‘No hurry.’ He lifted a lean hand and yanked at his tie. ‘I’ll be on the deck.’

Drinking, no doubt.

Jenny watched with a frown as he strolled out of the kitchen. She knew for a fact that he’d had a long and stressful day, but still…

On impulse she followed him through to the living room and hesitated, watching as he poured himself a whisky.

His tie had been discarded and his shirt was now unbuttoned at the neck, revealing a hint of tanned skin covered in curling dark hairs.

He was disturbingly attractive and suddenly she felt strange inside.

‘You know, there are other ways of relaxing apart from drinking.’

The moment she’d said the words she wished she could retract them but it was too late.

He was still for a moment and then turned slowly to face her. ‘Sorry?’

‘I—I just think you drink too much,’ she stammered, taking a step backwards as she suddenly became the focus of his attention. ‘It isn’t good for you.’

The atmosphere was suddenly chilly. ‘And since when did my drinking habits become any of your business?’

‘You’re Daisy’s father,’ she said simply. ‘That makes it my business.’

He gritted his teeth. ‘I don’t need this, Jenny. I’ve had a long day. If I want to drink, I’ll drink.’

‘There are better ways of relaxing.’

He lifted an eyebrow mockingly. ‘Just what exactly are you suggesting, Red Riding Hood?’ he drawled softly, stepping closer to her.

‘I just meant that you could take a bath.’ She swallowed. ‘Or something like that.’

He studied her in amazed silence. ‘A bath? You think a bath would relax me?’

His eyes glittered dangerously and she wished immediately that she hadn’t suggested the bath. Suddenly her mind was filled with all sorts of disturbing visions of Alex naked.

Ever since she’d seen him in swimming trunks, the image of his body had been imprinted on her mind and the image disturbed her in ways that she couldn’t comprehend. She didn’t usually notice men in that way. And she didn’t want to notice Alex.

‘It’s what I always do when I’ve had a bad day,’ she said quickly, taking a step backwards. ‘I light candles and have a bath…’

His gaze never wavered from hers. ‘Do you, now? Come to think of it, I think it sounds like a great idea.’ He moved towards her. ‘Let’s go.’

Her breathing stopped. ‘L-let’s go?’

‘Certainly.’ His smile was almost devilish and she felt goose-bumps break out on her skin. He was wickedly handsome and it was absolutely impossible to look away from those blue eyes. They seemed to strip away all her defences and leave her emotionally naked before him.

‘Dr Westerling—Alex…’ Her voice was little more than a croak and his eyes slid down her body with a thoroughness that left her struggling for air.

‘I’m more than willing to try your alternative form of relaxation.’

‘Y-you’re being ridiculous,’ she stammered. ‘You know I didn’t mean that.’