by Lucy Clark
‘Oh.’ She glanced up at him, knowing what she was about to do was a mistake but nevertheless needing to do it. ‘In that case…’ She reached out and slid her fingers into the softness of his hair. ‘Give me this special treatment…’ she urged his head closer ‘…you’ve prescribed.’
His smile increased. ‘You are feeling better,’ he murmured against her lips, before pressing his to her own. He’d told himself a few days ago that whatever he was feeling towards Annie was going to stop—yet here he was, unable to resist her.
He groaned against her mouth, knowing his self-control was almost about to snap.
Annie sighed into the sweet and gentle torture he was inflicting upon her. It was the most mind-drugging sensation she’d ever experienced. She felt as though she were floating through the air surrounded by the sensual daze that was Hayden Robinson.
When he pulled back, Annie sighed, relaxing into the pillows even further. Reluctantly, she opened her eyelids which felt as though they weighed a ton. ‘Thank you for looking after me.’
Hayden nodded. ‘Do you remember much?’
‘No.’ She closed her eyes but smiled. ‘Sorry.’
‘Sleep, Annie.’ His tender fingers soothed across her forehead and down her cheek. ‘I have to go to the hospital now but Natasha’s coming to take over.’
‘Mmm.’
Her breathing had evened out again and, unable to stop himself, he brushed one last kiss against her lips. And that is the last one, he told himself sternly. Just because she was sick, it was no reason for him to give in to these erratic impulses, especially when he knew it was the wrong thing to do. Annie was charming, honest and a breath of fresh air, but she also wanted things in life he wasn’t prepared to give.
CHAPTER FIVE
WHEN Annie woke the next time, it was to find the afternoon sun peaking in from behind her closed curtains and her stomach growling with hunger. She frowned, wondering why she was in bed in the afternoon. She lifted the cotton sheet off her, surprised to find she was dressed in clothes, rather than her PJs.
Her answer came when she tried to get out of bed, amazed that every muscle in her body ached. She remembered she’d been ill.
‘Annie?’ Natasha walked into the room. ‘So finally you’re awake. Nice to have you back.’
Annie’s frown continued as she stared at Natasha. For some reason she’d thought Hayden was here.
‘How are you feeling?’
‘Terrible.’
Natasha nodded. ‘Every muscle aches?’
‘Yes.’
‘Good. You’re in third-stage recovery. You’ll feel a lot better tomorrow.’
‘I hope so.’ Annie managed to sit up. ‘I thought…Hayden was here.’
‘He was. He left just before eleven o’clock when I arrived. He nursed you through the worst parts.’
Annie gasped and covered her face with her hands. ‘I was sick,’ she groaned. ‘I can’t believe he saw me vomit.’
‘So? He’s a doctor, Annie. He saw me do it the other night.’
‘Yeah, but you’re not interested in him.’
‘Ah…so you are interested?’
‘Yes, but it won’t work.’
‘Why not?’ Natasha sat down on the futon, crossing her legs beneath her.
‘Comfortable?’
‘Yes. Come on, why wouldn’t it work between you and Hayden?’
‘I want marriage and a family.’ Annie shrugged as though it were that simple.
‘So?’
‘And he doesn’t.’
‘Are you sure about this?’
‘Yes.’ It was not her place to speak about his baby nor what he’d shared regarding his marriage. Although she was curious to learn more, she only wanted to know what Hayden wanted to share.
‘So? Change his mind.’
‘Oh, just like that?’
Natasha smiled. ‘You’re a woman, aren’t you? Use the weapons at your disposal.’
Annie laughed then winced in pain. ‘You’re nuts. Is that what you did to Monty?’
‘He and I were a different story.’
‘Ah, so you don’t practise what you preach.’
‘Come on, Annie. Hayden is obviously interested in you so why not try and get him interested in a permanent relationship?’
‘What if it doesn’t work? I can’t handle heartbreak any more. Adam was the last straw.’
‘But Adam was wrong for you.’
‘Oh, now you tell me.’
