There was much discussion up in the suite about where the evening meal should be; Ted solved the problem by nipping down to the staff quarters (where he preferred to stay), and getting a straw poll from those who preferred to eat out rather than in.  He came back with three restaurant suggestions, one of which was immediately discounted because of Diana’s dislike of lemongrass. The final choice was between a curry house or an Italian restaurant.  Pizza and pasta triumphed. Ted volunteered to drive everyone in the Bentley; Mike and Mark played scissors, paper, rock for the front seat and Mark won.  Danny promised not to make Mike feel like a gooseberry in the back of the car, and Diana decided to sit in the middle so that she could pick Mike’s brains as well as hold Danny’s hand.

Before any of that could happen, Diana had texts and phone calls to make, and it wasn’t going to be easy.  Mike had shown her the revised contract, and to be fair, there were plenty of get out clauses if anything went wrong between Danny and herself.  Danny took her into what should have been his bedroom and pulled her down onto the bed beside him.

“May as well get some use out of the bed,” he said.  “Rest here and read through the contract, and if there’s anything that worries you, just yell and I’ll come running.  Do you want to make your phone calls from here as well? I’ll see to it that you aren’t disturbed, but again, let me know if anything upsets you.  More than anything my love, I want this to work.”

He put his arms around her and held her very tight. It was the confirmation that she needed that this wasn’t just one of Danny’s mad spontaneous ideas. It was becoming a reality.

“What happens tomorrow, Danny?” she asked.

“That’s what Mike and I are going to talk about.  We need to look at my schedule before we can make any plans.  We’ll work around things and come up with some solutions, but whatever happens, you and I will be together. Remember, if you need me, just call.”

He kissed her with a tenderness that had no hidden agenda, and left the room.  Diana looked around her, this bedroom was far more spacious but rather over-decorated compared to the one she had been staying in.  She preferred her room, and smiled at its very happy memories.  And so, it seemed, did Danny. She sat down on the bed and had another quick look through the contract before texting Caroline, Ben and Jane to see if they were free for a chat.  She didn’t text Helen; she knew that she would be home, a car accident six years ago had left her in a wheelchair, and getting out of the house required massive advance planning. While Diana had done her best to be there and provide support after the accident, John and Helen had never got on, and it was only once she had separated from him that Diana felt able to rekindle her friendship with Helen properly.

“Hello you.  Are you back home from your fundraiser yet?” asked Helen.

“Not yet.  How are you?”

“I’m okay.  A bit bored so your phone call has brightened up my day.  What have you been up to?”

Starting with the mutual smiles on Friday evening, Diana told Helen everything, and as each new revelation was revealed, Helen’s responses grew more ecstatic. “Wow!  Is Danny Boy really as difficult as he’s made out to be? And to think that I bought you a vibrator!  You certainly won’t need it now!”

“He is lovely, Helen. Kind, sweet, and very funny.  I’ve seen a little of the celebrity stuff but his team are very good at handling him.  Gosh, that includes me as well now.  We’re all going out to dinner tonight to get to know each other better, but Mike, Danny’s manager says that there are other staff dotted around the country in different places as well.”

“What kind of places?”

“I don’t know the details but there’s a big house near you in the Cotswolds, and an apartment in London apparently.  The house in LA is in the process of being sold because Danny doesn’t want to live in the US any more.  I’ve got a contract to sign in order to be his PA, and Mike is in the process of buying our house and putting it into a trust for Ben and Caroline so that John can’t touch it.  It will also be my bolthole if things go wrong.”

“Do you think that they will?  It’s very early days to be making such drastic decisions.”

“I have to admit Helen, that no one has ever made me feel the way that Danny does.  I don’t just mean the making love side of it either.  He says that he is falling for me, and I feel the same.  Am I just being a silly middle-aged woman?”

“No.  You are a wonderful woman who has spent your life pandering to John’s whims and protecting your children from his nastiness.  If ever a woman deserved something wonderful to happen, it’s you!  Have you told the kids yet?”

“You first.  You’ve given me the courage to explain it to them.  They’ve both texted back so I’ll call them now.  I’ll keep you posted about where I am. Fingers crossed.”

Diana called Ben first.  His initial reaction was to go online, look at Danny’s profile and check out some of his programmes.  He was pleased that his graphic designs had been appreciated, and that his Dad wasn’t going to get his greedy mitts on their house.  He gave his blessing.

Caroline laughed to find that her well-behaved mother was having an affair with an infamous person. “Dad is going to absolutely die when he finds out.  Are you going to tell him?  Can I watch?”

“There’s a strong possibility that I may be on the front pages as Danny’s mystery woman in the morning.  The police have sanctioned media publicity once Debbie’s been moved to a safe place, but we know that Simon is still in the country. I had my best dress on in the pictures, but I’m rapidly running out of clean clothes.  Do hotels still have laundries?”

“Mum, you are an absolute innocent at times.  Yes, they do have laundries so get off the phone and get your clothes sorted out.  I shall watch the news with interest and bask in the glowing reflection of your new found fame.  Ben and I love you heaps, and it’s brilliant that something special is happening for you after all that you’ve put up with.  I’m pleased about Dad being bought out of the house particularly. Have fun!”

Jane was rather shell-shocked at Diana’s news but very pleased that there was no way that John would ever be living next door.  The cat was asleep on her lap again.

Diana got off the bed and stuck her head around the door. “I’ve spoken to them all, and they are amazed but very supportive.  Ben’s going to binge-watch your programmes, Danny.  Lovely phone calls, but I have even more questions now.  Caroline says I should send my clothes down to the hotel laundry before I run out, but I didn’t exactly pack much in the first place.”

Quick as a flash, Danny was up and pulling her down next him on the sofa, assuring her that they had a better idea of what was happening now in the short term.

