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The plotting shed became my editing hideaway. My neck ached from working on the book, forcing me to sit back in the chair. Writing the short story for the Heatherbridge Festival had taken a couple of days, but it was much easier to rework two thousand words rather than the eighty thousand I had to write for the novel. When I cut sections from the novel, plot lines unravelled. A flash of light reflected in the laptop screen through the gaps in the shutters. This had happened too many times for me to dismiss it, so I stood up. I looked out at the black night and was surprised to see a light flicker as if someone was shining a torch. Then there seemed to be a bright shock of light like the flash from a camera. ‘Hello,’ I shouted out at the night, unsure what I would do if anyone answered. On the way back to the house, I noticed light appeared to be shining in the garden of Oak Cottage, but the shutters were still firmly closed. Had someone approached Danny’s house from the meadow and used a torch to guide them? I moved a broom and gardening fork closer to the house in case there were thieves.

My pace increased. ‘Good, lass,’ I said to Bronte, hoping she would bark and growl at the disturbance.

Instead, she scratched at the fence and appeared to be digging a tunnel underneath to escape towards the danger zone. ‘Come on, Bronte. Let’s get going. Don’t worry, lass, he’ll be home from his black belt karate championships very soon,’ I said, hoping any burglar would think twice if he could visualise the neighbour I had dreamed up.

And then I heard a scrape and clatter in Danny’s garden. The garden chair on my patio provided an excellent step up for me to peer over the fence. There was a table beneath a pergola covered in fairy lights, and lanterns lit up the pathways. With his back to me, Danny stood next to the table placing a bottle of wine in the cooler. I ducked below the fence before Laura came outside to join the romantic scene.

‘I’ve seen you, Maisie Bloom. Come and join me.’

The giant gooseberry with auburn curls would end up sitting at the table drinking too much wine while lovebirds tweeted around the table. No way! ‘Hello, Danny. I’d rather not intrude. Thanks all the same. I’ve got to call my mentor at school. It’s urgent. Maybe another time. I was just checking everything was OK. Come along, Bronte.’

‘I didn’t realise the Karate Kid was squatting in my house. I’m terrified.’ His laughter seemed to come from his belly. ‘I’ve missed you, Maisie Bloom.’

‘That’s nice.’ It was not the time to say I missed him too in case Laura could hear. ‘Yes, Bronte, I know you’re hungry. I’m coming.’ Bronte refused to budge, but her tail wagged. The light in my dining room lit up my exit route.

‘She seems perfectly happy to me. I can hear her tail wagging against the fence.’ When his head peeped over the fence, I noticed blond curls had started to emerge on top of his head. ‘Are you trying to avoid me?’ he asked.

‘I don’t want to disturb you and Laura and play gooseberry,’ I confessed. ‘Thanks all the same.’ I managed not to allow a quiver to creep into my voice.

‘Laura isn’t here and won’t ever be coming back. I told you the relationship is well and truly over. We spent time developing the business before selling her share. When she came to Paris, she had a very low offer for her share of the company and I needed to act quickly. Mum did everything in her power to get us together but it’s over.’

His mother wanted them to be together, so it was bad news for me. The image of perfect Laura on the website whizzed through my mind. Having scanned her Facebook page, I knew she was still ‘in a relationship’. ‘Mothers usually know us best,’ I said, trying to end the conversation.

‘Actually, Mum realised she did not know what was best for me. Laura had been seeing one of the tennis instructors at the hotel, so Mum felt deceived and wanted to kick her out. I’ve been the mediator. Laura hoped to convince Mum to let her stay in the suite of rooms in the hotel, so she conveniently failed to tell her about the tennis coach and that’s another reason she also needed me to sort stuff out. Anyway, all’s well that ends well as I sold my shares in the company too, and they are employing me as a consultant for a while.’

Looking down to disguise my delight at the news they were no longer together, I decided to focus on his business news. ‘Congratulations on selling your business.’

