His voice brought her attention back to the present. ‘So, we’ll go to Edinburgh. And we’ll call in at the garage that’s repairing your car before we set off to arrange for it to be brought here, in case we’re late back.’

His car was a Mercedes. It looked brand new and was very luxurious, silver with pale grey leather upholstery. She stared at it in dismay. He was definitely rich if he could afford to buy a car like this. Heavens, she was way out of her depth here. They moved in such different circles, it’d be stupid to hope for anything.

Hope? She wasn’t hoping.

Was she?

Get real, Megan Ross! she ordered. Do not hope for the impossible.

He helped her into the car and all her good resolutions to remain cool with him flew away. Not that she needed helping, but she’d never realised how special it made you feel – cherished even – when a man fastened your seat belt for you.

They stopped at the garage and she asked what time she could pick up her car. Was it her imagination or with Ben beside her did the mechanic take it all more seriously?

‘We close at three on Saturdays, but if it’s just a blocked carburettor, I’ll easily get it finished by then. No problem,’ he said.

She tried not to show her disappointment as she looked at Ben. ‘It won’t be worth going as far as Edinburgh, then.’

‘Nonsense.’ He turned back to the mechanic. ‘Can you take the car to the hotel? Give us an approximate price. OK. That sounds about right. You can swipe Miss Ross’s credit card now and they’ll get the signed copy for you at the hotel.’

‘I don’t think I can do that, sir. No offence, but I don’t know anything about you.’

‘Ring the hotel now and ask. Tell them it’s for Ben Saunders.’

With a dubious glance at them, the mechanic disappeared into the office. He came out a few minutes later, falling over himself with eagerness to help them.

As they set off again, Megan asked in puzzlement, ‘Why did your name work such magic? It was the same in the hotel. Am I supposed to recognise you?’

Ben shrugged. ‘Of course not. I was involved in the sale of this chain of hotels a little while ago, so I’m known to the management, that’s all.’