“We can get your laundry done as a priority, you go down to our room and bag it up, and it will be ready by the morning.  The hospital phoned to say that Debbie has been safely sent off to the new hospital, and not a moment too soon, as a young man in dark glasses and a baseball cap turned up pretending to be her boyfriend.  She’d already left but the receptionist kept him talking on the pretence of checking if Debbie was awake, and in the meantime, they called the police.  He got suspicious though, and legged it before the police arrived. DI Willis has given the go-ahead for some publicity now, and Mike is contacting some of our friendly journos and paparazzi to meet us at the restaurant, ask a few questions and take a few photos. Sounds like fun, eh?”

Danny grinned.

Diana frowned. “What am I going to wear?”

“We are all going as we are – casual dress.  You can put on some lippy and let your hair down, but otherwise, you will do us proud.  Won’t she lads?”

The response was a rousing cheer that made Diana laugh and forget her worries.  Dinner tonight was sorted, and tomorrow would take care of itself – once she’d sorted out her laundry.

Still feeling rather unreal, Diana went back to her room on the way downstairs to pick up her handbag. The team building event in the main conference room had just finished and people were filing out into reception to pay their bar bills, collect their luggage, and find a space in one of the minibuses heading back to the station.  Diana caught sight of Alice and waved at her; she came over and formal introductions were made. 

“You aren’t coming back on the train then?” asked Alice.

“No.” said Danny. “Diana and I are going to visit the member of my staff who was attacked last night.  She’s in hospital.”

“Oh. We heard that there was an incident, but we were all advised not to ask questions because the police were involved,” said Alice.  “It was nice to meet you both anyway, and I hope the young woman feels better soon. Bye.”

Diana noticed that Alice was headed back towards the man from Scotland that she had spent most of the weekend with.  Diana still couldn’t remember his name.  Danny grabbed her hand, and walked out to the car park where Ted was waiting next to the Bentley and holding the passenger door open.  Mike had obviously sent a swift message saying that they were on the way.  Sitting next to Danny in the back seat brought back those butterflies that she’d felt last time she had been in the Bentley.  This time, after fastening her seat belt for her, Danny followed it up by taking her face in his hands and kissing her; it was different type of kiss, not an affectionate peck, nor a precursor to making love, but a kiss that made her feel that above all, he was very happy to be with her.  The barriers between her old life and this new one, were very gradually tumbling down.

“I know you haven’t signed the contract yet,” said Danny. “But I have a job for you when we get to the hospital.  If Debbie is fit to be moved, I would definitely like her to go to a private hospital with security as soon as possible – just in case Simon turns up.  I think that was your idea anyway? Given your experience, it might be easier for you to do the arranging, and get Debbie’s consent in as gentle a way as possible. I’d like her to be moved within reasonable distance of the house in the Cotswolds.  Could you do that?”

Diana nodded.  This was more familiar ground; she often had to arrange for patients to be moved from hospitals to the hospice, and knew that it was an area that had to be dealt with compassionately and with discretion.  Mike had given Danny a list of private hospitals that fit the bill, and Diana scanned it thoroughly before picking out two that might be appropriate.

“I’d like to talk to the staff who’ve been looking after her first, just to find out what kind of treatment she needs, and what they think of these two hospitals.  Things often look good on paper but may have incidents that they want to keep hidden.  Mike mentioned finding a job for Debbie somewhere, you’ will stick to that promise, won’t you?”

“Of course, we will.  You take the lead on this, and we’ll do what you recommend.  Even if you are being my PA, I can still kiss you, can’t I?”

“As much, and as often as you want to.  You really are the best kisser I’ve ever met.  Will we have to be discreet in public though?”

“I’ve never been known for my discretion, and once the news gets out about the rape and the burglary, we may find ourselves very much in the public eye.  DI Willis has insisted on a media blackout until tomorrow in order to give them more chance to catch Simon before he can get out of the country. You’ll probably want to talk to your children once you’ve signed on the dotted line.  What do you think John will say when he looks in the paper and sees pictures of you and me at the charity auction?”

“He’ll die!”  Diana giggled. “Well, not literally but the thought of his dowdy, boring frump of an ex-wife on the arm of a famous sportsman and celebrity will definitely take the wind out of his sails.  Oh, to be a fly on the wall!”

Danny looked down at the floor, and his grip on her hand loosened. “Is that what I am?” he said a little sadly.

“No!” she replied, bringing his hand to her lips this time. “That’s who you were on Friday night when Alice described you to me.  Then you turned around and you smiled.  From that moment on, you became a real person, someone I wanted to meet properly, someone who gave me butterflies, noticed that I’d missed out on lunch during the fundraising event, and who has made me understand what making love is all about.  Oh! Can Ted hear all this?  Am I being indiscreet?”

“You never need to worry about his discretion,” said Danny, hugging her.  “There’s a screen between the front seats and the back, with an intercom. Do you really mean what you said then?  All of it?”

“Would I be sitting here beside you and considering embarking on a new career as your PA if I didn’t mean it? Perhaps we really are falling for each other? I hope so, Danny.”

He took that as a cue for another kiss that took her breath away and set the butterflies zooming around again. The car pulled into the hospital car park; Ted stopped by the entrance, coughed discreetly, and opened the passenger doors.

“Parking is a bit tight round here.  I’ll drop you off at reception and park up somewhere else for the time being.”

“Good idea. I’ll text you before we leave.” said Danny, taking Diana by the hand, and walking into the hospital with the confidence of one who knows that he will be instantly recognised.

He was.

“Good afternoon, Mr Vincent.  Pleased to meet you.” said the receptionist.

“Danny, please. I don’t do formal.” he said, “We’ve come to see Debbie, this is Diana, my partner.  She’s a nurse and will be having a chat about Debbie’s future care.” 

“Oh yes, we’ve been monitoring visitors since she was brought in but …”

“I know.” said Diana.  “You aren’t here to provide security.  I want to talk to Debbie about getting her moved to a private hospital so that no one else is inconvenienced or put at risk.”

