by Sue MacKay
‘Karolina’ll be fine. Bet it’s not the first time it’s happened.’ Kristof broke a short bread stick in half and handed a piece over, then placed a small wedge of cheese on top of his bag along with a knife. ‘Here’s some nourishment. I hope you like it.’
‘I’d like over-boiled cabbage at the moment.’ Her gnawing stomach was doing somersaults. ‘When you said you help your mother out were you referring to your medical skills?’
‘I’m a general surgeon and she runs a shelter and home for children who haven’t got anywhere to go, or anyone to look after them. There’s a small hospital annexe attached for treating those children and others who don’t make it to the main hospital. I come over for a few weeks throughout the year. I’m needed less for my surgical skills and more for general medicine, though we do some simple surgeries.’
‘So it’s back to basics for you when you’re here.’ Interesting. His mother must be important to him. Or was it those children that drew him?
‘It reminds me of how I can help people in dire circumstances.’ He didn’t sound too happy about that. ‘I also cajole colleagues in London to donate some time to help out whenever possible.’ His lips pursed around the rim of his bottle. Unfortunately when he tipped his head back his Adam’s apple became very prominent, and sent her stomach into squeeze-release mode, adding heat to her system, which had to be good considering how cold she’d got standing out here.
Looking away, Alesha gulped at her bottle, focusing on what his problem was, not on him. Didn’t he like working alongside his mother? But if he got involved with organising other medical people to come across to take a turn helping then he must care about what went on in the shelter. ‘You didn’t mention the mental trauma some of those children must suffer. Who takes care of that?’
‘My mother is a psychologist who first trained as a nurse. She also employs counsellors and other medical staff. Her hours are endless because she’s driven to helping every kid that turns up on her doorstep.’ Kristof’s pride was tangible, but there was a chill behind it. As if he didn’t approve, which wasn’t making sense. ‘Sometimes I wish she’d take a break, look out for herself, but it’s never going to happen so I’ve learned to keep quiet.’
‘You assist her at the home. She must be pleased about that, working with her son.’
The pride slipped. ‘Yes, she is.’ This time the words were clipped and there was a definite ‘don’t go there’ warning hanging between them.
Who was she to upset the man who’d had his plans for the evening disrupted because she’d been careless? ‘London’s amazing. I’ve been living and working there for nearly two years and I still haven’t had enough.’ Though she was starting to think the men in London mightn’t be good for her if the way they dumped her was an indication. Another gulp of beer went down her throat. She’d survive. She always did. She was about looking after herself, had never been needy, and wasn’t about to start. She took another gulp. At least the beer was refreshing.
‘Where are you from? I’m picking Australia or New Zealand.’
‘Kiwi through and through.’ And before he thought to ask questions Alesha had no intention of answering, she went with, ‘I came over on my OE after I finished training as a nurse. Living in England and visiting lots of places in Europe is what many of us like to do before settling down.’ Of course, settling down meant finding someone who’d love her regardless.
‘Why are you here on your own, staying at an apartment? Most single people come with a crowd of friends to stay at a cheap hotel, do the sightseeing, hit the bars and nightclubs like there’s no tomorrow.’
‘Now there’s a thought.’ The bottle was empty. Where was Karolina when an open bottle of champagne was cooling in the fridge? Food. She needed to eat, despite having already devoured her share of what Kristof had brought. The bread was soft and delicious, and the cheese to die for. The dairy companies back home didn’t make cheese like this.
‘You really are alone?’ Disbelief echoed between them.
‘What of it?’ she growled. ‘Not everyone has to be with someone.’
‘Hey.’ Kristof put his hand up. ‘If I’ve offended you, then my apologies. Just making conversation.’ He paused and a teasing smile appeared. ‘I have learned you don’t like carrying keys and a phone when you go out to the pool.’ Did he have to sound so sexy when she wasn’t interested?
