I spend twenty minutes in the off-licence staring at the red wine selection and wondering which bottle to take to Aaron’s house. I don’t even know if he drinks wine. He seems to be more of a beer guy to me, but the huge array of North American beers freaks me out, so I stick to what I know. The shop has some familiar Chilean reds on offer, so I pick one. I wouldn’t think twice about taking two bottles to a friend’s house for dinner in London, but I don’t want to look like a complete lush.

I walk home via Main Street and end up bumping into Travis. He asks me what I’m doing later and it’s not hard to spot the mischievous glint in his eye.

‘Let me guess.’ I reply. ‘Aaron told Pierre, who told Jake, who told Taz, who then told you. Am I right?’

‘Kinda.’ he mumbles, completely caught out. ‘Irv’s been walking around with a massive smile on his face all morning. Everyone thinks his painkillers are too strong.’

‘He’s not even taking them!’ I exclaim. ‘And I’m only going to his house for dinner. That’s it. Just two friends, enjoying a nice meal together.’

Travis walks with me. ‘I don’t want to sound like a sap, but I’m real happy for you. You and Irv… you’re pretty perfect for each other.’

‘How come everyone in this sodding town thinks that?!’ I exclaim huffily.

‘Man, you’re tense…’ He grins. ‘You keep declaring that you’re happy to be single, so why the big deal?’

‘Do I say that a lot?’

‘Yeah… maybe’

‘I should just cancel. This is a really bad idea.’

‘Oh, no you don’t!’ he exclaims, grabbing the bag with my wine inside and jogging towards the café so I have to run to catch up.

I end up texting Taz.

FASHION EMERGENCY… HELP?

I plonk down heavily on the bed and look at the mess of clothes flung everywhere. I don’t have a clue where to start. My phone beeps.

BLACK SKINNIES, WHITE VEST + COOL POLKA DOT VEST OVER THE TOP? I’M COMING WITH JEWELLERY.

Half an hour later, Taz nods approvingly as I stand in the mirror.

‘You’re looking good, girlfriend.’ she whistles, looking me up and down. My black skinny jeans aren’t exactly as tight as they used to be, but they still look good. She’s lent me some black onyx earrings and a necklace from her vast jewellery collection and I’m wearing more mascara and kohl around my eyes than I have in months, giving them a smoky, seductive look.

‘A little bit sexy, a little bit casual.’ Taz steps back and surveys her work. ‘Bet you won’t make it to dessert… or maybe you will…’

‘Taz!’ I exclaim, mortified. ‘It’s dinner! I have no intention of jumping into bed with him on the first date – I’m not that kind of girl!’

The phrase ‘It’s just dinner’ keeps replaying in my head on the short walk to his house. I have to stop myself from screaming ‘It’s just dinner!’ out loud when he opens his front door, looking frankly edible in a checked navy shirt, open at the neck. His loose, ripped jeans hang over his arse in just the right way as I watch him walk back into the house. Goddamn him.

There are some seriously nice smells wafting through from the kitchen as I follow him into the living room. I gulp loudly when I spot the wood burner crackling away with a dozen or so tea-light candles around it, casting a warm glow around the room. Something soft is playing on the stereo as he hands me a glass of red wine, which I try not to neck too quickly. I’m getting serious romance vibes for something that’s supposed to a friendly dinner, that’s for certain.

Mojo’s stretched out on his back, dozing contentedly in his basket. I put my glass on the wooden chest and kneel down next to him, giving his tummy a rub. He thumps his tail half-heartedly with one eye open before going back to sleep as she I play with his silky ears.

‘I’d love to get a dog.’ I say wistfully, feeling his soft fur under my fingers. ‘It just wasn’t the right time in London, when I was working such long hours… maybe when I go back…’

Aaron refills my suddenly empty wine glass. ‘I don’t know what I’d do without him now.’ He smiles, watching me. ‘When the boss said he wanted me to take on an AVI dog, I wasn’t exactly thrilled at the idea.’

I pick up my glass again, swirling the wine as I marvel at how much has happened since our first meeting… it seems like years ago, rather than months.

‘… One minute he was being good as gold, sitting next to me at the bar, the next minute he’s making friends with random British girls.’

I laughed, remembering my first night in The Pub. ‘I remember. I felt like a total tourist. I’d literally just arrived.’

I glance up at him in the glow of the firelight, taking another sip of the wine and feeling the alcohol seep into my blood, loosening my limbs.

There’s a smile playing on Aaron’s lips as he runs a hand through his hair, looking back down at me. ‘He’s got good taste… I’ll say that for him.’

