Gabriel’s reaction to her good-luck gesture had taken her by surprise. She could still feel the warmth of his palm cupping her face, the stroke of his thumb across her lips, the desire that had flared in his eyes as he had looked deep into her own. She desperately wanted to know what it would be like to kiss him. It was all she had thought about for days. How would it feel? How would he taste? She wanted to touch him. Wanted to feel his hands on her body.
It had been such a hectic week that she hadn’t seen Gabriel anywhere near as much as she had hoped to. Not alone, anyway. He had joined her for her morning jog before work on a couple of occasions and he’d come to Gatehouse Cottage for an evening meal some nights. But Oliver and Chloe had been there, too, and there had been far too much talk about work for Lauren’s liking. Tomorrow, Saturday, marked the first-week anniversary of when she had met him. Gabriel had morning surgery and then was on call with Oliver for the rest of the day, so there was not going to be much chance for her to see him then. And Sunday was the day of the charity football match. Yet another missed opportunity for some time alone with him. She knew she was behaving like a foolish, thwarted schoolgirl, but she couldn’t seem to help herself.
‘Are you all right, Lauren?’
Embarrassment made her cheeks turn pink as Mike Trevellyan’s voice jolted her from her thoughts. ‘I’m so sorry, Mike, I was…distracted.’ Guilt surged through her because she had been daydreaming about Gabriel instead of focusing on her patient.
‘So I gathered.’ Amusement shone in his eyes. ‘Anything to do with the new French doctor I’ve been hearing about?’
‘Why would you think that?’ Goodness, had the rumour mill started already?
‘Kate has mentioned Dr Devereux to Fran several times since meeting him in the summer. She said Penhally was in for a treat when he finally arrived here to work,’ Mike explained, his tone teasing. ‘And there’s been some envy that you are his nearest neighbour. The whisper has gone around that he’s impressed many people during his first week here.’
‘Gabriel is an excellent doctor,’ she allowed, trying to keep her comments professional and hide the pride she was experiencing at the news.
‘I’m not sure his medical skills are what interests most of the ladies!’
A wave of possessiveness surged through her. She was unaccustomed to jealousy, but she felt territorial and protective of Gabriel, and she didn’t want to think of other women lusting after him. Refusing to react to Mike’s comments and add more fuel to fire any possible local gossip, she forced a smile and got them back to the matter at hand.
‘Now then, how are things going with you, Mike? How is your leg?’
‘I’ve been doing all the exercises you gave me. Mostly the ankle is fine, although I do get some pain at times,’ he admitted grudgingly.
Lauren nodded, knowing what a rough time Mike had been through and how important it was for him as a busy farmer to keep mobile and working. ‘No doubt you’ve been overdoing things, though.’
‘I’ve tried to increase my workload slowly, but I can’t do as much as I’d like. There is still a bit of weakness and stiffness in the ankle.’
‘That’s to be expected,’ she reminded him.
Lauren ran through some of the exercises and checked his range of movement. The offending leg bore the marks of the breaks and subsequent surgery he had sustained when part of a tree he had been cutting with a chainsaw had fallen on him, pinning him to the ground.
‘Any problems from the bruised ribs?’
Mike shook his head. ‘Not any more. The doctors tell me I healed quickly.’
‘Just not quickly enough for you,’ she filled in with an understanding smile. ‘I know it seems a long haul, Mike, especially when you’re used to physical activity. You’ve done so well. We don’t want any setbacks. Let your brother help you.’
‘Joe’s picked up enough of the slack. But you’re not alone…Fran tells me I’m too impatient,’ he conceded wryly, speaking of his wife with affection.
‘Thankfully you didn’t tear the ligaments, but the two fractures to your fibula—one above the ankle and one at the bottom, the lateral maleolus, where it joins the tibia—were serious. As you well know from your time in a cast after the operation to fit the plates and screws.’ She gave him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. ‘You’ve worked hard to build up the strength in the muscles and to remobilise the joint. It must be frustrating, but keep up the exercises, don’t try to do too much too soon, and you’ll continue to improve.’
