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And he takes my face in his hands. I can tell he likes this new me. This at peace, confident, positive, much better version of myself. He kisses the life out of me and when we come up for air, he gives me a wicked look and comes in for another. He really has missed me.

Life is good. Life is like this kiss, full of promise and the unexpected. Although, I’m not sure how professional I am being, snogging in front of clients like this.

Oh my God. And my parents!

I swiftly pull out of the embrace and swivel around to the crowd. Most people are too busy playing the Psychic Handshake activity to have noticed me breaking rules number four and seven, but, I notice too late, my mother is making a beeline for me through the crowd. She’s got the look of a lion eyeing up a gazelle. Her face has wedding bells and grandchildren written all over it. My dad is scuttling behind and Ava, who is nearby watching my mother approach, is howling with laughter.

Feck, how embarrassing!

I must make absolutely certain that my parents understand that Oliver and I have only just started dating, and not to jump ahead of themselves (however, I am totally determined to become Mrs Reynolds if it’s the last thing I do).

I quickly assure Oliver that my parents will not under any circumstances read anything in to the kiss they have just witnessed (my mother will be searching for wedding venues and dresses by the end of the week) and that as parents, they are very chilled and laid back in such situations (my father has always dreamed of having a son, especially one so accomplished who can both help him with his taxes and defend him in a court of law, should the need ever arise).

‘It’s okay. I can handle them,’ Oliver says, straightening to his full height.

He’s borderline heroic.

* * *

At the end of the evening, the event having been a success and the coach having dropped us all back at the office, Oliver walks with my family to the villa and politely answers my mother’s intrusive questions. Mothers!

My father gushes like crazy about me and Ava working together and building a business. ‘I think you strong, independent, courageous women will do wonderful things together. I’m very proud of you both.’

My mother coughs. ‘Me too. Me too. Very proud of you both.’ She flicks me an embarrassed smile.

Like a gentleman, Oliver declines the invitation of a nightcap, much to my father’s relief.

I have a flashback to the last time Oliver came to the villa. Him heaving two unconscious women over the threshold, and me trying to get him to take all his clothes off and skinny dip in the pool with me.

Ava and I share a secret look and have to stifle our giggles. Oliver might well be justified in being a bit upset with her over his ruined car and the defamation of character. But the truth still remains that he is utterly adorable and more than capable of forgiving her. He’s kind, understanding, supportive, funny, empathetic and if our antics so far are anything to go by, he’s up for literally anything.

And I want… no, need him in my life. I’ve never been more sure of anything.

He blinks slowly as though reading my mind.

Then, while the others politely walk ahead to the door, Oliver and I lock lips like teenagers at the gate. He cups my face gently, tipping it to the side so that he can kiss my neck. Shivers run down my entire body with each tantalising touch. He kisses the other side, which has me melting into liquid gold before his lips slide softly back to mine.

‘I could kiss you all night,’ he whispers.

I feel exactly the same way. My every molecule is on fire with excitement.

‘But you need a good night’s sleep. Big day tomorrow,’ I remind him, pulling myself free. We have our very first bona fide coaching session with me doing it properly. Without incident. Without any meltdowns. Without wafting any sage.

His excited midnight-blue eyes find mine. He squeezes my hand, smiling. ‘Who knows where it will lead?’

I have never felt so fulfilled. Finally, I love my life. I love my family, my friends, my new career, this new relationship. I stare back at Oliver and swallow. ‘Exactly. Courage isn’t about knowing the path… it’s about taking the first step.’

‘Does this count?’ He steps in even closer.

I blink slowly. ‘Uh-huh. The first step builds confidence and self-belief.’

He pulls me to him. ‘I do believe I’m feeling pretty confident already. What about the step after that?’

‘Well, it erm… creates a domino effect.’ My voice is rising to even breathier heights. ‘Unlocking new opportunities and exposing you to new… um, experiences.’ My temperature is rocketing.

‘Exposing me to new experiences? I like the sound of that.’

He’s making it sound filthy as he slides his finger down my spine.