First Impressions

Chapter Nineteen

‘You will come tonight, won’t you?’ Anna asked on the morning of the exhibition, before her father went to work.

‘Of course I will. Harry and I will both be there. I’ve even had my suit dry-cleaned for the occasion.’

‘I’d take you myself, only I have to be there early.’

‘Don’t worry about that. Harry and I can quite easily get the train, and you’ll be busy enough without worrying about the two of us.’

‘Just as long as you’ll be there,’ she said. ‘Tonight won’t mean anything to me if you’re not.’

‘I wouldn’t miss this for the world.’ He pulled her into a hug. ‘I know I don’t always show it, but I am very proud of you. And your mum would be too.’

And that’s what she wanted to do tonight, she thought, as she stood on the threshold of The Whigmore — she wanted to make them both proud. Her mum would have loved to be here and it brought a tear to Anna’s eye that she wasn’t around to see it. But at least her dad had promised to come. And Harry. And of course she didn’t want to fail in front of her former boyfriend, employer and the entire artistic world. She’d bought herself a new dress for the occasion, navy satin that cinched in at the waist, highlighting her figure, before falling to just below the knee in folds, accentuating her long legs. She knew she looked good — she should do, she’d spent a fortune on the dress and ages on her hair and make-up — but did she look like a professional photographer? How many times had she walked through this door without a moment’s hesitation? But now this tiny step meant so much.

‘You look gorgeous,’ Daniel said, his words reassuring as she took a faltering step forward.

‘I’ve never been so nervous in my life.’

‘I know what you’re thinking,’ Daniel said. ‘But the only thing that matters tonight is you and your photographs, and I can tell you, without any hesitation, they are absolutely amazing.’

‘You think so?’ Anna asked, seeking further assurance.

‘I know so,’ he replied.

* * *

Charlotte had been busy setting up the exhibition, not letting Anna even see what she was doing, never mind giving her any say in how the photographs were displayed. Initially Anna had been furious with her — they were her photographs after all. But Charlotte had reassured her that she knew what she was doing and that she was determined to make the exhibition a success, so she’d felt she had no choice but to let Charlotte get on with it, no matter how alienated it made her feel. But now, as Charlotte led her around the gallery, she had to admit the woman had exquisite taste. The photos were hung to show their greatest dramatic effect. Even though she’d spent the last few weeks staring at them while she edited, here in the gallery they looked completely different. Anna allowed a small smile to play on her lips. Daniel was right — they were good. And even if tonight wasn’t a success, she knew she’d done her best work, and for that she could be proud of herself.

‘Happy?’ Charlotte asked.

‘Very,’ Anna replied. ‘You’ve done an excellent job.’

Charlotte smiled. ‘And I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.’

‘I still think I should be paying you commission for anything that sells. That’s if anything does sell,’ she added, feeling a small crisis of confidence.

‘And I’ve told you before, I don’t want, or need, your commission. You’ve given me something to get my teeth into and I haven’t felt this motivated in a long time. If my name is linked with launching your career, that will be payment enough. I’m thinking of setting up my own agency to launch young talent and to organise their events.’

‘Daniel did mention that, but all the same, you’ve put a lot of effort into this.’

‘It has been an absolute pleasure, so don’t give it another thought.’

‘You must be thinking along the same lines as Daniel. He was talking about mentoring young artists.’

‘Yes, I know. That’s what gave me the idea. He nurtures the talent and then passes them on to me.’

‘You have it all worked out,’ Anna said. ‘I just hope that my photos are a success and I don’t let you down.’

‘Well, we don’t need to worry about that.’

‘Don’t we?’

‘No. I had a bit of a pre-launch earlier this afternoon with some of my contacts and I’ve already sold half a dozen photos. Have a look for the images with the red stickers.’

Anna gasped as she took another look around the gallery. Some of her favourite pictures had been sold and she felt proud that her work would soon be displayed in other people’s homes. At the same time, she was a little sad that she’d have to let go of some of her babies.

