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We. Evelyn loved how he said that, and how he automatically included Summer in things. ‘I meant after that.’

‘Dunno. Probably just head home. Might watch a bit of TV, or read a book if my eyes are going too square for more screen time. Maybe give my old mate a call – I owe him a catch-up.’ He grinned. ‘Unless you’ve got a better idea?’

‘I thought, maybe I could come over, and maybe stay with you?’

‘Yeah, should be fine.’ He shrugged easily. ‘I’ll just have to dig out some bedding for the spare room. Is Summer having a sleepover or something?’

Evelyn sighed. For someone so incredibly smart, Jake was really good at completely missing the point sometimes. ‘I wasn’t exactly thinking that I’d be in the spare bed, Jake. More likely yours?’ She watched the huge grin spread across his face as realisation dawned. ‘So what do you think?’

‘Hell, yes!’ He pushed her back against the door and kissed her thoroughly, trapping her between his warm arms, the solid wood, and the very solid masculinity of his body. ‘On second thoughts, why wait? I’ll throw you over my shoulder and carry you off right now.’

Evelyn giggled, but had to admit she was incredibly tempted. She could barely remember the last time she’d had sex at all, let alone good sex. And something about the way he kissed her, and drew reactions she’d all but forgotten from her body, told her sex with Jake would be very, very good. She mentally cursed herself, wondering why she’d left the newly arrived black lace and silk in its discreet delivery wrapping upstairs, and was wearing basic beige.

He ran kisses down her throat. ‘Just say the word, Evelyn.’

‘I can’t.’ She shook her head, trying to remember why she was refusing him.

‘Mum?’ They jumped apart guiltily. ‘Are you and Jake coming to sing with us? It’s nearly the best song!’

‘I’ll be in in a minute,’ Evelyn called back.

‘I don’t know how the hell I’m going to make it to Friday,’ Jake complained, hunger still burning in his gaze.

‘It’s a couple of days. We’ve been dating for weeks and you’ve survived.’

‘Yeah, but I didn’t know you were thinking about this.’ He groaned. ‘Go through, see if you can’t buy me a few minutes.’ He looked down, and blushed.

Evelyn couldn’t help but follow his gaze. She gulped. Suddenly Friday seemed far too long away.

Friday had taken far too long to arrive, and now it had, Jake was in hell. The torment had been going on for hours. He’d sat in the darkness with Evelyn, his leg and arm brushing against hers each time either of them shifted in their seat, intensely aware of her every move and the promise of what lay ahead. And painfully aware that Summer sat in the next seat over, eyes wide as she stared at drama unfolding on the big screen. Even while he was thinking about what he planned on doing to her mother later.

‘Please, Jake,’ Summer had begged when they were back home, making him feel worse than ever. ‘Will you please read me a story before you go?’

‘Summer, I think Nanny wanted to read to you,’ Evelyn replied, trying to give him an escape route.

But Summer pleaded, and he’d been helpless to say no. He was completely wrapped around her little finger. As he’d thrown her over his shoulder, fireman style, her squeal of delight pushed everything else away and he was filled with the strange mix of joy and fierce protectiveness he usually associated with his niece, Sarah. Somehow, when he’d not been expecting it, Summer had wormed her way into his heart as well.

So he dutifully read the story she requested, tucked her in tightly, and patted a section of the duvet flat for Tilly. All while feeling Evelyn’s eyes on him from her spot on the landing.

When Summer’s eyes finally drifted closed, he snuck out of the room, cringing at every creak of the old house.

‘You really are wonderful with her.’ Evelyn stood on tiptoe to place a soft kiss against his lips. ‘You didn’t have to take the time to read to her, but I’m so glad you did.’ And she’d taken his hand, and lead him down the stairs, where he came face to face with Linda.

‘Thanks for this, Mum.’ Evelyn kissed her mum’s cheek then reached for her coat, leaving Jake standing there awkwardly.

‘Yes, thank you Mrs Matthams. You have a good evening.’ He cringed, realising that she knew exactly what type of evening he had planned. With her daughter.

She headed back towards the living room, but paused at the door. Without looking round, she called to him. ‘Remember Jake, a gentleman always puts his overcoat on.’

For a moment, he wondered if anyone had ever actually died just from embarrassment. His brother or dad would probably know, but it was starting to feel like a real possibility.

‘Mum!’ Evelyn hissed, blushing furiously.

‘What?’ She turned to look at her daughter, her eyes wide with faux innocence.

‘Umm. Nothing.’

‘I’ll see you sometime tomorrow. Goodnight.’