Hannah was going to break that deal and she couldn’t help but suspect Liam might go back on his word too, but for the next half an hour, or however long it took them to get back into town, drop the dogs off, then back to her flat, they had an uneasy alliance.

She nodded. ‘We have a deal.’

6

Rosie hadn’t long been awake and, spotting she had a missed call from Hannah, had immediately phoned her back, worried when it when to voicemail. Hannah would be out with the dogs, so why was she not picking up? Had something happened?

She had been glancing out of the window, anxiety twisting her gut and wondering what to do, when she spotted the two figures with the big dog heading down the street. Relief skittered through her as she spotted her friend, but it quickly turned to anger when she realised who Hannah was with.

Flinging on a hoodie Rosie found in the wardrobe and still wearing checked pyjama bottoms, she charged out of the flat and down the stairs, just as Hannah and the man who had his arm around her, arrived at the main entrance of the building. She had recognised his rangy build, tawny-coloured hair and dark bomber jacket, and her heart was racing.

Liam Quinn. The man who had given her a restless night’s sleep.

‘What the hell are you doing with him?’ Rosie was aware her voice was raised, but she couldn’t help it.

‘I was walking the dogs and—’

‘You don’t walk that dog,’ she snapped. ‘And not with him!’ She pointed a finger at Quinn. ‘I had a missed call and I’ve been trying to get hold of you. I was worried.’

‘I’m sorry,’ Hannah sounded apologetic. ‘I had the dogs and couldn’t answer. I—’

‘Why are you walking funny?’ Rosie demanded, finally noticing Hannah was limping. ‘Have you hurt her?’ Her second question was aimed at Quinn, who seemed more amused than concerned, which just added to her fury.

‘Of course not. Well… not intentionally.’

As Rosie’s cheeks heated with rage, Hannah tried to placate her. ‘I fell over and I’ve hurt my ankle. I think I’ve probably twisted it. Liam happened to be down on the beach with his dog. He helped me get home.’

‘Liam? You’re on first-name terms with him?’

‘Do you need a hand getting upstairs?’ Quinn offered, ignoring Rosie.

‘I can manage, but thank you.’

As Hannah turned to go, he stopped her.

‘Wait. My card.’

‘Umm, okay.’ She avoided Rosie’s pointed look as she took the card, quickly pocketing it.

‘Hannah? What the hell?’

‘It’s not what it looks like,’ Hannah assured her as they left Quinn on the pavement and walked into her building.

‘You just took his card!’ Rosie dropped her arm, taking a step back. ‘Please tell me you’re not considering talking to him?’