‘I’ve got the journos here tonight too, so we should get plenty of publicity, especially after your outing in the press the other week.’

‘That’s not something to be celebrated,’ Anna said abruptly.

‘No, of course not. But from what I heard, you and Daniel helped to save lives that night, so you should be proud of yourselves.’

Anna nodded. She didn’t want to be reminded of what had happened — she still had nightmares about it.

‘But tonight, my darling, is all about you. So let’s put our smiles on and go and meet your adoring public.’

And Anna did manage to smile at that, because the thought that little old Anna from Rotherhithe would ever have achieved anything even close to an adoring public was suddenly very funny.

And mingle she did. All night, and as the gallery filled up it became hotter. Her feet began to ache in uncomfortable high-heeled shoes and her head spun from the glasses of champagne that were thrust into her hand.

Daisy was there with Tom, over the moon at her success, enthusing about Anna’s talent and how she’d finally got the acknowledgement she’d always wanted. But the best part was when she saw her dad and Harry admiring the photos. She made her way over to them, delighted that they’d arrived. Her father wasn’t a man who liked to venture out into unfamiliar surroundings. As the night had drawn on, and there’d still been no sign of them, she’d begun to wonder if he’d decided not to come after all. But they were here now and it felt as though her world was complete.

‘I can’t get over these pics, Anna, they’re bloody brilliant,’ her dad said after giving her a hug.

‘Do you think so?’ she asked, suddenly shy in his praise.

‘I certainly do. Look at this one.’ He pointed to a picture of St Mary’s church. ‘I’ve walked past that church nearly every single day of my life and I’ve never once wanted to go inside. But the way you’ve made it look, I want to see more and I’ll definitely be paying a visit the next chance I get.’

‘I knew you were talented,’ Harry said. ‘But I didn’t know you were this talented. Well done.’ He put his arm around her and kissed her on the cheek.

‘I’m sorry that I haven’t taken you more seriously in the past,’ her father added. ‘I should have been encouraging you, not hindering you.’

Anna’s eyes filled with tears at the words she’d wanted to hear for so long.

* * *

Daniel watched as Anna was hugged by two men, one older and one younger, who he presumed must be her father and brother. He was glad they’d come tonight to support her. He knew she desperately wanted them to be proud of her and so they should be. She had incredible talent. Daniel looked around the gallery lit by her photography. The fact that she was self-taught, yet was able to produce such amazing images, was incredible. He hoped he’d taught her something too over the last few months. He knew that, if tonight was going to be the success he suspected it would be, he would once again be looking for a new assistant. He certainly didn’t begrudge her the success, but his life would be poorer without her in it. Although, if he was no longer her employer, would that break down the barrier she had about mixing work with a relationship? He’d thought going away after the explosion would have helped to distance his feelings from her, but he’d spent the whole time thinking about Anna, wondering what she was doing and if she missed him too. And since he’d been back, he’d had to physically keep her at arm’s length — the urge to reach out and pull her into an embrace was overwhelming. He’d caught her staring at him with a frown and knew she must have been wondering why he was being so distant, but it was the only thing he could do to stop himself from crossing a boundary.

He’d barely spoken to her all evening, but now he wanted to tell her how proud he was of her and to let her family know what a huge success she was about to be.

* * *

Anna turned from talking to her family to see Daniel walking towards her. She’d barely seen him all night and was keen to know what he thought about the exhibition. He’d been distant with her since he’d come back from Cheshire and she wondered if she’d done something to offend him. Maybe once tonight was over, they’d be able to sit down and have a proper chat, to fix whatever was wrong between them. Now, though, he was all smiles as she introduced him to her father and Harry.

‘So you’re the man who made all this happen then,’ Andrew said once they’d been introduced.

‘I wouldn’t say that.’ Daniel smiled back at him. ‘My friend Charlotte did all the organising.’

