‘Oh my goodness!’ Hannah exclaimed as she walked into the room, her eyes swivelling around as she tried to take in the wonderful open-plan space. At one end, a huge kitchen with a breakfast bar dominated the room and at the other the picture window in the lounge created the focal point of the most wonderful view of the sea. There was no furniture yet but she could see it so clearly: long lean sofas arranged in an L shape around the wood burner that had already been installed. She bent down to touch the honey-coloured wide-planked wooden floor, her fingers rubbing along the grooves, and looked up at the A frames holding up the roof. She could imagine being in here, Conor cooking and her curled up with a book, the fire roaring in the burner and her eyes drawn to the rain-lashed windows and the wild sea beyond, feeling snug and warm.

Her heart pinched at the image and suddenly she wanted that more than anything in the world. Could she risk her heart, her life and make it a reality? Should she tell him now? She gnawed at her lip. What was the worst that could happen? He could tell you he doesn’t feel the same, you fool, shouted the sensible voice in her head, the one that usually took charge. She couldn’t bring herself to say anything. Instead she stood and slid an arm around his waist.

‘This is incredible. It’s such a beautiful space. It’s exactly like your design. You must be so pleased.’

‘I am but it’s nice to hear it from someone else.’

‘Your mum really hasn’t seen it?’ Hannah couldn’t quite believe that he’d managed to keep Adrienne away.

He laughed. ‘No, not for want of trying. I’ve had the glass covered up so there was no peeking. I want it to be finished before I show it to anyone but I thought you… Well, it seemed right. Besides, you’ll have gone by the time it’s finished.’ He gave her a perfunctory smile and moved out of her hold. Her chest felt as if it had been kicked. She really ought to tell him that she’d accepted a job with Aidan. It wouldn’t be long before he heard it for himself, if she wasn’t careful. News round here travelled fast.