Mike nodded his agreement. ‘Thanks, Lauren. I’ll do my best. I’ve got so much to be grateful for.’
‘You have indeed!’ While he put his socks and shoes back on, she reflected on how delighted the whole of Penhally had been at the news that Fran Trevellyan was expecting naturally after a previous miscarriage and an unsuccessful attempt at IVF. ‘It’s so exciting about the pregnancy. When is the baby due?’
‘Late spring.’ Mike positively glowed with joy. ‘We’re just praying everything goes without a hitch this time.’
‘I’m sure it will,’ she reassured him, happy for the couple.
‘Things definitely seem different with this pregnancy. It’s nearly November now, past the danger point in terms of the number of weeks when we lost the baby before. Kate is keeping a close eye on Fran and she says everything is fine.’
‘So we have to make sure you are fit to run around changing nappies and chasing after an active toddler!’ Lauren teased. ‘Come back and see me in a month, Mike, but phone any time if you have questions, swelling or discomfort.’
After showing Mike out, she welcomed her next patient, a woman in her late forties who had presented with pain and associated symptoms in the C5 and C6 region of her neck. The classic ‘poking-chin posture’ evident at their first appointment had been caused by over-activity in the levetator scapulae and stermocleidomastoid muscles, along with a weakness of the cervical flexor muscles. This was Zena’s third visit and she was showing excellent signs of improvement in her range of movement and her posture.
‘The pain and stiffness are much less and I’ve had no more headaches or dizziness,’ Zena reported, her relief evident. ‘I’m finding the exercises easier now.’
‘That’s great.’ Lauren was pleased that the combination of manipulation therapy she had used at the surgery and the corrective exercises Zena had done at home had resulted in the woman’s progress. ‘We’ll make another appointment, but keep up the programme. It’s helping correct your posture as well as increase your range of movement and strengthen the muscles.’
Happy that Zena was following her advice and had no more questions, Lauren sent her on her way and welcomed patient number three of the afternoon.
It turned out to be a busy Friday clinic, one that overran as she had a couple of new cases and time was needed to make a thorough assessment and take a complete history. Consequently it was late by the time she had finished her list. When her last patient had left, she sat down and adjusted her desk light so she could see more clearly to type up all her case notes and make comprehensive profiles of her new patients. She didn’t anticipate being able to leave for home any time soon. Stifling a yawn with one hand, she switched on her computer and set to work, ignoring the noises coming from the workmen who were putting the finishing touches to alterations outside the building.
She was engrossed in updating her files when all the power suddenly went off, shutting down her computer and plunging her room into darkness. Losing any unsaved work was the least of her problems. Disoriented, she sat still, but her eyes didn’t adjust to the gloom. She could see nothing. This was the realisation of one of her worst fears. Her heart started thudding under her ribs and she felt tense, her throat tightening. After sitting in the dark for a while, increasingly concerned, Lauren rose gingerly to her feet and, one hand extended out in front of her, slowly, awkwardly edged her way towards the door, thankful that her mental map of her new room was accurate. Judging each step with
care, she found the door without bumping into anything, but opening it brought no relief.
It was pitch black throughout the whole surgery.
She strained to hear, but no sounds came. How late was it? Had everyone else gone home? She didn’t recall hearing the workmen for a while. Pulling out her mobile phone, she tried to read the time on the screen, but the luminous glow provided scant light and failed to aid her vision. Increasingly alarmed, she pressed herself against the wall, not wanting to lose her bearings.
What should she do? Wait a bit to see what happened? Or call someone? She clutched her mobile phone tighter in her hand. How could she ring without alerting the person to her predicament? She wasn’t ready to face the issue of her diminishing night vision herself, let alone confide in anyone else. Fear chilled her at the knowledge that she might not be able to ignore or hide the subtle but insidious changes to her sight for much longer.
A noise from upstairs made her jump. Her pulse throbbed.