‘Yes, but you’re the one who encouraged her. She has nothing but praise for you.’

‘Dad!’ Anna muttered.

‘Well, that’s very flattering, but it had very little to do with me and more to do with Anna. She’s very talented.’

‘It certainly looks that way, but I don’t know where she gets it from. Neither me nor her mother were artistic. But I’m very proud of her.’

‘We both are,’ Harry added.

Anna felt the heat rise in her face, the praise overwhelming her, and once more she wondered what it would have been like if her mum was still here.

Charlotte tapped her on the shoulder.

‘I’m sorry to interrupt, but can I borrow Anna? I’ve got some people I’d like you to meet.’

Anna allowed herself to be led away. It was typical that just as Daniel came over, Charlotte wanted her to go and mingle. But she knew she had to make the most of this opportunity. Although she was usually awkward about talking to new people, this was easier than she’d anticipated. There was no need to make small talk with them — everyone was keen to know all about her and it was simply a case of answering their questions.

As she chatted, she glanced over to where her brother and father were standing. She knew how uncomfortable her dad would be in this kind of environment and hoped he didn’t think she was abandoning him. She was surprised to see that Daniel was still talking to them both, and even more so that her dad was laughing and looking completely at ease with him, which was more than he’d ever done with Mark.

Mark. If there was a downside to this evening it was definitely him. Mark was at his best at these events, schmoozing and ingratiating himself with clients, and tonight was no different. But she couldn’t help noticing that whenever he glanced across to her, his eyes were as stony as flint. Did he really resent her success that much? His glares made her feel uncomfortable and she wished Charlotte had chosen a different venue. But then, she told herself, she was very lucky to have any venue at all, and she should be grateful. She would just have to avoid Mark and, hopefully, after tonight, she’d never have to see him again.

Eventually she managed to extricate herself from networking and made her way back over to her family.

‘Hiya. Are you both okay?’

‘We’re fine, Anna, love,’ her father said. ‘We’ve had a lovely time, but we’re going to head home now if that’s okay with you?’

‘Of course it is. I’m glad that you made it tonight. It means the world to me.’

‘Not as much as it means to me. I wouldn’t have missed this.’

‘Let me get you a taxi. I don’t want you two trekking home on the train.’

‘Oh, no need to worry about us. Daniel is outside hailing one down for us.’

‘He is?’ Anna asked, surprised.

‘Yes, he’s such a lovely fella. I take back what I said about him being a slave driver when you first started working for him, he sounds like a decent boss, much better than that other bloke.’ He glared at Mark who was across the room. Mark glared back at them and then turned away. Her dad continued. ‘Though I doubt after tonight you’ll be working for him much longer. More like you’ll be looking for your own assistant.’

Anna looked at him in disbelief. The thought of not working with Daniel filled her with a sense of foreboding.

‘Now, Daniel has said you might be going out afterwards, if you wanted to. So, enjoy the rest of the night and I’ll see you tomorrow.’ He gave her a quick hug and then, before he left, said, ‘Enjoy your success. You deserve it.’

Anna watched open-mouthed as her father and brother left the gallery. She couldn’t believe that in such a short time Daniel had won them round. And neither could she believe that her father seemed to like him that much. He’d certainly never taken to Mark. As though the thought of him had conjured him up, Mark appeared at her shoulder.

‘Well done,’ he said. ‘Looks like you’re an overnight sensation.’

‘I’d hardly call it overnight.’ Anna tried to defend herself. ‘I’ve worked a long time to get this far.’

‘And now you’ve made it.’ The bitterness in his voice brought her up short.

‘I’m on my way at least.’

‘Good for you.’

‘Does that annoy you, Mark? If so, I’m not sure why. You were the one who ended our relationship, remember?’

He ignored her question. ‘What I don’t understand is why you chose this gallery for your debut exhibition. It very much feels as though you’re trying to rub my nose in your newfound success.’

