Pulling her into his arms, Alan said gently, ‘I’ll always follow you, Donna, wherever you want to go. I have never in my life loved before, not really, not until the day you walked into my office. You’re in my mind all the time, and you’re in my heart. I will follow you, Donna, every day of my life, because I know now I can’t live without you.’

When she still didn’t answer, he whispered, ‘You do love me a little bit, don’t you?’

Donna smiled at the hesitation in his voice and then, grinning, she pulled him to her, hugging him tightly.

‘That, Alan Cox, is about the only thing I am really sure of.’

Then she kissed him.

When she had finished, he looked down into her eyes and said, ‘Come to bed with me.’

Donna laughed, her blush accentuating her creamy skin.

‘What, now? What about Dolly?’

Alan grinned and said craftily, ‘I’m sorry, Donna, but I can’t accommodate her and all. One woman at a time is more than enough for me.’

Throwing the last of the money on the fire, Donna linked arms with him and said: ‘I’ll make sure you never want another woman again.’

Her voice was strong and he laughed gently.

‘Actually, that’s just what I was hoping you’d say.’

Together they walked into the house, the fire sending up thick black smoke behind them.