I smile shyly at the obvious compliment and get up as elegantly as I can, walking back to the sofa and curling my legs up underneath me when I sit. Aaron comes and sits down next to me before inching a little closer.

‘I was a bit of a jerk when we met, wasn’t I?’ His green eyes are boring into mine with such intensity that I have to look away. ‘Coming over all self-important and saying that you shouldn’t pet my dog…’

I chuckle softly. ‘No! You were fine. I was just a bit fresh off the bus.’

I put my glass on the table for fear of dropping it, hoping the dim light is hiding my flushed skin. I definitely need more to drink. ‘Do you need some help in the kitchen? It smells wonderful.’

He jumps up from the couch as I breathe a small sigh of relief. God, I’m so out of practice… I haven’t been on a date for…well, ages.

‘Well, I hope it tastes as good as it smells.’ He says over his shoulder, walking through to the kitchen.

‘I absolutely forbid you from washing up later.’ I call.

‘Washing up?’

‘You know – doing the dishes?’

‘Ah. No need for that. I have a dishwasher.’

‘Let me guess…it’s called Mojo?’

There’s a pause as I hear pans being clattered about.

‘Sure you don’t need some help?’ I ask, getting to my feet.

‘Stay put. I’m fine!’

The pull of a sleeping Labrador is too strong to resist so I sit back down on the floor and stroke Mojo while he utters little doggy grunts of satisfaction. Aaron’s voice shouts through a few minutes later, telling me the food’s ready. I wonder if we’re eating in the kitchen but he carries two plates in and sets them down with a flourish.

‘Now would not be a good time for you to tell me you’re a vegetarian.’

I just hope the sodding butterflies in my stomach stop for ten minutes to let me eat. It looks amazing.

‘It’s beef stroganoff with wild mushrooms.’ He explains, walking over to the stereo and changing the music.

‘No way, I love the Shins!’ I exclaim, surprised I hadn’t clocked the CD before. ‘Vee and I were really into them at University.’

‘An English buddy from last winter lent me the album and I loved it so much he said I could keep it...’ he explains, sitting back on the sofa and spearing his fork with a chunk of beef, devouring it instantly. ‘Hmmm… this isn’t bad, eh?’

My mouth is full of food already, so I nod my head and remember to chew. Now would not be a good time to inhale my food. I swallow and decide there’s no time like the present to talk shop, as it were.

‘So, this whole ‘not-dating-the-help’ rule? You must meet a lot of ladies every season, waiting to be rescued?’ I ask, almost holding my breath. The wine is obviously loosening my tongue as well as my limbs.

He chokes on a mouthful of food before swallowing carefully.

‘Sorry... that was a bit forward.’ I smile. ‘This is lovely.’ I point to my plate and take another long gulp of wine.

‘Say ‘lovely’ again?’ he grins, making my heart stutter and deftly ignoring my feeble attempt at getting him to open up a bit more. ‘It’s such a British expression. Your accent just makes me… well… I think it’s great.’

‘It really is great food.’ I smile, not giving him the satisfaction. ‘You’re obviously as modest about your cooking as you are about your job.’

He put his fork down and looks at me. ‘You’re pretty modest too.’

Here we go again, I think, as my energetic butterflies start flapping, making my stomach lurch with nervous anticipation. It’s been such a long time since … well, since I’ve experienced the whole excited-but-terrified-first-date-nerves thing.

‘Thank you.’ I look down at my plate, pretending it’s much more interesting than his handsome face. I take another mouthful, finding my throat is suddenly very dry. I reach for my wine again and take a large gulp. Slow down, I think to myself as he tops up the glass. He’s still nursing his first glass, unlike the boozy Brit on his sofa.

‘So, Lexie… I’m curious.’

Oh God. Here we go.

‘About what?’ I ask, smiling brightly and trying to be brave.

‘Do you…. Have you…. Er….’ There’s a long pause as I hold my breath, finding myself leaning forward, anticipating the question that hangs silently in front of me. He smiles nervously.

‘Do you like chocolate? You have to leave room for dessert.’ he grins, putting his empty plate on the coffee table and abruptly getting up. That definitely wasn’t what he was going to ask me and frankly, I’m struggling to finish the rest of the main course, my appetite completely abandoning me as I remember Taz’s quip about ‘dessert.’ I take another mouthful before putting my plate next to his and patting my stomach.

‘Phew! I’ll need to have a little rest before pudding.’

‘Pudding?’ he smiles again. ‘No problem. I’ll just take these through to the kitchen.’

‘I can help.’ I say, attempting to join him.