‘Of course I’m not. This is the last place I’d willingly choose for my exhibition. It was Charlotte who organised everything — I only found out last week that it was going to be here.’

‘Oh, I see, you’re not rubbing my nose in it because you’re too good for us?’

‘You’re twisting my words!’ she said. ‘I just meant that, considering our history, we’d be better staying apart.’

‘But unfortunately you did choose here.’ His tone had taken a hard note that sent a shiver down her spine. Mark didn’t like it when he didn’t get his own way and would often lash out. While she had been with him he’d never been physical, but sometimes it had felt as though his cruel words had hurt as much as any blow. ‘And Arthur Whigmore agreed to it without even running it past me.’

She looked around for Daniel, or anyone else who might put an end to their conversation, but Mark had cornered her in a place where no one was likely to be passing. ‘I can’t say I’m happy you’ve chosen to have your exhibition at the gallery you used to work at, sponsored by your new boyfriend.’ He edged even closer to her — she could smell both the cloying fumes of his aftershave and the stench of stale sweat.

‘He’s not my boyfriend,’ she replied, wondering why she needed to protest her innocence to Mark. He should be the last one to criticise someone flaunting a new relationship in front of their ex.

He edged even closer. ‘Come off it, Anna. I’ve seen the way he looks at you, and don’t forget about that little publicity stunt. The one after the London Fashion Show, remember?’

‘That wasn’t a publicity stunt, far from it, Mark.’ She tried to keep her voice calm. ‘It was a terrifying experience and we were lucky to come out alive.’

‘And go on to better things, only weeks later.’

She tried to move away from him, but he grabbed hold of her upper arm and pulled her closer to him.

‘What do you want from me, Mark?’

He almost growled at her. ‘I’d have thought that was perfectly obvious.’

His grip on her arm tightened when she tried to shake him off. ‘Mark, you’re hurting me.’

‘I don’t mean to hurt you.’ He loosened his grip on her slightly but didn’t let her go. ‘But I need you to understand how I feel. Why don’t you come into my office so we can talk privately?’

‘Because I don’t want to. I have nothing left to say to you. So I suggest you let go of my arm and let me get tonight over and done with, then we’ll never have to see each other again.’

‘Don’t be like that. I’m sorry about what happened with Jemima, but I couldn’t help it. It felt as though I lost my mind for a little while. It’s different now, though.’

‘Yes, it is different,’ she said, trying to free herself from him once again. ‘Because I don’t want anything to do with you.’

* * *

Coming back into the gallery after seeing Anna’s father and brother into a taxi, Daniel automatically looked around to see where she was. Not finding her at first, he began to search for her. Eventually he spotted her standing in a dark corner, as close as she could possibly be to her ex-boyfriend, Mark. His heart plummeted into his stomach as he watched them. He knew from their conversations that Anna had been in love with Mark and that his betrayal had hurt her deeply. Daniel’s first instinct was to get her away from him, so he couldn’t hurt her any more, but what if she didn’t want to be interrupted? What if she still had feelings for him? Daniel stayed where he was, watching them from a distance, trying to work out what was going on. It didn’t take long.

Mark had a grip on her arm and he saw Anna trying to shake him off. Without thinking, Daniel headed straight towards them.

‘Anna, this is where you are. I’ve been looking for you everywhere,’ he said as he strode towards them. Mark glared at him, the look of hatred clear in his eyes, and Daniel knew he had been right to act upon his instinct.

‘Do you mind? We were having a private conversation.’

‘I think our conversation is over.’ Anna tried to prise his hand from her arm. ‘And if you don’t mind, I’d like you to let go of me.’

‘I’d do as the lady says,’ Daniel said.

Mark laughed derisively. ‘Oh, believe me, this one’s no lady, but maybe you already know that.’

Daniel took a step closer, his fists balled by his side. Mark dropped his grip on Anna and she moved to stand beside Daniel.