‘Hello?’ Was that her voice sounding so uncharacteristically shaky and feeble? She hated this. What was happening to her? Silence descended again, enveloping her. Cursing herself for being feeble, battling the inner panic rising within her, she raised her voice. ‘Is anyone there?’
Several moments later, footsteps sounded on the stairs. ‘Lauren?’
‘Gabriel!’ Relief flooded through her and she blinked back a stupid threat of tears.
‘Where are you, chérie?’
She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to calm her ragged breathing. ‘Outside the physiotherapy room.’
‘Stay there.’ Gabriel’s accented voice calmed her nerves. ‘I’ll find you.’
Seconds later, Lauren squinted at a pinpoint of light wavering in the darkness. Sensing Gabriel’s nearness but misjudging the distance, she stepped out from the wall and bumped into his solid frame.
‘Oomph!’ she gasped.
His hands came out to steady her. ‘Are you all right, Lauren?’
‘Yes.’ She was now. ‘Thanks.’
It was brazen but she couldn’t help snuggling closer, welcoming the feel of his arms coming around her. She absorbed his strength, scared of her lack of vision but unable to explain to him.
‘I finished my surgery half an hour ago and Nick had just called me up to the staffroom to talk about my first week when the power went off,’ he explained, one hand soothing as it stroked up and down her spine.
‘What’s happened, do you think?’
‘The contractors were finishing off some work outside and one of them cut a cable by mistake. Nick has gone to see them. I knew you were still here and was coming to find you when you called.’
Reassured by his presence and the knowledge he had thought of her, Lauren allowed herself to relax, some of the tension draining from her.
‘Come and sit in my consulting room while we wait.’
‘Um…’ Lauren hesitated. Unfamiliar with the layout of his room, she didn’t want to fall over anything or make even more of a fool of herself in front of him. How could he see with just a penlight? Had he guessed her problem? Not wanting to alert his suspicions by asking if they could just stand where they were, she reluctantly agreed to his suggestion. ‘OK.’
His arm around her made her feel safe as he led her back down the corridor to the next doorway. Unable to see him, all her other senses seemed heightened, and his warmth wrapped around her like a comfort blanket in the dark. The citrusy male scent of him was familiar and exciting. Putting her trust in him, she was thankful that he guided her to a chair without any fuss. She sat down, disappointed when he released her. But then she heard the sounds of him dragging another chair closer, and he sat beside her, taking her hand in his, linking their fingers. She tried not to cling too tightly and reveal the extent of her unease.
‘I want to thank you for all you have done helping me to fit in and making me welcome in Penhally,’ he told her with warm sincerity.
‘I don’t think I’m responsible for much, but I’m glad that you’ve settled so well. Word is you’ve made a great impression.’ She wished there was enough light for her to see his face.
‘I just want to be a good doctor for the people here,’ he responded with simple but genuine modesty. ‘Perhaps we can arrange a morning next week for me to come out on your home visits?’
‘Yes, of course,’ she agreed, delighted at the prospect.
Gabriel’s thumb stroked across the inside of her wrist, making her shiver. ‘Oliver and Chloe plan to go to Plymouth next weekend to see Rachel Kenner. Will you spend some time with me while they are gone? We can be alone…get to know one another better.’
‘I’d like that.’ Which was a massive understatement! She felt breathless with anticipation. The week ahead would be a long one…waiting. ‘Gabriel—’
Before she could speak further, the lights flashed back on. Startled, Lauren blinked several times, her eyes taking a few moments to adjust and refocus. Then the fog cleared and Gabriel’s gorgeous face swam clearly into view. She noticed his look of concern as he watched her, then he smiled, dimples creasing lean cheeks, and her stomach turned over.
‘Lauren? Gabriel?’ Nick’s voice sounded from the front of the surgery.
With a wry grimace, Gabriel squeezed her fingers before he released her and stood up. Moving to the door, he called out to Nick, and a few moments later the older man arrived in the room.
