This was her first time working an event at this particular location, and while she hadn’t yet been up to the skyscraper, she was already impressed by the venue, likely chosen to ensure that the very coolest of the great and good would show up. Then again, she knew from experience that when it came to limelight-seeking celebs, it wasn’t a tall order to get them to show – for anything – when press or cameras were involved.

Ward McKenzie being about the only exception to that rule. It was almost endearing.

Even if it had made her job a whole lot harder.

She glanced down at her phone to track the car shuttling Ward and Shelley, which should be pulling up … right now.

Craning her neck to see through the crowds, Hannah slinked through the mass of handlers and security people and exited the tent. She wanted to be sure that they saw her the moment they stepped from the car, so she could swoop in and take charge.

She watched as one black car moved away from the plaza, enabling another to pull up in its place. The backseat door on the far side of the car opened and sure enough, there was Ward. Her stomach did that ticklish little flip thing again and a smile found its way to her face.

The Gucci suit Shelley suggested had fit like a glove even in the changing room and the shade perfectly complemented the green of his eyes. Now freshly shaven, he cut a dashing silhouette and looked every bit the star. Vitality oozed from him – and there was no denying that he was more than ready to get back on the ice. No cane in sight and he had a spring in his step as he got out and moved to the other side of the car. The crowd yelled their delight and he even raised a hand in salute.

Wow, wonders would never cease.

As the limo driver opened the door for the other passenger, Ward extended an arm; a second later, Shelley emerged from the car, sparkling in Carolina Herrera.

His date smiled as he stood, theatrically directing her hand into the crook of his arm, looking every bit the doting boyfriend. Shelley glanced around at the crowd as she got her bearings but her smile never faltered. If she was nervous, she didn’t show it.

They looked incredible together, Hannah thought, taken aback by how wistful she felt. Perfectly camera-ready.

‘Exactly how it should be,’ she whispered under her breath as she headed forward to meet them.

‘Guys!’ she called out, immediately flipping the switch and going into professional mode. ‘Hey there,’ she greeted. ‘You guys look amazing. Shelley, honest to God, wow.’