‘Don’t, Daniel, he’s not worth it. Let’s go and enjoy the rest of the evening.’

Even though it belied his every instinct — he very much wanted to smash one of his fists into Mark’s face — Daniel knew she was right. It would ruin her exhibition if he did anything, so instead he steered her silently away. Despite her upright demeanour, he could feel her trembling as they returned to the centre of the room.

‘Are you okay?’ he asked as she rubbed her arm. ‘Did he hurt you?’

‘No.’ She shook her head. ‘He was just trying to be intimidating.’

‘It looks like he succeeded.’

She gave a shaky laugh. ‘I suppose you could say he did. Thanks for rescuing me.’

‘I didn’t really do anything. But I’m glad you’re okay.’

She nodded her head. ‘I am. Although, I have to admit, it’s taken the shine off tonight.’

‘Perhaps it was a mistake to have the exhibition here after all,’ he said. ‘But it’s certainly been a success. That’s probably what’s rattled him.’

She nodded. ‘He said it was humiliating.’

‘And what he did to you wasn’t humiliating?’

She nodded. ‘Yes, but I’m not after revenge, I just want to move on with my life.’

And that’s what was so special about her, Daniel thought. She was a good and kind person who deserved the best in life, not snakes like Mark.

* * *

There was no doubt that Mark had unnerved her. But while there were still people in the gallery, Anna knew that she had to put a brave face on and pretend she couldn’t be happier. In reality, all she wanted to do was to go home and climb into bed. Success was not the delight she had imagined it would be.

An hour later and the rest of the stragglers were getting ready to leave. Charlotte bustled over.

‘Well, Anna, I think that’s what you’d call an unmitigated success. You’re going to be the talk of the town.’

Anna smiled but didn’t mention that she didn’t want to be the talk of the town. Yes, she wanted her work to be successful, but she’d rather keep everything else private. After tonight, though, she wondered if that would be possible.

‘Thank you, Charlotte, for everything you’ve done.’

‘Although next time, maybe choose a different gallery,’ Daniel added. He’d stuck by her for the rest of the evening and Anna was grateful. She liked to think of herself as a strong, independent woman, but with Mark still in the room, glowering at her whenever she caught sight of him, it was comforting to have Daniel by her side.

Charlotte frowned. ‘Why?’

‘Let’s just say it ruffled a few feathers and not in a good way.’ He glanced towards Mark — Charlotte followed his gaze.

‘He’s my ex,’ Anna added.

Charlotte clapped her hand to her mouth. ‘Oh my God! Why didn’t you say? I thought it was just your job you were moving on from.’

‘Because by the time you told us it was too late,’ Daniel answered for her.

Charlotte looked contrite. ‘I’m really sorry, I’ll make sure you don’t have to have anything to do with him for the rest of the exhibition. I’ll deal with everything.’

‘Thanks, Charlotte. That means a lot,’ Anna said.

‘Good, well, now that’s over and done with, who fancies going somewhere for a little celebration?’

‘Not for me,’ Anna said. ‘I think I’d rather just go home.’

‘Oh, but you must celebrate!’ Charlotte said.

‘Another time maybe.’ She knew she was disappointing Charlotte, and that Charlotte was obviously on a high, but she suddenly felt drained, with no energy whatsoever. ‘I think I’ll just get a taxi home.’

‘I’ll come with you,’ Daniel said. ‘You can drop me off on the way.’

Charlotte shook her head. ‘You are a pair of killjoys! Never mind, I’ll finish up here, deal with his lordship over there. You two get off.’

* * *

Outside, the air hit Anna in a refreshing wave and she gulped it in, glad to be out of the gallery and its confines.

‘It’s a shame he ruined your big night,’ Daniel said, standing close behind her on the pavement.

‘What’s done is done.’ She sighed wearily.

‘But whatever he did, everyone else loved you. Hang on to that.’

‘I will,’ she said, and yawned.