‘Thanks, there are loose ends to tie up, but I’ll do that over the next six months. Enough of me! I’ve come back to see if we can start where we left off. I’ve got wine from the vineyard in Montmartre, and I bought local cheeses, paté and tapenade before I left so we can press rewind to our day in Paris. Please join me and explain why your career is on the rocks before it has started. I’ve really missed you, Maisie.’

‘I know, you said in your text messages. But you never called for a proper chat.’

‘Ouch! I thought we had something.’

‘We kissed, you left to be with your fiancée.’

‘I told you, Laura isn’t my fiancée, and the only link I had with her was the business. I like to talk face to face. Come over and we’ll talk properly.’ He combed his hand through his hair and frowned.

‘Can we do this tomorrow?’ Though it hurt to push back after all the waiting, I needed time to think. ‘I’ve got stuff on my mind and wouldn’t be a great friend at the moment. And it’s the Literature Festival tomorrow and I’ve been roped in.’ Proud of myself from referring to him as a friend and laying down a marker, I waited and stopped myself from babbling.

After a pause, he said, ‘I’ve bought food, and it needs to be eaten today.’

Everyone always assumed I was available. I made it too easy for Matt to turn up in the early days, rather than giving him the thrill of the chase like Connie. ‘You didn’t tell me you’d be here, and I’ve got plans.’

‘I thought I’d surprise you.’

‘You did.’

‘I’ve been an idiot, I apologise. Please come over and we’ll chat, even if it’s to discuss the other stuff on your mind. I haven’t stopped thinking about you and the way my head seemed to explode when we kissed.’

‘What?’ I loved that he had felt the same way as me.

‘You’re making me work really hard now and I’m beginning to sound really whiney. I’m a friend in need, and I got the impression you like to help people.’

To stop myself from grinning, I thought of the rejection from the literary agent and worried about the email from Charlotte at Heatherbridge High. ‘OK. I’ll come over.’ I had daydreamed about a romantic reunion and had to give him a chance. ‘But I do need to get up and do some stuff for the festival tomorrow,’ I added, ensuring I did not appear to have changed my mind too easily.

My hands shook as I opened the front door to Oak Cottage. The faded love heart still hanging on the door caught my eye, making me pause. Then I stepped inside, walked through the open plan area and took a deep breath. Outside the patio area was lit up like a Christmas tree. A little wobble in my knees already threatened my measured approach.

‘I’ve been setting up a lovely scene here. A getting to know each other party if you like,’ said Danny.

‘Looks like Christmas.’

‘Well, I thought you might be wearing your Christmas pyjamas again.’

So much for protecting myself from the crazy Maisie reputation. When I took the glass of wine presented to me, we clinked glasses. Danny moved forwards to kiss me, but my wobbly legs forced me to take a seat. On my feet again, I raised a glass and said, ‘Welcome back, Danny.’ I leaned forward to give him a peck on the cheek but kissed him smack bang on the lips.

Danny’s eyes lit up. ‘Wow! Lovely to be in Heatherbridge.’ This time he leaned forward, and his forehead managed to hit mine.

‘Ouch,’ I let out a nervous laugh.

He blushed and looked down at the ground. ‘May I say it’s wonderful to see the return of those wellies? Very fetching with the sports shorts.’

‘Oh, these old things.’ Ignoring Grant’s advice, I snorted with laughter. At this stage Grant would have started to trot around, neighing like a pantomime horse. ‘I know I look a state.’ I was about to spend the next few minutes drawing attention to my faults and reeled them in.

‘I prefer you in these clothes to the Paris ensemble. I like the fact you are not afraid to be you, unlike Laura who was always competing with everyone.’

‘Oh!’ I wasn’t sure what to say to the comment that seemed to be cloaked in a kind of compliment. And I did not want to be compared to Laura.

Danny studied my face as if trying to interpret the pause. ‘Anyway, I’ve never felt so comfortable with anyone as I have with you.’

