I like being with her. She’s good company. Fun, intelligent, with a great sense of humour. She’s easy-going, undemanding. She enjoys everything, is good-tempered, isn’t self-obsessed or demanding of my attention—though I’m more than happy to lavish it on her because I so enjoy being with her.

The litany ran on in his head, concluding with the most obvious reason of all. In bed, he and she set off fireworks!

Ardent, passionate, sensual, sensitive, affectionate...

The litany set off again. And was cut brutally short as she shook her head again. He saw emotion flash across her face, then vanish. There was something different about her suddenly. Something that reminded...