‘You’re tired. Why don’t you stay at mine tonight? It’s a much shorter journey and you’re welcome to my spare room.’

Her instinct was to go home, sleep in her own bed, but Daniel’s was much closer. His spare room was also much more comfortable than her single bed at home. It might be nice to have some company. His company. She knew she was treading on dangerous ground, but tonight she had enjoyed him standing beside her. The thought of leaving him filled her with sadness. ‘Okay, I’ll just message my dad to let him know I’m with you and I’ll be back tomorrow.’

‘Have you eaten anything today?’

She shook her head. ‘No, I’ve been far too nervous.’

‘How about I cook something for you and we’ll relax for a while?’

She smiled. ‘That does sound nice.’

* * *

‘Oh, that’s me stuffed!’ Anna said after polishing off an omelette. ‘I hadn’t realised how hungry I was.’

They moved into the living room so they could sit more comfortably. While Daniel had been preparing the food, Anna had changed out of her dress into the T-shirt and leggings she’d been wearing earlier in the day. She leaned back on the sofa, enjoying the feeling of being able to relax.

‘Thank you for tonight,’ she said.

‘What for?’

‘You know, the Mark thing.’

‘I didn’t really do anything.’

‘Yes, you did. Before you intervened I was beginning to get a little scared. And then sticking by me for the rest of the evening when he was glaring daggers at me. It meant a lot.’

‘He’s a bully, Anna, and I don’t like bullies.’ He paused. ‘Tell me . . . did he ever hurt you?’

‘Not physically, no. But he was vicious with his words. And his temper was always a little volatile, especially when he didn’t get his own way. I was treading on eggshells a lot of the time.’

‘And yet you loved him?’ Daniel said quietly.

Anna nodded. ‘I did. He wasn’t like that at first.’

‘No, they never are.’

She turned to face him. She needed to explain, because she was worried he thought she was foolish for having loved Mark.

‘He can be very charming when he wants to be and that’s what he was when we first met. I was vulnerable back then and didn’t have much faith in myself. I was still struggling without Mum. He believed in me and he made me believe that I could be something too. When I applied for the job as the receptionist at the gallery I didn’t even think I would get it, but by the time I left I was practically running the place.’

‘Doing his job for him,’ Daniel said dryly.

‘Yes, I was. But I was good at it and it gave me a sense of accomplishment that I’d never had before.’

Daniel laughed. ‘Why ever not? By all accounts you’ve practically held your family together since your mum died, as well as dealing with your own grief. You were only a teenager, don’t forget. Most people would have gone off the rails, but you didn’t. You should give yourself credit.’

‘Maybe,’ she said thoughtfully. She’d never looked at it like that before. She’d just done what she needed to do. What was expected of her. ‘By the way, thanks as well for charming my dad.’

‘I didn’t charm him.’

‘Well, he was full of praise for you, so you must have done something. Dad’s not good with new people or environments.’

‘I really liked him and we just got on. I could see he was uncomfortable but he came anyway, because he wanted to support you. He knows how much you do for him, for all of them, but he doesn’t have the words to express that.’

Anna nodded. ‘You’re right. He doesn’t show his emotions, so it’s not easy to see what he’s feeling.’

‘Still waters run deep and all that.’

‘Well, you’ve certainly got the measure of him. Which is more than Mark did. He didn’t like my family and they didn’t like him.’

‘Can’t say I’m surprised.’

‘Whereas, you’ve got them eating out of your hand.’

‘What can I say?’ He grinned. ‘I’m just a very special person.’

‘Yes,’ she said. ‘I think you are.’ She smiled at him and their eyes locked. The look of longing in his eyes took her breath away. She gazed back at him, time seeming to stand still. Then slowly, very slowly, they both leaned towards each other until their lips touched. The kiss was gentle at first, sending waves of heat tingling through her body. He pulled her closer — she pressed herself into him, wanting to feel the strength and warmth of his body against hers. Wanting to be as close to him as she could possibly be, wishing that they could morph into one being. The kiss deepened and so did her longing for him. Feeling bolder than she ever had done, she tugged at his shirt, wanting to touch his skin. Between kisses they undressed each other until they were both naked on the sofa.

