I get to my feet as they start to walk away from me, Patrick engaged with the older of the two children, trying to untangle a snag in the line of the kite they’re trying to fly. Following their footprints in the sand, I see the girl take a tumble as she runs through the surf, trying to get to her feet before the waves wash over her legs and I see my chance.

‘Oopsadaisy.’ I slide my hands under her arms and lift her to her feet with a smile.

‘That’s my name,’ she shrieks in delight, ‘Daddy, Daddy…’

Patrick turns and I am relieved to see he is as good-looking as I had hoped. Daisy is brushing the sand from her bottom, telling him how I saved her from being washed away, enjoying the attention as she ramps up the tension in her story, to punish him for not watching her.

‘Thanks,’ Patrick says, as Daisy finally takes a breath, ‘I think she’s making it sound a little more dramatic than it probably was.’ He laughs, a deep, rumbling laugh and I feel that familiar tingle that tells me I was right.

‘That’s five-year-olds for you,’ I smile back, aware of his gaze as it travels over my face, down my neck to the slight hint of cleavage that peeps from my shirt. ‘Hi, I’m Emma.’ And I hold my hand out for him to shake, and it starts all over again.

Extract

Gripped by The Perfect Couple and left wanting more? Don't miss Lisa Hall’s other exciting psychological thrillers…

Between You and Me

Tell Me No Lies

The Party

Have You Seen Her

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Turn to the next page for an exclusive extract…

Smothering. The heavy press of a pillow against nose and mouth.