‘Stay!’ he barks, as Mojo’s head snaps up, his ears forward. I sit back down again instantly.

‘Sorry.’ he shrugs, walking over to the basket and giving the dog a reassuring pat. ‘Force of habit.’

While he’s in the kitchen, I get up and have a stretch, checking out a few of his books again.

‘I hope you don’t mind? I was reading about Haida art in my guidebook.’ I explain, pointing at his book when he walks back in. ‘That carving of the bear on your bookshelf… it’s very cool.’

‘Thanks. My grandfather made it. He had First Nation blood in him – native roots. Those paintings on the stairs…’ he gestures behind him. ‘He did those too. He was a cool guy.’

I put the book back and turn around, suddenly finding myself next to his Adam’s apple. His warm fingers creep over mine, his hand looking so large in comparison and engulfing mine with such warmth that I inhale sharply as he strokes my thumb with his fingers. I have to remind myself to breathe as I raise my eyes up to meet his.

‘Lexie…’ His voice is barely audible, but thick with emotion. ‘When I first saw you in the pub that night, stroking Mojo’s ears… I’ve never wanted to be a dog so much in my life.’

I can’t help it. I giggle.

‘I’m sorry.’ I squeak. ‘I didn’t mean to laugh.’

He grins back shyly. ‘Believe me, that wasn’t the romantic line I had planned. But it’s the truth… I was jealous as hell.’

I put my hand on top of his, running my fingers gently across his knuckles, feeling the rough skin where the scars are healing. My heart is hammering in my chest as I raise his hand to my lips and kiss it. He murmurs something, before I feel his other large hand cup my face. Suddenly his eyes are right next to mine, our noses practically touching.

‘I’ve never been very good with words, as you can probably tell.’

‘Words are sometimes a little over-rated.’ I whisper. God, I hope he kisses me.

‘I’ve wanted to do this for a really long time…’ he murmurs, before his mouth brushes against my lips gently in the faintest of kisses, teasing me into leaning towards him, wanting more. I press myself against his body, before he winces slightly.

‘Ow.’ He whispers, his mouth next to mine. I try and step back, but he grabs my hand. ‘Don’t even think about it.’

My protests get stopped with another kiss, slightly harder this time. I open my mouth, drawing in his bottom lip and tugging it slightly with mine, nibbling softly, before his tongue rolls forward. My head starts to spin. I’ve never been kissed like this before, feeling every fibre of my body spark and smoulder.

‘Wow…You’re an awesome kisser.’ he murmurs, moving in for more as he pushes me gently backwards, keeping hold of my hand and leading me back to the couch. I could say exactly the same about him as I lean back against the cushions and his hand creeps around, stroking my hair as it works its way loose from the ponytail.

We carry on kissing for what seems like hours. I can’t believe how warm I am, praying that I don’t start sweating uncontrollably as his hand trails a path down my spine, finding its way under my vest, his broad palm flatted against my skin. He nuzzles against me, brushing his mouth teasingly against mine once more. I resist the urge to grab him and snog the life out of him, remembering his bruised and broken ribs. I let my hand wander along his broad back, slipping under his shirt and making contact with his skin, inciting another little groan of pleasure. His muscles tense under my touch as I run my fingers along his spine as softly as I can.

What am I doing? I wonder, somehow losing control of my own hands as they wander of their own accord.

‘Tell me if I hurt you.’ I whisper.

‘Oh, believe me. This isn’t exactly hurting.’ he croaks, his voice husky. ‘I’ve been wanting to kiss you for… well, for a long time.’

‘I thought you weren’t interested… all that stuff about not dating…’

My mouth is stopped with another epic kiss, so I forget all about the talking.

‘That couldn’t be further from the truth…’ he whispers in her ear, before his lips find their way down my neck.

A loud knocking sound forces it’s way into my subconscious. Maybe I’ve been having a really sexy dream about Aaron and it’s time to wake up.

‘Leeeeeeeexie!! Aaron?!! Are you in there?!’ A high-pitched voice shouts, before we hear more urgent thumping on the door.Aaron is definitely on top of me, and my hand is definitely on his … well, it’s on his belt buckle actually.

‘That sounds like Taz.’ I whisper, as we break apart. Aaron quickly jumps up from the sofa, wincing again as he re-arranges himself. He walks to the front door and opens it. I come and stand behind him finding a stricken-looking Taz on the doorstep with tears pouring down her face. She barges past him and folds herself into my arms.

‘Taz? What on earth is the matter?’ I ask.

‘It’s… Danno!’ she hiccups into my shoulder. ‘He’s been hurt.’

‘What? How? Where?’

