The Outback Doctor

by Lucy Clark

  ‘I am not an unintelligent, stupid fool.’

  ‘Yeah? Then stop acting like one!’

  Dave stormed past his brother, knowing he was right. He shoved his hand under the tap and rinsed it carefully, pleased to see he’d only grazed the skin in a few places. Other than that, all phalanges and the metacarpus seemed to be unbroken.

  ‘How’s it look?’

  ‘It’ll be fine.’

  ‘You’re lucky.’

  ‘Yeah.’ He pushed passed Mick and headed to his room. ‘Thanks for passing on the message. I’ll think about what you’ve said.’

  ‘Once you get custody of Mel, you shouldn’t need to see Mags again.’

  ‘Hadn’t thought of that. Maybe she’d want access visits?’

  ‘You think so?’

  ‘Anything’s possible with Mags. I’ve learned never to underestimate that woman. She’s capable of anything. It might suit her in years to come to fight for custody of Melody again.’

  ‘Mel’s a smart girl, Dave. Hopefully, by then she’ll be able to make up her own mind. After all, she’s a Dunbar!’

  ‘That she is. Thanks, bro’.’ Dave shut his door and lay down on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. What had happened to his well-ordered life? In the last few weeks, it was as though his world had started to spin on an uneven axis.

  First Rosie had come along, invading his dreams. Her sweet, pliant lips so delicious to kiss, but that had been before she’d turned into the ice queen. He still had no idea what had happened there.

  Now there was Melody. His gorgeous little girl with her long blonde hair and Dunbar blue eyes. He’d seen her just a few weeks ago—at Christmas time. They’d spent the weekend together in Sydney and it had been wonderful.

  Mags had seemed glad to have Mel out of the way and now he knew why. Even so, she’d never said anything about getting married again, although it was just like Mags to do things at the last minute like this.

  He groaned in exasperation and turned onto his stomach, burying his head beneath the pillow, hoping to stop his mind from being so busy so he could finally get to sleep.

  Women—he seemed surrounded by them and they were all a complete mystery to him.

  ‘Morning, darl’,’ Sadie called as Dave headed onto the ward early Tuesday morning. He’d hardly slept a wink and had got up to help Mick, thankful for the distraction to his thoughts.

  ‘Good morning, Sadie,’ he replied, and smothered a yawn.

  ‘What’s up, darl’? You look as though you didn’t sleep a wink last night.’

  ‘I didn’t.’

  ‘What’s up? You can tell me, darl’. I was one of your mum’s closest friends. Go on, chew my ear.’

  ‘Melody’s coming.’

  Sadie’s eyebrows shot up to her greying hairline. ‘Is she now? I didn’t think she came in the January holidays.’

  ‘She’s coming for good.’ He watched as Sadie’s jaw hung open.

  ‘You sure that’s a good idea, darl’?’

  ‘The best one I’ve ever had. I should have done it a long time ago.’

  ‘What does Mags think about it?’

  ‘I’ll be calling her after ward round to tell her.’ Dave slung a stethoscope around his neck as he spoke. ‘Let’s get the ward round done and get on with the day.’

  ‘Right you are, darl’,’ Sadie said and patted him affectionately on the back.

  True to his word, Dave went to his office after ward rounds and called Mags, surprised to find her awake so early. It would have been close to nine o’clock in Sydney. He didn’t beat about the bush and told her up front what he wanted. When she calmly agreed, he knew for a fact that this had all been part of her plan.

  ‘Why didn’t you just come right out and say you didn’t want her any more? Why can’t you at least be honest about Mel?’

  ‘Because then everyone would have thought I was a bad mother. This way, it looks as though—’

  ‘I don’t give a stuff how it looks, Mags.’

  ‘Don’t call me that. You know I hate it.’

  Dave grinned, glad he’d irritated her. ‘So you’ll agree not to fight me for full custody of Melody?’

  ‘I agree. In fact, my solicitor has already drawn up papers in anticipation of this. They’ll be delivered to you by tonight.’

  ‘Geez, Mags. You’re…unbelievable.’ Dave was completely disgusted with the woman, wondering how on earth he’d ever found her attractive in the first place. ‘I’ll be there on Thursday to collect her.’

