Flynn looked genuinely shocked. ‘You think I’d have got you fired? Why? Why would I do such a thing?’

Jodie felt colour wash over her cheeks. She’d been wrong, her reasoning skewed. ‘You said you liked needy women, I thought maybe it was your way of keeping me like that.’

He shook his head slowly, frowning. ‘That was after you got fired. You sounded so upset that I came straight over. I can’t remember what I said, I was simply trying to be supportive. There’s nothing wrong with that, is there?’ His frown deepened. ‘I’m sure I never referred to you as being a needy woman, though, that sounds insulting.’

It did, and now she couldn’t remember if he had used the expression or not. That evening he’d called over, she had needed his support and he’d given it. He was right, there was nothing wrong with that. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said. ‘Everything’s got on top of me recently, my thinking isn’t straight.’

‘But you do believe me, don’t you?’

‘Yes.’ She’d been stupid and messed up the best relationship she’d had in a long time. Across the table, she saw Flynn’s handsome face, his warm brown eyes fixed on hers. There was a hopeful light in them. Maybe she hadn’t completely ruined everything.

‘I’m sorry for lying to you.’ Flynn stretched a hand across the table. ‘Do you think we could start again?’

Jodie hesitated before unfolding her arms. Then, slowly, she reached a hand for his, feeling his fingers immediately tighten around hers, the warmth and strength of them.

‘I don’t know,’ she whispered. ‘Maybe.’

‘Please, and I promise I’ll never lie to you again.’

It was then that Jodie should have told him the truth about her life, but she didn’t want to spoil the moment.

Anyway, although she didn’t know it, it was already too late.

29

Jodie and Flynn talked until their throats were dry by which time all had been forgiven and they were back to where they’d been the previous Sunday. Wine helped lubricate their voices and they talked some more while nibbling on toast, hummus and olives, the best in the line of food that Jodie could provide.

Flynn told her about his childhood, his hard-working mother who’d encouraged him to apply for the job in Guy’s and how much he missed her since her death the previous year.

‘She was happy working in the hospital and never considered leaving even though she never earned more than minimum wage.’ He smiled sadly. ‘Everyone loved her: so many people turned up for her funeral, there was standing room only.’

‘What about your dad?’

Flynn shrugged. ‘He walked out when I was only a baby. Mum never saw him again.’

‘He never saw you growing up.’ Jodie was horrified. ‘How could he simply walk out?’