This would be a bad, bad time to have a relationship even if one was on offer. Which it clearly wasn’t—because, as Lexi was always telling her, she was past it. Why would Ryan want a relationship with someone like her?

‘Thought I’d save you a journey and drop off that prescription.’ Ryan handed it to Hamish. ‘Did you know that crab personally, Jenna? You’ve been staring at him for the past five minutes.’

Jenna looked up, her inappropriate thoughts bringing the colour rushing to her cheeks. ‘He has the same complexion as my first cousin.’

The corners of his mouth flickered. ‘Yes? I can recommend a cream for that condition.’

She felt the breath catch in her throat because his smile was so sexy, and there was that unmistakable flash of chemistry that always occurred when they were together.

Imagining what it would be like to kiss a man like him, Jenna stared at him for a moment and then turned back to the crab, telling herself that even if things had been different she’d never have been sophisticated enough to hold a man like him. Ryan McKinley might be working on Glenmore, but she recognised a high-flier when she saw one. He was like one of those remote, intimidating consultants who strode the corridors of the hospital where she’d trained. Out of her league.

Hamish exchanged a look with Ryan and raised his eyebrows. ‘You want to take a closer look at that crab?’

‘No.’ Flustered, Jenna pushed her hair out of her eyes. ‘No, thanks—I—But it does look delicious.’ Oh, for goodness’ sake. What was the matter with her? Lexi was right—she was desperate. And she needed to leave this shop before she dropped her salmon a second time. Smiling at Hamish, she walked towards the door.

‘Wait a minute, Nurse Jenna.’ Hamish called after her. ‘Has Dr McKinley asked you to the beach barbecue? Because if he hasn’t, he’s certainly been meaning to.’

Did everyone on Glenmore interfere with everyone else’s lives?

Jenna looked at Ryan, who looked straight back at her, his expression unreadable.

Realising that Hamish had put them both in an impossible position, Jenna was about to formulate a response when Ryan straightened.

‘It’s on Saturday. In aid of the lifeboat. You should come.’

Knowing he’d only invited her because Hamish had pushed him, Jenna shook her head. ‘I’m busy on Saturday.’

Hamish tutted. ‘How can you be busy? Everything shuts early. Everyone on the island will be there. There’s nothing else to do. Young thing like you needs a night out. You’ve done nothing but work since the day you stepped off that ferry.’

A night out?