LITMIR.BIZ

       PROLOGUE

      ‘I HAVE to get this flight!’ Struggling to keep the note of desperation out of her voice, Leah took a deep breath, knowing that losing her temper wasn’t going to get her anywhere. ‘I know how stupid I must look—I mean I’ve seen those airline shows, where people argue at the desk, when everyone knows that they haven’t got a leg to stand on—but it really is imperative that I get that flight.’

      ‘Then you should have confirmed your seat, Miss Jacobs,’ came the unimpressed response.

      ‘It’s Leah,’ she said through gritted teeth. ‘I thought we’d at least be on first-name terms by now, Glynn.’

      Glynn flashed her a very false smile. ‘Then you should have confirmed, Leah.’

      It was like a broken record. They’d been arguing the point for half an hour now. Leah could see on the overhead screen that the final calls were being made and though she knew that her tears were wasted here, that feminine wiles weren’t going to win over this guy in particular, the sparkle of tears in her eyes as she again pleaded her case were far from staged.

      ‘As I’ve said, economy’s full…’

      ‘Then upgrade me?’ she pleaded hopefully.

      ‘I’m sorry I just don’t have that kind of authority. Anyway, Business Class is practically full with a load of doctors returning to Melbourne from a medical conference we’ve had here in Cairns.’

      ‘So there are some seats?’ The hope that flared in her voice died even before she’d completed her sentence as Glynn’s eyes dragged over her, and Leah could feel him snootily taking in the scraggy blonde curls tied back in a scrunchy, the faded denim shorts and scanty T-shirt that had definitely seen better days, all topped off with a rather sad-looking backpack. No doubt, Leah thought, cringing with mortification under his scrutiny, he was probably realising why he’d chosen to pursue his own type in the first place.

      ‘My best friend gets married tomorrow,’ Leah begged. ‘I’m the bridesmaid.’

      ‘So you said,’ Glynn replied tightly. ‘And, as I’ve pointed out, with your type of ticket, seventy-two hours’ confirmation prior to flying is obligatory.’ His botoxed forehead almost creased in exasperation as Leah attempted to break in, but Glynn got there first. ‘I know you’re flying to the UK on Sunday,’ he said through gritted teeth, holding up a very manicured hand to silence her as he did so. ‘And I know that there isn’t anywhere you can possibly stay tonight, given that all your friends are either back in England or have moved on to Brisbane. I know that because you’ve already told me—several times,’ he added. ‘But, as I’ve explained, the best I can offer is a flight to Melbourne at ten a.m. tomorrow. Now, if you’ll take a seat I’ll see if I can arrange some meal vouchers for you.’

      ‘I don’t want—’

      ‘Sorry I didn’t confirm.’ A voice that didn’t sound remotely sorry came rather loudly from the next checkin desk and both Leah and Glynn turned, a temporary standoff ensuing as for a moment or two their attention was diverted as they gaped in admiration at the gentleman at the next desk.

      Drop-dead gorgeous just about summed him up. Very black hair, coiled over a white shirt, and heavily lidded navy eyes flashed a winning smile as he rummaged through his suit pocket for his ticket. ‘I thought the hotel had taken care of all that.’

      ‘No problem, Dr Richardson,’ the pretty ground staff assistant gushed. ‘They’re boarding now at Gate Four. I’ll just ring through and let them know that you’re on your way.’

      At least Glynn had the grace to blush.

      ‘Look.’ Glynn’s smile even bordered on sympathetic as he turned his attention back to Leah. ‘Given that it was a genuine misunderstanding, I’ll see if the airline can arrange some

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