Christmas-Day Fiancée (St Gregory's Hospital)

by Lucy Clark

  She glanced at him as they walked to the car but he appeared in quite good spirits. He unlocked her door and then to her utter astonishment he scooped her up into his arms. She squealed but he merely smiled.

  ‘Let’s get you into the car in a dignified manner.’

  ‘Oh, yeah. Real dignified,’ she countered as he placed her gently on the seat. ‘You could at least have warned me,’ she snapped, still feeling the warmth of where his arms had been around her and the scent of his aftershave had instantly electrified her entire body.

  ‘My apologies.’ He took her hand in his and kissed it in a gentlemanly fashion, making her body quiver even more.

  ‘Just get in and drive,’ she said, trying desperately to pull herself together.

  They didn’t talk much on the journey and once they arrived at the party venue, Marty again came around to help her out. This time, though, as she slid from the seat with his help, he kept his distance and she was a little disappointed that he hadn’t tried a repeat of that morning’s attempted kiss.

  And if he had? she asked herself.

  You’d have kissed him, came the answer. Natalie swallowed, her breathing increasing at the thought. She wanted to kiss Marty. In fact, if she admitted it to herself, she’d been wanting to kiss him ever since he’d waltzed back into her life.

  She forced a smile when he looked down at her, not wanting him to guess her thoughts. They made their way inside, Marty linking arms with her. ‘Let’s make sure you don’t twist your ankle,’ he said softly.

  They were greeted warmly by their friends and colleagues, no one seeming surprised they’d come together. It wasn’t just members of the paediatric staff but the hospital staff in general who had bought tickets to support the fundraising aspect of the evening. Christmas was the season of giving and with the money they raised they would be able to purchase a vital piece of equipment for their unit.

  The function room was decked out in different-coloured tinsel, which made Natalie feel as though she was leaving all her cares and worries behind her and just concentrating on the spirit of Christmas. They were shown to their table and, from what she could see, everyone enjoyed their scrumptious dinner, complete with turkey, ham and chicken. Natalie loved every single bite but was unable to finish her Christmas plum pudding with brandy sauce, much to her chagrin. When she pushed it aside, declaring herself full, she was astonished when Marty picked up the bowl and finished it off.

  She blinked at him in shock as tingles flooded her body. Watching him wolf down her half-eaten dessert shouldn’t have given her a feeling of intimacy, but it did. No one else at their table saw anything wrong with it so Natalie took a deep breath and tried to ignore her body’s reaction to the man who sat beside her.

  ‘Want to dance?’ Marty asked as the lights dimmed, the coloured lights flickered on the dance floor and the volume level of the song the DJ had been playing increased. He shed his jacket and took off his tie, undoing the top two buttons of his shirt. Natalie stared at him for a moment, unable to believe how incredibly handsome he looked. The clean-cut image didn’t suit him, but ruffle him up a bit and he was irresistible.

  Marty took her hand in his and immediately zingers shot up her arm. Her reactions to him were becoming more intense the more time they spent together…and the more he touched her. Just his hand resting on her shoulder or linking arms with her or taking her hand as he’d just done. It didn’t stop there, she realised. His smile or even just their gazes meeting was enough to send her body into overdrive. How on earth was she supposed to stand up on the dance floor when he would be almost squashed up against her? It would be impossible.

  ‘I’m not much of a dancer.’ She cleared her throat, surprised to find her throat so dry.

  ‘Oh, yeah? What about the school play? You know, when you wore your streaker suit.’

  She took a sip of water. ‘That was choreographed, Marty. Besides, I’m a little full. If I went out there, I’d just roll around the floor.’

  He considered that for a moment. ‘That might be fun to watch.’

  She gave his hand a squeeze and pulled away. ‘You go. Have fun. I’ll let my dinner settle and then maybe I’ll dance.’

  He looked as though he was going to dispute her words but shrugged and stood up. ‘Anyone care to join me on the dance floor?’ he asked the table in general, and received overwhelming responses from almost everyone…most of whom were female.