A nurse came down to take them to Debbie’s room.  Just as Mike had promised, it was full of flowers and cuddly toys, with Debbie looking very small in the large hospital bed.  She had two black eyes, and her neck bore the imprints of Simon’s large hands. When she saw Diana and Danny, she managed a little smile, which increased when Diana very gently put her arms around her and kissed her on the cheek.  Danny came round the other side of the bed, took up one of Debbie’s scratched and battered hands and kissed it.

“You came.” Debbie said. “Both of you. Thank you.”

“No need for thanks, sweetheart.  You’re one of the family now, and we’ll make sure that you’re being well looked after.  The trouble is, this hospital doesn’t have enough security to keep you safe, and I’m afraid Simon is still on the run.  If you agree to it, we’d like to get you moved to a place where you’ll have time and space to recover without any worries.  Once you feel up to it, we’ll find you a job where you don’t have to run around at the beck and call of some grumpy and unreasonable boss.”

That raised another glimmer of a smile.  “Who’s going to be your PA though, Danny?  Will Mike have to start interviewing again?”

“You’re looking at her.” said Diana, pulling a face.  “My first job is to get things sorted out for you.  Are you okay if I go and talk to the staff?  Danny will stay with you till I come back.”

Debbie nodded, and if Danny had any doubts, they were dispelled as she squeezed his hand.  “I like Diana. She’s so kind.  Excuse me asking but are you two – you know – are you together now?”

“Very much so,” he nodded and grinned. “Not only is Diana kind, she’s no pushover either.  I think I’ll have to behave myself in future, but I have the feeling that I’m going to enjoy it. She’ll take some of the weight off Mike’s back anyway. One thing that you need to remember though Deb, is that there’s no time limit on us looking after you.  The private hospital we’ve got in mind is close to my house in the Cotswolds so we can come and visit you more often once we leave the hotel. I think it will be easier in there, they have spas and indoor swimming pools.  The food is much better as well.”

“I heard that!” said the nurse who came back into the room with Diana.  “We’ve made some arrangements and I think you’ll be physically well enough to move this afternoon.  You’ll go by ambulance, and yes, the place you are going to has all of those things, and in addition, you will be much safer. I suppose I’d better start getting your things together. I’m afraid you’ll have to travel in a hospital gown but Diana has arranged for the hospital to get you some nice clothes to wear.”

Danny kissed Debbie on the cheek, managing to miss her black eye, Diana gave her another of those motherly hugs and whispered, “Things will be okay darling, I’ll see to that.  I’ve given my mobile number to the staff, and if you need anything, or if you just want to talk, text me?”

“I will.  I just wish I hadn’t been so nasty to you.”

“Debbie, I have a daughter just a bit younger than you, and she has been very mean to me at times, but I still love her and I always will.  We’ll come and see you once you’ve settled in.”

They waved good bye at the door and Danny, not content with just holding hands, put his arm around Diana’s shoulders and hugged her, while trying to send a text to Ted.  He must have parked some distance away, as there was no sign of the Bentley outside.  Diana thought she saw a familiar face out in the car park though, and tugged at Danny’s arm.

“It’s Simon! Over there behind those trees!” she whispered.

“Little bastard!”

Diana held onto Danny’s arm, and prevented him from running after Simon. 

“No!  Call the police and let them know that we’ve seen him.  Debbie is safe for now, and we know that he’s still in the country at least.  I’ll go back in and warn the staff that we’ve seen him in the grounds.  You phone Mike and get him to contact the DI direct.  And Danny…”

“Yes?”

“Stay here.  Stay safe please?”

“Yes, Boss!”

After Diana had been back to speak to the nurse on reception, Ted arrived and drove them very slowly around the car park to see if Simon was still there.

“He’d have to be pretty stupid to hang about if he’s seen the Bentley,” said Danny.  “Bloody good job Ted keeps the keys with him, or the miserable little toad might have pinched our car as well. Oh, text from Mike – do we want to eat in tonight or go out?  We have a choice of the hotel restaurant, eating in the suite, going out as a group, or going out just the two of us?  Your choice, Diana?”

“It would be nice to go out as a group,” she said, smiling at the thought.  “The hotel food is okay but… and I get you all to myself at night anyway – barring any more excitement. I hate the smell and taste of lemongrass though, so I’d rather not eat in a Thai restaurant if possible.”

“Good choice.  A bit of team bonding.  I take it that you have decided to join our team then?”

“I need to let Caroline and Ben know, and Jane and Helen.”

“We won’t be going out until seven-ish; plenty of time to let everyone know.  Not telling John?”

“He can find out the hard way.  You know he’ll try and bump up the price of the house once he knows who you are.”

“We’ll get Mike to liaise with your solicitor. Mike can be very sneaky about these things. Do you realise that I haven’t actually kissed you since we left the hospital, and we’re nearly back at the hotel now?” 

It sounded very good to Diana, and by the time they had dressed, tidied up the bed, and Danny had grabbed her for another kiss in the lift, the penthouse now contained an extensive lunch buffet.  With some level of self-control, neither Mike nor Mark had begun to fill their plates.   Danny poked his head around the hallway door, grinned and said, “Tuck in lads, but make sure you leave some for me and Diana.”

They needed no further invitation; always a true gentleman, Mike obtained a plate and paper napkin, and handed them to Diana with a rather shy smile.

“Can we talk after lunch?” he asked quietly.  “Danny looks very happy, so I think we have quite a lot to discuss.  Don’t look so worried, Diana.  If Danny is happy, we’re all happy.”

“Are you talking about me again Mike?” said Danny as he poured two glasses of fruit juice, filled up his plate, and sat down at the table pulling out the chair next to him for Diana. Although her appetite had been sorely affected on other occasions, the comfortable atmosphere in the room encouraged her to tuck in, and even tap Danny’s hand when he tried to pinch a sandwich from her plate.  He laughed in response and planted a very audible kiss on her cheek. Mike was right, Danny looked very happy.

