‘I’m not suggesting anything else,’ she reassured him.

‘Lisa, I …’ He hesitated, then he managed to conjure up confident Nick again. ‘I felt there was a real connection between us the other night. If you don’t feel the same way, just tell me. I don't want to be messed around.’

So she hadn't imagined it. ‘I thought the same. And I don't want to mess you around. I promise.’ She leaned towards him and gently kissed his cheek. He moved his head so his lips were on hers. She’d wondered if she’d imagined how good that kiss in the cinema had been, but this one was even better. She wanted to melt into his arms.

‘Which way’s your flat?’ he whispered.

13

SIX MONTHS LATER

Lisa was cooking bolognese when Mel walked into their kitchen. ‘Is Nick coming round for dinner?’

‘How did you guess?’

Mel nodded at the half empty bottle of Merlot next to the cooker. ‘Because you’ve used red wine, just the way he likes it. You spoil him. He’s got you wrapped around his little finger.’

Lisa grinned. ‘And other things. Do you want any spag bol?’

‘No, thanks. I’ve already eaten. I’m off to my book club meeting.’

‘What book club?’ Mel had never shown an interest in analysing books before.

‘The one the lovely Pierre runs at the library on Thursday evenings. He put a poster up in the staff room yesterday.’

‘Is this the new French teacher you said was hot?’

‘The one and only. Tonight, we’re discussing The Age of Reason by Jean-Paul Sartre.’

‘A bit heavy, isn’t it? I thought Stephen King was more to your taste?’

‘He is, but it’s always good to explore new things, especially when the man who’s going to do that is 6ft 4, drop-dead gorgeous and has the sexiest voice known to woman. I’m hoping Sartre isn’t the only new thing I’ll be exploring tonight,’ she said as she put on her coat in the hallway.

‘Have fun,’ Lisa shouted after her as Mel opened the front door.

Nick was standing on the doorstep.

‘How did you get up here?’ Mel held the door open for him.

‘Lovely to see you too! Your neighbour was on the way out. She let me in,’ Nick said as he hung up his coat.

‘Well, it’s hello and goodbye from me. I’ll leave you two lovebirds to it. I have existentialism to comment on,’ Mel said.

‘Existentialism?’ Nick asked Lisa.

‘She’s got the hots for the new French teacher. I gather he’s quite the intellectual.’

She was expecting a smart reply, but he didn’t seem his usual jokey self.

‘I’m glad I’ve got you on your own,’ Nick said as he walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table.

‘Oh yes. And what had you got in mind?’ Lisa asked in her most seductive voice as she walked over and kissed him.

‘Not just that.’ He pulled away from her, looking nervous. ‘I’m going to Greece.’

‘Greece? It’s nearly winter. Why are you going there?’

‘I’ve got a part in a TV drama.’