‘Because Tristan is going, for one. Anyway’ – she reached out a hand to rest it on his shoulder – ‘it’s you I want to go away with. We don’t seem to have had much time together recently.’

‘I tell you what, go this time on your own, and we’ll go away for a weekend, just the two of us, in a few weeks.’

Despite hints during the week, Jack didn’t change his mind. Resigned to going alone, the following Saturday Molly packed her bags and took them down to the hallway.

Jack raised an eyebrow when he saw all she was carrying. ‘How long are you going for?’

‘Funny man,’ she said, putting the bags down. ‘I’ll be back on Monday. Why don’t you book a table for a late lunch in that new Lebanese restaurant, maybe for two o’clock? I’ll definitely be back by then.’

‘Sounds like a good idea, I’ll do that,’ Jack said, putting an arm around her shoulder and pulling her close.

Her hands slid around his neck and she breathed in deeply. He smelled of the citrus shower gel he used, fresh and tangy. Some of her friends relished time away from their husbands, but she never had. When he had to go to Vegas for work, she felt like part of her was missing until he returned. Maybe next time she’d go with him. She wished he were going with her now. ‘It’s not too late to change your mind,’ she said softly, nibbling his earlobe.

He kissed her quickly and pushed away. ‘It is,’ he said, ‘even if I wanted to, which I don’t, I have plans made.’

‘Plans?’ Her eyebrows went up.

He grinned. ‘Don’t worry, nothing more sinister than meeting Charlie and a couple of others for drinks and dinner tonight.’

‘Fine, enjoy yourself, but not too much.’ She ran her hand over his cheek. ‘Maybe I will come with you when you go to Vegas next month.’

He grabbed her around the waist and looked into her eyes. ‘You mean it?’

She kissed him gently. ‘Yes, I know, I said never but now that the kids are gone, I’d be here alone, and I’d much prefer to be with you.’

‘Great, I won’t let you change your mind.’ He picked up her bags. ‘You’ve remembered your running kit?’

Nodding, she opened the front door.

‘It’s supposed to get quite warm,’ he said, as they walked towards the car. ‘Will you be able to get out early?’