  They all trooped onto the dance floor and for a moment Natalie regretted her decision. She wanted to be there with him, to be having fun with him, but at the moment she simply couldn’t rely on her body not to give away the extent of her growing feelings for her friend.

  She waved to Marty, who was dancing like a maniac out of control but making everyone around him laugh. He was surrounded by a gaggle of women shaking their assets at him to the latest pop version of a Christmas carol and Natalie couldn’t help the pang of jealousy that coursed through her.

  Marty beckoned her to join him, but she simply smiled and shook her head. She was not about to join the long line of women trying to impress him. Instead, she checked her watch and glanced around the room, pleasantly surprised when she saw Beth heading in her direction.

  ‘Hey, you made it.’

  Beth sank thankfully into the vacant chair beside her friend. ‘I didn’t think I’d ever finish in Theatre.’

  ‘How’s Mr Hailstock?’

  ‘All patched up and back together. He was in Recovery when I left, a security guard posted at the end of his bed.’

  Natalie smiled. ‘I hardly think he’s in any position to cause more trouble. Sedated and bandaged.’

  Beth agreed. ‘Still, it’s protocol and although he didn’t hurt anyone besides himself, he’s still being charged.’

  Natalie nodded. ‘I called the ward before coming here to find out how Glen was. Apparently his mother realised she had to speak out about what was happening at home so there are more charges coming Mr Hailstock’s way.’

  ‘Anyway, we’re here to have fun and be jolly. Isn’t this supposed to be a Christmas party?’ As she spoke, she glanced around the room, waving to Marty on the dance floor. ‘I am so hungry. Is there any food left?’

  ‘There might be. Want me to go check with the kitchen staff?’ As she spoke, a gorgeous waiter walked by and Beth instantly grabbed him.

  ‘Hi.’ She smiled sweetly at the man. ‘I’ve just come out of a gruelling operating session and I’m starving. Is there any possibility of leftovers in the kitchen?’

  ‘Sure.’ He held out his hand to her. ‘Come with me and we’ll see what we can do.’

  Beth’s smile increased as she accepted his hand, giving Natalie a look that said, What do you think about that, then? She disappeared with the waiter through a swinging white door.

  ‘Hey!’ Marty was beside her a minute later. ‘You have got to come and dance with me.’

  ‘I’m good. Thanks.’

  He looked around at the tables as he sat down. ‘Where did Beth go?’

  ‘She found a nice handsome waiter to satisfy her hunger—for food,’ Natalie added, but they both grinned.

  ‘Typical Beth.’ He took her hand in his again. ‘Come on, Nat. Time to dance.’

  ‘You have enough partners.’ She gestured to the dance floor where a few of the women were glancing their way, impatiently waiting for Marty to return.

  ‘Don’t mind them. I want to dance with you. Come on, Nat. It’s Christmas.’

  ‘It’s the first week in December, Marty.’

  ‘Close enough.’ She glanced over his shoulder at the doorway and he followed her gaze. ‘Waiting for Everley? He’s not going to show.’

  ‘I know.’

  ‘Then what are you waiting for?’

  ‘My dinner to go down. I don’t fancy being sick on the dance floor.’

  ‘You won’t be sick. You didn’t even finish your dessert.’

  ‘No. You did.’ She felt that warm tingle return at the mention o
f that shared intimacy.

  ‘I’m not going to give up.’

  ‘I believe you. Just give me a few more minutes.’

  ‘OK.’ He leaned back in the chair.

  ‘You can go.’

  ‘I’m fine here. I’ll wait with you.’ He watched her for a moment before saying, ‘Are you disappointed Everley didn’t show?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Don’t lie to me, Nat. I’ve seen you checking your watch, looking at the door. Now that Beth’s here, you must know that even if Everley had been held up in Theatre, it’s now well and truly finished.’

  ‘Just like Richard and myself. We’re through, Marty. You know that.’

  ‘Really? You know, the guy was never really into you in the first place.’

  ‘I think the same could be said of me.’ She shrugged. ‘I just want to make sure he accepts I don’t want to see him any more.’ She sighed and shook her head. ‘Who knows when he’ll eventually get the message that it’s over?’

