‘You certainly left your mark on the place. And you’re still leaving it, although this time the damage is more subtle.’ Ann straightened her shoulders. ‘My niece is in love with you. I suppose you know that?’

Conner swore softly and Ann’s mouth tightened.

‘Behave yourself! Just because you’re a grown man, it doesn’t mean that I’m prepared to accept that sort of language.’

‘What are you going to do? Put me in detention?’ Conner gave a short laugh. ‘Did she tell you that?’

‘No. In fact, I doubt she even knows herself. But I’ve heard the way she talks about you. Her eyes sparkle and every story that falls from her lips involves something you’ve done. Every other word she speaks is your name. So what are you going to do about it, Conner?’

Conner rubbed his fingers over his forehead. ‘I expect I’ll walk out and leave her crying. That’s what I usually do.’

‘Perhaps.’ Ann’s tone was calm. ‘Or perhaps you’ll see sense and realise that a warm, soft, kind woman like Flora is just what you need.’

‘It doesn’t matter what I need. I do know that whatever she needs, it isn’t me.’

Ann smiled. ‘So you’ve learned to think about someone other than yourself. That’s good, Conner. And don’t underestimate Flora. She’s shy, not weak. There’s more to her than meets the eye.’

Conner’s hand dropped. ‘So I’ve discovered.’ He thought of Flora half-naked in the sea. Flora turning up at his barn wearing only underwear under her coat. Flora riding him lightly, her brown curls tumbling over her shoulders.

Ann was giving him the look she reserved for very naughty students. ‘I just thought someone should tell you that you don’t have to live up to your reputation. From what I’ve seen, Bad Conner has a good side. Why not develop it?’

Conner gave a mock shudder. ‘That sounds like the lecture you gave me when you told me I should be interested in algebra.’ He stirred. ‘All right, enough. Is there a medical reason that you’re here?’

‘I have asthma. Or so they say. Started two years ago, out of nowhere. Completely ridiculous at my age, but there you are. Anyway, Logan started me off on an inhaler, and Dr Walker—he was your predecessor—gave me another one but they’re not working any more.’

‘And you say that because…?’

‘I’m breathless all the time. Wheezing. Tight chest.’ She sighed. ‘I tried to walk the cliff path yesterday and had to sit down and look at the view instead. You’re going to say that I shouldn’t be exercising at my age—’