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Brad’s mouth hung open as he stared at me, and Serena stood there looking as though she didn’t know what to do.

‘Come on, Janey-girl. Let’s go get your luggage and then join David and Johnny for that celebratory champagne.’ Linc held my hand tightly and we walked out of the office over to the baggage claim area, leaving Brad and Serena staring after us.

Linc leaned down to me. I was getting quite used to him speaking to me up close and personal. ‘We’ll sort out your passport and money later. At least we know it’s safe at the Brisbane Airport. Don’t say anything about losing it to David.’

‘Can I really leave?’ I asked. ‘Or what I mean to say is, leave the airport. Can I stay on the island? I haven’t got a passport, I haven’t been through customs, and I’ve only got about five dollars in my pocket. And I was so stressed I’d even forgotten about my duffle bag.’

Linc chuckled. ‘I guess you’re an illegal immigrant, but I think I can trust you. I’m not going to make you bunk down in the airport. You’ll be under the watch of the island constabulary, so it’s fine. It’s too late to get your details over to Brisbane now.’ His hand was on my arm and little tingles were firing along the nerve endings.

And not only in my arm.

What was wrong with me?

‘I’m sorry. I really have messed up your day, haven’t I?’ I said.

‘Not at all. You’ve improved it out of sight, and you’ve solved my problem. And the best part is that David has seen you here with me. That should be the end of this craziness from him. I’ll introduce you, and then once he goes back to the Big Island, you can enjoy your holiday in peace.’ He flicked a glance back to the customs desk. ‘Unless you’ve changed your mind now that your ex is here? Or about pretending to be my fiancée?’

‘No, of course not. And I don’t go back on my word.’

‘After we’ve had a drink with David, I’ll take you to the Magellan Hotel and I’ll make sure you can get into the room you booked.’

‘The hotel?’ I shook my head. ‘I’m not booked into the hotel.’

He frowned. ‘There’s only one.’

‘I’m booked onto a yacht, but I guess with this delay it’s going to be too late to get onto it tonight.’

‘Which company?

‘Luxury Charter Yachts. I’ve booked a Fusion 40 called Amore.’

‘What? That’s you?’ His eyes bored into mine.

‘What do you mean that’s me?’

‘I thought the guest who was coming onto Amore was arriving Monday.’

‘Duh,’ I said. ‘Today is Monday. And what does it have to do with you?’

Linc looked uncomfortable. ‘Um. The company, that is, Luxury Charter Yachts don’t own the fleet. They manage privately owned boats.’

‘And?’

We’d reached the luggage carousel and my royal blue duffel bag was completing another circuit of its lonely journey. All the other bags had been claimed.

‘Yours?’ Linc asked as he reached for it.

‘Yes, thank you.’ I held my hand out for it, but he shook his head.

‘I’ll carry it for you.’

‘Okay. Now tell me the rest about the yacht.’

‘It’s a huge coincidence but Amore is mine.’

‘What?’ I stared at him with my mouth open.

‘Yes, and I’m pleased we sorted this out before we joined David. Look he’s waving to us. If it’s mentioned, just say you’re staying on my boat.’