‘But you were so massively relieved in The Hayes when I said I wasn’t expecting you to ask me for a date.’

He looked thoughtful for a moment. ‘I was certainly relieved not to have to discuss how I felt there and then. I wasn’t prepared for it and it felt too soon. As I said, I wouldn’t be raising it now, if it wasn’t for Alison’s offer. So yes, at the time, I was relieved when you said that you preferred lean men to earthy types.’

I put a hand to my mouth. ‘Did I say that?’

‘You did.’

‘God, I can’t believe I said that,’ I murmured.

‘So,’ he continued, ‘in short: I’m concerned about a personal issue, which might rock the professional boat. If there’s no attraction on your side – which I’m guessing there isn’t, due to my earthiness – then fine. I’ll accept that and don’t have a problem with exploring Alison’s plan, provided, of course, that you are happy with that. But if you see my current feelings for you as a problem, or if you…’ He paused and took a breath. ‘If there is anything mutual, or you think there might be, then I’d have doubts about embarking upon a professional partnership, at this time, under those circumstances.’ He looked down at me and shrugged. ‘That’s it.’

Slightly thrown by this rather abrupt end to his statement, I blinked up at him for several seconds, before pulling myself together and nodding rapidly. ‘OK. Yes. I get all that. But I need to think,’ I said breathlessly, my heart thumping in my chest.

‘Of course,’ he said patiently, appearing perfectly calm.

I lowered my head, forcing myself to take a moment to consider my feelings and my response. I was, I realised immediately, unequivocally and undeniably delighted on every level imaginable. This kind, intelligent, broad-chested man had forgiven me and wanted to work in partnership with me. In addition, he was attracted to me, and that was, I knew as I looked up at him and met his steady gaze, yet more good news because I was, without a shadow of a doubt, attracted to him too.

I was attracted to his directness, his integrity, his kindness, his talent, his height, his stubble, his width, and even to his anxiety-related Cockney twang, which afforded him a simultaneous air of both strength and vulnerability. I couldn’t, in fact, understand what I had ever seen in stringy men. And right now, all I wanted was for us to remain outside on the patio – keeping each other warm somehow – until everyone else had gone home, at which point we would go inside and embark upon a relationship, which may or may not work out, but which would certainly put paid to the single, greatest ever career opportunity of my entire life.

Oh.