‘I was angry.’ She was still angry. ‘This is supposed to be the perfect holiday for me and my partner in a gorgeous location.’ Bile rose, bitter and ghastly. Jumping up, she stomped to the roadside and peered through the gloom in both directions looking for Karolina.
‘He’s been held up?’ came the logical question.
Spinning around, Alesha lost balance. It took some quick steps to stay upright. ‘He’s had a better offer.’ Sex, kisses, laughter, fun. All of which he could’ve had with her.
‘That’s the pits.’
Give the man credit. He hadn’t spewed sympathy when he knew nothing of the circumstances. ‘It sucks.’ She huffed out the air stalled in her lungs. ‘I’ll look on the bright side. I’m here and there’s a whole town to explore out there.’ She waved her hand in the general direction of the harbour, knowing full well a lot more of the city was behind the hill she was on.
‘This is your first visit to Dubrovnik? I hope you have a wonderful time despite your setback. There’s so much to see and do if you put your mind to it.’
A setback? Kristof didn’t have a clue, or had the heart of a cold fish. But he’d already proven that particular organ was at least warm by going out of his way to help her. ‘I’m sure I’ll manage,’ she snapped just as a car pulled into the parking bay beside them. The woman getting out of the car was Karolina. Phew. She shot across to her. ‘I’m so sorry for being a nuisance. I fell asleep by the pool and the wind came up, blew my door shut.’
‘It’s okay. Now you’ll be careful to take your keys and phone everywhere, eh?’ At least her smile was friendly, as was the arm she threw around Alesha’s shoulder. ‘I’m glad Kristof found you.’
Ignoring how her burned skin stung under that arm, she smiled at Kristof. ‘He couldn’t avoid me when I attacked him in the street like a woman possessed.’
Kristof gathered up his bags. ‘I think you’re prone to exaggeration.’ He turned to Karolina with a cute smile. ‘Alesha was only slightly crazy when she charged at me demanding that I speak English and get her out of her predicament.’
‘Who exaggerates?’ Alesha spluttered.
‘Let’s go inside and retrieve those keys,’ Karolina said. Then to Kristof, ‘You found anyone to go with you tomorrow night?’
‘No,’ he growled.
‘Have you been asking around? I’m sure there are plenty of girls who’d love nothing better than to go to a formal dinner with you.’
‘Leave it, Karolina.’
Alesha grimaced. If anyone spoke to her so sharply she’d be heading for the hills. The gate was now unlocked so she slipped free to charge up the stairs. She couldn’t get to her apartment and a hot shower quick enough. Too quickly. She missed seeing the final step and tripped, sprawling on the concrete, bruising her elbows and knees.
‘Careful.’ Strong, masculine hands reached for her, took her hands to tug her to her feet, giving her the odd sensation of being cared about. ‘You really are having a bad day.’
He could’ve pointed out it was her own fault, that running up unfamiliar steps in clothes many sizes too big was right up there with leaping off the tenth floor of a hotel in the hope she’d make the swimming pool beneath. ‘Yes, I am, and this one’s on me.’ She tried to pull free but Kristof held her elbow as he led her to the apartment Karolina was unlocking. Her head spun so she stopped, remained still, waiting for it to get back to normal.
‘Are you all right?’
‘I’m good.’
‘When d
id you last eat a proper meal? I saw the way you hoed into that bread and cheese.’
‘I had a sandwich while waiting for my flight first thing this morning.’
His sigh was full of exasperation. ‘You’ve got to look after yourself.’
‘There you go.’ Karolina stepped back from unlocking the door to Alesha’s apartment. ‘Anything else I can do?’
Glad of the interruption from that annoying look on Kristof’s face, Alesha gave Karolina the biggest smile she could dredge up. ‘Nothing. I’m truly sorry about this. From now on I’m not even having a shower without my phone in the bathroom so I can call you if needed.’