‘Here you both are.’ Looking harassed, Nick ran a hand through his hair. ‘I’m sorry about the disruption. I’ve been assured the problem is now resolved. Gabriel, perhaps we can have our informal debrief over a drink and something to eat?’
‘Of course.’ Gabriel’s consent and smile were polite, but Lauren sensed his reluctance.
Nick turned to her. ‘Are you heading home now, Lauren?’
‘Yes, I am.’ She could finish updating her computer files from her written notes another time, she decided, disappointed that she wouldn’t be seeing Gabriel again this evening.
‘Good. Right, then.’ Nick rubbed his hands together and smiled. ‘I’ll meet you out front in a few moments.’
When he had gone, Lauren rose and walked towards the door, pausing to look at Gabriel. ‘Thanks for being here.’
‘No problem. If I don’t catch up with you tomorrow, I’ll see you at the football on Sunday.’
‘All right.’ She returned his smile, warmed through by the huskiness of his voice and the promise in his eyes. ‘Goodnight, Gabriel.’
‘Goodnight. Sleep well, chérie.’
After a short but tense and cautious drive, the lights of her cottage welcomed her home. The cars outside announced that both Oliver and Chloe were in, and she parked her own with extra care not to hit anything. As much as she loved her friends and valued their company, it was someone else who dominated her thoughts and whom she wished she was with right now.
Sleep well, Gabriel had said…
As had been the case every night since she had met him, she knew her sleep would be filled with dreams of a sexy Frenchman.
CHAPTER FOUR
SUNDAY dawned a perfect warm and sunny autumn day. The whole of Penhally had turned out to support the charity football match, along with many outsiders and autograph-hunters who had been drawn by the impressive number of sporting and television personalities in attendance. The media were also out in force, capturing the action from the school playing fields. Given the size of the crowd, plus the interest in the snap auction of items donated by the celebrities, there was going to be a very healthy sum of money added to the relief fund.
Kate didn’t want to think about the flood. Almost three weeks on and the memories of being stuck in an upstairs flat in Bridge Street with Nick, the water rising beneath them, still left her feeling shaky. They had struggled successfully to deliver Stephanie Richards’s breech baby, and then had come the frightening experience of being winched up to the rescue helicopter. Kate shivered despite the mild temperature.
‘Are you al
l right, Mum?’
‘Yes, my love. I’m fine.’ Smiling, she ruffled Jem’s hair. He’d found her at half-time and was taking advantage of the refreshments she’d brought. ‘Are you enjoying yourself?’
‘It’s cool! I’ve got some great autographs,’ he added, pointing to all the signatures he’d collected on his football jersey, then his eyes went round in alarm. ‘You won’t wash them off, will you?’
‘Never, I promise.’ She hid her amusement as she reassured him, watching as he drained his fruit drink and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth.
‘It was good of Uncle Nick to arrange for me be a ballboy.’
Uncle Nick. Pain lanced through her. Jem had no idea that Nick was his natural father. Would the man she had loved for ever one day claim his son? Or were old hurts and the weight of guilt too much to be overcome? While they had been trapped during the flood, they had talked about that long-ago night when they had lost their heads…a night of great stress and emotion that had resulted in Jem’s conception. Nick had promised to try to make an effort to come to terms with the situation, and at least be more attentive to Jem, even if he couldn’t go as far as making a public declaration of fatherhood. Kate wasn’t holding her breath that anything would come of it but she could not help but hope—for Jem’s sake if not her own. So far Nick had kept his word and things were less tense between them.
‘The second half is starting soon. Will you come and watch me?’ Jem asked, returning after throwing the empty drink carton into a nearby litter bin.
‘Of course, my love.’
He caught her hand and tugged. ‘Come on, then.’
Kate allowed her son to lead her towards the touchline, pleased that he was so happy. Nick had already returned from the half-time break, acting as team doctor for the celebrity side. Jem released her hand and ran to him. Kate saw Nick’s guarded smile as he greeted the boy and heard the modulated tones of his voice.
Caroline Anderson, Josie Metcalfe, Maggie Kingsley, Margaret McDonagh Page 53
