Christmas-Day Fiancée (St Gregory's Hospital)

by Lucy Clark

  Natalie pointed. ‘Yellow canary straight ahead.’

  ‘Appropriate name, and such a bright shade of yellow.’ He unlocked the door and opened it, allowing Natalie to retrieve her bag. ‘Right. Jim.’ He shut the door, locked the car and placed the keys in the orderly’s hand. ‘Please, make sure Beth gets these. I’m going to escort Nat over to my car and get her home.’

  ‘Right you are, Doc. Goodnight to you both.’

  Natalie murmured the appropriate response before Marty guided her the few rows to where his vehicle was parked. ‘You shouldn’t have given me that massage,’ she said. ‘It’s turned me to mush.’

  He ginned and raised his eyebrows. ‘Maybe I like you like that. All mushy and soft, instead of hard and chewy.’

  She laughed. ‘I’m not a lollipop, Marty.’

  He unlocked his car door and once more held it open for her. ‘I don’t know about that. Pretty to look at, nice to smell and delicious to taste.’

  ‘Walked right into that one, didn’t I?’ She was too tired to be cross or try and pick a fight with him. Ever since she’d walked outside, it was as though the heat had turned her brain off and she was functioning on a very shaky auto pilot.

  ‘Yes, you did. Let’s get you up and into the car.’

  ‘Was it only just this morning you drove me to work?’

  ‘Yes, my darling.’ He helped her in before closing the door and coming around to the driver’s side. ‘Well, yesterday morning, to be correct. It’s almost three o’clock.’

  She sighed. ‘No wonder I’m tired.’

  ‘You’re physically and mentally exhausted, Nat. Rest your head, close your eyes and let Uncle Marty take care of everything.’

  ‘You’re hardly avuncular, Marty.’

  ‘I have to be right now because you look too good to resist, but resist I must.’

  ‘Hmm.’ She clipped her seat belt into place and leaned her head back as he started the engine. Yawning, she closed her eyes. ‘Very tired.’

  The next thing she knew, she was being carried inside, her front door already open. ‘I didn’t need my keys after all,’ she mumbled, unsure why she’d left the door open.

  ‘I opened it,’ Marty said as he made his way to her bedroom. ‘Why couldn’t you have the room on the ground floor, rather than the first floor?’ he muttered as he carried her up the stairs.

  ‘So you could do your Rhett Butler impersonation.’

  ‘Gee, thanks.’ He made it to the top and opened the first door he came to. ‘Bathroom. Let’s try the next one.’

  ‘You’ve never been up here before?’

  ‘You’ve never invited me.’

  ‘Too dangerous.’

  ‘Careful. You might give something away.’ He opened the next door and carried her to the unmade bed. ‘I’ve put your shoes, your destroyed dress and your bag by the front door, and I’ll lock up after myself.’ He stood by her bed, looking down at her for a moment, desperate to pull superhuman strength from somewhere—anywhere—so he wouldn’t do what he was longing to do.

  ‘You’re such a flirt,’ she murmured as she snuggled into the pillow and covers. Marty switched on her ceiling fan to stir up the air and opened one of her windows. He stopped for a moment and stared out into the night.

  ‘Yeah. Locking you inside your house with me on the outside. Definitely constitutes the “flirt” label.’

  ‘You know what I mean. Playing the field. Don’t you ever want to settle down?’

  Marty swallowed over the sudden dryness in his throat as he walked slowly back to her bedside. ‘One day. I need to find the right woman.’

  ‘Ah. So that’s what the quest is for. Well, what’s wrong with me?’

  He closed his eyes at her words, his gut twisting. Her inhibitions were almost gone…either that or Everley had knocked her self-esteem completely off kilter. Either way, now was not the time to go into it. She’d been furious with him after he’d kissed her and he didn’t want to risk her wrath twice in such a short space of time, even though he was longing to kiss her and show her just how perfect they were together.

  ‘Well?’ She turned her head and looked at him, one eye open, one eye closed.

  ‘Nothing, my darling Nat,’ he replied, determined to keep it light, for both their sakes. She closed her eye and relaxed. ‘Fatigue has definitely set in. Go to sleep, honey.’ With that, he turned and stalked from the room, allowing himself a last look at her. ‘Sleeping beauty.’

