‘And you’re so right about the need for complete openness and honesty going forward,’ I said, still shivering, but grateful to the cold for at least keeping me focused and on-message, ‘and, with that in mind, I should be clear that I’m attracted to you on a much deeper level than simply a physical one and wanting to touch you. There’s your integrity, your kindness, your intellect – all that kind of stuff,’ I continued hurriedly, folding my arms across my chest in a completely futile attempt to generate some warmth. ‘But, right now, wanting to touch you is what I’m almost exclusively focused on, so that’s why I mentioned it first. I’m sorry. I’m aware that I just agreed to enter into a professional partnership with you and that this probably isn’t what you want to hear right now.’

He took a deep breath and then released it slowly. ‘If I’m being completely honest – cards on the table – I don’t totally hate hearing it.’

‘Really? But you just said what a great opportunity—’

‘I know, but that was before you kept going on about wanting to touch me.’

‘Oh, OK. Sorry.’

He closed his eyes, tilted his head upwards and addressed the night sky. ‘I just don’t want to screw this up.’

‘I know, I know. As you said, Alison is offering us such an amazing opportunity.’

He opened his eyes, lowered his head and looked down at me. ‘I didn’t just mean my career, Edie,’ he said, his voice now a gravelly murmur, as his East London accent broke through. ‘Here, take this,’ he added, again slipping off his jacket and handing it to me.

I took it from him, smiling gratefully, but far from happy at the prospect of either stifling my feelings, or stalling my career.

‘Bye.’ Cameron pushed open the office door and strode quickly away down the corridor.

‘Sorry, what?’ I murmured absently, blinking a little as I returned to the moment, before getting to my feet and hurrying after him.

He was pressing the call-button for the lift by the time I caught up with him, and he turned towards me, raising his eyebrows questioningly. ‘Something else?’

I nodded, despite knowing that I had nothing to say which couldn’t wait. ‘Yes, er, I was just thinking about Roger and Alison,’ I said. ‘Were you surprised?’

‘That they’re together?’ He glanced up at the digital floor-indicator above the lift doors. The lift was on the top floor and didn’t appear to be moving. ‘Not really, actually. I can see how that would work. And I’m not surprised that neither of them brought their personal relationship into the workplace. That’s Alison’s advice to everyone she’s ever worked with.’

‘True.’ I glanced over my shoulder towards the office. When I turned back to Cameron, he was frowning at me.