 Once the team had finished eating, Mike handed Danny a sheaf of papers to look at, and beckoned Diana to come over and sit with him by the patio window that looked out onto the rain-soaked grounds of the hotel.

“I’ve just given Danny a copy of the standard employee contract,” said Mike.  “I’m expecting it to come back with numerous crossings out, and scribbled notes, because you are a far from standard employee. While he’s scribbling, there are a couple of other things that I need to let you know about.  Are you okay with that?  I know that this is a bit sudden, but that’s Danny.  He makes his mind up quickly, and we are all used to reacting to his ideas – and usually refining them.”

“And are you okay with this idea, Mike?” Diana asked.

“I doubt if he’s mentioned it,” said Mike quietly. “But Danny’s wife Lisa is – was my sister.  She introduced me to Danny after I’d finished studying for a business degree at university. That was fifteen years ago, and between us, we supported and guided Danny through the difficult times and helped him to become a success in the US. Lisa became ill; she went through chemo and various treatments for cancer.  Danny was doing a lot of television work in LA at the time, so we were both there for her but it took its toll on us.  I suppose we are more like family than most managers and their clients. I’ve been trying to get Danny back on track since Lisa died, but his heart hasn’t been in it.  We had work to finish up in LA, but had to rent another place to live because their house held too many memories for him. Everything personal was removed and most of it was shipped to the new house in the Cotswolds but we’ve only stayed there for a couple of days in all.  This is the first really big event Danny’s attended and I was dreading it. It was quite a struggle getting the book written and published; we had to get a ghost writer in because some of it was too painful for him to talk about. I remember it all though so I could fill in most of the gaps. If you haven’t had the chance to read the book yet, don’t rush, it would be better to get to know the Danny of today, rather than the bad boy that he used to be. For the first time in ages, Diana, I’ve seen him laughing, cracking jokes and making decisions rather than just shrugging his shoulders and flicking through the sports channels on TV.  You’ve made the difference, and the Danny that we love, admire, and who annoys the hell out of us all has come back.  I know that it won’t be easy working for, and being in a personal relationship with him, but if you are willing to adapt, it can be done.  What do you think?”

Diana had put her hand over Mike’s when he began to talk about Lisa.  A simple gesture, but the way in which he responded, with a smile and a reciprocal squeeze, was the sealing of their friendship.  She took in a deep breath and smiled back at him.

“To be honest, I don’t have a great deal to lose now. My children are away, I have some friends at home, but my husband has been spreading stories that paint him as the victim in the divorce, added to which, he’s had affairs with most of the women.  The others just see me as a deserted wife, and pity me.  My neighbour Jane, and my oldest friend Helen, are the only people that I trust nowadays. My main worry is that this is a very physical thing between me and Danny at the moment.  What happens if – well – that wears off, or if someone more attractive and younger comes along?”

Mike squeezed her hand again, and shook his head. “Danny was always faithful to Lisa, no matter how glamorous the temptations were.  When she died, he went off the rails a bit, and a great deal of my time was spent disentangling him from clingy females who saw him as a good catch.  He can’t keep his hands off you, that’s true, but we’re talking about him hugging and kissing you as well, not just sex.  These are all signs of real affection as far as I know, rather than just rampant lust.  No need to go into the rampant lust bit – we’ll keep that between the two of you, I guess you both have some lost time to make up for.  He sees something in you that makes him feel real again.  Don’t underestimate what you are doing for him – and for the rest of us as well.  If you become Danny’s PA, I can take a break from trawling through rubbish CVs, worse than mindless interviews, and apologising for Danny’s grumpiness.  When Debbie’s better, we can find her a job where she can have time to recover, but only when she feels up to it.  She’s a part of the team and we’ll pay for anything that she needs.”

“That’s something else I feel bad about.” said Diana.  “Danny didn’t really lose his voice, and I lied about the viral infection.  If I hadn’t done that, Danny would have done the auction and Simon might not have been given the opportunity to hurt Debbie and steal the auction goods.”

“Did you really think anyone believed you?” Mike roared with laughter. “I had Simon lined up as a standby anyway; we know that Danny hated these auctions, and you gave him a way of backing out gracefully.  Simon is a chancer, and I’m sure that he had Debbie sussed out as a weak link from the start.  He would have made a beeline for her at some stage anyway. You looked after her last night, and advised us on what we should be doing.  Whatever talents Danny has spotted in you – and I’m sure that you have many – your ability to deal with that situation showed how well you could take on the role of Danny’s PA. Keep him happy, keep him busy and if in doubt, talk to me.  You can ask me about anything; and before you even entertain the thought, you are not replacing Lisa in Danny’s life nor mine. You both have the ability to empathise and understand people, but physically you are totally different, and you are in a far better position to support Danny when he really needs it.  One of Lisa’s greatest regrets was that they couldn’t have children. Danny isn’t particularly paternal; his own childhood was a mess but he knew how much having a family meant to Lisa.   She went for tests eventually, and that’s when they found out how ill she was.  You have children, don’t you?”

“Two, although they aren’t exactly children now.  Ben is almost twenty, and studying graphic art and design, Caroline has just turned eighteen and is doing a combined degree in English literature and history.  Neither of them approved of their father’s behaviour; I’m not sure they’ll approve of mine now.”

“You need to be kinder to yourself, Diana and trust that Danny sees something in you that makes him feel safe and happy.  Did you ever read Winnie the Pooh with your children?”

“I know what you’re about to say Mike,” said Diana, smiling at the memory.  “Yes, Danny is definitely Tigger! But Tigger was extremely lovable even if he was a pain at times!” She and Mike laughed together as yet another aspect of Danny’s personality was revealed.