  Marty leaned even closer, his mouth near her ear. ‘Have you?’ His breath fanned down her neck, causing goose-bumps to break out. Natalie caught her breath and tried not to be affected by the mesmerising scent whirling around him. All rational thought deserted her and all she could concentrate on was the minute distance between them.

  She wet her lips and nodded. ‘I know it’s over.’ She leaned back, trying to put some distance between them. ‘I need some air.’ Natalie pushed her chair back and stood, her feet wobbling a bit in the high-heeled shoes until she got her balance.

  Marty was on his feet, one hand coming around her waist to steady her, the other reaching for her hand. ‘Those shoes are lethal. Let me help you.’

  ‘I’ll be fine,’ she protested, but he didn’t answer. Instead, he led her out to the balcony, the warm December air hitting them. ‘It’s a little muggy out here.’

  ‘When isn’t it muggy in Sydney in December?’ he asked rhetorically. ‘I think we’re supposed to hit the forty-degree mark for the next few days.’

  Natalie groaned as she ran a hand down the skirt of her burgundy dress. Her motive when buying it had been to keep as cool as possible but it also made her feel special and beautiful.

  ‘Wherever did you get that dress?’ Marty dropped his arm from her waist and she was extremely grateful. The warmth his touch had evoked had set her entire body on fire—no wonder she’d had a bit of trouble walking. He quickly rolled up his shirtsleeves before gripping the balcony railing with both hands and looking out at the city lights beyond them.

  ‘Why?’ She glanced down at her dress. ‘Don’t you like it?’

  He snorted with derision. ‘Hate it.’

  ‘Why?’ She frowned, a little hurt at his reply. ‘I thought it was pretty.’ She’d hoped he’d think the same thing.

  ‘I hate it because it makes you look irresistible.’

  ‘Oh.’ Her heart rate immediately intensified.

  ‘I’m having trouble keeping my hands off you, Nat.’

  His words ignited her body and she immediately felt breathless and light-headed. ‘Marty!’ She closed her eyes and shook her head. ‘Don’t say things like that.’

  ‘Why not?’

  She swallowed, her tongue coming out to wet her lips again, and Marty groaned. Her eyes snapped open and she found him watching her intently.

  ‘Why not, Nat?’

  ‘Because…’

  ‘Because why?’

  ‘Because we’re friends.’

  ‘Curious friends. You even admitted as much this morning.’

  Natalie sighed. ‘It seems so long ago.’

  ‘You are attracted to me, aren’t you?’ He brushed her hair back from her face, thrilled she’d left it loose. ‘You do feel this…this thing between us?’ His hand brushed her neck and she gasped, unable to break eye contact. ‘See? Your body tells me you’re attracted. What about your mind? Has it accepted the fact yet?’

  ‘Marty.’ His name was a tortured whisper and she was desperately losing control. ‘I do want to but—’

  ‘But you’re over-thinking this.’

  ‘You’re under-thinking it.’

  ‘No.’ He shook his head, his fingers sifting through her hair ensuring her every sense stayed alert and tuned to his touch. ‘I’ve thought about this for years.’

  ‘Years?’ That stunned her.

  ‘Don’t you remember the last day of school?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘I wanted to kiss you then.’ He gave her a wry smile. ‘I know we were friends and very young, but I was curious. I wanted to know but at the same time I didn’t.’ He shrugged. ‘If I liked it a lot, there was nothing I could do about it because I was leaving Sydney.’

  ‘And if you didn’t like it?’

  ‘Then it would have helped me to leave with no regrets. So I put your present into your hands, said something silly to make you smile and left.’

  ‘You said I’d finally have peace in my chemistry class.’ She smiled at the memory but he didn’t return it.

  ‘And did you?’ His gaze was intent on holding hers and it was impossible for her to look away.

  ‘No. It was boring.’

  ‘Glad to hear it.’

  Neither of them spoke for a moment as their minds absorbed everything that had been said. Their bodies were having a completely different conversation. His touch, the way he was tenderly caressing her hair, her neck, her cheek…it was enough to drive her to distraction.

