Page 88 of The House on Sunset Lake

His heart was racing, but he knew he had to go through with this.

‘I’m here to tell you something. Something I should have told you twenty years ago.’

The warmth faded from her smile.

‘What is it?’

‘I’m in love with you, Jen,’ he said simply.

A dialogue had gone on over and over in his head in the cab on the way here, but now that he was standing in front of her, it was quite simple, and with those first ice-breaking words he felt braver and bolder than ever.

‘I’ve loved you for twenty years and I’ve been on my own ever since, because no one can ever match up to you.’

Her face crumpled. ‘But you’re not alone, Jim. What about Sarah?’

‘Sarah knows,’ he replied, shaking his head. ‘Sarah was the one who told me to come and finally be honest about how I feel.’

Jennifer looked at him sceptically.

‘Look, we’re not together any more. We can’t be. I only asked you to set me up with someone as a way to keep in touch with you. And that’s the problem. Sarah is a great girl, but she’s not you.’

She closed her eyes, breathed in through her nose.

‘Jim, I’m married. You know that.’

He knew his next words were a risk.

‘He doesn’t deserve you, Jen . . .’

‘That’s not for you to decide,’ she said, blinking hard.

‘Isn’t it?’

‘No.’

As she spoke, her eyes flickered fearfully to the side, and Jim didn’t need to turn to know that Connor was behind him. He watched the other man take in the scene.

‘What’s going on here? Jim, I know you want to speak to me about RedReef, but really, this isn’t the time or the place.’

Jim knew there was no turning back now.

‘Tell Jennifer where you were on Tuesday, Connor.’

Connor blanched, eyes flicking to his wife.

‘I was in meetings all day.’

‘Out of town?’

‘Yes, in Southampton if you must know. A client of mine has a place out there.’ There was a quaver of anxiety in his voice. ‘Look, what’s going on?’

Jim glared at him. ‘I thought you’d have more balls than that.’

He saw Connor’s back stiffen, but he ignored it and turned to Jennifer.

‘When he finally tells you where he was, I think you’ll understand what I’m saying. Why you deserve better than him.’

Jennifer looked at Connor. ‘What’s he talking about? Tell me.’