‘We’re one short in Housekeeping. Actually, we’re two short, but if you fancied a week’s work, I can arrange it for you.’

‘Housekeeping?’ She looked sceptical.

‘I know it’s not very glamorous, making beds, sorting out linen, and that sort of stuff, but the pay’s not bad. We offer well above the minimum wage.’ He stopped. He’d offended her. Shit. That wasn’t his intention at all. ‘Sorry. Forget it. I shouldn’t have asked. You’ve got much better things to do.’ He dragged his hand across his chin in agitation at himself. It had been an impulsive offer, which, for a start, was out of character for him, but he really disliked the thought of Steph heading back to Brighton before they’d got to know each other better. He didn’t suppose Dominic would be particularly happy about the offer, but as far as Harry was concerned that was neither here nor there.

‘No. It’s fine. It was nice of you to think of me,’ she replied. ‘I must admit, housekeeping isn’t exactly at the top of my ambitions list.’

‘No, I realise that. Honestly, I’m sorry for mentioning it.’

‘Wait. Let me finish. While it’s not top of my ambitions list, I’m not so precious that I won’t roll up my sleeves and get stuck in. To be honest, anything is better than nothing. And the money really would be handy.’

He felt a small stirring of relief. ‘You don’t have to do full-time hours if it doesn’t suit. I know you’ve got your photos to sort out, but it’s there if you want it.’

‘Thank you. I’ll take it.’ She smiled broadly.

The walk back towards the resort seemed to be far quicker than when they had left a couple of hours ago. Harry was disappointed that they were parting company so soon. They stopped outside Steph’s lodge.

‘When do you think the photographs will be ready to see?’ he asked, pushing his hands into his pockets to stop himself from kissing her again. She was intoxicating. He felt bewitched. He couldn’t remember feeling like this before and suddenly an image of Elizabeth entered his mind. Had he ever felt this way with his wife? He was sure he must have done at some stage of their marriage, but his feelings for Elizabeth had quickly changed.

The sound of people chattering as they walked along the path broke the moment. Harry looked up and smiled, saying hello and asking them if they were having a good weekend. To which he got very positive replies.

‘Much as I would love to go inside with you right now, I really need to get to this meeting.’

‘I’ll see you this evening at the gala dinner.’ Steph smiled as she let herself into her lodge and closed the door on him.