by Lucy Clark
‘Perhaps I can come and make pancakes again?’
‘I’d really like that…but Davey’s coming into town specifically to take me out to breakfast.’
‘You didn’t mention that.’
‘Sorry. Breakfast with my brother.’
‘Check,’ he said, but the verve wasn’t there any more. ‘You’ve got a busy day ahead of you and no doubt little Davey’s trying to get through to you right now to play his name-calling game.’
‘Probably.’ Natalie bit her lip before saying, ‘You could always drop in for a quick cup of coffee. How’s seven-thirty?’
‘Seven hours too long.’
‘Better than the alternative?’
‘Definitely. After this conversation it would have been impossible to wait until eight-thirty tonight.’
‘I agree.’
‘Get some sleep, my darling Nat,’ he said, then hung up. This time, when he said those words they were more of an endearment than a teasing name to call, and she hugged the knowledge close as she pulled the cotton sheet up.
Yawning, she smiled as she closed her eyes. ‘Sleep? Check.’
CHAPTER ELEVEN
AT SEVEN twenty-eight in the morning, there was a pounding on the front door as well as a finger being continuously pressed on the doorbell.
‘What?’ Beth muttered as she came out of her room as Natalie raced down the stairs.
‘Don’t open it,’ she called excitedly to her friend.
‘What?’ Beth said again.
‘Nat? Open the door,’ Marty yelled.
Natalie grinned. ‘It’s not seven-thirty yet.’
‘Marty?’ Beth asked, frowning at the door and then back at Natalie.
‘Beth? Let me in.’
Natalie violently shook her head, laughter bubbling up. ‘You have another two minutes to wait. I said seven-thirty.’
‘Will someone, please, tell me what’s going on?’ Beth demanded.
‘Your friend is mean and horrible,’ Marty called through the door. ‘My watch says seven thirty-one.’
‘Then it’s fast.’
Beth looked closely at Natalie, her frown increasing. ‘Marty’s here and you seem very happy about it,’ she said softly.
‘I am.’
‘You’ve talked?’
Natalie nodded then shrugged. ‘Sort of.’
‘Why is he here?’
‘Come on, Nat,’ Marty moaned.
‘Seven twenty-nine,’ she announced.
‘Why is he here?’ Beth asked again.
‘To give me birthday kisses.’ Natalie clutched both hands to her chest in delight and giggled.
‘You’re like a child at Christmas,’ Beth muttered.
Natalie laughed again. ‘That’s exactly how I feel.’ Beth rolled her eyes and headed to the kitchen. ‘The coffee’s almost ready,’ Natalie told her. ‘I’d meant to organise it sooner but I spent too long getting ready.’
Beth glanced across at her and then out to the back of the town house, then quickly back to Natalie. ‘You look lovely so the extra time was worth it.’ Dressed in a black skirt and pink shirt, Natalie looked down at her attire.
‘Do you think so?’
‘Yes.’ Beth headed off towards the back of the lounge room while Natalie checked her watch.
‘Ten seconds,’ she called, and put her hands on the doorhandle, watching the second hand tick slowly around to the twelve. ‘Now it’s seven-thirty,’ she said, and opened the door—only to find he had gone. ‘Marty!’ The delight instantly disappeared from her face as she took a step out to look for him. ‘Marty!’ Fear, panic and depression started to swamp her. What had she done? She’d only been joking. Eyes wide with despair, she looked all around, then thankfully spotted his car still parked in the driveway. She forced herself to take a breath. He hadn’t left.
She swallowed and turned around—jumping in fright at coming face to face with her beloved Marty. Natalie screamed and covered her face in embarrassment. ‘Don’t do that!’ She gave his arm a playful hit as he laughed. ‘Horrible man.’ He didn’t look the least bit horrible as he gathered her greedily into his arms. ‘How did you get in?’
‘Beth let me in the back.’
‘You climbed our fence?’
‘Yes, and nearly ripped my trousers, I’ll have you know.’ Her arms were trapped firmly against his chest as he continued to smile down at her. ‘How dare you make me wait?’
