She took a big sip of her drink, grateful the conversation had shifted, Gail now fascinated by the ‘celebrity’, as she referred to him, in the room. Hannah knew he valued his privacy, so was grateful when he took the heat off of her, engaging both women with a few author tales, even promising both of them signed copies of his books. She watched him as he spoke, realising he could actually be quite charming when he wanted to. His conversation was smooth, and the stories he told interesting.

He might have his faults, but he had stuck to his word and come with her this weekend, and she was glad he was here with her now. Although they had slept together, there was no relationship between them, no commitment, and in a few days he would be leaving Norfolk, so she would likely never see him again. The idea of that coiled something deep inside her. Was it disappointment?

‘Thank you,’ Hannah told him later when they were able to take a brief interlude. The evening wasn’t over yet, but at least she had survived so far.

Liam had guided her into the main entrance hallway, where the loos and the reception were, but instead of stopping, he led the way outside.

Hannah breathed in the cool night air, appreciating the cloak of darkness. The only light coming from the front windows of the village hall, the music from the disco muffled by the walls.

‘How are you coping?’ he asked, sipping at his pint.

The beauty of the venue’s location was the walking distance to Hannah’s old home, meaning they could at least both have a drink. Although she hadn’t drank too much, and neither had Liam, a few glasses had been required to get through the evening.

‘I’m okay. You really rescued me tonight.’

‘That’s why I’m here.’

He studied her for a moment, his face partially in shadows, and although his expression was unreadable, the heat in his blue eyes was clear.

Hannah’s arms goose pimpled when his gaze dropped to her mouth, and it had nothing to do with the cold.

This man had secrets, of that she was sure, but it didn’t stop her growing attraction to him.

Perhaps her mother was right when she said Hannah had never been the best judge of character when it came to men. Aside from Josh, who really should have stayed in the friend zone, she had never picked well. Of course, her mother was biased where Liam was concerned, her delight at his author status overriding any shadows of doubt, and she had been showing him off to friends, family, and neighbours all night, allowing Hannah to mostly remain in the shadows. Jane Lawrence was going to be devastated when she found out their ‘relationship’ was over.

‘Hannah Freemont? Is that you?’