  Doing as he’d promised, he checked the rest of the town house to ensure the rest of the windows and outside doors were locked before leaving. He drove home and the instant he was in the door, he picked up the phone and called his cousin.

  ‘Marty. Good to hear from you. Late shift?’

  ‘You could say that.’

  There was a pause before Ryan said, ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘How do you know there’s anything wrong?’

  ‘Hey. We’ve been friends all our lives. We’re more like brothers than cousins. What’s wrong?’

  Marty raked a hand through his hair. ‘I’m in love.’

  ‘Wow. That was quick.’ Ryan laughed then paused. ‘You’re serious?’

  ‘Dead serious.’

  ‘That really was quick.’

  ‘Ha!’ Marty laughed without humour. ‘I don’t think I’d call sixteen years quick.’

  Another pause, then Ryan gulped, ‘With Natalie?’

  ‘Bingo.’ Marty closed his eyes and shook his head, unable to believe the predicament he was in. ‘Yes, with Nat.’

  Ryan whistled. ‘Looks as though I might have to come home for Christmas.’

  ‘No. No.’ Marty’s eyes snapped open. Having Ryan around wouldn’t help the situation at all. He’d joke and tease and make matters worse, and Marty was quite capable of stuffing everything up on his own. ‘That’s a bad idea, Ry. Stay where you are. Enjoy the cold.’

  ‘I’m sick of the cold. Mum’s already been bugging me to come home and this has just clinched it. I’ll make the arrangements today.’

  ‘Really, Ryan. It’s not necessary.’

  ‘On the contrary, Cuz. The man who was voted bachelor of the year at the leading Paris hospital now hopelessly in love?’ Ryan chuckled. ‘This I’ve got to see for myself!’

  CHAPTER TEN

  ONE week after the Christmas party, Natalie walked wearily into the town house after a double shift to find Beth and Marty sitting on the lounge watching a movie, a large bowl of popcorn between them.

  ‘You’re home early,’ Beth said, jumping up, a guilty expression on her face. ‘Er…Marty and I were just watching a movie. That’s all. Nothing fancy.’

  Natalie shrugged as she dumped her bag on the table. ‘I’m going to shower.’

  ‘How was Sammy when you left?’ Marty asked, not moving from his spot, remote control in hand, having paused the movie.

  ‘Much better.’ A tired smile tugged at her lips. ‘He managed to eat some jelly tonight.’

  ‘Really?’ Marty’s eyes lit up. ‘That’s terrific.’

  ‘Yeah. It’s been the highlight of my week.’ Their gazes held for a moment before she forced herself to look away.

  ‘What about Glen?’ he asked, desperate to keep her there a moment longer.

  ‘He was sleeping soundly. The social worker said he could probably go home tomorrow.’

  ‘Really?’ This wasn’t anything new to him as he’d spoken to the social worker that morning, but he just wanted to talk to Natalie and if talking about their patients was the only conversation she’d have with him, he’d gladly cover old ground. ‘Do you think his mother will be able to cope now?’

  ‘I hope so,’ she said earnestly. ‘With the home help the social worker has set up and with the removal of Glen’s father, there’s hope for the whole family—even the two older children.’

  ‘I really hope so, too.’

  They stared at each other once more before Natalie looked away. ‘I’m going to shower,’ she said a
gain. ‘Enjoy the movie.’ With that, she headed upstairs.

  Beth sat back down but Marty didn’t take the movie off pause. ‘You OK?’ she asked.

  ‘Sure. Sammy ate jelly and Glen gets to go home to a less abusive environment. That’s fantastic.’

  ‘I meant about Natalie.’

  ‘Oh, Nat. Yeah, I’m fine. I think she was a bit shocked at seeing me, though.’

  ‘I take it she’s still avoiding you?’

  ‘All week long. The only conversations we have are about the patients, as you have just witnessed.’ He fiddled with the remote, not meeting Beth’s gaze.

  ‘Does that hurt?’

  ‘I want to move past this. I hate not being able to joke with her, to share little anecdotes with her.’

  ‘Don’t rush her.’

  Marty turned eagerly, looking at the woman who had been his lifeline throughout the past week. ‘Has she said anything? I thought she didn’t want to talk about me.’

