One Week to Win His Heart

by Lucy Clark

  Well, he’d been sincere about kissing Melody. He’d been trusting that his feelings were reciprocated. But honourable? His thoughts had hardly been honourable as he’d held her against him, pressing his mouth to hers, wanting her as close as possible.

  What had he been thinking? He had responsibilities. He had a job to do. His behaviour was far from professional yet at the same time it was becoming increasingly difficult to control his desire where Melody was concerned.

  She was interfering with his work, his concentration, and it wouldn’t do. Right at this moment he was supposed to be working with his staff but he’d needed to see her, needed to touch her, needed to kiss her.

  He opened his eyes and paced the room, forcing his thoughts into order. He’d kissed a woman who wasn’t Veronique. His wife had died only eighteen months ago and here he was yearning for someone else. He was sure that if their positions had been reversed, Veronique wouldn’t have forgotten him so quickly and the knowledge stabbed at his heart.

  George grimaced, pushing his fingers roughly through his hair and clenching his jaw. Never before had he allowed any woman to come between him and his work. He’d always separated them into neat little sections. He’d always prided himself on being one hundred percent focused where work was concerned but now he appeared to have no control whatsoever.

  He had the responsibilities of the visiting orthopaedic surgeon Fellowship to uphold. He had responsibilities to his staff. He had lectures to write, operations to perform and scheduled deadlines to meet. Even when the tour finished in early December, he was due back at his hospital in Melbourne. They were waiting for him. He had obligations there as well.

  Yet one look at Melody and everything had gone! Gone! He shoved his hands in his pockets, thoroughly disgusted with himself and his behaviour. How could a woman make him lose control—over everything? Everything he’d prided himself on being. Reliable, responsible, respectable.

  ‘Ha!’ he snorted in self-disgust. He hadn’t even treated Melody with respect. She’d been studying and trying to focus on an extremely difficult procedure and he hadn’t cared. Hadn’t given her the same consideration he was sure she would have given him had the situations been reversed.

  He stopped pacing, his jaw clenched tightly. He shouldn’t have kissed her. Shouldn’t have—but he had. At least he was man enough to accept his actions and take responsibility for them.

  George dragged a deep breath into his lungs, the faint traces of her perfume lingering in the air around him. The awareness between them had been almost unbearable yet now—now both knew how incredible they were together. Kissing Melody hadn’t solved anything. It had only increased his desire, his yearning, his curiosity—and that made everything worse!

  *

  Melody was tired of concentrating. She’d had three long and meticulous hours in Theatre but at last the first stage of her patient’s hand reconstruction was completed. Now they needed to wait and see what happened before she could attempt the next stage.

  Wearily, she de-gowned and shuffled to the tea room to write up the notes. Once she’d finished, she sipped her coffee and put her feet up on the seat. Closing her eyes, she sighed, glad the day was coming to an end. ‘Just the dinner to get through.’

  She’d hoped to get out of it altogether but she knew that wasn’t professional. ‘I hate being Acting Director,’ she mumbled out loud as she quickly finished her coffee.

  Melody had hoped to be able to go home, enjoy a relaxing bubble bath, but now she would just have to make do with a quick shower before getting dressed and heading to the hotel for yet another event. She was looking forward to George’s talk this evening. She was still constantly amazed that with so many dinners and lectures, he still managed to keep every talk fresh and interesting.

  ‘George,’ she sighed, as she drove home and headed into her apartment. If she didn’t at least make an appearance tonight, she had the strange feeling he’d probably ring to make sure she was all right. She smiled at the thought. That was nice. Attentive and thoughtful. Apart from kissing her right before she’d had to perform an intricate surgical procedure, he’d always been attentive and thoughtful. Then again, while he’d been kissing her, he’d most definitely been attentive and thoughtful.

