When Connie woke next, early-morning light was streaming through the uncurtained hotel window. Where the hell am I? she asked herself. She was no longer fully dressed but had on her night T-shirt. Jared was lying asleep beside her in his blue cotton shirt and boxers. The sleep must have done her some good, because her mind seemed clearer as she blinked in the bright sunlight, although her head was heavy when she tried to lift it from the pillow, and she began coughing as soon as she moved.

The cough subsided, leaving her breathless. She lay there, attempting to piece together the events of the previous night. The bath, her icy body, the panic, the doctor … Jared. Did I call him? She had no memory of it, but how else could he have been present in her room? Realizing she needed to pee, she gingerly pulled herself upright, swung her legs over the mattress and tried to stand. She felt dizzy and weak, though, and sat there, waiting for it to pass.

‘Morning.’ Jared’s voice was sleepy.

Connie turned. Her feelings were mixed as she looked down at his crumpled form. Gratitude for her rescue was overlaid by the knowledge that he really shouldn’t be there. Why didn’t I ring Devan or Caty? she asked herself, bewildered.

He sat up, rubbing the sleep from his face with both hands. ‘How are you feeling?’

‘Not as bad as last night.’

Jared yawned and got out of bed, coming round to her side and standing over her, placing his hands on either side of her head and gently raising her face until she was looking at him. ‘You scared me to death, Connie.’ He bent and dropped a kiss on her forehead.

‘Don’t, Jared. Please.’ She twisted her head free of his hands. ‘Listen, you were amazing last night. I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t turned up …’ He was still standing there, and she eventually glanced up. His face was expressionless so she had no idea what he was thinking. ‘I shouldn’t have called you. It was wrong after what we agreed in Scotland. I’m so sorry.’ She saw a muscle flicker in his cheek, and then he smiled, the sun illuminating his turquoise eyes like precious stones. She found herself staring into them, then collected herself and dropped her gaze.

‘I’m just glad I could help,’ he said, moving away to stand by the window, looking out across the London skyline.

Connie really needed to get to the bathroom. She tried again to stand. It was better this time, there was no dizziness, but her legs were soft as butter. She didn’t want to ask for Jared’s help, after what she’d just said. But he was by her side in an instant. He held out his arm and she leaned on it gratefully as they made their way across the room.