“Yes, there are times when he behaves like a stroppy adolescent, but as we saw with poor Debbie, you have a wealth of experience in that area!” said Mike, lowering his voice. “Danny hates getting dressed up and tends to wander around with as little on as possible if he can get away with it.  It took Lisa and me years to get him to be more civilised; I try not to nag about shoes and socks too much but you’ll have noticed that he often needs some prompting. He’s coming over with your contract. I have another one here that I’ve amended – let’s see how well they match up?”

Danny pulled up a chair next to Diana and handed the contract to Mike, who held it in one hand, and his own version in the other. He laughed, and showed them both to Diana; with the main exception that Mike’s handwriting was more legible than Danny’s, they looked identical. Diana took Mike’s copy and examined it more closely.  Danny shuffled his chair closer and leaned over her shoulder, putting his hand on her knee and squeezing it gently.

“Clothes allowance!” exclaimed Diana, “I’ve never had one of those before.  Nurses’ uniforms are part of the package, and everything else comes out of my wages.  I know I’m not exactly a fashion plate but is there anything wrong with my clothes, Danny?”

“You are as gorgeous in them, as you are out of them, my love, and if you look more closely, you’ll see that both Mike and I have crossed that bit through, and replaced it with a company credit card so that you can buy what you want whenever you need it. That way if we have any events to go to, and a new outfit is required, you can just go out and get it.  My only rider is that I don’t have to go with you – I hate shopping, especially clothes shopping.”

Diana was still looking shell-shocked; Mike and Danny exchanged meaningful looks, and Mike got up from his seat. “I’ll consolidate these two and put together another document for you to read Diana.  Do you feel up to visiting Debbie now?  Ted’s been on standby since lunch.”

“Who is Ted?” asked Diana, looking around the suite and not seeing anyone that she didn’t know. “Ted is our chauffeur.” said Danny.  “You met him on Saturday when we came back from the fundraising do.  Sometimes he drives the Bentley, but he also drives the minibus when we need it.  He prefers the Bentley, and so do I.  We can talk some more on the way?”

Danny sat on the sofa and pulled Diana down next to him.

“A detective turned up and wanted to ask a load of questions.  I should have sent Mark down to get you, but it all got very complicated and we ended up talking about my sport and TV programmes instead.  Then I realised that my watch was still on your bedside table and I’d been gone ages. I’m so sorry!” 

“It’s okay now you’re back,” said Diana “But there’s something that’s been puzzling me. Why was the jewellery in Debbie’s safe rather than upstairs with you and the others in the penthouse?”

“Most of the stuff I bought was in our safe, but in a misguided attempt to make Debbie feel important, we asked her to keep some of the jewellery and smaller stuff in her own room safe.  Mike and I thought giving her a bit of responsibility would help her to feel a part of the team. Not one of our best decisions. Come back upstairs with me, Diana? Please?”

“Of course, I will,” she smiled as a sense of relief put everything back into perspective again.   “I just got into a bad place texting Caroline and John, and talking to my next-door neighbour Jane.  It pushed last night out of my mind, and all I could think about was going home and hiding under the duvet.  I’m sorry.  I should have trusted you.  I’m not very good with trust at the moment.”

“All that matters is that I got back here in time.  Do you still want to go home now?”

Diana shook her head and relaxed as his arms tightened around her.

“Caroline’s on her way back to Uni, Jane has the legal stuff in case John turns up again – and I’ve told him what she’s prepared to do.  Even the cat is managing very well without me.  Jane said that he was asleep on her lap. He never sleeps on mine.  So, it seems that I don’t have much to go back to at the moment.  Do you still want me to stay, Danny?”

‘More than anything that I’ve wanted for a long time,” he said, holding her even closer. “Leave things here and come upstairs with me.  I think you’ll like Detective Inspector Willis.  We’re on first name terms now; he’s called Sam and he was very impressed with your quick-thinking last night. He was less impressed when I told him about the texts and voicemail you’d received from your ex, but that’s a different matter.”

Danny stood up and pulled Diana to her feet; he picked her up and whirled her around, laughing as she struggled to get down.

“You’ll put your shoulders out, or your knees will collapse!” she cried.

“If it means that you’ll be my personal nurse, it would be worth it!”

They were still laughing when they arrived up in the penthouse, but did their best to look more serious as the lift doors opened.  Danny introduced Diana to Sam, and after kissing her hand, he went off to make more phone calls and talk with Mike.  The DI was pleasant and courteous; he asked her a number of questions about Debbie and her appearance after the attack, and any impressions she’d had of Simon.  Once he’d got all the answers he needed, he asked about John’s communications of the night before.  Diana handed him her mobile, and scanning through the texts, he frowned. A frown that deepened when he heard the voicemails. He said that he understood that Diana didn’t want to take any action about them at the moment, but impressed upon her the importance of not deleting them, just in case. 

Danny reappeared and shook hands with Sam before Mark showed him the way back downstairs; there were several hotel staff that he still had to interview.

“I’ve just checked, and our room downstairs is being refreshed, and will be ready for us to go back and put our feet up shortly,” said Danny.  “What do you want to do now Diana?”

“Are you sure that you’d rather be in my little room than up here?”

“Most definitely yes.  Mike and Mark will stay up here.  You and I still have to talk about what happens tomorrow, that comes later when we’re back downstairs and on our own.”

“I assume you’ll let me know what you decide?” said Mike, wryly.

Diana blushed, realising that she was the cause of this uncertainty.  Danny shot a look at Mike and narrowed his eyes, but before he had a chance to comment; Diana asked, “Will we be able to see Debbie today?  We both promised.”

Sensing an opportunity to ease the tension, Mike assured Diana that Debbie was now in a private room with her own nurse, a huge flower and cuddly toy collection had been despatched, and that they could visit after lunch. 

Diana had something else on her mind as well.

