‘They have a darts team too. So be extra nice to me.’ She smiled.

‘Oh, crikey.’

They chatted for a while, about the village, her shop, how she got into making chocolate and the courses she went on to train in its craft. She purposely avoided any mention of the main event that had altered her world so dramatically, that had changed the course of her life for good – just kept it vague about wanting a change of career. She moved the conversation on to talk about how things quietened off in October tourist-wise and how that gave her the chance to build up her stocks in advance, ready for the Christmas boom.

Emma felt she’d said enough about herself and wanted to find out some more about Max. ‘So, you mentioned you have a building business, yeah? What are you working on at the moment?’

‘We’re halfway through two new-builds. Need to get them done in time for Christmas. As well as a big extension and renovation to a town house down in Jesmond, in the suburbs of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, for a friend of a friend. And there’s a couple of new jobs I need to go and price, ready to start in the New Year.’

‘Sounds pretty busy.’

‘It is. But I’m not complaining. After the recession in the building trade this is food for the soul. I like being busy. In fact, I need to be getting off soon for an early start tomorrow. So my next drink will have to be a Coke. Can I get you another wine?’

She must have been nervous as she realised that she had nearly gulped the first glass down already.

‘Yeah, sure, but let me get them this time.’ Emma reached for her purse.

‘Okay, thanks, but at least let me go to the bar.’

‘Thank you.’ She passed him a ten-pound note. Then took a sneaky look at his rear in jeans as he strode to the bar; slightly rounded and firm, very nice. She quickly averted her gaze as she realised one of the locals had clocked her. A middle-aged lady with brassy-blonde hair who waitressed sometimes at the café in the next village was sitting on a stool at the bar. In fact, it was probably Max who the woman was clocking judging from the intent, slightly hungry look on her face as he approached the bar. He did make a fine figure of a man, Emma had to admit.

Was this just a quick trip to a place he liked, to say ‘hello’ whilst he was here, but then head back to his life, his work? Would she ever see him again after tonight? And, would that matter?

Max came back over with the drinks, then settled himself into his chair by the fire, stretching out his long legs. He sat quietly for a while, as if he was thinking about something.