Introduction 2

Taken aback, Emma couldn't help but stare at the woman standing in front of her. She searched her memories for a time when Tim might have mentioned a girlfriend or wife, but couldn't find one. Not seeming to find this rude at all, the blonde smiled and held out her hand for Emma to shake. "Hi, I'm Melanie, Tim's partner. I hope you don't mind if I sit in for a little while?" Emma silently shook her head, unable to find anything to say. She noticed Tim and Melanie share a glance, but couldn't imagine what it could mean. "Excellent, what can I get you to drink? We've got wine, spirits, beer, or if you fancy it, Tim does a mean sex on the beach."

"A vodka and tonic's fine, thanks."

Tim followed Emma into the living room and took a seat on the sofa, beckoning for her to join him. "I'm afraid I may have invited you here on false pretenses, Emma."

"What do you mean?"

"Well," Melanie continued, handing Emma her drink and taking a seat on her other side, "Tim's told me an awful lot about you, and none of it was exaggerated, I can assure you." This time it was impossible not to notice the appreciative look that Melanie gave her. "We rather hoped that you might be interested in something a little more interesting than work."

They both looked at her, waiting for her response.