  She couldn’t help but smile and brush a hand across her lips as she remembered just how attentive he’d been. As she finished getting dressed, tonight choosing to wear a white embroidered bustier and a straight, black, silk skirt that came to her ankles, she couldn’t help but wonder what George might think of her outfit, especially the split at the back of the skirt, which was not only sexy but practical as it enabled her to walk without shuffling along. She secured her hair up in a high ponytail, letting her curls do their thing. Slipping her stockinged feet into black shoes then picking up her clutch purse, she was finally ready to go.

  She couldn’t quell her excitement at seeing George again. She was eager to see his reaction to her outfit. To glimpse that smouldering desire in the brown depths of his eyes. To feel her heartbeat increase when he looked at her. To hope for another forbidden kiss.

  She drove with care to the function centre and walked through the door at eight o’clock, only half an hour late. She casually walked over to the corner of the room and, holding her breath, searched for George.

  ‘From the back, you look ravishing,’ a deep voice said from directly behind her. His breath fanned down her bare neck and Melody couldn’t help the shiver of delight that raced through her. ‘I don’t know if I’m game enough for you to turn around,’ he whispered. ‘You have the sexiest legs I’ve ever seen.’

  Melody was thankful the room was now swarming with people as waiters brought out trays of food. She had no idea what to say to George. Her mind had gone blank the instant he’d spoken and all she’d been aware of had been the richness of his voice and the emotions he’d stirred up in her.

  ‘Are you purposely trying to drive me insane?’ he asked as she slowly turned to face him.

  ‘And if I am?’ she challenged, a twinkle of delight in her eyes.

  George’s smile increased. ‘Are you flirting with me, Dr Janeway?’

  Melody laughed, amazed at how a few seconds in his company increased her excitement. ‘Feels a lot like it, from what I can recall.’

  ‘You are…’ he paused, his gaze filled with desire as he looked down into her eyes ‘…irresistible.’

  ‘I think I’m moving up in the world,’ Melody replied, and at George’s frown she continued, ‘Well, last night you said I was beautiful. The night before you said I was stunning. Tonight it’s irresistible.’

  He nodded, a slight smile playing on his lips. ‘That’s because I remember how good you felt in my arms. I’d give anything right now to take you out of here so we can be—’ He stopped. ‘Ah—yes—hello again, Mr Okanadu.’ George quickly changed his tone as he reached over and shook hands with Melody’s colleague.

  ‘How did you get on with the surgery, Melody?’ Mr Okanadu asked.

  George instantly felt like a heel. He’d been so busy admiring Melody that he’d completely forgotten she’d spent the better part of the afternoon performing a difficult piece of surgery. He listened to her reply, glad to hear the patient was doing well.

  Moments later, Carmel came over and instructed George it was time for his speech and that they should all return to their tables. George gave his speech, once again adjusting the material to make it fresh and informative. Melody admired him and his professionalism. She also noted that when he sat back down again he moved his chair slightly closer to hers.

  In fact, by the time they’d finished their main meal she could feel the warmth emanating from George’s leg so close to her own. She tried hard to focus on what Mr Okanadu was saying, nodding and smiling politely, all the while unbearably conscious of George. She could hear her heart thumping wildly against her ribs, could feel the pinpricks of excitement coursing down her spine, could feel her body crying out for his touch. Her reaction was b
ecoming too intrusive and she sternly told herself to stop it.

  ‘Don’t you agree?’ Mr Okanadu was saying, and Melody hadn’t the faintest idea of what he’d been talking about. Once more, she’d been too caught up in thoughts of George that her mind seemed unable to function.

  She frowned thoughtfully and said, ‘Hmm,’ as well as nodding slightly.

  ‘Excuse me,’ George said, and Melody quickly turned to give him her attention. He saw an unmistakable hint of passion reflected in her green eyes and for a moment he lost his train of thought. His gut twisted with delight and despair. Things were starting to get way out of hand. ‘Ahh…’ He frowned and nearly groaned in frustration as her lips parted, her breathing marginally audible. He swallowed, watching as her gaze flicked down to his mouth before returning to his eyes.

