Sean’s family owned a stock transport business and Kate worked a few days a week in the office and ran errands, which this week had been constant with Sean, his two brothers and their dad all on the road. Local farmers were worried about feed and in the last two weeks stock runs had doubled.

Kate put down her phone. “I haven’t started on dinner yet.”

“Who were you talking to?” Sean poured himself a long drink of cold water from the fridge and tipped it down. Drips dribbled from the stubble on his chin and rolled down his neck.

“Laura.”

“What’s happened this time?”

“Nothing. Well, I don’t think there’s anything, other than her new hair colour’s a bit too bright by the sound of it.”

“There’s always something with Laura.”

“She’s going home for a few days.”

He studied her. “Is that why you look so sad? You want to go too?”

“No.”

“What then?”

Kate swept up a pile of mail that had been scattered on the table since yesterday. Sean had always been able to read her. She tried to swallow the big lump of…she wasn’t sure what…disappointment, perhaps sorrow, even unease that had been burning in the pit of her stomach since lunchtime. Laura’s call had been a distraction.

“Come on, Katie-Q, what’s up?” His big brown eyes opened wide as he raised his eyebrows.

“I had lunch with Sarah today.”

“Usually that’s a good thing.” He tipped his head to one side, his eyes still locked on hers. “Isn’t it?”

What could she say? She couldn’t explain the terrible resentment to herself let alone to Sean. “We argued.”

He straightened. “What about?”

Kate turned away and pretended to look through the envelopes in her hands. She couldn’t tell him what Sarah had actually said. “It was silly stuff but it blew out of proportion. I shouldn’t have let it get to me.”

Sean huffed behind her. “You know Sarah. She can shoot her mouth off before she’s thought it through. I’m sure she’ll be on the phone apologising before the night’s out.”

“Mmm.” Kate still couldn’t look him in the eye.

He kissed the back of her neck. “She’ll have forgotten about it by the next time you see her.”

“Probably.”

“I’m starving.” Sean moved away and opened the fridge again. “What will we eat?”

“There’re still some chops. I’ll toss a salad.”

“I’ll cook the meat on the barbecue.”

“It’s my turn to cook.”

He came back to her and put a hand on each of her arms. Even though she was tall, Sean was a good head taller than her. “We’re both done in. I’ll cook the chops, you make the salad.” He kissed her forehead. “Let me have a shower first.”

“Okay.”