Nick had ordered lamb chops because he liked to watch her eat with her fingers. Faith preferred silver service, but she could adapt to some of Nick’s proclivities, on the understanding that he would come to appreciate her finer tastes. He had suggested the holiday in Las Vegas, and it had been as loud and vulgar as she had feared. They would do better next time.

‘There are some lovely cruises around Canada and Alaska,’ she said, picking up a lamb chop and snapping the bone. ‘We could combine a holiday with a trip to meet her.’

‘I like that you see us having a future together.’

Was that what she was doing? For so long Faith had told herself that she would never again rely on a man for her future happiness, but a happy future was a tempting proposition. ‘And what about you?’ she asked.

Nick was transfixed as he watched her lick her lips. ‘I have plans that most definitely include you,’ he admitted.

‘Will I like them?’

‘I hope so.’

As she scrutinised his face, there was no hint of deceit. ‘I hope so too,’ she said. ‘The only other man I ever said I love you to was Derek, and he broke my heart. I won’t let that happen again.’

‘You have nothing to fear from me. But we could have an amazing future together, Faith.’

She picked up a serviette and wiped her fingers. The oils from the meat had made the gold band on the third finger of her right hand glisten. ‘Tell me your plans.’

Nick played with his food. ‘I don’t want to scare you off.’

‘Nothing scares me,’ she promised. ‘Tell.’

He pushed his plate away and took a deep breath. ‘We make a good team, don’t you think? We both like to work hard and play hard.’

‘I’d agree with that.’

‘I see us living the life we want,’ he said, his gaze fixed on a point Faith couldn’t see. If he were looking forward in time, he was excited by what he saw. ‘If I’m honest, I don’t imagine us staying in the suburbs rattling around in a house that was built for a growing family. I’m not interested in having kids, never have been.’

He was very good. They had talked about their age difference before, but not in the context of having children. He would know it was too late for her, even if she had wanted them. Whether his disinterest in fatherhood was genuine or not, he had raised the matter to allay her fears. He was adapting to her needs.

‘I imagine us dividing our time between a swish apartment in the city and a villa in Spain,’ he continued.

‘I’d prefer Italy,’ she said, drawn into his imaginary world.