Natalie merely raised an eyebrow. ‘Who’s making who wait now?’
‘Good point.’ He lowered his head, pressing his mouth eagerly to hers. Warmth flooded through her at his soft yet intimate touch and all the sensations she’d experienced the last time they’d kissed settled over her with a wave of tingles and excitement. ‘Birthday kiss number one,’ he murmured, before lowering his head again, this time seeking a little more of the response she was so willing to give. ‘Birthday kiss number two.’
‘You’re not seriously going to count them all, are you?’
‘All? Expecting a plethora, eh?’
‘As a matter of fact, yes, I was.’
‘Good. Happy birthday, my darling Nat.’ He gazed down at her and Natalie saw his own happiness reflected in his eyes. Again, the way he’d said those last three words were the most perfect endearment, and she wondered whether he’d meant them that way every other time he’d said them.
‘If you two are going to stand there sucking face all day long, I’ll cancel the spa and go shopping,’ Beth called from the kitchen. ‘Coffee’s ready.’
Marty kissed Natalie one more time and murmured, ‘Birthday kiss number three.’ Then he turned her in his arms and walked them over to the kitchen bench, his chest pressed against her back. Once there, she sat on one of the stools, and although Marty loosened his hold, he didn’t stop touching her. It was as though he’d been waiting too long for the privilege and now that he had it, he was making up for lost time.
He stood with his arm about her shoulders and chatted with Beth while sipping at his coffee, stopping every now and then in mid-sentence to give Natalie another birthday kiss. It was the most perfect way to start her day.
‘Marty, it’s almost eight,’ Beth said as she glanced at the clock. ‘You’d better get going or you’ll be late for ward round.’
Natalie smiled up at him. ‘Stay a little longer. I’m sure dear Aggie won’t mind, the two of you being so chummy and all.’
Marty groaned and kissed her again. ‘I do need to go but only because I’m determined to win our bet.’
‘You don’t have long left.’
Marty’s smile was hypnotising. ‘As I’ve said before, I love a challenge.’
The doorbell rang. ‘That’ll be Davey.’
‘I’ll get it,’ Beth said, and headed off.
‘Did he call you?’ Marty asked as Natalie stood. He took the opportunity to wrap himself about her again.
‘Yes. At three o’clock.’
Marty smiled and lowered his head for another kiss. ‘Birthday kiss number…Oh, man, I’ve lost count.’ He shook his head. ‘Guess I’ll just have to start again.’ He pressed his lips to hers. ‘Birthday kiss number one…again.’
Natalie laughed and looked over his shoulder at her brother, who was now staring at her in utter astonishment. Marty released her momentarily so she could hug her brother. ‘Hi, bro’.’
‘Hi, yourself.’ He didn’t even look at his sister but merely glowered at Marty before recognition dawned. ‘Marty? Marty Williams?’
‘One and the same,’ he said, and the two men shook hands.
‘Wow. It’s been so long.’ Davey looked from his sister to Marty and back again. ‘And the two of you are together?’
‘As of this morning,’ Beth said. ‘Which is why they can’t keep their lips off each other.’
Marty smiled and took Natalie’s hand. ‘I’ve got ward round so if I can borrow your sister for a few more seconds, she’ll be all yours for breakfast.’
‘Hey, you mig
ht like eating her, but not me,’ Davey joked.
‘Same sick sense of humour,’ Marty added with a chuckle as he tugged Natalie towards the door. ‘And stop teaching your sister incorrect French phrases.’
‘Huh?’ Davey was puzzled for a moment before bursting out laughing. ‘She didn’t?’
‘She did.’ Marty raised his eyebrows suggestively and Natalie gave him a playful thump. ‘Anyway, thanks for the coffee, Beth, and have fun tonight at the ortho dinner.’
‘Ryan is definitely coming, isn’t he?’ Beth asked.
‘I’ve told him all about you and he said he wouldn’t miss it for the world.’
‘You did what?’ Beth demanded.
‘I’m joking. He’ll be there.’ They headed out the door.
‘I’ll have you know that I put the coffee on this morning, not Beth,’ she said as they walked to his car.