  It was then his sluggish brain registered that she was waiting for him to speak. Although the looks they’d exchanged seemed to have happened in slow motion, George knew it had only been a few seconds. At least, he hoped it had. Melody had the ability to make him forget all rational thought and in some ways he resented it. No other woman had affected him that way before—not even Veronique.

  He cleared his throat. ‘Er…you said there were several recordings in the hospital library of other surgeries you’ve performed, correct?’

  ‘Ye—’ Her voice broke and she realised her mouth was dry. She coughed and George immediately held out her water glass. ‘Thank you.’ She took a quick sip and nodded her head as she replaced her glass. ‘Yes.’

  ‘How long ago did you do them?’

  She thought for a moment, realising that the person on the other side of George was also listening intently to their conversation. Oh, she hoped and prayed that no one could read the emotions in her eyes when she looked at the visiting surgeon! ‘One was in February this year and the other was July. In both cases we’ve also recorded the follow-up visits, thereby keeping a complete record of any of the after-effects from the surgery.’

  ‘And you’re planning to use this case for your research project?’

  ‘This patient will be included, along with the other patients from February and July.’

  ‘Good.’ He cleared his throat. ‘Uh—I have an evening off tomorrow and I’d be interested in viewing those recordings. Do you think the hospital library will let me borrow them?’

  Melody felt the beginning of a smile twitching at her lips. ‘Oh, I’m sure they would.’

  George watched her lips, noticing she was trying to suppress a smile. He glanced over his shoulder to see that the person next to him was now talking to someone else. He returned his attention to Melody. ‘What?’ Even as he asked the question, he could feel the tug of his own lips turning upwards. Her eyes were alive with amusement and his gut twisted again at the sight.

  ‘Oh, nothing,’ she replied coyly.

  ‘Come on,’ he coaxed, his tone dropping to a more intimate level. He was enjoying teasing her a little.

  ‘I’m just in awe of the glamorous life you lead.’

  ‘Meaning?’

  ‘Meaning that on your only night off in Sydney you’re choosing to sit in a hotel room and watch a recording on hand reconstruction.’ She paused, smothering the laugh. ‘What a party animal.’

  George’s smile increased. ‘Who said I was going to be sitting in a hotel room?’

  ‘Oh, you mean you’re going to watch it somewhere at the hospital? You certainly know how to have a good time.’

  ‘No. Actually…’ he leaned in a little closer ‘…I was planning to watch it at your place.’ As he eased back, George took great delight in watching her amusement slip away, to be replaced by a startled look as the full impact of his words registered.

  He shifted slightly and leaned his arm on the back of his chair. As he did so, his serviette slid to the floor. Bending down to retrieve it, he decided to add fuel to the fire and gently brushed a finger on an exposed part of her calf.

  The brief contact made Melody jump, her knee hitting the base of the table, jostling the silver-and glassware on top. Conversations stopped. People looked at her. She could feel herself beginning to blush with embarrassment and smiled quickly.

  ‘Sorry. Patellar reflex,’ she explained. Everyone returned to what they’d been doing while Melody glanced down at her fingers, which were clenched tightly around her clutch purse. She needed to get control. She needed to get out of there.

  Putting her serviette onto the table, she smiled politely at those around her as she stood. ‘Excuse me.’ With that, she forced herself not to rush but to walk calmly and steadily away from the table. She could feel George’s gaze watching her but she forced herself not to care. How could he have put her in such a situation? What had possessed him to touch her in such an intimate manner?

  Her head started to hurt. It had been a long day and when she entered the restroom for a moment of peace and quiet, Melody leaned her hands on the bench top and closed her eyes. She was fatigued, and on top of that she was desperately fighting her mounting attraction to George.

  After a few minutes she felt more in control and better able to cope with the rest of the evening. Taking a deep breath, she headed back but as she drew closer to the dining room she detoured to the right and through the French doors that led to the balcony.

  ‘How’s that patellar reflex?’

  There was no mistaking George’s deep, sensual tone and she didn’t bother to glance over her shoulder.

  ‘Better.’ She looked the other way.

  ‘Liar,’ he accused softly as she felt his arm brush hers. She shivered involuntarily, instantly responding to the light touch.

