‘Not many women would have tackled him.’

She shrugged. ‘I’ve done a bit of self-defence. I went after him automatically.’

‘It was a brave thing to do, and we’re very grateful,’ the manager said approvingly.

Megan could feel herself flushing as all four men stared at her. ‘It’s nothing, honestly. Anyone would have done the same thing.’

‘I doubt it.’ The stranger’s gaze was still warm.

She took a deep breath, or tried to. Now that the incident was over, reaction had set in and she felt flustered and uncertain. This wasn’t helped by standing next to the best-looking man she’d seen in a long time. She stole a glance sideways. He was more than good-looking. Heavens, he was downright handsome! Dark hair, straight nose, firm chin, broad shoulders – the works!

She caught sight of the clock. ‘Is this going to take long?’ she asked the manager. ‘I was just trying to book a room for tonight and you seem rather full. My car’s broken down.’

He picked up the phone, had a quiet conversation, then smiled benevolently at her. ‘We are pretty full, but there is a spare suite. You can have that. And the hotel will not, of course, charge you for your accommodation tonight, Miss—?’

‘Ross. Megan Ross.’

He turned back to relay her name to the person on the other end of the phone, then nodded to the concierge. ‘Could you have Miss Ross’s luggage taken up to Number 36, please, Jeff, while we sort this out? Now, Mr Saunders, I think I’d better hold on to your wallet till the police arrive. Perhaps you’d like to take a seat.’

‘I’ll sit near the door.’ He stared at the thief, who scowled back at him.

‘And I’ll keep watch this side,’ the manager said.

As they waited, Megan wondered how much a suite normally cost, but didn’t like to ask. Whatever. She was relieved to have somewhere to stay and it’d be another new experience staying in a suite. Wait till she told Sarah!

It was a while before the police arrived, by which time Megan, sitting on the couch, had memorised every inch of Ben Saunders’ face and noted that he had shapely hands. She’d felt him staring at her, as well, and had tried not to react to that.

She must look a mess. Her clothes were crumpled from the journey, her hair clasp must have fallen out in the struggle, and it felt as if her hair had reverted to its usual wild tangle. She tried surreptitiously to smooth it down, saw Ben watching her, so left it alone, because she’d read somewhere that women fiddled with their hair when they were attracted to a man.

She sighed. Well, she was attracted. Who wouldn’t be? Why couldn’t she have met a man like this when she was looking her best?