  ‘I’ve known her for a long time, too, Marty, and, no, she hasn’t said anything, although even if she had, I wouldn’t be able to tell you.’

  ‘I know, and I respect that.’ He flicked the remote onto the lounge and stood up, the movie forgotten. He’d spoken or seen Beth every day since the Christmas party because he’d needed to know Natalie was all right. He was prepared to give her the space she seemed to need and therefore hadn’t pushed, but it was getting harder and harder as time went on. Had he ruined their relationship for ever by kissing her? He’d shifted the ground, he knew that, but he’d never thought it would be a permanent shift.

  ‘Richard called her yesterday.’

  ‘What?’ Marty glared at Beth. ‘You’re telling me this now?’

  ‘I forgot.’

  ‘What did he want?’

  ‘He wants to see her on Monday.’

  ‘What for?’

  ‘I don’t know, Marty. Gosh, I didn’t expect the Spanish Inquisition.’

  He frowned then grinned. ‘No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!’ He shook his head. ‘Sorry.’

  ‘That’s all right. You’ve been under a lot of pressure.’

  ‘And Ryan arrives tomorrow.’

  ‘Your cousin? Sir Ryan Cooper! The orthopod?’

  ‘Yes. I thought I told you he was coming.’

  ‘No. Oh, my gosh. Does Richard know?’

  ‘Beth, you’re acting like he’s royalty and, believe me, he’s not.’

  ‘He’s orthopaedic royalty.’

  ‘I’ll remember to crown him with some surgical plates and screws when he arrives.’

  ‘This isn’t a joking matter. Does the hospital know?’

  ‘He’s here…in an unofficial capacity.’

  ‘Oh.’ She thought for a moment. ‘Can’t we organise a little dinner or reception for him? Do you think he’d mind?’

  ‘I don’t know. His mother might.’

  ‘His mother? She lives in Sydney?’

  ‘Sure. Two houses down from her sister—my mother.’

  ‘I didn’t know your mother lived here.’

  ‘You never asked.’

  ‘So he’s coming home to see his mum?’

  ‘Among other things.’ Marty rolled his eyes, thinking of what had prompted his cousin to come home. ‘Look, I’ll ask him and see what I can do.’

  Beth jumped up and hugged Marty. ‘Thank you. You’re the greatest.’

  ‘Beth? Is there any soap?’ Natalie called, as she came down the stairs. When she saw Marty with Beth’s arms around him, pain seared through her heart at the sight and she quickly spun around and ran up the stairs, eager to get away. If she needed any more proof that she meant nothing to him, that was it. He’d kissed her, made her swoon with longing and delight, then moved on to the next girl. Didn’t he at least care about her feelings? After all they’d been through?

  And what about Beth? She was supposed to be one of her best friends and had vowed that Marty wasn’t her type. How could they both do this to her?

  ‘Nat?’ He was coming up behind her. ‘Nat?’ She rushed, desperate to make it to the bathroom before he could catch her. Thankfully, she made it and locked the door just in time.

  ‘Nat, it’s not what you think.’

  She closed her eyes and leaned against the door, tears already beginning to flow down her cheeks. ‘Go away, Marty. I can’t deal with this now,’ she called, desperately hoping her voice didn’t sound as distraught as she felt.

  ‘We need to talk about things.’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Yes, Nat, and I won’t wait for ever. Beth and I are friends. Nothing more. We’re not dating—in fact, I’m not dating anyone any more—but you need to know I don’t want to kiss Beth and that was a friendly hug because I’m going to try and organise for some of the orthopods to see Ryan while he’s here for Christmas. That’s all. I promise.’

  Natalie digested the information, knowing deep down he was telling the truth but also wanting to stay mad at him for as long as she could. ‘Marty, please. I’m exhausted.’ She bit her lower lip to help control the trembling. He was so near, yet so far. There was silence and for a moment she thought he’d gone.

  Then he spoke. ‘All right, but we will talk.’ She heard him take a few steps away…then he was gone.

  She stayed against the door for a moment longer, the pain of seeing Beth in his arms still washing over her. She didn’t like it. Not one bit. Marty’s arms belonged around her—her and no one else. Her heart ached for him and she desperately wanted to open the door, run after him and throw herself into his arms. She wouldn’t, of course. She couldn’t in case she got hurt. Taking a few deep breaths, she waited for the pain in her chest to subside but it took some time.