  ‘Don’t bother. I’ve arranged for her to fly out to you.’

  ‘By herself! She’s six, Mags.’

  ‘Oh, all right, then. I’ll send the current nanny with her, too. Happy now? But you’re paying for the flights.’

  ‘I’m more than happy to.’ Anything. He’d do anything she said at the moment if it meant he could get custody of Mel.

  ‘Right, then. I’ve got to speak to the caterers.’

  The line went dead and Dave looked at the receiver and shook his head in disbelief. The woman was a piece of work! He called his brother to let him know the progress before heading off to clinic.

  Once he’d got through clinic, he grabbed a quick bite of lunch, returning to his office to get his files ready for house calls. The encompassing scent of a very familiar perfume teased at his senses and he looked up to find Rose in his open doorway, her hand raised to knock.

  ‘Good afternoon, Rosie.’ He stopped his paper-shuffling, letting his gaze slowly travel over the alluring curves of her body, refreshing his memory. She was dressed in another trouser suit, this time pale blue, and she looked stunning. He could have stayed there for hours, simply watching her, but his self-control, thankfully, got the better of him. He cleared his throat and stood. ‘What can I do for you?’

  A lot! Rose worked hard at not being affected by the touch of his visual caress but she knew she was fighting a losing battle. How did the man have the power to make her knees quiver and her heart turn over with just one look? Then again, how many other women did he look at like that? The thought was enough to help pull her emotions back on track.

  ‘I’ve just been told by the secretary that my house call list is the same as yours so it makes sense to go together.’ When he simply stood there, staring at her as though she’d suggested they rob a bank, Rose pointed to his desk. ‘Do you have all the patient files?’

  ‘Yes.’ Dave couldn’t believe his luck. He got to spend the afternoon with Rosie. Beauty!

  ‘Fine. I’ll meet you at your ute.’

  ‘We can take your car if you like.’

  ‘What? Not intimidated by women drivers?’

  ‘Not at all.’

  ‘But I don’t know my way around like you do.’

  ‘I can direct you.’ He shoved the files into his briefcase, picked up his medical bag, which he’d previously checked, and headed towards her. She quickly stepped out of the doorway, making room for him to pass. ‘Let’s get going, then.’

  They walked out of the hospital together, Rose keeping her distance. She unlocked the car and opened the doors to let the heat out. Dave did the same for the passenger side. A minute later, she closed them again, swatting some flies away from her face. ‘Won’t take long for it to cool down,’ she remarked, as she settled behind the wheel and pulled on her seat belt. Dave did the same and after she’d started the engine, she switched the air-conditioner to ‘full’.

  ‘Who’s first on the list and which way do I go?’ she asked, as she pulled out of the car park.

  ‘Left. Mrs McGill.’

  ‘Mrs McGill.’ Rose nodded. ‘How did she recover from her food-poisoning experience?’

  ‘All right but it’s really aggravated her intestines. I’ve been watching her closely since just before Christmas when she presented with abdominal pain. When she was brought in with food poisoning, I thought it might have been gallstones, but after doing an ultra sound, I discovered it wasn’t.’

  ‘Yet her abdomina
l pains haven’t subsided?’

  ‘Not from what her GP says. I suppose you’re seeing her because of the bone cancer,’ he stated.

  ‘Yes. Unfortunately, most of the patients I visit at home have a terminal illness.’

  ‘Take the next right turn,’ he directed.

  She was glad the conversation was kept to medical aspects because that way she could relax a little and enjoy being with him, rather than being forced to remember she was cross with him.

  When they arrived at Mrs McGill’s, it was to find her lying in bed, moaning in pain. Her husband was quite beside himself. Dave performed her obs while Rose gave her something for the pain.

  ‘That should help,’ she said softly. Soon Mrs McGill was more peaceful and started to doze. They headed out to the kitchen, Mr McGill telling them what had transpired that morning and how he’d been about to call the doctor.

  ‘I’d like to admit her to the hospital so I can keep a closer eye on her and run some tests,’ Dave said to him. ‘Agreed, Rosie?’