‘I stand corrected. Here.’ He leaned against his car. ‘Let me thank you properly.’
Natalie smiled and accepted his kisses.
‘I have to go,’ he said eventually. ‘Have a wonderful day and I’ll see you tonight.’
‘Yes. Be safe.’
Marty nodded, then smiled and climbed behind the wheel. Natalie closed the door and he put the window down. ‘One for the road?’
‘Definitely.’ This one was more thorough than all the other birthday kisses she’d received. It was as though they were back on the balcony at the Christmas party but this time she wasn’t shying away from the emotions he evoked, she was embracing them. She loved this man and it seemed he was equally as interested in her. There was still a niggling doubt in the back of her mind about all the other women he’d dated, but she pushed the thought away. Right now he was kissing her and she was loving every moment of it.
He finally pulled back, their breathing erratic as he rested his forehead against hers. ‘If I don’t go now, dear Aggie will have my guts for garters.’
‘Charming.’
He smiled. ‘That’s me. Marty “Charming” Williams. Have a wonderful day, Nat. If I can get off any earlier, I’ll let you know.’
‘OK.’ She stepped back and watched as he started the engine and smiled at her once more before heading off down the street. Natalie, like a soppy, lovesick fool, stood in the middle of the road, watching until his car was out of sight.
‘Hey, Toad-face?’ Davey called from the door. ‘You ready to go?’
‘Nothing like coming back to earth with a thud,’ she mumbled, as she headed inside.
Natalie dressed with care, wanting to look perfect not only for herself but for Marty as well. Breakfast with Davey had been a hoot and she wished she had more time to spend with her brother, but he had a flight that evening, although he’d said he’d try and get back to spend part of Christmas day with her.
Her hair was loose, brushing over her bare back due to the halter-neck dress she’d chosen. It was a deep plum colour and came to mid-thigh. The instant she’d tried it on, both she and Beth had known it was the dress. Finding shoes had been an ordeal but they’d persevered until just the right pair had been found. The slingbacks were dressy yet casual. She wore a pair of earrings Davey had given her and the bracelet Marty had given her the year he’d left school. Even though she only wore it on special occasions, preferring to keep it safe, she would take it out every now and then, remembering the good times she’d shared with Marty. Now she was reminded of how important he was to her. All in all, she felt like Cinderella waiting for her Prince Charming…who was running exceedingly late.
Beth had left over an hour ago to attend the orthopaedic dinner in Ryan’s honour and Natalie was sitting on her lounge, flicking through the television channels while listening intently for the sound of Marty’s car.
Finally, she heard the sound of a car approaching and quickly switched the TV off and slipped her feet into her shoes. Her bag was by the front door and she’d already locked up the rest of the town house. She checked through the window to make sure it was him and her heart jumped in delight as she saw him barely wait for his car to come to a halt before he jumped out.
Natalie smoothed her hand down her dress and flipped her hair over her shoulder before impatiently opening the door. He stood with his finger extended to ring the doorbell and froze the instant he saw her.
He simply stared. There was nothing else for him to do because drinking in the sight of her was definitely his first priority. ‘Nat.’ He swallowed. ‘You’re…exquisite.’ The smile that lit her face only enhanced her beauty. ‘Ready?’
She nodded, incapable of speech. Marty wore a short-sleeved cotton shirt that matched the colour of his eyes, making them even more hypnotic than usual. His shorts were crisply ironed and the urge to run her hands up and down his gorgeous legs was almost too much for her.
‘Nat?’
‘Hmm?’ She raised her gaze to meet his and smiled. ‘I’m ready.’ She picked up her bag and stepped outside into the warm December evening, closing the door behind her. They walked to the car, and as he opened her door he leaned in to kiss her.
‘Sorry I’m so late.’
‘I completely understand.’
‘Thank you.’ He helped her in and then went quickly around to the driver’s side.
‘Any problems?’
‘At work? No. Andrew was just being Andrew.’
‘Oh, no. You didn’t tell him you had a hot date, did you?’
‘Yes. I’ve now realised how stupid that was.’
