‘Promise?’ Jason’s smile widened. He tasted her lips again and then, thinking he could possibly live up to expectations, closed his mouth over hers, kissing her softly, before working his way slowly down her slim neck.

‘Oh God.’ Karla arched her back as he moved to her breasts, and then, ‘Oh God!’ she cried, and almost shoved him off the bed.

Not quite the reaction he’d hoped for. Confused, Jason rolled over as she shot up.

‘It’s gone eight.’ Karla flew to the door to grab her dressing gown, stuffed her arms into it and yanked the door open. ‘Holly, Josh – up!’ she yelled, attempting to rouse the kids, who’d obviously also overslept. ‘Now, please. We’re late!’

Groaning, Jason threw the duvet back and blinked at the clock. They’d slept through the alarm? No, they hadn’t. They’d forgotten to set it. Crap!

Bathroom or kitchen, he debated, pulling himself off the bed. Karla would need some help downstairs. On the other hand, he was seeing her father later today, and he needed to be ready for whatever knots Robert Fenton would no doubt try to tie him in. He needed to go through the company accounts. Liaise with Mark as to where they were with the software glitch.

Heading for the landing to make sure Karla would be okay coping with the pandemonium that was bound to ensue downstairs, he met Holly coming out of her room. She’d obviously gone to bed in an experimental hairdo. ‘What time is it?’ she asked blearily.

‘Late,’ Jason supplied, straightening the lopsided bun thing on her head. ‘You have about fifteen minutes and counting.’

‘Fifteen minutes?’ Holly’s sleepy eyes shot wide. ‘God, I’m never going to get my make-up done in that time.’

Make-up? Jason squinted after her as she twirled around to hurry back to her bedroom. Since when did eleven-year-olds go to school wearing make-up? He sincerely hoped she didn’t emerge wearing the red lipstick she’d been playing with the other day. That would definitely ensure pandemonium before they left.

‘Josh?’ Deciding he might do well to leave the battle of the make-up to Karla, he knocked on his son’s door and then peered around it.

‘What? I know,’ Josh said, looking stressed as he stared at him from where he stood in the middle of his room, wearing not a lot. ‘I’m coming. I’ve got my underpants on back to front.’

‘Oh.’ Jason hid a smile in favour of a suitably serious look. ‘Might be a good idea to put them on the right way around then.’

‘Obviously,’ Josh retorted, pushing his glasses up his nose. ‘I’ll be struggling to pee otherwise, won’t I?’

‘No flies on you, are there, tiger?’ Jason replied smartly.

‘Funny. You should do stand-up. Not.’ Josh’s response was smarter still.