The next hour sped by. Steph looked to be in her element. Eventually, they came upon the hide.

‘Couldn’t be better timing,’ said Harry, holding his hand out as several drops of rain landed.

‘Hopefully it’s just a shower,’ said Steph, ‘although I can get some pretty spectacular pictures in this weather.’

Harry groaned and hurried her along as drops of rain began to speckle their jackets. ‘At least let’s have something to eat and drink before we venture out and get soaked.’

‘Spoilsport,’ said Steph, and laughed. The specks of rain grew into globs, pattering on the leaves of the bushes. She matched his pace as he broke into a run. ‘Race you!’

They bundled into the hide and laughed as they flung themselves down on the bench, panting hard.

‘I think I won,’ said Harry, pushing back his damp hair.

‘You did not! I think I won that. Come on, admit it, I beat you.’

‘To save my embarrassment, let’s just call it a draw,’ said Harry.

‘Oh, the male ego. You owe me now,’ said Steph, nudging her shoulder into his.

‘Is that right? And what exactly do I owe you for?’

‘My silence. You will have to pay for it.’

She was facing him now.

‘I know a different way to silence you,’ Harry heard himself saying, his voice low.

The smile slipped from her face and the look which now invaded her eyes he was sure reflected his own. Harry leaned forward and his mouth locked onto hers. There was no resistance, no moving away. He looked her in the eye and this time she instigated the kiss. His whole body hardened as she took the kiss deeper and unfastened his jacket, and, tugging his T-shirt out of the way, her hands touched the bare skin of his stomach. He let out a small groan as her hands travelled downwards and then they were both hastily removing and moving clothing out of the way. It wasn’t the first time he’d been with a woman since Elizabeth’s death, but it was the first time he’d felt no guilt. He searched for it, but it just wasn’t there.

‘Stop.’ It was Steph who spoke, her hands pushing against his chest as she moved her mouth from his. ‘Stop. I’m sorry. This isn’t right.’

Harry let his arm fall immediately and took a step back. She had beaten him to it by half a beat. It didn’t feel right, not here. ‘OK. It’s fine. I’m sorry. I read the situation wrong.’

‘No, you didn’t. You read it perfectly.’ She dipped her head and fastened the button on her trousers. ‘I just think it’s not the time or the place. I don’t usually …’