‘I’m not surprised he delayed you. I’ll be glad when he graduates and goes into private practice.’ She paused. ‘Did you tell him you were going out with me?’
‘No—but only because it didn’t come up in conversation,’ he added quickly. ‘Why?’
‘Nothing. It’s probably better he doesn’t know.’
Marty gripped the steering-wheel. ‘Do you want to hide the fact that we’re seeing each other?’
‘Are we?’
‘Hey, my eyes are open,’ was all he said.
‘I only meant that if he knew, he’d take great pleasure in interfering as much as possible—as far as scheduling goes. Just because he doesn’t have a private life, he thinks everyone else should be the same.’ Natalie frowned. This wasn’t going the way she’d planned. They shouldn’t be talking about Andrew or the hospital or how she’d been wondering—especially after the way Marty had kissed her that morning—how his hordes of women would take his defection. Although he’d only been at the hospital for a short time, he already had the reputation of a Casanova. She doubted many of the women would be happy to hear he was off the market—if indeed that was what was happening.
‘Can we forget anything to do with the hospital and have a good evening?’ she ventured.
He smiled and reached for her hand. ‘Absolutely.’
Was he placating her? She shook her head, desperate to refocus her attention on just the two of them. ‘Where are we going?’
Marty squeezed her hand then let go as he turned a corner. ‘Somewhere very special.’ He claimed her hand again and started asking about her day. Natalie talked until they arrived at their destination, which didn’t look at all like a restaurant.
‘We’re here?’
‘We certainly are.’ Marty came and helped her out before locking his car and leading her into the building.
‘Do you live here?’
‘No.’ They walked through reception, down a corridor and out to what appeared to be a courtyard. A horse-drawn carriage, complete with driver and footman, awaited them. Marty stooped and gave her another birthday kiss. ‘Happy birthday, Nat.’
Natalie was overwhelmed. She carefully climbed into the open carriage with Marty’s assistance, but before he joined her he disappeared for a moment and came back with a bunch of bright gerberas.
‘For you.’
‘Thank you.’
He nodded to the driver before settling himself next to her, his arm around her shoulders.
As the carriage move
d off, she laughed. ‘Marty, this is wonderful. Thank you.’
‘No. Thank you. I’ve always wanted to ride in one of these and you’ve given me the excuse to do it.’
Natalie kissed him. ‘I’m glad to give you the excuse.’ As they drove along, she realised the carriage was decorated with fairy lights, making it all the more enchanting. She snuggled into him as they took in their surroundings. ‘It’s amazing how much you miss when you’re driving in a car.’
‘I was just thinking the same thing,’ he murmured, and smiled. They passed a neighbourhood centre holding its Christmas party—lights and decorations everywhere, as well as children running around, enjoying themselves.
‘I love this time of year,’ she sighed. ‘It’s my time of year.’
‘Birthday and Christmas all in the same week.’
‘Presents galore.’ She smiled lovingly down at her flowers.
‘That’s not your main present,’ he murmured. ‘Neither is this ride.’
‘You’re spoiling me.’
‘You deserve it.’ They soon came to a halt outside a quiet Italian restaurant. ‘Here we are.’
Again, he helped her, drawing her close to his side when she reached ground level. She pulled away for a moment, handing him her flowers, and went to thank both the driver and the footman. Marty watched as she first asked permission, then went around and thanked the horse, allowing herself to be nuzzled. The way she laughed shot straight to his heart. Her hair fell like a rich, chestnut mane of her own down her back and she looked stunning. There was a lot riding on tonight and the last thing he wanted was to blow it. He only had a short while until Christmas, which was when he planned to win their bet and propose marriage to her.
When they entered the restaurant, the maître d’ personally greeted them before leading the way to a secluded table, lit by romantic candlelight. Natalie looked around the room, loving everything about it.
‘Where did you find this place?’
‘You’ve never been here before?’ Marty seemed surprised.
‘No.’
‘It has the best Italian food in all of Sydney, possibly New South Wales.’
‘But not Australia?’
‘No.’ He grinned. ‘You think I’m exaggerating, but I have to admit there are some excellent Italian restaurants in Victoria.’
