Me:That makes sense. And in answer to your question, yes, at Whisper2Me I talk a lot about anticipation. I think it’s one of the easiest and most powerful ways for people to improve their love lives.

Him:Okay. So let me say this. I’ve been thinking about you all afternoon. In all my meetings. I can’t get you out of my head. I think I’m a little bit obsessed. And I can’t wait to see you.

His words make me glow.

Me:What a lovely thing to say. Are you still at work?

Him:No, I’ve just pulled up outside your house. And I’m about to knock on your door, so you’d better be ready.

“Eek!” I jump up and scurry out. Hana and Caro are in the kitchen, finishing off their pizzas. “He’s here,” I say breathlessly. “Do I look okay?”

“Absolutely amazing,” Hana states.

Caro smiles. “You’re going to knock his socks off. Now go back in the bedroom and we’ll let him in.”

Hana has already gone over to the window, and she peers out, then turns, jaw dropping. “Holy fuck. He’s got an Aston.”

“A what?”

“An Aston Martin! James Bond’s car. Wow. I’ve never seen one in real life. Oh, the passenger door’s opening and a guy is getting out. Is that him?”

I look over her shoulder, my heart banging as I watch him close the door and walk around the car. “Yeah.”

“He has a fucking chauffeur! I don’t believe it.”

Caro runs over to look. We all stare at him silently for a moment as he opens the small gate. Then Caro looks over at me with glittering eyes. “Sid… he’s gorgeous.”

“I know,” I say faintly.

“Go on,” she insists. “Into your room.”

I run away as fast as my heels will allow me, duck into my room, pull the door almost closed, and put my ear to the crack.

Mack rings the bell, and a few seconds later the door opens.

“Hello,” he says. “I’m looking for Sidnie.”

“She’s just finishing getting ready,” Caro replies. “Come in, please. I’m Caro, and this is Hana.”

“Pleased to meet you.” His deep voice sends a shiver running down my spine. “I’m sorry I’m early.”

“No, she’s ready, I think she’s just looking for her purse,” Caro says.

I grab the purse, take a deep breath, and go out. Mack is standing by the door, towering over Caro and Hana. He must be about six-foot-two. He’s wearing beige trousers, a navy jacket, and a blue-and-white-striped shirt with a navy tie. He looks young, handsome, smart, wealthy, and so sexy I’d have pushed him onto the carpet and done him there and then if we’d been alone in the house.

“Hello,” I say breathlessly.

He glances over, and his gaze brushes up me, taking in my outfit before ending at my hair. He gives me an impish smile.

“I did try to warn you,” I say.

“I love it.”

I try not to blush and cross the carpet to stand beside him. Even with my heels on, he’s much taller than me. Oh… how I love that.

“Back before midnight or you’ll turn into a pumpkin,” Caro says.

“It wasn’t Cinderella who turned into the pumpkin,” I remind her.