As I glanced down at my oversized clothes and wellies, I felt like a ‘comfortable’ pair of slippers and a wave of disappointment hit me like a tsunami. Annoyed I had rushed over at the drop of a hat, I glanced at my mobile phone to suggest I was waiting for a call. ‘I can’t stay long, I’m afraid. I do have to make a phone call to my mentor, Charlotte, in school. I think I have probably failed before I begin.’ My words chugged out like a train speeding out of control. It was a relief to talk to someone, rather than chatting to Bronte who simply was not interested in my life unless it involved food and walks.

‘Sit down, let’s talk. You’re probably worrying about nothing. I didn’t realise you worried so much.’

‘I worry about everything.’ It was on the tip of my tongue to tell him about the jitters running through my body right now. My knee touched his when I sat down, preventing me from keeping the distance between us.

‘I’m sorry. I’m nervous and approaching this all wrong.’ He scratched his head. ‘I’ve missed you. And what I want to say is…’ He studied my face, and I noticed the hint of green in his blue eyes.

I had lost count of the times I scrolled through the selfies of us in Paris where we resembled a happy couple. And I concluded that we did look good together, but any children would probably have masses of curly hair. What a time for this to pop in my head. ‘It’s been a long time.’

‘Have you missed me?’

He was on my mind as soon as I opened my eyes on a morning. ‘Yes,’ I whispered, concentrating on the tea light burning in the centre of the table.

‘Are you OK? You don’t seem yourself. Is something on your mind?’ He rubbed his temples.

‘In the village there were rumours of you selling Oak Cottage, so I figured you’d moved on and I needed to get over you.’

Lines appeared on his forehead as he contemplated what I’d said. ‘Move on… No. I haven’t stopped thinking of the last day we had together. Laura is unpredictable so I had to make sure she didn’t undersell the business. I had to sever all ties with Laura so I could make a fresh start here with you. I’m staying right here. Please forgive me, Maisie.’ His tone was genuine and connected with me.

‘OK. I’ll try but …’

‘But I’ll need to earn your trust. I get it! Your ex let you down and then I behaved like an ass.’ He poured us both some more wine. ‘To us,’ he said, raising his glass. ‘Maybe the food and wine will transport us back to the evening that was stolen from us.’

Memories of the evening in Robert’s apartment sent a rush of dizziness to my head, forcing me to hold onto the arms of the garden chair as if I was about to embark on a fairground ride.

‘What do you say? Shall we try the food and see what happens?’ Danny’s raspy voice sounded sexy. He looked so sad.

‘Erm. OK.’ Bronte eased herself under the table and rested on my feet. ‘Let’s eat.’

Danny ripped the baguette into pieces, and I cut the cheese and arranged other items on our plates. We spread paté and tapenade liberally on the bread and chatted between large mouthfuls of food. He told me how his mother sobbed when she realised he would not marry Laura but was furious when she discovered Laura had betrayed them both.

‘I’ve been miserable without you, Maisie,’ complained Danny.

It felt liberating to let his confession linger in the air for a few seconds as I considered how his mother had sobbed. ‘Mum jumped for joy when I ditched Matt.’

‘Laura and I were together since we were kids, so Mum got used to her being around, I guess. You’re not the same person at thirteen and thirty. Can we rewind back to the last day together in Paris? It was amazing.’ He stepped towards me.

‘It was the best day ever. But it was three months ago and …’

‘You need time to … Let’s just enjoy each other’s company, shall we?’

‘Yes. Good idea.’

As the hours passed, I relaxed, letting a warm fuzziness surround me like a gentle hug and we chatted about how important it was to find a job you loved and how you had to make time for the simple stuff in life. My instinct told me to trust Danny again. Though I could have stayed longer, Bronte nudged my hand and barked, telling me she wanted to go home. It was good to end the evening feeling so happy. ‘Bronte wants to go. Probably time I made a move and went home, Danny. It’s been a lovely evening. I’m pleased we’ve had chance to talk.’

‘Do you have to go?’

Bronte jumped up at the kitchen door and it opened.