  Admitting she was in love with the man, would only cause more anxiety, so she pushed that irrational thought away as well, wrapping herself up in a cocoon of self-preservation.

  Natalie didn’t see Marty for the rest of the weekend, although she learned more from Beth about Ryan’s visit home and how Marty had managed to set up a dinner for the orthopods.

  ‘What’s he like?’ Beth’s whole face radiated excitement as she flitted around in the kitchen, preparing dinner on Sunday evening.

  ‘Ryan? I don’t know. Why? Interested in him already? What happened to the waiter from the function centre?’

  ‘Oh. Too clingy. So?’

  Natalie forced herself to ask the question she didn’t want to ask. She stared down into her wineglass. ‘What about Marty?’

  ‘Marty? What’s he got to do with it?’

  Natalie slammed her hand down on the bench. ‘Just be honest with me, Beth. Please?’

  ‘I have been honest with you.’

  ‘Really? Well, so far, since the magnificent Martin Williams came back into my life I’ve seen you kissing and hugging him. It’s obvious you’re interested in him, even though you’ve told me you’re not. It’s not fair to him if you’re going to run hot and cold.’

  Beth stirred the pot on the stove thoughtfully before putting the spoon down and taking Natalie’s hands in hers. ‘OK. I want you to look at me and listen to me, then I want you to truthfully answer one simple question. All right?’

  Natalie rolled her eyes and nodded.

  ‘Good. We’ve been over this before but it looks as though we need to go over it again.’ Beth looked Natalie in the eye. ‘Marty and I are friends. That’s it. Just friends. He’s kind of like the big brother I never had—you know, dropping in, fixing things, making breakfast, watching movies. Nothing—nothing—romantic is going on between us.’

  ‘But I saw you kissing him.’

  ‘When?’

  ‘The morning of the Christmas party when he dropped by for breakfast and made pancakes.’

  Beth thought. ‘Yes. Yes, I did kiss him but it was a very quick, friendly peck on the cheek because he’d just told me some good news.’

  ‘What good news?’

  ‘Does it matter? Do you believe me?’

&nb
sp; Natalie looked at her friend, desperately wanting to but still very unsure.

  ‘Friends, Natalie. I swear. Besides, if I was interested in him, I would have told you straight out, but the truth is, there’s just no chemistry between us. No buzz. No fire.’ Beth squeezed her hands and focused intently on holding her gaze. ‘You know exactly what I’m talking about.’

  Natalie groaned and closed her eyes, pulling her hands from her friend’s.

  ‘You feel that buzz, that fire when you’re with him, don’t you,’ she stated firmly. ‘I know you do because you’re acting so loopy about all this. Natalie, look at me.’

  She did.

  ‘Do you love him?’

  Natalie gasped and put her hand over her mouth, her mind whirring at a frantic pace. Was she in love with Marty? If she was, that would certainly explain the jealousy she felt every time he so much as looked at another woman. But no…she couldn’t possibly be. Could she? They were friends…friends who’d shared the most passionate and earth-tilting kiss she’d ever experienced.

  ‘I’m miserable. That’s about all I can tell you.’

  ‘Miserable without him. Admit it, Natalie. If not to me, at least to yourself.’

  ‘I can’t. Not yet. I need to work it out. It doesn’t make sense.’

  ‘Of course it does, and it’s really not that difficult. The answer is either yes or no.’

  ‘What about “I don’t know”?’

  ‘Not an option.’

  ‘Well that’s my answer.’ She dropped her hands to her sides.

  ‘Do you love Richard?’

  Natalie paused, her turmoil over Marty suspended. ‘No.’

  ‘Thank goodness.’

  ‘But that’s the part that doesn’t make sense. Richard and I were perfect for each other. We both had similar goals, we both love our jobs and we always had a nice time and—’

  ‘He was wrong for you, Natalie. Face it and get over it. Stop trying to put Richard up as a barrier so you can deny what you feel for Marty. I know you’re in love with him but that means a loss of control and we all know how you need to be in control of your emotions. I know you love him because I can see it in your face. You’ve told me he kissed you and that it was incredible. The two of you are friends and you know about each other’s pasts, so what’s the problem?’