Viewing the photo of her torso, Jason’s mouth curved into an appreciative smile, his own body responding to what was an undeniably erotic image, despite his conflicting emotions. What was it about the soft curve of a woman’s stomach and hips that was such a turn on? His mind strayed to where it possibly shouldn’t as he took in the jewellery adorning her navel.

A second later his phone rang. ‘So what do you think?’ Jessie asked him.

‘Sexy,’ Jason replied honestly. ‘Why an anchor?’

‘To keep me grounded, in case my fantasies run away with me. They’re all about you, obviously,’ Jessie said, a teasing edge to her voice.

Jason laughed, realising that that was why he could talk to her: because the conversation never got too heavy. She was aware the kids were struggling. He’d told her that much. She’d been empathetic, rather than just making the right noises. I get it, she’d written. If you put yourself in their shoes, it’s easy to imagine how hard this must be. That had meant something to Jason, that she was a sensitive enough person to imagine herself in their position. Jason couldn’t avoid doing the same; his own childhood had been spent dodging the crossfire between his adoptive parents.

‘So, did it take your mind off your problems?’ she asked.

‘It provided a pleasurable distraction,’ Jason assured her.

‘Good.’ She paused. ‘You’re on your own, I take it?’

Jason drew in a long breath. ‘I am,’ he said.

Jessie clearly heard the tension in his tone. ‘Don’t worry, I’m not about to propose phone sex,’ she quipped. ‘I just presumed you were, since you’re talking to me.’

‘Right assumption,’ he said, with a sigh.

‘And you’ve no idea where she is, your wife?’

‘None.’ Jason acknowledged the pang of jealousy he felt as he wondered whether Karla might be with another man. She was entitled to be, but still, the thought hurt like hell. The thought that she might be involved with someone who didn’t give a shit about her caused his gut to clench. There was no point asking her. The answer was always the same: it was none of his business.

‘And you’re worried?’

Jason hesitated, torn now between guilt that he was talking about Karla to Jessie and guilt that he was burdening Jessie with his marital problems.

‘Don’t beat yourself up. I get it. It wouldn’t be normal not to be, would it?’ Jessie said, picking up on that, too. ‘Although I must admit I’m amazed you care, after whatever awful thing she did that broke up your marriage.’

‘She didn’t,’ Jason clarified quickly, concerned that he’d given Jessie the wrong idea. Whatever was happening between them, he would never rubbish Karla in anyone’s eyes. He couldn’t. ‘It wasn’t anything she did. Not knowingly, anyway.’