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Jake breathed out slowly, taking extra care to keep his breath even and trying not to do anything stupid – as he was so apt at doing in situations like this. But Evelyn’s arm, wrapped around his, made him feel protective and excited at the same time. Even through their coats, the warmth and weight of her hand tucked into his elbow, wrapped slightly around his bicep, made him feel warm from head to toe.

Except, that instead of feeling worried and trying to figure out what to say, and how to act, and questioning his every move, Jake found that with Evelyn he just felt … calm and at ease. And he didn’t want to let her go. The realisation shocked him. If he added together all the hours they’d spent together – and with some of them she was still his client – it probably didn’t total a full day, and there was Summer to consider, yet he wanted to spend more and more time with her in a setting where there was definitely no ambiguity about whether it was a date or not!

They both slowed as they reached The Burrow’s, and Jake hoped that it was because she was as reluctant to end their time together as he was. He slowed even more as he walked into the car park, and gave her a warm smile as he slowly withdrew his arm to dig out his keys and unlock the surgery.

Evelyn’s hand caught on his arm as he reached for the door handle, and as he looked into her bright green eyes, he felt a frisson of excitement as she smiled up at him.

‘Thank you. I know you’re busy, and I really appreciated today.’ She gave him another warm smile that he felt in the depths of his stomach. ‘I really needed a friend today. It meant a lot.’

Jake’s stomach sank at the word “friend”. Was that really all she saw him as? He was convinced he’d seen something more in her playful glances, so he cleared his throat and tried anyway. ‘I was hoping to see you again … in a maybe more than friendly way.’ When she didn’t answer, he carried on. ‘The thing is, I really like you, and I think you like me, and I’d love to take you out and see if there could be something between us, because I’ve really, really enjoyed the time we’ve spent together.’

Evelyn chewed on her bottom lip.

‘Please, say something,’ he begged, in agony.

Evelyn stared into his bright blue, kind eyes and tried to find the words to explain. ‘I like you too, Jake. But I’m not looking for anything right now. My ex is still legally my husband, even though we’ve not been together in months, and Summer has to be my main priority. I can’t just start running around having fun and being irresponsible.’

Jake stepped closer, and Evelyn felt another blush rising. He looked down at her with such kindness in his eyes that she started to question her reply.

‘You do know, Summer already likes me.’ He grinned cheekily. ‘And come to mention it, so does Tilly. So if you like me, and Summer does, and even your dog does, why couldn’t we spend a little more time together?’

‘Summer …’ Evelyn began.

‘From what you’ve told me, and what I’ve seen, Summer is a happy, bright, resilient, healthy little girl.’ He covered her hand with his, and gave her another smile that melted her resolution, and forced her to look away in confusion. ‘And I know she’s your top priority, which is exactly as it should be. But Evelyn’—he waited until she looked up at him—‘I think she’s wonderful, and I think you’re pretty wonderful too.’

‘That’s really kind.’ It had been so long since a man had paid her a compliment that she wasn’t sure how to take it.

‘I’m not trying to be kind. I’m trying to ask you out. And apparently making a bad job of it.’ He ran his hands through his hair.

‘No, no you’re not doing a bad job.’ Evelyn felt a flush of guilt at Jake’s morose look.

‘I just … thought that a bit of fun and irresponsibility might be good for you.’

‘You’re right, I’ve not had much time for fun lately.’

‘Then let me help with that.’ Jake took another small step towards her, until Evelyn could catch a whiff of his clean, slightly spicy scent. ‘Let me help you put that beautiful smile back on your face more often.’

Evelyn had to look away from Jake’s gaze which seemed to let him see her thoughts. The nearness of him jumbled her mind, but she didn’t want to step away, which confused her even more. ‘I don’t know what to say,’ she admitted in a soft whisper.

‘Say yes. It’s just a date. At least I hope it’s a date.’

Evelyn smiled and nodded. ‘OK. Yes.’

‘Brilliant. I’ll call you this weekend,’ Jake promised.

‘OK. But give me a few days warning please? I need to make sure my mum can watch Summer, or arrange for a sitter.’

‘Don’t worry. I’ve not forgotten Summer,’ Jake reassured her. He gestured to the door. ‘I should get going.’

‘Yeah.’ Evelyn looked down at Tilly who was stretched out on the ground, looking bored. ‘C’mon Tilly. Time to go home.’ She hesitated for a moment. ‘Jake?’

‘Yes?’ He turned back.

Before she could change her mind, Evelyn leaned towards him. The roughness of his stubble tickled her lips as she pressed a kiss to his cheek, her hand resting briefly on his strong shoulder. ‘Thank you.’

She walked away quickly, Tilly skipping happily at her heel, as she wondered what she had been thinking that made her agree to a date. She liked Jake. He was a wonderful, kind, attractive man, but she was still married for goodness’ sake, and she had to focus on making sure Summer stayed well. She’d just have to find a polite way to turn him down when he called.

As she turned the corner, she brushed her fingers against her lips where they still tingled.