  ‘So…you were curious back then. What about Fiji?’

  ‘Fiji was mildly different.’

  ‘You weren’t curious?’

  ‘Oh, I was curious all right. I wanted to drown myself in you, lose myself in you. Forget about everything that had happened to me and find comfort in your arms.’

  She opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out.

  ‘I also needed you as my friend, to listen to my tale of woe and tell me everything would be all right. In fact, I needed that more, which was why my curiosity was pushed aside.’

  Natalie swallowed. ‘What about now?’ The words came out as a breathless but pleading whisper. Right now she wanted his mouth on hers and she knew that need was reflected in her gaze.

  ‘Now? Well, for a start, I’m not leaving the city. I’m stuck at this hospital for the next few years at least, and as I’m not recovering from a relationship, I can give way to the curiosity.’ His gaze was flicking between her eyes and her lips, his visual caress increasing the tension in both of them.

  ‘What if we give in to this…this thing between us and you don’t like it?’ she asked with nervous anticipation.

  ‘I doubt that.’

  ‘How do you know?’

  ‘I don’t. That’s the point.’ Feeling exasperated with her, he dropped his hand and moved away, raking his fingers through his hair. ‘Are you sure you want to do this? Because you’re giving me mixed signals, Nat.’ He paused before asking, ‘Are you sure this isn’t about Everley?’

  ‘No. I’ve already told you it’s over. I know Richard is definitely not the man for me. I used to watch him and admire his dedication and wish I could be like that.’

  ‘You are dedicated.’ He jumped to her defence.

  ‘I know, and I’ve realised I have a completely different focus.’

  ‘Yeah, one that doesn’t require your head to be stuck up your butt.’

  Natalie chuckled at his words.

  ‘Everley’s a jerk, Nat, and a fool because he didn’t realise exactly who the woman was right in front of him. Well, I do realise who you are and I like who you are. I always have.’

  They were silent for a moment. ‘What if it’s not good?’ she asked quietly, knowing they were both still thinking about the kiss they so desperately wanted to share.

  ‘What if it is?’

  ‘Exactly. What if it is? What then?’

  Marty shook his head impatiently and within an instant had covered the distance between them, pulling her into
his arms and pressing his mouth to hers in one swift motion. In that first taste, while she adjusted to his actions, he knew…knew she was everything he’d ever dreamed of. If she was this incredible after the first moment, his dreams were about to explode.

  After the initial shock she relaxed and wound her arms about his neck, sighing into the kiss. Her mouth was smooth and warm and, oh, so ready for him. It was as though her lips had been made specifically for him to kiss, and he was relishing every second.

  He slowly slid his hands up her back and beneath the silkiness of her hair his fingers made contact with her skin. Tenderly he touched her shoulder blades, loving the feel of his skin on hers in such an intimate way. When she groaned, he took that as an invitation to increase the intensity of the kiss.

  Her mouth opened beneath his and they went on a mutual journey of discovery, going deeper into their relationship than they’d ever dared before. It was exciting, enthralling and exhilarating, and she couldn’t get enough. Why in the world hadn’t she kissed him years ago? If she’d known it was going to be like this, they could have been doing it for the past week since his return into her life.

  Never before had any other kiss made her feel like this. Richard’s kisses had initially made her knees go weak. Marty’s turned her entire body to mush and she leaned closer into him, not only wanting his firm body pressed against her own but to find more stability to keep her from sliding to the floor in a boneless mess.

  It was Marty’s turn to groan as he gathered her as close as he possibly could, still giving and receiving in equal portions, feeding his need. He’d been a fool not to take the opportunity years ago, but the years of waiting had only made it better. She was everything he’d known she would be and finally, when he thought his lungs would burst if he didn’t drag oxygen into them, he reluctantly lifted his head from hers, but he didn’t relinquish his hold on her delectable body.

  Both of them gasping for air, she leaned her head on his chest, listening to the wild pounding rhythm of his heartbeat.

  ‘Nat?’