  ‘I think I’m a better judge of how my patellar reflexes are doing.’ Melody was still finding it hard to look at him. She knew the moment she did, her anger would melt away like snow on a hot summer’s day.

  ‘That wasn’t what I meant and you know it.’

  She could tell he had a smile on that gorgeous mouth of his, even without seeing it. She closed her eyes against the mental image, willing it to go away. It wouldn’t. Why was she so in tune with him? Why couldn’t she simply switch off her attraction like a light switch?

  ‘Oh?’ Melody reluctantly turned to look at him, only to find his face closer than she’d anticipated. ‘What was I…’ her breath trembled a little but she forced herself to continue. Hold onto the anger, she willed herself. Hold onto the anger ‘…expected to say? That the visiting orthopaedic surgeon was fondling my leg? That would have gone over brilliantly!’

  George chuckled and the sound invaded her heart. She looked away from him but he gently reached over, cupped her chin and urged her face back round. ‘Let’s get one thing straight.’ The taste of his breath held a hint of the red wine they’d been served and Melody savoured it. ‘I didn’t fondle your leg.’

  For one blinding second Melody thought he was denying having touched her in the first place. Had he touched her? Had she just imagined it?

  ‘I caressed it,’ he confessed on a laugh that turned into a groan as he recalled just how perfect she’d felt beneath his touch. ‘There’s a big difference. One is clumsy but the other is sensual.’

  Melody sighed, clinging vainly to her rapidly dissolving anger. ‘Well, you still shouldn’t have done it.’

  ‘I couldn’t help myself.’ He shrugged, frowning as he did so.

  ‘Next time try harder!’

  ‘I’m sorry.’

  He touched his hand to her shoulder but removed it the instant she glared at him. They were out in public. Anyone might see them talking so intimately together. She edged to the side a little, hoping to put more distance between them.

  ‘I didn’t know you were going to react like that. Honestly.’

  His tone was so sincere she knew she’d already forgiven him. ‘It’s all right.’ She turned to look out over the city. They were both silent for a few minutes, a comfortable, companionable silence, while they soaked up the beautiful, warm night.

  ‘
It’s nice here,’ he stated. ‘In Sydney, I mean.’

  ‘Yeah.’

  ‘How long have you lived here?’ Despite the attraction between them, George had to keep reminding himself that he really didn’t know Melody all that well.

  ‘In Sydney? About five years now. I attended medical school and did all my training out at Parramatta.’

  ‘Do you like it here? I mean, do you have any plans to leave?’

  She shook her head. ‘I love it here. I’m close to my brothers, my nieces and nephews and, of course, my parents.’

  ‘Family’s important to you?’

  ‘Yes, of course.’ Melody paused. ‘What about you? Are you close to your sisters?’

  ‘I am. We probably talk about once a month, especially while I’ve been travelling, but Casey and Rachel talk daily, especially with Rachel in New Zealand.’

  ‘Where does Casey live?’

  ‘She’s in Queensland. So are my parents.’

  ‘Oh. Do you have other family in Melbourne?’

  He shook his head slowly. ‘Veronique’s family’s in Melbourne. She was born in Sydney but her dad changed jobs and the whole family moved to Melbourne when she was about twelve.’

  ‘Are you close to them?’ At the mention of his wife Melody had straightened away from the balcony railing. She kept forgetting he was a widower, a man with experience of what it felt like to be truly loved and accepted by one special person—and that person had been taken from him.

  ‘I’m…’ George thought for a moment, as though he was choosing his words carefully. ‘They’re important to me but… I haven’t seen them in almost twelve months.’

  ‘I guess you’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices this year.’ And he’d done it all to carry out his wife’s last wishes. Melody took a small step back, starting to realise that, despite what she might be feeling for George, it probably paled in comparison to what he’d shared with his wife. There was no way she’d ever want to compete with his affections for his wife but she had hoped, given the events of this week, that perhaps they were on the verge of a new beginning—for both of them.