‘He’s at the hospital. Trav’s already there.’

‘What’s going on? What happened?’ Aaron asks, looking worried.

‘We just need to get to the hospital. Quickly!’ Taz sobs.

Aaron doesn’t ask any more questions, stalking back inside and grabbing his keys, a black look on his face contrasting completely with the tenderness I saw a few minutes ago.

‘We’ll take the truck. It’ll be quicker…. Mojo!’ he calls sternly, waiting for the dog to appear. A sleepy Mojo peers around the corner, looking thoroughly put out that he’d been woken up. ‘Come on.’ he beckons sharply, before the dog gives a little stretch and trots past, following his master obediently.

‘What happened?’ I ask again, my arm around Taz as we drive to the hospital. We’re sitting up front with Aaron who is driving fast but sliding the truck around icy corners with complete control.

‘I’m not sure.’ Taz sniffs. ‘Apparently, he was drinking in The Royal…’

‘The Royal?’ Aaron asks, looking surprised. ‘What was he doing in the darn Royal?’

‘Then what?’ I say quickly, not wanting to get into specifics right now.

‘According to the barman, there was a fight. He found Dan slumped in that alley at the back and took him to the hospital. The receptionist called the boys house and then they called me.’ Taz dissolves into sobs again as I try and comfort her.

‘Do you know how bad it is?’ Aaron asks.

‘The hospital wouldn’t say. They wanted a contact number for his parents.’

‘That doesn’t sound good.’ I mutter, shooting a look at Aaron as we pull into the now familiar parking lot. He looks as worried as I feel.

The receptionist clocks Aaron as soon as we hurry inside. ‘Mr Irving? Is there something wrong? Do you need a doctor?’ she asks, looking concerned.

‘It’s not me – we’re here to see a friend. Dan?’ He looks over at me. ‘Do you know Dan’s last name?’

‘I think it’s Smith. He was in a fight?’

‘You’re going to need to take a seat. A doctor will be with you shortly.’

‘That’s not good enough!’ Taz slams her fist down on the counter, making the woman jump. ‘We need to know if he’s alright!’

Aaron puts his arm around her shoulders and gently pulls her away. ‘They’ll let us know as soon as possible, Taz. Come and sit down.’ he says gently, propelling her towards the chairs in the waiting area. Her face crumples and she starts sobbing loudly again so I just come and sit next to her, trying to calm her down. Aaron’s hand finds mine and gives me a reassuring squeeze as I rub Taz’s back. I can’t help but wonder at the irony of visiting this waiting room twice in such a short space of time. We wait for a little while before Travis appears and hurries over to Taz, taking her in his arms.

‘Have you seen him?’ she sniffs, scrutinizing her boyfriend’s face. ‘Is he alright?’

‘He’s just gone in for a brain scan.’ Travis replies. I inhale sharply, before trying to hold myself together, knowing that getting hysterical isn’t going to help anyone.

‘The doc said it was just a precaution.’ he adds quickly. ‘They just want to check that he doesn’t have a serious head injury. He might have a broken nose – they’re waiting for the X-rays. Stevie and Tim are staying with him.’

‘Shit.’ Aaron whistles, putting his arm around my shoulders and pulling me close now that Taz has let go. ‘How in the hell did Danno get in a bar fight – he’s such a cool guy?’

I’ve got my suspicions and I catch Taz and Travis’s eye. It’s immediately obvious that we’re on the same wavelength. I know it wasn’t just a fight in a bar… that’s for damn certain. Before I can voice my thoughts, I spot Rick jogging through the glass doors at the entrance, looking as white as a sheet. The receptionist calmly tells him to take a seat, before he turns around and sees us.

‘What the hell’s he doing here?’ Aaron growls, about to get up.

‘Hold on.’ I say, putting a restraining hand on his rock-hard thigh. ‘He’s here to see Dan.’

‘Why?’ Taz hiccups, looking bewildered through her tears. Travis looks equally confused as Rick comes over and stands directly in front of me.

‘What’s going on? How’s Dan?’ he asks, looking straight at me and ignoring the others.

‘Why the hell do you care? Did you throw the first punch or something?’ Taz asks, her tone vicious.

‘Taz.’ I caution her. ‘You don’t know the whole story.’

I look up at Rick. He shrugs and nods his head, as if to say that they might as well know. ‘Rick and Dan are…’ I pause, not really knowing how to phrase it.

‘I’m dating him.’ Rick says bluntly. ‘Dan and me… we’re together.’

‘Danno’s gay?’ Aaron mouths, looking at me with a shocked expression.

‘You’re gay?’ Taz splutters, looking