“Is there any news on Simon?  If he hasn’t fled the country, is Debbie still at risk from him?”

“Little scrote!” said Danny.  “Nip downstairs Mark and mention that to Sam. I wouldn’t put anything past Simon.  If the police don’t put someone in to look after Debbie, we could get some private security, couldn’t we, Diana?”

“With my nursing hat on, I’d say that you need to tread more carefully with an NHS hospital,” she replied.  “It may need Debbie to be moved to a private hospital where they’re used to providing privacy and security for famous people. Do we know how serious her injuries are?”

“Largely scratches from where she fought him off,” said Mike, looking at his notes. “Luckily, she’d passed out by the time he actually raped her, so she has extensive bruising from the attack but no internal injuries. It’s the psychological and emotional effects that are the worst bits though?”

“Yes.  It’s not something that you can just shrug off once the external damage has healed.” said Diana sadly. “Last night she was more distressed about mine and Danny’s reactions than what had actually happened to her.  She needs as much reassurance as possible; but being Danny’s PA may not be a reality for a while to come. An attack like this takes a long time to work through.  Once she’s well, she needs to be doing something where she can develop confidence and build up her self-esteem without being too stressed. You’ll give her the time she needs, won’t you, Danny?  Does she have a supportive family?” 

“She has a sister who lives locally but her parents are abroad.  Do you want me to look into the other situation, Danny?” asked Mike with a groan.  “Advertise for a new PA?”

With a thoughtful look on his face, Danny shook his head. 

“There’s definitely no rush at the moment.  I need to have a think about things.  Come on Diana.  Our room should be ready by now, and as before Mike, leave us in peace for a while please? We’ve things to sort out.”

“Yes, Boss!” said Mike, grinning this time.

Diana blushed as Danny grabbed her hand, and pulled her towards the lift.  He managed to restrain himself until they were safely back in her room, but put the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door handle, and double locked the door.  The sight of her nightshirt folded up neatly on the freshly made bed, next to his boxers and Ben’s tee-shirt prompted Danny to pull Diana into one of those embraces that could only have one outcome. She reached for her nightshirt in order to cover her modesty, but her inhibitions of the morning were rapidly overcome by Danny’s desire to remove every shred of clothing and make love in the daylight this time.

She resisted initially.

“Danny!  I’ve got stretchmarks and wrinkles…and other physical aspects that are best kept in the dark.”

“And I, my love, have a number of hideous sports-related operation scars all over my body.  You show me yours and I’ll show you mine.  Wrinkles are nothing to be ashamed of either; they’re the lines of our lives, and yours show what a lovely person you are.  The curtains are drawn, the door is locked.  There’s just you and me, and plenty of opportunity to explore and enjoy each other.”

Resistance was definitely useless; surrender turned out to be far more pleasurable, especially when Danny held up a new silver foil packet tucked discretely under Diana’s travelling alarm clock.

Lying in Danny’s arms afterwards, and feeling the warmth of his skin against hers, Diana couldn’t remember feeling so relaxed, and as if nothing else in the world mattered. 

“Penny for them?” asked Danny, kissing her forehead.

“I feel happy.  More than that, I feel content, and that’s not a feeling that I’ve had for a very long time. Is this real Danny?”

“It is for me.”

Her hand was curled protectively on his chest and he picked it up and kissed the palm.  “Not exactly ebony and ivory, are we?  More like cappuccino and cream. I am the product of an arrogant white English man who gave me his big blue eyes, and beautiful black Nigerian woman from whom I inherited my stubbornness and wilful ways.  A marriage that turned out to be made in Hell, and a life that could have ended very badly if sport hadn’t found me before crime did. Does it bother you? My skin colour?”

“Does mine bother you?” Diana replied, very gently kissing the scar on his chest. “I don’t deny that it’s something that influences some people, but they usually have a host of other issues as well.  Your skin is a beautiful colour and I’m rapidly coming to the conclusion that you are just as wonderful underneath it.”

“Don’t go home, Diana. Stay with me?” he said, his hands stroking her hair as he kissed her face with those butterfly kisses that made her shiver.

“For a night, for a week maybe, even for a month?” she asked. “How long would it take before the gilt wears off this middle-aged gingerbread, and I slink back home, only to have John laugh at my foolishness?”

“For ever.”

Turning her face up to his, he kissed her very gently. “Come and be my PA as well as my lover, and if you fall in love with me, we can run off and get married.”

“Don’t joke, Danny.  I’m a nurse.  That’s my job. I look after people and support them.”

“Precisely, you have all the credentials and experience already.  You’ve seen what Debbie did. Don’t you think that you could do it better?  You’re intelligent, good at dealing with people, Mike likes you, and I – I want you beside me all the way.  We could get to know each other so much better.”

“You really are serious, aren’t you?”

She traced the shape of his face with her fingers, finding it difficult to believe what was happening between them.

“Serious enough to have talked to Mike about it.”

Diana froze.

“Without asking me first? I already have a job, a home and a cat that doesn’t like me very much.”

“Mike is a very good judge of character and I trust him,” said Danny, desperate to ease her fears. “I know he likes you, and once I knew that he would be happy to work with you, I felt safer about asking if you were interested in spending more time with me.  You’re good at your job, but so many of your talents are wasted, home is full of unhappy memories, and as for the cat…”

“This is all a bit too much for me.” said Diana, sitting up and hugging her knees. “I need to think, and it’s very hard to be rational when I’m in bed with you, and…”

“…and?”

“And making love with you has made me feel liberated and incredible; but it’s like a romantic novel come true.  Something bad has to happen now.”

“It doesn’t have to.  As my PA you would come everywhere with me, protect me from the phonies and the users, keep me level, and be there whenever we need to hold onto other.”