He broke away and looked her in the eyes. ‘Are you sure you want to do this?’

She nodded. ‘I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.’

He nodded and moved away from her, and she felt suddenly cold at his absence. She was relieved that he was only leaving her to make sure they were protected.

He began to kiss her again, their passion mounting once more, and then he was inside her, making her feel complete. Her longing built into a crescendo, followed by a glorious relief.

Afterwards he pulled a throw from the back of the sofa over them.

‘Are you okay?’ he asked softly.

‘No,’ she said, and watched him frown. ‘I’m very much more than okay.’

The frown transformed into a smile and he nipped her neck gently with his teeth. ‘That’s not playing fair. Men can be vulnerable too. Especially after . . .’

‘You’ve never really struck me as vulnerable.’

‘What then? What do I strike you as?’

She hitched herself into more of a sitting position, making sure that the throw was covering her, suddenly feeling modest.

‘Well, when I first met you, I thought you were the rudest man I’ve ever met.’

He laughed. ‘No surprise there. I was pretty rude that day. But then I was in a bad mood and you were late.’

‘Because I got lost!’

‘And after the day I’d had, I was beginning to think that no one could be relied upon.’

‘Well, then, I’m glad you gave me the chance to prove you wrong.’

He kissed her gently. ‘Oh, so am I.’

She laid her head on his shoulder. ‘You know, after Mark, I swore that I’d never get involved with someone I work with again, and here I am.’

‘Well, I can understand why you’d think that. I’ve wanted to do this for so long, but I held off because of our working relationship. But we’re more equal now.’

‘Are we?’

‘Of course we are. After tonight, your own career is really going to take off. If you want it to, that is?’

‘It’s what I’ve always dreamed of. But does that mean I’m out of a job?’

He grinned. ‘I’ll still need someone to help me, if you want to, but things are changing for both of us, especially if I develop my idea of setting up a school in Manchester.’

She frowned at his words. Being in Manchester would take him away from her. ‘I guess you won’t be around that much then?’

‘I’ll be spending more time up there, yes, but I’m not moving away, and it means that potentially our work won’t need to interfere with our relationship.’

Despite her doubts about him working away, she decided to focus on the word ‘relationship’.

‘Our relationship?’

‘If you want one?’ he asked hesitantly.

She nodded. ‘Yes, I think I do.’

‘You’re not the only one with doubts you know. I’ve got Ben to think about as well. And if I’m going to bring someone into my life then they have to be right for Ben too.’

‘Yes, I completely agree.’ She smiled, knowing how easy it would be to grow fond of Ben. Another hurdle crossed.

* * *

She was disorientated when she woke up the next morning, being in neither her own bed nor the spare bedroom in Daniel’s house. The large bed seemed to engulf her, the pillows soft, the sheets made from crisp Egyptian cotton. She could have lain there all day given the chance. As she looked around the luxurious bedroom, she smiled at the memory of last night.

They’d woken in the early hours of the morning and made love again, that time being even more glorious than the first time. There was something about Daniel that made her feel protected and cared for. She feared she may need to guard herself — that was how she’d felt about Mark when they had first got together. She knew it wouldn’t be easy negotiating both their careers, but at least now she had one, and that was down to Daniel encouraging her to believe in her abilities, which was more than Mark had ever done. It was different with Daniel, though. Unlike Mark, Daniel supported her and pushed her to achieve her own ambitions. Mark had been happy for her to achieve at work, as it reflected well on him, and had made it easier for him to do as little work as possible. But he’d never encouraged her photography. He could have easily hosted an exhibition for her ages ago, but all he’d done was put her down. Admittedly, then her work would have shown little of the quality it had now, but he hadn’t even given her a chance.