  ‘Yes. She can be monitored at the hospital and until the source of this pain is discovered, it’ll be best for her.’

  ‘Her oncologist is due here on Thursday so I’ll make an appointment for him to stop by her bed and give her a check-up,’ Dave told Mr McGill.

  They organised Mrs McGill’s transfer to hospital then sat down with a cool drink until the ambulance arrived. Once their patient had been handed over to the ambos, they headed to the next appointment.

  Three patients later and Rose was ready to call it a day. ‘It’s hot, I’m tired and these flies are driving me insane,’ she told Dave as they waved goodbye at their last house call. ‘Which way?’ she said at an intersection. ‘Once I get back on the main roads, I’m OK.’

  ‘Go right.’

  ‘Thanks.’ Rose had been impressed by his relaxed nature towards his patients and it softened her resolve a little. She couldn’t let that happen. Forcing herself to concentrate on her driving, Rose worked hard to keep up her cool façade. Now that the patients were out of the way, it was the only shield she had. She was still annoyed with him. She had to remember that. A man shouldn’t kiss a woman if he’s already involved with another woman. It just isn’t the done thing.

  First Julian had thought he could do it and now Dave. She could pick them all right. As far as her taste went in men, it was lousy. She was also cross with him for ruining her sleep last night. Just when she’d thought she’d had enough sleepless nights because of him, along had come another one, leaving her feeling washed-out and cranky.

  ‘Left here.’ His deep voice broke into her thoughts and washed over her like smooth silk. Rose felt her heartbeat accelerate. Oh, why did he have to have such an effect on her? It wasn’t fair. It should be illegal for a man to have such an effect on women—especially a man who was a two-timing snake!

  She fixed the image of him kissing Penny firmly in her mind and clung to it, but she could feel herself losing her grip once more. The truth was, the more she saw of Dave, the more she was coming to like him. He was direct and forthright when dealing with staff and patients. He had great skill as a surgeon and as a colleague she admired him greatly. So why did he have to be such a…such a…male?

  ‘Rosie,’ he said when they were almost at the hospital. She’d been so wrapped in her thoughts that she jumped a little as he spoke. ‘Sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you.’

  Rose slowed down and turned into the hospital car park, pulling into the space she’d vacated a few hours ago.

  ‘We need to talk.’ He undid his seat belt and shifted slightly to look at her.

  ‘What about?’

  ‘Us.’

  ‘Dave, there is no us.’ Rose kept the engine going, hoping he’d take the hint and get out. He didn’t.

  ‘Yes, there is, and you know it.’

  She looked at him. ‘Don’t tell me what I know or don’t know.’

  ‘There you go again, taking what I say out of context and getting all hot-headed about it.’

  ‘I’m not going to sit here with the engine running and have some hypothetical conversation with you because that’s all a relationship between you and I would be—hypothetical. It’s hot and I’m tired. Please, get out.’

  ‘Rosie—’

  ‘Now!’

  ‘No. We need to talk and if I have to sit here until the morning, you’re going to talk to me.’

  ‘But people will see us toge—’

  ‘I don’t care. We need to talk. That’s all there is to it.’

  He wasn’t going to budge on this, she could tell. ‘Fine, but…come around to my house where we can at least have some privacy.’

  It was obviously an answer he could accept as without another word he got out of her car. ‘See you soon, then.’ He shut the door and patted the top of her roof. Rose headed off, not at all sure she’d done the right thing.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  ‘TEA or coffee?’

  ‘Tea, please,’ he replied, as he settled onto one of the stools at her father’s kitchen bench.

  Rose moved around the kitchen, feeling Dave’s gaze on her the entire time. ‘Well?’ she asked. ‘Are you going to get to the point? After all, you did want to talk.’

  ‘Not when you’re in this mood.’

  ‘David!’ Her exasperation was now at overload and bubbled over when he laughed.

  ‘All right. It’s just hard to talk whilst you’re flitting around the kitchen. Why don’t we get our cups of tea and go sit in the lounge room?’

  ‘What a good idea.’

  ‘See?’

  ‘See what?’

  ‘I have been known to have them once in a while.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Good ideas.’