“Plenty to hold onto at least.” she said quietly, thinking of all the ambitious young women, and wondering how she could ever compete with them?  But he had been surrounded with gorgeous girls all weekend, and he chose her.  Danny was very quiet, and for a moment she thought that he’d gone into one of his catnaps. She moved slightly, and felt his arms tightening around her again.

“I’m falling for you, Diana.” he whispered.  “You make me feel that there’s some purpose in what I do again. I’ve just been going through the motions since Lisa became ill.  Yes, you have plenty for me to hold onto.  Your body is voluptuous, it welcomes me and makes me feel far more excited than any of those skinny girls with tiny breasts, sharp hips, and elbows like daggers.  I love every part of you! I particularly love the fact you are so much more relaxed and responsive with me already. Tell me how you feel?”

“Oh Danny!  I feel like I’ve been hit by a bolt of lightning!  A huge and rather wonderful bolt, but something that’s turning my ordinary world upside down nevertheless.  I find it hard to understand what it is that’s set me apart from all the others – and I’m not fishing for compliments here. I suppose that having spent most of my life being ordinary, I’m finding it difficult to accept this change.  How could it all work?”

“I would get Mike to draw you up a contract that means you get paid for being my PA, but with an opt out clause so that you could leave at any time if you were unhappy.  They’d give you a sabbatical from work, wouldn’t they?  You could help me to raise money for good causes, and make more informed decisions about who I sponsor in the future?”

Diana frowned. 

Danny moved up beside her and laid his chin on her shoulder. 

“Next excuse?” he said.

“Where would I live?  What would happen to the house?  What about my children?”

“Slow down.  With regard to where you would live; you would be with me and I have a number of places to live, not to mention access to hotels to stay in like this one.  Do you really want to carry on living in a house that you shared with your horrible husband?  How attached to this house are your children?”

“Last question first; my children grew up there, most of their friends are working or away at Uni, but they tend to get together in the holidays.  It’s their home.  It used to be mine but having John lurking in the back bedroom for the past two years has tainted it.  I’m not sure that I could adapt to drifting from one place to another.  I’m too old for that, Danny.”

“So, you put your house on the market and we snap it up through a third party at over market value in order to mollify your ex.  The house is then put in trust for your children so that they’ll always have somewhere to call their own, and a nest egg if they need money in the future.  God forbid, but if things don’t work out for us, you will have the house to go back to. We could put your friend Jane on some kind of a retainer to ensure that the place is looked after, and you would be able to pop back and visit her – and the cat – when you want to. It would be an investment for your children’s future.  I’ve learned a great deal about these legal things from Mike over the years. As to the drifting around, I’ve been scaling down the travelling since Lisa died; she spent most of the time in LA because of her treatment. The house there has too many memories for me, so it’s rented out at the moment, but Mike thinks he’s found a buyer. I’m staying in this country and trying to resurrect my career.  Hence the awful book. You are still frowning.  Have I overloaded you again, my love?”

Diana nodded, but decided that thinking was better done when curled up in Danny’s arms. It was a decision that definitely met with his approval.  She had to admit that there was logic in everything he said, and that it was about time she made some changes to her life, but these changes were a bit drastic! 

Danny leaned over and picked his watch up from the bedside table, raising an eyebrow. “I’m starving again and it’s nearly twelve-thirty.  How do you feel about getting dressed, coming back upstairs, and having lunch with Mike and Mark?  I’ll get Mark to organise some food in the room so we can all sit round the table and natter.  I think you might feel more comfortable if you have the chance to get to know them better, and discover what kind of a demanding sod I am.  How does that sound?”

Diana, remembering that her mobile had been switched off all night, delved in her handbag, found it and turned it back on.  There were several texts from John, each more unpleasant than the last, and two from her daughter.  She looked at those first.

Hi Mum, I’ve picked up the keys. The cat has come in from next door to check me out. House blissfully quiet without Dad. Have a good weekend.  Love you xxx

The second text sent this morning was more worrying.

Hi Mum, Dad is a dick. He turned up last night. Couldn’t get in. Wouldn’t let him. Stood outside banging on the door. Only left when Jane next door said she’d call the police. Going back to Uni this afty.  Hope all is ok. Love you xxx

Looking at her watch, Diana wondered if it was too early to phone Jane to apologise for John’s behaviour, and decided to text her daughter instead.  To say what? Danny Vincent is currently having a shower in my bathroom after a night of incredible love-making, and I can’t come home yet because we have to give evidence about the alleged rape of Danny’s PA and the theft of some auction items?

That might take some explaining. Reluctantly, she started to read through John’s texts.

Going round to collect my corkscrew. It must be at the house. I can’t find it here.

Caroline refused to let me in. Says you are away and locks have been changed. What are you playing at?

I hope you aren’t having a good time.  I can’t even open a bottle of wine because of you.  You always were selfish. I see you have turned our daughter against me now

Why the hell can’t you answer your phone?

When are you coming back?

We need to talk about this.

I spoke to Jane next door.  She has threatened to call the police if I turn up and cause another fuss.  Now you’ve turned the neighbours against me too.  You have always been vindictive.

Going to see my solicitor about this on Monday. More expense because of you.

Selfish bitch.

Danny came out of the shower while she was listening to the equally unpleasant voicemails that John had left.  They were all hateful, but the last one was full of expletives and threats about what he was going to do with her when he got hold of her.  It shook her, and Danny, seeing the look of horror on her face, took the phone away, and skimmed through the texts.

“I take it that the voice mails were even worse?” he said, crouching down beside her again.  Diana nodded, afraid to speak in case she burst into tears.  Even at his most scornful and insulting, John had never made such threats to her before.

“Come here, my love.  Come and sit down with me on the sofa?” Danny said.  “My knees can’t cope with all this crouching.  It’s always the knees that go first with sporting people. Cry if you need to.  This time it’s me that has the tissues ready, although I don’t think he’s worth wasting tears on.  Your Caroline seems to have inherited her mother’s strength and sensibility from what I can see.  I know it’s unpleasant, but don’t delete any of those texts and messages.  You should show them to the police when they come to see us.”

