‘If you had a job here that you loved, and a life which fulfilled you, I’d consider doing that. But you don’t. You’re bored with your job, restless. Why, you’d even tried to emigrate to Australia! I’d probably come back in a few months and find you’d gone to work in Brussels or somewhere similar. If you want a change so much, why not make it with me?’

She stared at him, shaking her head slowly in disbelief. ‘Do you always make such rapid decisions?’

‘If it’s necessary, yes. It’s the way I tend to operate.’ He frowned and started to jiggle some coins about in his pocket. ‘I don’t really want to come back to Europe again for a year or two. I’ve had my fill of jetlag and waking up in a different city each night.’

He began fiddling with a strand of her hair. ‘I’ve been waiting a long time for my freedom, Megan. Five years ago I bought a house and some land, two hundred acres actually, in Western Australia.’

‘Two hundred acres?’

‘Yes. Fronting on to a lake.’

‘It sounds gorgeous.’

‘It is. Mainly untouched bush. You’d love it – the place is full of wildlife and I mean to keep it that way – well, most of it. Though I don’t want you to marry me for the down under wildlife experience, but because we get on so well. Be honest and forget about tradition. What is there to prevent you from marrying me, Megan?’

Nothing! Except her own fears. She didn’t say it aloud, but couldn’t help thinking it. ‘I couldn’t just quit my job.’ That sounded feeble even in her own ears.

‘Your employers would understand the special circumstances.’

‘Then there’s my family.’

‘We could go and see them tomorrow afternoon after we get back.’

‘But I haven’t said yes.’

‘You haven’t said no, either.’

Why hadn’t she? she wondered. She looked at him. She’d never met a man she found so attractive. She’d enjoyed their time together enormously.

‘It’s a crazy thing to suggest,’ she said hesitantly, then thought what a pitiful argument that was.

‘Then be crazy, for once,’ he urged softly.

‘Don’t tempt me.’

He gathered her in his arms. ‘I warn you now, I intend to do all I can to change your mind.’

His lips came down over hers and within minutes she was clinging to him and kissing him back with equal passion. But when she realised she was losing control, she pushed him away, breathing deeply.

He moved back, his eyes probing hers, his expression solemn. ‘Marry me, Megan. I’m sure we could be happy together.’

‘Could you – just go to bed now and leave me to think about it?’

‘If that’s what you really want.’