I’d straightened up in my efforts to appear honest – which shouldn’t have been that difficult, considering I was telling the truth. Daniel leaned closer, and while momentarily distracted by the proximity of his broad shoulder, accompanied by his now all-too-familiar scent and delicious warmth…

While I may have been closing my eyes and enjoying a shiver of loveliness, Daniel spied the review.

‘Ugh!’ he snorted, causing my eyes to snap back open. ‘I can’t stand that woman. What kind of moral vacuum must she have crawled out of to be able to not only live with herself, but act like she’s proud of making a career from being unpleasant? I can’t understand why anyone would give her the time of day, let alone read that poison.’

I flipped over the page, and tried to ignore the secret that thrashed in my guts.

A couple of days later, firmly refocused on the future, I persuaded Becky to help me clear out a space in the barn that stood closest to the orchard. After swinging open the double doors and shining Daniel’s farmer-sized torch into the far corners, we agreed that a more professional opinion was required before venturing inside.

‘I’ve already called Luke,’ Daniel said, once we retreated back into the warmth of the farmhouse to ask Daniel. ‘He’ll pop by in an hour or so.’

‘It’s your barn,’ Becky squeaked. ‘You’re a fourth-generation farmer! Surely you don’t need Luke to check it out for you!’

He grinned. ‘I’m a transmissions and distribution forecasting manager, and I wouldn’t risk setting foot in that barn without Luke’s go-ahead. Whatever you two are planning, I doubt it’s worth endangering lives over.’

According to my research, using the barn was going to save lives, not endanger them, but I wasn’t about to argue against a visit from Luke.

While we waited for him to arrive, Becky distracted herself from the urge to hide in the cellar by prodding me further about the event.

‘I think it’s a lovely idea, could be a great evening, and those are in short supply around here, but what exactly is the point? Usually these things are done to raise money for something. This is free.’

I shrugged. ‘I thought it might be a nice way to get to know some people, and try out some ideas for the retreat, test some new recipes. If the space works, we could think about hiring it out as a venue for parties, or weddings. Even corporate events.’

‘Wow.’ She raised her eyebrows. ‘You’ve moved way beyond a retreat already.’

‘The event space is just an idea. Really, I wanted to put on a free party in the hope I might make a couple more friends.’

‘Or check out the local talent?’

‘Yes! That’s a good idea. We’ll be needing more help once we—’

I realised by the look on her face that she was talking about a different sort of talent.