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Linc’s knee pressed against mine and he squeezed my hand beneath the table. ‘Jane is a wonderful sailor, and she’s taking my yacht out tomorrow.’

The president looked horrified. ‘What? Not by herself?’

A ha, I thought. So, I’m supposed to be the little woman. I might as well have not been there as they spoke.

‘Jane is a sailing instructor and I have no hesitation in letting her take my boat out.’

‘I thought it was on a honeymoon charter this week,’ Johnny said curiously. Linc shot him another warning glance.

Really! Did everyone know everyone’s business on this island.

‘I cancelled it when I knew Jane was arriving,’ Linc said quickly.

‘I hope that doesn’t lose you too much money, darling,’ I said sweetly, and Johnny almost choked on his drink.

‘Oh, no. It’s just wonderful to have you here, sweetheart.’

‘That will absolutely not do.’ David put his glass on the table with a thump. ‘What were you thinking of, Lincoln?’

‘What do you mean, David?’ I couldn’t help myself.

‘Lincoln has a great deal of holiday leave that he never takes. I wonder how he ever found time to spend with you actually.’ As the president looked at us over the top of his glasses, it was Linc’s turn to choke and cough. Johnny thumped his back.

‘How long are you staying, Jane?’ David asked.

‘Ten days,’ I said.

‘Then Lincoln, as of this minute you are on ten days recreational leave. I will not let your fiancée sail alone around our islands.’

‘Oh no, it’s fine. I’ll come back every night to see Linc,’ I protested.

But the president folded his arms and would not budge. ‘Lincoln is now on leave. I know how much he loves to sail. I would not deprive him of your company. My nephew, Thomas will take over the chief of police job until you return in ten days.’ He drained his glass, stood and gestured to the two men—obviously minders— sitting at the table beside us. ‘It was a pleasure to meet you, Jane. I will look forward to my wedding invitation.’

Linc leaned back with a sigh as soon as the three men exited the terminal. ‘Johnny, do me a favour and grab me a beer. I need one.’

His mate grinned at him. ‘What did my old gran used to say? “Oh, what a tangled web,” and all that.’

‘Put a sock in it, pal.’

I looked from one to the other. ‘So, what now?’

Johnny looked away and got up and headed for the bar.

Linc sighed. ‘We do as we are told.’

‘Now hang on one minute. I’ve paid top dollar to hire your boat. And you—’ I poked my finger in his chest ‘—weren’t part of the package.’

‘Sorry, Jane. I am now,’ he said glumly.

‘No.’ I folded my arms. I’d learned a lot about being strong over the past few days.

‘I don’t think you’re in a bargaining position.’

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ I stared at him and got cross with myself when my eyes lingered on his eyes and dark lashes. I dropped my gaze and then they focused on a broad chest with a glimpse of dark chest hair in the V of his shirt.

Would it be so bad to have a sailing partner?

‘It means I’ve let you stay in the country. No passport. No money. No ID. I could deport you.’