‘You know what I mean. He’s wasn’t…caring enough. Hayden has proved himself this morning to be extremely caring, not only for your health but your well-being as well.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘He’s called me every half-hour for progress reports.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes.’
‘But he’s a doctor.’ Annie squashed the feelings of joy.
‘True, but it wasn’t the usual doctor-patient follow-up call. Every half-hour, Annie.’
‘Really?’ she asked again, unable to believe it.
‘Would I lie to you?’
‘No.’
‘He cancelled his morning’s schedule to stay here with you.’
‘Only because there was no one else available,’ Annie rationalised. ‘Both you and Monty would have been at the hospital.’
‘Still, Annie, he stayed. That says a lot to me.’
‘Every man I get interested in seems so right for me in the beginning. Then I dig a little deeper, commit myself a little further, and end up getting hurt. Why can’t I find a man who likes me for who I am deep down inside, warts and all, and who wants to settle down and have a couple of kids? Why doesn’t that man exist?’ Annie’s voice broke off in a sob and Natasha instantly enveloped her in a hug.
‘You really like Hayden, don’t you?’ her friend whispered.
‘Yes.’
‘It’s true that you’ve picked bad apples in the past, Annie, and you’ve been hurt. But they weren’t right for you. If you’d gone through with marrying any of them, you’d now be going through a bitter divorce and, more than likely, have a few children attached.’
‘Is this supposed to make me feel better?’
Natasha smiled. ‘I’m just trying to point out marrying the wrong person can be a nightmare.’
‘So Hayden tells me.’ Her tone was glum with a healthy dose of dejection. ‘I shouldn’t get my hopes up about him. I need to protect myself.’ She blew her nose and tossed the tissue at the bin—she missed. ‘He kissed me. So what? It was just a kiss.’ She almost believed her nonchalant tone and ignored the little voice which told her she was fooling nobody.
‘A kiss between friends.’ Natasha nodded, pacifying her.
‘Exactly.’
‘It didn’t mean anything.’
‘Exac—No. I think it did mean something but I’m not going to delve any deeper into it than I already have. Sure, there’s an attraction between us but it isn’t enough, Tash, and I have to face that fact.’
‘OK, then.’
Annie’s stomach growled. ‘Any chance of the patient getting something to eat?’
‘Of course.’ Natasha scrambled off the futon. ‘Stay there. I’ll bring it to you.’ Just as Natasha reached the door, the phone started ringing. ‘Right on time.’ She disappeared but came back a moment later, holding the ringing phone out to Annie. ‘I believe it’s for you.’
Annie quickly connected the call. ‘Hello?’
‘Annie? You’re awake.’
‘Yes.’
‘How do you feel?’
‘Sore.’
Hayden chuckled and the deep sound washed over her, warming her all the way to her toes. ‘I’m not surprised. Listen, don’t worry about your on-call shift tonight. I’ve changed the roster so you now have until Sunday afternoon off.’
‘Thanks, but I’ll probably be fine by tomorrow evening.’ If she wasn’t at work, she’d have more time to think, and right now thinking was the last th
ing she wanted to do because, regardless of where her thoughts started out, they invariably led to Hayden.
‘Still, I think it’s better if you rest and recuperate completely before coming back to work.’
She closed her eyes in agony. ‘Well, I guess I’ll take a few days off, then. Thanks.’
‘I’d better go. I’ll drop by after work.’
‘Thanks, Hayden, but there’s really no need. I’m feeling much better now.’ She grimaced, realising how ungrateful her words sounded. ‘But if you want to…’ She trailed off, knowing she was digging herself in deeper.
‘I’ll see you then.’
She held onto the receiver for a moment after he’d hung up, wondering how on earth things had escalated so quickly. Hayden would drop around tonight. She wondered if Natasha would stay and be the go-between? No. When Hayden arrived, she needed to be alone with him. She needed to say there could be no more kisses, no more gentle caresses and no more melting smiles. She needed to preserve her heart as best she could because she was beginning to fear that with Hayden Robinson she was in danger of giving it to him on a silver platter.
