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‘I’d still like you to be onside. I trust your judgement.’ His gaze lingered on her. ‘You look gorgeous, by the way. Blue suits you. It always did.’

Zennor laughed uneasily, feeling the flattery had gone on too long for comfort. ‘We mustn’t monopolise each other. You have guests.’

‘You’re right – unfortunately.’ He sighed. ‘I should mingle and talk to Dawn. Have a good evening. Enjoy the music. You know how good it’s going to be.’

He moved away, then greeted Dawn with a hug.

Soon Zennor was chattering away to Vince and other members of the club, all of whom were singing the praises of the hotel and Trev for hosting the evening. Just as she was wondering how Matt would have coped with hearing all the adulation of Trev, the man himself walked in with Tyler and his partner. They were greeted by the restaurant manager and shown to a reserved table.

She had to centre herself. Matt was the last person she’d expected to turn up.

Almost immediately, he caught Zennor’s eye and beckoned her over. He was about as dressed up as she’d ever seen him in dark jeans, smart shoes and a white shirt. His hair was neatly brushed off his face and curling into his collar.

She shivered despite the warmth of the room and the summer evening.

Despite working so hard to escape the maelstrom of her marriage and divorce, it seemed she’d been swimming against a current that had kept her in its grip, taken her on a long journey, and returned her back to where she’d started.

‘Hello. I knew you’d be here,’ he said.

‘Trev asked me. We – the agency – represent the pianist and the band that’ll come out later. I didn’t expect to see you,’ she said, trying not to sigh at the subtle hint of a citrussy aftershave.

‘Why not? It’s to raise money for the Surf Club. Great dress. You look amazing,’ he added, his gaze raking over her and leaving a trail of fire where it landed.

Zennor mumbled, feeling the heat rush to her cleavage and cheeks. Matt must surely see the effect he was having on her. She wouldn’t be surprised if he could actually feel the heat radiating from her exposed skin. ‘Thanks. You scrub up nicely yourself.’

He smiled. ‘Well, it’s better than sweaty paint-spattered work gear, I guess.’

Zennor managed a weak smile, because she’d found scruffy work gear unbearably sexy over the past weeks. Since when did the smell of turps turn her on?

‘There’s plenty of room on our table, so why don’t you join us? Unless you already have a seat?’

‘Erm. I – I …’ She couldn’t think of a single reason to refuse. With Tyler and his partner, Yolande, there, there shouldn’t be anything to fear. ‘I don’t know where I’m supposed to be sitting, to be honest. Trev just told me to turn up and I assumed I’d be – anywhere there was a spare seat, so thanks.’

‘Great. We’re over here by the terrace windows so it’s nice and cool.’

On the way to the table, Matt remarked, ‘Nice place. Nice job.’

‘It had been done up before Trev bought it, though you probably knew that.’

‘I heard but that was while I was living up country. The vibe is good … it looks different.’

‘For the better. If I’m honest, I thought it was a bit too big for its boots before. Stuffy with all those velvet couches and gold chairs in the function room.’ Wincing inwardly, she moved on rapidly. ‘It looks better with a coastal spa vibe.’

‘Yeah, I can see why he wanted to buy it,’ Matt said. She half expected a comment about Trev acquiring possessions but they’d reached the table and he said, ‘Here we are. Guys, I persuaded Zennor to join us.’

‘Hi there!’

Tyler and Yolande were snuggled up in the booth while Zennor took one of the swivel chairs next to Matt. She knew Yolande slightly and liked her. Tyler had been through a lot with the worries over his father, but tonight everyone was steering clear of anything stressful – for now, anyway.

While they talked, she caught Trev glancing over from the bar from time to time where he was chatting to the lead singer of the band. He managed a nod and smile but Zennor was sure it was for show. There was an undercurrent of tension that made her jittery – or was it her imagining something was about to kick off?

Yolande was tapping her fingers on the table as the pianist played the Nina Simone classic ‘My Baby Just Cares For Me’. There was an enthusiastic round of applause before the piano was wheeled back and the band began to set up their mics.

Matt and Tyler went to the bar while Yolande was deep in conversation with a friend. Zennor took her chance to congratulate the pianist and also wish the Driftstones luck.

‘Thanks,’ said Marielle, the vocalist. ‘Feeling a bit nervous if I’m honest.’ She did look twitchy, wringing her hands.

‘You’ll be fine. This crowd is on your side. They’re predisposed to love everything, especially since it’s for a good cause.’