  Rose sighed as she handed him his tea and carried her own through to the lounge room. Her next mistake was to sit down on the sofa, thereby leaving room for Dave to come and sit beside her. She tensed for a moment but breathed a sigh of relief when he sat in the armchair opposite her.

  ‘I’m listening,’ she said, growing increasingly impatient as well as apprehensive. What was he going to say?

  ‘Firstly, I wanted to apologise for my behaviour last night. I know yesterday evening was difficult for you to get through and you didn’t really need the added stress of me bawling you out like that. I still stand by what I said—as head of the retrieval team I must—but I could have waited to speak to you.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘So I’m forgiven?’

  Rose nodded. ‘For that, but as you said, you had every right to say what you did.’

  ‘Good.’ He settled back in his chair.

  ‘Why did you?’

  ‘Why did I what?’

  ‘Why did you bawl me out then and not leave it until today?’

  He shifted uncomfortably in his chair and glanced away for a moment. ‘I was…well…’ he fumbled, and Rose was surprised. ‘I was angry with you,’ he finally said.

  ‘For causing you so much trouble? I gathered at the time that you weren’t that annoyed. You even said you were proud of what I’d done.’

  ‘I was—still am,’ he corrected. He leaned forward and placed his cup on the table before standing. ‘It’s just that…’ he started to pace ‘…before you started to climb up the ladder out of the hole, you seemed…well…receptive to me. Then the next minute—wham!’ He slammed one clenched fist into the palm of his other hand for effect. ‘I’m being given the cold shoulder. I tried to talk to you, to get you to tell me what was wrong, but, no, you just froze me out. What’s worse is you’ve been doing it ever since.’

  Rose clenched her teeth at his words. Why was he talking about this? Surely he knew she must have seen Penny kissing him. He’d looked over at her directly afterwards and had seen her staring.

  ‘So your male ego has taken a hit, eh?’ Rose sipped her tea, trying to keep her cool. ‘Well, what a shame that is.’

  ‘There you go again. What have I done, Rosie? Tell
me.’ He walked over and sat down beside her, relieving her of her cup. He placed it on the table and took her hands in his. ‘Come on, Rosie. Let’s stop playing games. We both know there’s this undeniable attraction between us. I know you feel it. The kisses we’ve shared have told me as much. I may be a little out of practice as far as women go, but I’m not completely immune to the signals.’

  Rose wrenched her hands free of his. ‘Out of practice? Really? That’s not what it looked like to me.’

  He frowned. ‘What are you talking about?’

  Rose stood and walked away from him. She stared unseeingly out the window. ‘You and Penny.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘I saw you, Dave. I saw you kiss her when you both came out the hole.’

  ‘You saw what? I didn’t kiss Penny.’

  ‘Yes, you did. Ask anyone who was there last night. We all saw it.’

  Dave frowned as he rose to his feet, then his face relaxed and he laughed. ‘Of course.’

  ‘I really don’t think this is funny.’

  ‘Penny kissed me when we got out of the hole. Of course!’ He hit his forehead as though he should have realised all of this earlier.

  ‘That’s right, and you kissed her back.’

  ‘No. I hugged her back. Rosie,’ he said laughingly, ‘You’ve definitely got the wrong end of the stick. I’m not involved with Penny.’

  ‘You’re not? But…Penny’s obviously interested in you.’

  ‘No. Believe me, she’s not. Penny is a very happily married woman.’

  ‘She’s married?’

  ‘Yes, has been for about ten years now. Her husband, Sam Chadwick, is Head of Orthopaedics at the Adelaide hospital. He’s a good friend of mine.’

  ‘Then why was—?’

  ‘Why was Penny kissing me?’

  Rose nodded.

  Dave shrugged nonchalantly. ‘She was thanking me for managing to get a certain piece of artwork Sam had fallen in love with on his last trip here. The artist didn’t want to part with it but I managed to persuade him. Penny wants to give it to Sam for his birthday as a surprise.’

  ‘Oh.’ Rose felt completely foolish. She knew Dave was a smart man and that he’d realise the jealousy she’d been exhibiting meant she had strong feelings for him—stronger than she’d wanted him to know about.