This is what I need to do. I need to ask her, get her to agree and let her know that I’m not really using her. That’s not my intention. Hayden stood outside Annie’s apartment door and straightened his tie.
She’s going to smile at you and you’re going to weaken but you are not going to kiss her. That’s got nothing to do with it. You need a date for a family function and that’s all this is about.
Hayden raised his hand and knocked on her door and held out a bunch of brightly coloured gerberas when she opened it.
‘Thought these might cheer you up,’ he stated as she stepped back to allow him to enter. ‘My sisters love them and, because they have no perfume, they’re not likely to upset your sensitive stomach.’
Annie was touched. Why did he have to be so…so…nice?
She couldn’t remember the last time a man had brought her flowers. Especially one she wasn’t even dating. She and Hayden had to be just friends. Nothing more. Although the attraction was there and they appeared to have quite a bit in common, they wanted different things out of life. At least, that’s what she’d been telling herself since his earlier phone call.
She’d been going over and over in her head the words she wanted to say to him. Practising and rehearsing until she was positive they were perfect. Now all her good intentions had blown out the door the instant she’d seen him standing there. The flowers hadn’t helped her resolve one little bit. Still…she was touched by his thoughtfulness.
Annie sighed and looked at him, then back to the flowers cradled in her arms. ‘Thank you,’ she whispered, her gaze meeting his once more. ‘They’re lovely.’
‘I’m glad you like them.’
He seemed genuinely pleased that he’d been able to please her. Oh, he would be such an easy man to fall in love with.
Annie realised she was gazing up at him like he’d given her the world, and abruptly turned away, forcing her wobbly legs to take her to the kitchen. ‘Let me see if I can find a vase or something to put them in. I hadn’t planned on receiving flowers so soon after moving.’ She was babbling but didn’t seem able to stop. ‘Well, if I can’t find one, I’m sure I can borrow one from Natasha although what to do with them in the meantime may be a bit of a problem.’ She’d been opening and closing cupboard doors as she spoke, searching for a vase.
Hayden put his arm on her shoulder and gently turned her to face him. ‘Annie?’ He looked at her, a puzzled frown creasing his forehead. ‘They’re just flowers.’
‘Uh…I…know,’ she faltered, feeling even more foolish. She put the gerberas in the sink and filled it with some water. ‘Would you like a drink?’
‘No. I’d like you to sit down. You’re recuperating, remember?’ With his hand still on her shoulder, he guided her to the sofa. After she was off her feet he removed his hand, but that didn’t stop the churning that was going on inside her already queasy stomach. ‘You’re not looking too good.’ He went to place his hand on her forehead but she pulled back, not wanting him to touch her again. She was already reeling from too many unwanted sensations.
‘I’m fine. Natasha wouldn’t have left otherwise.’
‘I thought she might have waited until I arrived.’
‘So she could hand over? I’m not completely helpless, Hayden.’ Her words came out clipped and she instantly regretted them. She couldn’t help that the man sent her insides spiralling with one simple touch. Or the fact that his innocent gesture of the flowers had the ability to touch her so deeply.
‘I wasn’t suggesting you were.’ He eyed her critically before nodding. ‘You’re an impatient patient.’
‘So?’
‘So am I. I hate being sick, which is why I thought the flowers might help cheer you up.’
Annie closed her eyes momentarily. ‘They did.’ You need to get your mind back on track, she reminded herself sternly, but it was easier to practise in the mirror what she wanted to say than do it in person with Hayden. She opened her eyes to find him watching her intently.
‘So how was the hospital today? I hope the meetings you missed on account of me this morning weren’t too important.’
He shrugged. ‘It’s fine. Meetings are meetings, Annie. You were sick.’
‘Well, I appreciate you staying with me.’
‘You’ve obviously had a shower and changed.’ He pointed to her outfit of comfortable three-quarter-length trousers and baggy T-shirt. ‘I hope Natasha was here to help you.’
‘Yes. I may be a bad patient but I’m not completely stupid.’
He smiled at her. ‘Glad to hear it. The last thing you needed was to keel over in the shower due to lack of energy.’
‘I’m fine.’
