The Playboy Doctor's Proposal. Alison Roberts

Just want to pack us in like sardines so they make a profit.’

      ‘Mmm.’ And they were allocated the same amount of baggage weight, Hannah thought crossly. What would happen if every passenger was Blair’s size? Could the plane flip over because the baggage compartment was too light? Use twice as much fuel? Drop out of the sky?

      Hannah wasn’t a great fan of flying. She leaned further into the aisle and gripped the armrest on that side as the plane gathered speed.

      ‘Not keen on flying, huh?’ Blair was leaning, too. ‘Wanna hold my hand?’

      ‘Ah…no, thanks.’ Hannah screwed her eyes shut. ‘I’m just fine.’

      ‘It’s OK. ‘ Blair was laughing as the wheels left the tarmac. ‘I’m single.’

      There was no point pretending to be asleep because Blair didn’t seem to notice. He obviously liked to think aloud and kept himself amused by a running commentary on the choice of movies available, the tourist attractions of Cairns showcased in the airline magazine and the length of time it was taking for the cabin crew to start serving refreshments.

      The reason for any delay was revealed when the captain’s voice sounded in the cabin.

      ‘G’ day, folks. Welcome aboard this Air New Zealand flight to Cairns. We’re expecting a bit of turbulence due to strong westerly winds courtesy of a tropical cyclone in the Coral Sea region going by the name of Willie. I’m going to keep the crew seated until we get through this next layer of cloud.’

      Blair made a grumbling sound.

      ‘Once we’re cruising at around thirty-five thousand feet, things should get a bit smoother,’ the captain continued. ‘You’ll be free to move around the cabin at that point but I would suggest that while you’re in your seats you do keep your seat belts firmly fastened.’

      Sure enough, the flight became smoother and the cabin crew began to serve drinks and meals. The steward that stopped beside Hannah cast a second glance at her companion, listened to him patiently while he complained about the delay in being fed and then winked at Hannah.

      ‘I’ll be back in a tick,’ he said.

      When he returned, he bent down and whispered in Hannah’s ear. Then he opened the overhead locker and removed the bag she specified. Hannah unclipped her seat belt and stood up with a sigh of relief.

      ‘Hey!’ Blair was watching the removal of the bag with concern. ‘Where’re you going, darling?’

      ‘We’ve got a bit of room up front,’ the steward informed him. ‘I’m just juggling passengers a bit. If you lift the arm-rest there, Sir, I’m sure you’ll find the journey a lot more comfortable.’

      Much to Hannah’s astonishment, ‘up front’ turned out to be an upgrade to business class. Her eyes widened as she realised she was going to have a window seat—no, both the seats—all to herself.

      ‘You’re an angel of mercy,’ she told the steward. ‘Wow! I’ve never flown business class before.’

      ‘Enjoy!’ The steward grinned. ‘I’ll make sure they bring you something to drink while you settle in and have a look at the breakfast menu.’

      Hannah sank into the soft seat, unable to contain her smile. She stretched out her legs and wiggled her toes. Not much chance of developing a DVT here. There was any amount of elbow room, as well. She tested it, sticking her arms out like wings. She even flapped them up and down a little. Just as well there was no one to see her doing a duck impression.

      Or was there? Hannah hadn’t yet considered the possibility of a passenger on the other side of the aisle. She turned her head swiftly, aware of a blush starting. And then she recognised the solitary figure by the window and she actually gasped aloud.

      Glaring was probably the only description she could have used for the way Ryan Fisher was looking at her.

      ‘Oh, my God!’ Hannah said. ‘What are you doing here?’