Danny sat on the sofa hugging her; the initial numbness eased as he held her tight and stroked her hair. Diana took a deep breath.

“John knows that he can’t go to the house anymore.  It was agreed that once the divorce was finalised, he had to clear his stuff out, and the locks would be changed.  The house belongs to us both, but as our children are at university and still count as dependents, the house can’t be sold, and I can stay there until they finish their courses.  He tried to persuade them both that they would be better off if I moved out and he moved back in, but Ben’s answer to that was a resounding NO, and you can see what Caroline thinks of her father. I did my best to keep his philandering a secret, but children pick up on all the tension and the whispered arguments. He’d also made passes at the mothers of most of their friends.”

“Do you want to go back home now?” Danny asked, kissing her forehead, and mentally crossing his fingers.

“Not particularly.  Caroline is returning to Uni today, and Jane can be relied upon to look after the house – and the cat. She’s another person who was subjected to John’s unpleasant leers and wandering hands. I know I shouldn’t compare, but one night with you makes me realise what a useless lover he was.  Not much cop as a husband or a father either really. God, I feel foolish for putting up with him for so long!”

Danny smiled and tugged her ponytail.  

“But I, on the other hand, feel extremely blessed! I just need to nip upstairs and see Mike, but when I come back, we’ll talk about us, and then we’ll let housekeeping in to tidy up, take the breakfast stuff away, and get some fresh towels and bath robes.  Okay?”

Diana nodded, and watched as he pulled on his socks and trainers; dressed simply in jeans and a polo shirt, it was still obvious that he was very fit – and judging from the discreet logos, rather rich. He kissed her again, and left, blowing several more kisses from the doorway.

Used to tidying up after other people, Diana instinctively put all the breakfast things on the tray and left it outside the door. At least that way housekeeping would know that it was finished with.  She piled up the used towels in a corner of the bathroom, but decided that stripping the bed was too efficient, besides, when she put her nose close to the pillow that still held the impression of Danny’s head, she could smell a trace of his aftershave.  He’d left Ben’s tee-shirt folded up with a pair of his boxers next to the pillow; yet another gesture that made Diana smile, and take a deep breath of hope.

There was still a part of her that wanted to pack up her belongings and run away however; run away home as fast as she could, but to what? An empty house, and some wonderful memories of this weekend, but further possibilities of John hammering at the front door, requesting trivialities, and annoying the neighbours. She looked at her watch again; it was time to give Jane a call.

“I’m so sorry about John’s behaviour yesterday,” said Diana apologetically.

“It’s okay, you would have been very proud of your Caroline.” Jane giggled on the other end of the phone. “The way she stood up to him, and pointed out that if he was that desperate for a drink, he should go to the pub, or to the supermarket and buy a screw top bottle of wine. I couldn’t stop laughing. He looked so ridiculous, stood out there in the street waving his wine bottle around like a big baby.”

“I remember putting the corkscrew in his box of belongings.” said Diana, frowning.  “I never liked it anyway, it was supposed to be an antique but it was a rubbish corkscrew. Apparently, you threatened to call the police if he wouldn’t go away.”

“I did!  He ran away with his tail between his legs!”

“Can you pop next door when you have a moment, and look in the top drawer of the bureau?  There’s an envelope in there addressed to you.  I thought John might try some silliness while I was away. I’ve put a copy of the document drawn up by my solicitor that confirms that John has no right to access the house and garden without my permission.  If he does turn up again and cause a fuss, it might be enough to tell him that you have the document and will show it to the police if necessary.”

“Oh Diana! I would enjoy that SO much!  When are you coming home though?”

“I’m not sure.  There was a burglary here last night and one of the girls got attacked.  We – I – have to speak to the police before I can come home.”

“What about your train ticket?  Can you get the money back?”

“It will be okay.  I’ve met up with some people here and they’re giving me a lift home.  I’ve got a set of the new house keys with me so I can get in the house if it’s late, but I’ll text you when I’m on the way.”

“Oh well, it all sounds more exciting than watching John throwing a temper tantrum in the street.  I’d like to say that the cat is missing you but he’s fast asleep on my lap at the moment.   Safe journey home.  Bye love.”

That was one problem solved.  Diana thought very carefully before sending a text to Caroline.

Thank you for being so brave and brilliant! Have to stay on – incident last night – police are taking statements.  Nothing to do with me but I had to help a poor girl who had been attacked and raped.  Once a nurse… I’ve thanked Jane and told her where the legal documents are to prevent Dad from gaining access to the house.  Don’t work too hard.  Love you xxxx

Just John to deal with now.

I’ve been advised to show your texts and play your voice mails to the police.  Jane has the documents about access to the house, and is prepared to show them to the police if you turn up again.  You took the corkscrew with you when you packed up your belongings. Grow up John.

Diana looked at the text.  She wanted to put something far more vitriolic but decided that it wasn’t worth the effort. She looked at her watch.  Danny had been gone for over an hour now.  Did he have cold feet?  Was he staying upstairs hoping that she’d pack, and slip out quietly in order to save him any further bother? She got up from the bed and started to get her things together; she rather be packed and ready to leave than to carry on sitting here feeling sad and abandoned. She was just zipping up her case when the door flew open and Danny came running through it.

“Thank God you’re still here!  I’m sorry I was so long! When I saw the breakfast things outside the door, I thought you’d run away.  You’re all packed up!  Have you had second thoughts?  Were you going to leave me without even saying goodbye?”

“I thought you were staying upstairs in the hope that I’d realise…”

“Realise what? How much you’ve come to mean to me in such a short time?”

There was only one way of resolving the confusion, and Danny found it by pulling Diana into his arms and kissing her.  She found herself clinging to him as if it was the end of the world, except that it wasn’t.  It was just the beginning.