Karolina slapped her forehead. ‘I’d say that was a good idea but—’
‘But the idea of hauling me out of the shower isn’t.’ This time her smile was genuine. ‘I get it.’ Then she had a brainwave. Going inside, she opened the fridge and grabbed the champagne. ‘Would you both like a glass? My way of saying thanks.’ Opening the small cupboard above the fridge, she reached for glasses, finding only one. Of course. There was one out on the decking. She’d have hers in a mug if necessary.
‘Not for me. I have to be somewhere.’ Karolina was already beating a fast retreat, adding to Alesha’s guilt about messing up her evening. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow probably.’ She hesitated. ‘Add Kristof’s number to your phone as well just in case.’
‘Just in case what?’ Alesha asked Karolina’s retreating back.
‘In case I’m unavailable,’ she called over her shoulder before disappearing around the corner.
‘What did I say?’ The cork popped with that delightful sound that meant delicious wine. At least she’d pushed it back in tight. One thing in her favour.
‘Nothing wrong. She’s a busy lady.’ Kristof took the bottle from her unsteady fingers. ‘Let me.’ He filled the glass she’d found and handed it back to her.
‘You’re not joining me?’ A jolt of disappointment rocked her when it shouldn’t. Had to be because she was feeling so down.
‘I haven’t finished my beer, and I’ve got another bottle in the bag.’
Okay, she’d go with that. But her tongue got away from her. After all, she was exhausted. ‘You prefer beer to this?’ She held her glass up after taking a long sip.
‘Different drinks for different occasions. I was hot and frazzled walking home, and looking forward to a cold one.’
‘What are you frazzled about now?’ Her tongue had loosened up over the last few minutes. The tiredness was taking over, making her body ache and her head light. She should really say goodbye to Kristof and take that shower she was hanging out for before climbing into bed and catching up on sleep.
Kristof downed the rest of the beer in the first bottle and placed it in the bin under the sink. ‘I’m going to get you something more than bread and cheese for dinner. Why don’t you have a shower while I’m out, get into clothes that fit?’
That made sense. She had to change, give his gear back. ‘Good idea. I’ll get you some money for my food.’
‘That won’t be necessary. Anything you don’t like?’
Alesha didn’t expect strangers to shout her dinner. But were they still strangers? She was wearing Kristof’s clothes, had drunk his beer, and he was here in her apartment. ‘I eat most things.’ Now he’d buy something she couldn’t stand. ‘I hope.’ The champagne was going down nicely, untying some of the knots in her stomach. Not a bad medicine. Especially now that it was chilled to perfection.
‘Relax. I won’t buy anything unusual.’ He was already at the door. ‘I’ll be about half an hour.’
‘How are you going to get into the complex?’
When his eyes widened his eyebrows almost disappeared under the thick dark-blond waves lying on his forehead. ‘What’s your number?’
She rattled it off. First night in Dubrovnik and she was already giving out her details. She spluttered into her wine. Not bad at all for an uptight, I don’t do overly friendly woman. Then, ‘Take my keys. If you’re a friend of Karolina’s I’m sure I’ll be safe.’
His eyebrows disappeared completely this time. But he did take the keys.
When the door closed behind Kristof she took her glass and headed for the small bathroom off to the side. One look in the mirror had her gaping. Red cheeks, sunken eyes, hair that looked as if she’d been dragged through a gorse bush backwards, and skin on her neck and shoulders the colour of strawberries. Very pretty. Her skin matched the bikini, which was something positive, she supposed.
Taking a deep drink of her champagne, she stripped away Kristof’s jersey and jeans, then folded them to put in a bag for him to take home. Bringing her, a stranger, clothes had been kind. But kindness might be his middle name. He hadn’t hesitated to help her out when he was apparently in a hurry to get home.
And changed circumstances or not, she shouldn’t be hesitating over getting on with her holiday despite everything, should instead turn it into an opportunity. She had to stop overthinking the hurt going on in her heart.
But was the hurt really in her heart? Or was it her pride smarting because once again she’d got it wrong? She hadn’t been good enough for a guy she’d been halfway to being in love with? Her shoulders drooped. She was trying too hard to find someone to love her unequivocally.
