‘I didn’t call you that.’

‘No, but it’s what it feels like.’ Kate stared hard at her desk. Tears were spiking her eyes again, even though she thought she was all cried-out. She gripped the phone fiercely and cleared her throat. ‘So I wouldn’t have him back now, even if he got down on bended knee and begged.’

‘What happens when George finds out? Will he fire you too?’

‘No way. George loves me.’

‘He’s married!’

‘I know, I didn’t mean in that way. Anyway, your photos will be an improvement on Xander’s.’

‘Thank you, that’s kind of you.’

A’ new voice broke into their conversation, ‘Morning, Kate.’

Startled, Kate looked up.

Owen was smiling uncertainly down at her. Had he heard anything?

‘Are you all right today?’ he asked.

‘Yes, yes, fine. I’m fine, thank you.’ Then into the phone, she said, ‘I’ve got to go, Lexie. Owen’s here.’ She cut Lexie off and turned back to Owen. ‘I am so glad you’re here.’ She beamed at him, the muscle strain of smiling increasing the pain of her hangover. ‘Are you okay? Did you have a fun weekend?’

‘Yes. I’m fine.’ He frowned.

She’d gone over the top, she thought. Fun weekend! What was she thinking? He’d probably spent his weekend with his head stuffed under a pillow, getting over the hangover from Friday.

Owen glanced at George’s office door. ‘Is the boss still on the warpath?’

‘I’m afraid so, although he’s not only angry with you. After you left on Friday, things went nuclear, and I don’t think he’s calmed down yet.’

‘Strange.’ Owen frowned. ‘He seemed okay on Saturday. It’s not the Blanchards again, is it?’

‘No,’ Kate replied. ‘It’s Xander Scott and his extracurricular activities.’

‘Oh, I see.’ A quizzical expression briefly crossed Owen’s face. ‘I’d better take care then.’ A waft of toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel came Kate’s way as Owen’s lips curved into a rueful smile.

Oh, my!He has the most beautiful smile, she thought … if I weren’t on the rebound from Xander …. Kate tried to ignore her last thought, reminding herself, if Owen was earmarked for anyone, it should be Lexie. Especially now that Lexie had jettisoned that upper class loser Miles. ‘My fault,’ she said, dragging herself away from romantic plotting, but before she could say more, the door to George’s office flew open.

‘Kingsley!’ George yelled. ‘Get your sorry arse in my office now!’