The woman’s face was paper-white. ‘Is it going to work?’

‘I hope so. This is quite a severe reaction, so I’m giving him another dose.’ Ryan took the syringe from Jenna. ‘And I’m going to give him some antihistamine and hydrocortisone.’

‘Air ambulance is on its way,’ Ben said, and at that moment Jenna noticed something. Leaning forward, she lifted the man’s tee shirt so that she could get a better look.

‘He has a rash, Ryan.’

‘I think it’s safe to assume we’re dealing with a shellfish allergy—when you get to the mainland they’ll observe him overnight and then make an appointment for you to see an allergy consultant. Where do you live?’

‘We’re from London. We’re just here for a holiday. We have another week to go.’ The woman was staring at her husband’s chest in disbelief. ‘I’ve never seen a rash come on like that.’

‘It’s all part of the reaction,’ Jenna said quietly. ‘The drugs will help.’

‘How long do you think they’ll keep him in hospital?’

‘With any luck they’ll let you go tomorrow and you can get on with your holiday—avoiding shellfish.’ Ryan examined the rash carefully. ‘The hospital should refer you for allergy testing so you can be sure what you’re dealing with. You may need to carry an Epipen.’ He checked the man’s pulse again. ‘His breathing is improving. That last injection seems to have done the trick.’

‘Thank goodness—’ The woman slumped slightly and Jenna slipped her arm round her.

‘You poor thing. Are you on your own here? Do you have any friends or family with you?’ She tried to imagine what it must be like going through this on holiday, far from home, with no support.

‘My sister and her husband, but they’ve gone to the beach barbecue.’

‘I’ll contact them for you,’ Ben said immediately, taking the details and sending one of the locals down to the beach to locate the woman’s family.

Once again the islanders impressed Jenna, working together to solve the problem in a way that would never really happen in a big city.

By the time the air ambulance arrived the man had regained consciousness and the woman had been reunited with her family. Jenna listened as Ryan exchanged information with the paramedics and masterminded the man’s transfer. As the helicopter lifted off for the short trip to the mainland, she turned to him.

His face was tanned from the sun and the wind, his dark hair a surprising contrast to his ice-blue eyes.

Trapped by his gaze, Jenna stood still, inexplicably drawn to him. She forgot about the small stones pressing into her bare feet; she forgot that she was confused about her feelings. She forgot everything except the astonishing bolt of chemistry that pulled her towards Ryan.

She wanted to kiss him again.

She wanted to kiss him now.