A sip of champagne didn’t bring any answers, only the reminder that she needed to be busy and make the most of what she did have. Starting with another mouthful of champagne and then washing her hair. Those bruises from tripping over that step were already colouring up. Serve her right for not watching where she was going. What a day. Suddenly Alesha was ravenous. Hopefully her saviour wouldn’t be too long with the food. Another glimpse of him wouldn’t go astray either. So much for being unhappy about Luke.
* * *
Kristof stared at the shapely butt in front of him as Alesha reached up into the cupboard for plates. His jeans and jersey had been covering a figure that had his blood thickening and his manhood tightening. Now wearing fitted white jeans with a sleeveless turquoise top and thin-strapped sandals, Alesha looked stunning. Beyond beautiful. There were curves in all the right places, making his mouth water. But he already knew what those curves looked like, had felt their power on his libido. He could imagine those long legs wrapped around him when he should not be imagining anything of the sort. They didn’t know each other. How long did it take to be attracted to a woman? Especially one as beautiful as Alesha?
She’s a Kiwi; we’re from different hemispheres. It wouldn’t work even if I tried.
Mixed relationships, as in each partner being from a different country, did not work. Hadn’t for his parents, or for him and his German wife.
‘What did you get?’ the woman causing his body all sorts of problems turned to ask.
‘Deep fried squid and salad.’
‘Yum. Exactly what I need.’
‘Glad to oblige.’ He looked away to gather his equilibrium around his overheated body. He did not want Alesha noticing his reaction to her. She wouldn’t thank him. In the circumstances, she might find it disrespectful, if not down and out lecherous. He didn’t do lecherous, thought it despicable. Women should be respected. Make that most women. Not his ex-wife, who had emptied his bank account and ramped up his credit cards to max while he was lying in a hospital bed recovering from surgery to fix a broken collarbone, damaged while saving her dratted dog from the ledge it had fallen over.
‘I put your beer in the fridge while you were gone.’
Back to practical things. Food and beer. Excellent. Not sex. Excellent. Breathe. ‘The fish restaurant was the closest and I know they do fabulous meals, having eaten there often.’
‘Would you prefer a glass of champagne now?’ Alesha asked. Her glass sat on the bench nearly empty.
‘I’ll take a pass, thanks. Shall we eat outside? There’s a table under cover around the corne
r, and the wind’s dropped. I like getting out in the fresh air after a day at work.’ He didn’t like the idea of being cooped up in this small inside space with Alesha. Not now he’d begun noticing more things about her best avoided. As lovely as she was, a short fling was probably not a wise move. There again, why not? Because she’d very recently been dumped. That was why. She was hurting, didn’t need a rebound affair.
‘Outside’s good. I’m warm after my shower.’ There was a slight slur going on in her speech.
He set plates and forks on either side of the table and opened the container from the restaurant. ‘After you,’ he said, indicating the chair opposite.
When she pulled up a chair next to the one he was going to use his first instinct was to move to the other side, but she’d be affronted and he didn’t want that. After the day he’d had and spending the last hour sorting out Alesha’s problem, he craved peace and quiet to eat and then he’d go back to his mother’s house, hopefully for an uninterrupted night’s sleep. Although that wasn’t guaranteed—no one ever knew when the next child would arrive on the doorstep, brought in by the police or a distraught neighbour.
It was draining enough doing this work for a week at a time. How his mother coped year in, year out, he had no idea, except she was resilient and had come through a lot in her life, including putting up with his father’s affairs to be there for her son until she finally couldn’t take any more. He had nothing to complain about really and next week he’d be back in London working every hour available dealing with his scheduled list of patients that was endless.
‘You’ve gone quiet,’ Alesha commented as she loaded her plate with salad. Her shoulder bumped against his. Deliberate or accidental?
‘Just letting go of the day.’ He shifted his chair sideways.
‘Tell me more about this place you’re helping out at. It must be quite big to have an operating theatre.’