As we approached his front door, he took my hand.

I felt the warmth of his fingers entangled with mine. Now the physical contact sent a jolt through my body, placing my senses on high alert.

Danny blocked the door. ‘There appears to be a problem. Have you glued me to this spot?’ he asked. ‘I’m afraid you can’t go home. Not yet. I can’t let you leave, sorry.’ Mischief shone in his eyes.

My heart and breathing were galloping, but I remained calm, gazing at him directly. ‘I should get back. Bronte’s likes her own bed and so do I.’ I smiled playfully.

‘Have some coffee, please. You can let Bronte into your house and stay for a while longer. My friend made a film of Paris I’d like you to watch. I’ve got some of your favourite biscuits.’

‘OK but remember it’s the Heatherbridge Literature Festival in the morning so I need some sleep. I’ve still got to organise the packs of children’s goodie book bags.’

I sat on the black leather sofa. Traditional French accordion music filled the room. The television was not visible in the room, so I had no idea where to look. And then I realised the photo inside a large gold frame above the fireplace was a TV. The Eiffel Tower was a silhouette against the sunrise and the title of ‘Remember Paris’ dropped down into the centre of the screen. Daylight transformed the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower and was followed by a photo of the square where Robert lived. Now I was in the frame looking up at the bistro.

‘You were so cute in this shot,’ said Danny. ‘I love the way you frown when you’re being serious.’ He smoothed his hand over my forehead. ‘But this photo is my favourite…’

It was the very same photo I had been viewing repeatedly on my phone. We were sitting at the bistro table with our noses almost touching as if we were in love.

‘I wanted to kiss you there and then,’ he said. ‘But Robert was watching us, and it felt wrong.’ His honesty made my heart sing.

The photo story worked through a sequence of shots and paused on the steps of the cathedral.

‘I did enjoy carrying you up the steps to the cathedral but had to be careful I held you by the legs rather than your bottom. You held on so tightly I thought you’d strangle me.’

‘I was uncomfortable because we were so close to each other, and I worried you would buckle under my weight.’

‘Don’t be daft. I’m very strong.’ He flexed his muscles, inviting me to touch them.

I squeezed his arm, then planted the back of my hand on my forehead and pretended to faint.

As the music continued, we chatted about the last day together. I loved the way Danny was so open about his feelings and just listened to me when I explained how Matt had treated me badly. Hand on his chest he said, ‘I promise I’ll never break your heart.’ And then we simply snuggled up on the sofa.

Companionable silence wrapped around us, and I laid my head on Danny’s chest, allowing my legs to tangle with his. We drifted off to sleep.

When I awoke, Danny was snoring lightly, so I got up carefully and looked for the coffee machine in his shiny kitchen. I returned with two enormous blue cups and saucers full of delicious coffee.

He grabbed my hand and pulled me back onto the sofa. I tucked my legs up beside me until they became numb and then stretched them across Danny’s lap. Reddish tones of sunrise pushed their way into the window, and shadows danced across the white walls of the room. Silence of the morning held us tightly. Now our lips fitted together, and the clumsiness of the previous evening was banished. Warmth raged through me, melting any resistance. My senses went into overdrive when he kissed my neck, and my body searched for a way to connect with Danny. As if aware of this, he lifted his arms, inviting me to remove his T-shirt but I struggled because his arms seemed too long.

I removed my aunt’s blouse and the shorts that were now sticking to me.

Danny threw his T-shirt and shorts on the floor. Sight of his toned slender body made me fold my arms across my chest, and I glanced down at my knickers covered in multicoloured spots and breathed in to hold in my stomach a little. I regretted the impulsive purchase from Heatherbridge Stores because I’d forgotten to do my washing.

‘You’re so beautiful, Maisie. Stop hiding.’

I pointed to the huge knickers. ‘These are my editing knickers. They’re very comfortable.’

‘Really? Yes, I can see there’s plenty of room to store the manuscript.’ He raised an eyebrow and waited for me to make the next move.