him curiously. ‘That doesn’t exactly sound like Bad Conner.’

‘You’ve corrupted me,’ he said roughly. And then he took a deep breath, stepped back and lifted his hands. ‘Get out of here. Your coat is downstairs. For goodness’ sake, remember to button it or you’ll give everyone a cheap thrill. Go, quickly, before I change my mind.’

CHAPTER NINE

FLORA tried, she really tried, to keep their relationship secret. She made a point of not gazing at him when they were in public together and she kept their interaction brief and formal. But inside she trembled with insecurity when he didn’t glance at her and she knew why.

No relationship of Conner’s had ever lasted. Why should theirs be any different?

But even knowing that it was probably doomed, she wouldn’t have changed anything. And if she spent her days racked with doubt as to his feelings, when night came she was left in no doubt at all.