So he hadn't really dropped the subject; he'd only been biding his time. Lee tried to ignore the treacherous inner voice that said she was glad he hadn't given up so easily.

'Why are you trying to put me off?' he persisted. 'Is there someone else?'

'No, there's no one in my life at the moment, and I want to keep it that way.'

'For how long? When will you want someone in your life? I'll come back then.'

She was saved from having to answer by the door bursting open and Phoebe erupting into the room. 'Mrs Meredith, when will the pictures be ready?' she asked anxiously.

'The day after tomorrow.'

'You already have my card, haven't you?' Daniel asked with a grin. 'Call me when they're ready and I'll come for them.'

He took her hand and held it for a moment. She found the persistence of that warm clasp unnerving.

Outside the office Mark and Phoebe were deep in conversation. 'Come on, Phoebe, time for home,' Daniel said.

Lee went with them to the front door. She was afraid he'd ask her out again, but Phoebe and Mark were right behind them and in the melee of goodbyes there was no chance for any more to be said. She breathed a sigh of relief as she saw the Raifes depart together, Daniel's arm around his daughter's shoulders. She had no intention of ever seeing him again.

Next day Gillian was lyrical. 'Fancy you actually having a session with Daniel Raife!' she bubbled. 'He's better looking in the flesh than on TV, isn't he?'

'I wouldn't know,' Lee said coolly. 'I seldom watch television. Have you got those pictures of his daughter?'

They studied the pictures together, both startled by Phoebe's impact. 'You must send these to a model agency,' Gillian said.

'I can't do that. Her father would hit the roof.'

'But what does Phoebe want?'

'She talks about being a model, but it might be just a passing phase. He certainly thinks so.'