He sat forward in his chair and she wondered if he, too, had picked up on the strained atmosphere between them. Something wasn’t right and as far as Annie was concerned it had everything to do with those kisses he’d placed on her lips before he’d left this morning.
‘Hayden—’
‘Annie—’
They spoke at the same time and then laughed, the tension easing slightly. ‘You go first,’ she offered, chickening out.
He stood, feeling uncharacteristically uncomfortable. What was wrong with him? He’d asked women out before—even just as friends—so why was he so anxious about asking Annie out? ‘Are you free two weeks on Saturday?’
‘Pardon?’
He’d completely surprised her. ‘I’ve checked the current roster and have made sure Wesley’s on duty so we’re both free, but you may have other plans for that day.’
It was her birthday two weeks on Saturday. ‘Why?’
‘My sister is getting married and I was wondering if you’d like to come to the wedding with me.’
Annie stared at him in disbelief ‘Married?’
‘Yes. Came as a bit of a shock to me as well as she’s only known the guy for three months, but there it is.’ He scowled. ‘Didn’t even tell me she was engaged, but that’s Rowena for you. Impulsive.’
Annie was a little confused. ‘Why do you want me to go with you?’
‘Because if I go alone, I’ll have all three of my sisters, and probably my mother, trying to match me up with any unattached females in the room. All three of them want to see me in a relationship again and, quite frankly, it can get a little overbearing at times.’
She smiled. ‘You’re scared of your sisters.’ She nodded at his appalled expression. ‘I can’t believe it. The great orthopaedic surgeon Hayden Robinson is scared of his little sisters and his mummy! Well, I never.’
‘That’s not it at all. It’s just that it’s not worth the headache or the bother. At Brigeeta’s wedding I was married to Lonnie and everyone was whispering about my lack of judgement in choosing a suitable wife.’
‘Sounds ominous. I take it your family didn’t like her?’
‘No, and my sisters, in particu
lar, never hid that fact. They were polite to her, of course, and did everything they could to accept her into the family, but to be fair to them Lonnie made no effort.’
‘Perhaps that’s why they didn’t like her,’ Annie ventured.
‘Perhaps. At Katrina’s wedding, I was newly divorced and had every female member of my family either trying to match me up or feeling sorry for me. Great-aunts and grandmothers included. At this point in my life, I—’
‘You don’t want to go through that again?’
‘No, I don’t.’
‘And that’s why you’re asking me,’ she stated.
‘Yes. Are you free?’
‘As a matter of fact, I am.’
‘You’ll do it?’
‘Why me?’
‘Because we’re friends.’
‘Come on, Hayden. If you take me home to meet Mum and Dad, they’re going to think a lot more is going on between us. It’s your sister’s wedding!’ He looked down at the carpet for a moment and then back to Annie. It was then that things clicked in to place. ‘You want them to think there’s more going on between us, don’t you?’ She nodded to herself. ‘That way, they’ll get off your back and won’t bother with the matchmaking routine.’
‘Yes.’
‘So…’ Annie leaned back into the cushions and crossed her arms over her chest, eyeing him carefully. ‘Are we supposed to act the happy couple?’
He smiled at her and her insides melted into a pool of mush. Did he have any idea the way he affected her with just one look? He raised his eyebrows and she realised he did.
‘I see.’
‘It won’t be that hard, Annie. We’re already attracted to each other.’
She shook her head at his arrogance. ‘I suppose it will give you the perfect opportunity to kiss me any time you like.’
‘This plan definitely has good incentives.’
‘What if I don’t want you to kiss me?’
Hayden crossed to her side and sat down beside her. He was close and the scent of him—freshly laundered shirt, aftershave and hospital aroma, all mingled together—created a heady combination. One that wove around her senses, driving her closer to distraction.
‘Is that true?’ Hayden’s breath fanned her cheek and she worked harder to resist him. He brushed a few curls away from her face before cupping her chin and bringing it closer to his own. ‘We have a chemistry between us, Annie, that neither of us can truly deny.’ His words caressed her and she closed her eyes, waiting with seething impatience for his lips to meet hers.
