‘I’m having a fantastic time on our pretend date.’ Ella tasted the delicious food and brought her hand up to her mouth. ‘This tastes amazing.’

With the most gorgeous smile, Roman leant over and filled up her glass. ‘Glass of champagne, just for you.’ Ella watched him fill up his own glass then clink it against hers. ‘Here’s to fabulous food, great company and the best date.’

With a pounding heartbeat, Ella knew she had a silly grin on her face, the eye contact between them was strong, their legs touching under the table. The electricity was fizzing between them and Ella wasn’t quite sure if they were still pretending, as this all seemed very real to her.

‘This footage is amazing,’ threw in Nancy from the side-line.

‘And this food is the best I’ve tasted in a while.’ Roman made a few approving noises as he waved his fork over his dish.

Ella agreed with Roman – the food was delicious. She remembered her own reaction when she’d first tasted Gianni’s food: all the flavours had zinged her taste buds and she’d delved in for a second helping. ‘Let’s have a toast… to us, a blossoming new friendship,’ suggested Ella, holding up her glass.

‘To our first date,’ replied Roman without hesitation.

Ella scrunched up her face and tilted her head to one side. Either Roman was acting this part well and could possibly be nominated for an Oscar or he actually meant it. ‘To our first date,’ she repeated, sipping her champagne and placing the flute back on the table, but fully aware that not one drop of alcohol had passed Roman’s lips – his glass of champagne was untouched.

After Roman had devoured his food, he placed his knife and fork in the centre of his plate and gave Ella the most adoring smile as he sat back on his chair. When she’d arrived in Heartcross dating had been the last thing on her mind, but now Roman was breaking down those barriers and she really wished she could break down his.

‘I’m having the best time,’ she said.

‘Glad to hear it. My day has definitely improved in the last thirty minutes.’ He leant forward and took her hand again, sending shivers down Ella’s spine.