He shrugged his shoulders as rain began pelting the windows of the plane and once again we began to jolt around. I’ve never been afraid of flying but this was the roughest flight I’d ever been on, despite being one of the shortest. My hands gripped the armrests – Lorcan having wisely relinquished any claim – my knuckles showing white before I closed my eyes. We tilted to the side sharply as a gust of wind caught one of the wings. My eyes flew open and I whipped my head round to look at Lorcan. He laid one large hand over mine on the armrest in response. The plane continued to fight against the weather as we descended towards the airport. I risked a glance out of the window but could see little as heavy rain streaked across the oval glass panel.

‘We’re close to the airport now,’ Lorcan said, his voice calm and soothing. ‘It will be over soon.’

I squeezed my eyes shut even tighter. ‘One way or the other,’ I ground out between gritted teeth.

The next thing I knew my hand was being peeled from the armrest. ‘No!’ Opening my eyes quickly, I met Lorcan’s. ‘I need to hold on.’

‘It’s OK,’ he said, his gaze trained on mine as his warm hands folded around mine. ‘I’ve got you. I promise.’

Without thinking, I gripped his hand. The plane moved back and forth as it caught in the crosswind and all the time Lorcan whispered soothing words into my ear, his other hand stroking mine gently. We finally landed, the left wheel slightly before the right, but then we were down and the reverse thrusters went into operation, slowing the aircraft on the runway.

I risked opening one eye. ‘Is that it?’

‘That’s it,’ Lorcan confirmed softly, the large warm hand still wrapped around mine. I glanced down and his gaze followed as I took a few deep breaths. Carefully I began to slide my hand out from his.

‘Sorry about that.’

‘No problem.’

‘And earlier the whole… you know.’

‘Don’t even think about it. Happens to the best of us.’

I leant my head back against the headrest. ‘Somehow I doubt you’ve ever thrown up on a flight.’

‘Well, then, you’d be wrong.’

‘Really?’ I rolled my head tentatively to look at him.

He nodded.

‘Are you going to tell me about it?’

‘Will it make you feel better?’

Right now I couldn’t think of anything that would make me feel better but it was worth a shot.

‘It might do.’

‘Fine,’ he condescended. ‘But remember I’m only telling you this because of exceptional circumstances.’

‘Duly noted. So what happened? Turbulence?’

‘No, I’m afraid not. You at least have that excuse. I have none other than drinking far too much, knowing I had drunk far too much, and still getting on the plane.’