Breaking The Playboy's Rules. Emily Forbes

to meet you.’ She reached out and grabbed Emma’s hand as she was talking and shook it vigorously. ‘Why don’t you come through to my office and we can talk about the job? I can’t believe our luck that you’re here and able to work.’

      Emma tried to protest as she trailed behind Irene down a short flight of stairs and along a corridor. ‘I’m not sure that I can work,’ she said. She also wasn’t sure if she wanted to.

      ‘You can work on a volunteer basis,’ Irene told her. ‘Grace was right about that. So if you’re interested in a volunteer position, I’m sure we can work something out. Besides, if you’re in town for a while you’ll soon realise there’s not a lot to keep you occupied. You’ll soon get bored so you might as well work. Think of it as good experience.’

      Emma could tell that Irene wasn’t a person who could easily be dissuaded once her mind was made up. This town seemed to be full of strong-willed people. She’d need to try a different tack or she knew she’d find herself signed up before the day was over.

      ‘I might not have the qualifications you’re after. I’ve never worked outside a hospital before.’

      But Irene was not going to be put off. ‘Neither have most of our nurses when they first come to us. I was told you’ve got Emergency experience, is that right?’

      Emma nodded as Irene led her into an office and closed the door. The office had one glass wall that overlooked a larger, open-plan office that appeared to be a communications centre. The walls were covered with whiteboards, charts and maps and there were several staff members at work within the room.

      ‘If you have emergency experience, I’m sure we’ll want you,’ Irene said as she indicated to Emma to take a seat. ‘Did you bring your CV?’

      Emma was in shock. She had her CV in her bag but she hadn’t really expected to hand it over. She’d expected to have a relaxed tour of the facility with Harry! Nevertheless, she dug her CV out of her bag and handed it to Irene.

      ‘We’re desperate for nurses,’ Irene explained. ‘We’re already down one. Mary’s gone to Adelaide to look after her mum who’s undergoing chemo, and with Kerri about to go on maternity leave and Lisa with her broken arm, we’re going to be short two nurses. One we can cover, two is impossible. I’ve looked into the volunteering situation and that’s perfectly acceptable with the board so as long as your references and qualifications are okay. If that all pans out, you can consider the locum position yours.’

      Emma didn’t know whether she should be flattered or terrified. She had no idea what she was getting herself into.

      Irene leant back in her chair. ‘Now, I suppose I should let you ask me some questions. What do you want to know?’

      Anything and everything, Emma thought. She had no idea how the flying doctor service actually worked or what they did other than what she’d seen on television, and from what Harry had told her last night it sounded as though the show might have been more fiction than fact.

      Before she could work out which question to begin with she heard the sound of a door opening behind her and a familiar voice broke the silence.

      ‘Emma! I heard you were here. How are you? Have you recovered from yesterday?’

      Harry.

      Emma turned at the sound of his voice. It was just as deep and soothing as she remembered. It reverberated through her and despite the fact that Irene was sitting a few inches away Harry’s voice made her feel as if she was the only person he could see.

      ‘Yes, thanks, I’m good. A bit shell-shocked but that has nothing to do with yesterday.’

      Harry laughed. ‘Irene has that effect on people. Has she convinced you to join us yet? She doesn’t like to take no for an answer.’

      ‘I got that impression,’ she replied.

      Luckily Irene didn’t seem to take offence at being discussed like this. ‘Harry, do you think you could give Emma the grand tour?’ she asked. ‘Use your persuasive charms on her to sell the position?’

      ‘That’s why I’m here,’ Harry answered.

      ‘Good,’ Irene replied, and turned back to Emma. ‘You could go out on a clinic run tomorrow if you like. Why don’t you let me know what you think when you’ve finished with Harry?’ Irene stood and ushered Emma and Harry out the door.