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‘I don’t think that would be wise’

‘Do you always do everything that is wise?’ asked Max, not letting go of her hand

‘It’s just that I really ought to be getting back to The Scottish Belle’

‘So you can hang around for three hours, waiting for Angus to return?’

‘No It’s just that …’

‘You’re afraid I ht try to seduce you’

‘Is that what you had inhis hand

‘Yes, but not before we sample the brandy,’ said Max, as he was passed the bill He flicked over the little white slip, pulled out his wallet and placed four PS10 notes on the silver tray

Angus had once told her that anyone who pays cash in a restaurant either doesn’t need a credit card or earns too little to qualify for one

Max rose from his place, thanked the head waiter a little too ostentatiously, and slipped him a PS5 note when the door was held open for them They didn’t speak as they crossed the road on the way back to the quay Ruth thought she saw soain there was no one in sight When they reached the boat, Ruth had planned to say goodbye, but she found herself following Max on board and down to the cabin below

‘I hadn’t expected it to be so small,’ she said, when she reached the bottom step She turned a coently pushed him away

‘It’s ideal for a bachelor,’ was his only coe brandies He passed over one of the goblets to Ruth, placing his other ar their bodies to touch He leaned forward and kissed her on the lips, before releasing her to take a sip of brandy

He watched as she raised the glass to her lips, and then once again took her in his arms This time when they kissed, their lips parted, and shethe top button of her blouse

Every ti for her to take another sip before returning to his task It took several ed to reto try to stop him

‘You’re only the second man I’ve ever made love to,’ she said quietly as she lay on the floor afterwards