Her breath caught. ‘I didn’t know that. That was good of you.’

‘I didn’t do it out of the kindness of my heart. I did it because he merits it. He’s turned into an exceptionally fine young man.’

She felt unaccountably irritated. ‘Maybe you’ll give Kai a job too one day.’

He nodded. ‘Of course. If he shows an aptitude for business. I’ll be happy to talk to him.’

She smiled. ‘I’ll send him over in five years’ time, shall I? So, how is Nick these days?’ She couldn’t help dripping vinegar into the way she said his name.

His eyes narrowed. ‘Jealous?’

‘No.’

He continued looking at her until she blushed. ‘Yes, OK. A little.’

She felt a frisson and it crossed her mind that they could start an affair, that despite, or because of, the age gap, she wouldn’t be averse. He was so charismatic. She silently chided herself. She would have to be nuts to go there. This was Tim all over again: her falling for a father figure. Ben had been much older too. Seventeen years her senior. She should stop looking for a daddy and find someone her own age.

He was talking to her, telling her about an author whose work he enjoyed, and she was mesmerized, though not by what he was saying, but by his mouth. It was the combination of relaxed self-confidence and the dizzying sense of ruthless power that provoked the fantasy.

‘It’s been good to see you again,’ Angus said, smiling as she put on her coat. ‘I hope I’ve helped.’

‘You have.’

‘Speak to your mother. It would do you both so much good.’

She shrugged, a lump forming in her throat. ‘She never loved me as much as the others.’

‘You mustn’t think that, Taisie. Parents are always harder on the oldest. It’s just the way things are.’ He smiled. ‘Not a problem Lorna and I had, of course.’

‘My name is Anna now. I’m not that little girl any more.’

He looked directly into her eyes. ‘No, you’re certainly not.’

They stood in the street, and it was as if the world fell away. The silence between them was almost a living thing, surrounding them with its tentacles, drawing them together.

‘Can I take you to bed?’ he asked.

‘Yes,’ she replied.