From holiday fling...

To parents of twins!

Suddenly single, brokenhearted nurse Alesha Milligan hadn’t planned to holiday alone. Or to be rescued on her first night by a sexy stranger! Maybe a holiday fling with surgeon Kristof Montfort is just what she needs... But then Alesha discovers she’s pregnant—with twins! She knows Kristof isn’t ready for a relationship, but can she convince him the magic between them can bind them as a family forever?

SUE MACKAY lives with her husband in New Zealand’s beautiful Marlborough Sounds, with the water on her doorstep and the birds and the trees at her back door. It is the perfect setting to indulge her passions of entertaining friends by cooking them sumptuous meals, drinking fabulous wine, going for hill walks or kayaking around the bay—and, of course, writing stories.

Also by Sue MacKay

Reunited…in Paris!

A December to Remember

Breaking All Their Rules

Dr White’s Baby Wish

The Army Doc’s Baby Bombshell

Resisting Her Army Doc Rival

Pregnant with the Boss’s Baby

Falling for Her Fake Fiancé

Her New Year Baby Surprise

Baby Miracle in the ER

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.

Surprise Twins for the Surgeon

Sue MacKay

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-07526-8

SURPRISE TWINS FOR THE SURGEON

© 2018 Sue MacKay

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

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www.millsandboon.co.uk

To all my wonderful readers.

Without you I wouldn’t have this wonderful career.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

EPILOGUE

Extract

About the Publisher

CHAPTER ONE

‘IT’S PERFECT.’ Or it would’ve been. Alesha Milligan spun around on her toes, arms wide as she scoped the spacious apartment she was going to spend the next week enjoying. She would enjoy it. Thank you very much, Luke. Her arms fell to her sides, her chin dropped, and all pretence at how exciting a holiday in Dubrovnik would be evaporated.

This was supposed to be seven whole, luxurious days and nights seeing the sights, hitting the clubs, forgetting all about work and patients, having an amazing time with Luke. Instead she was here alone, dumped a fortnight ago. He apparently was now headed for Paris instead of Croatia as they’d planned. Her stomach squeezed painfully. Paris where he was hooking up with another woman he’d met at an accountants’ conference last month.

‘Hope it rains every day in Paris.’

‘Pardon?’ The proprietor, who’d introduced herself as Karolina, looked concerned. As if she’d let her apartment to a madwoman.

‘Sorry. I was meant to be here with a man, only he changed his mind.’ Should’ve seen it coming. It wasn’t as though she was a stranger to men cooling towards her just when she finally relaxed into a relationship and Luke hadn’t exactly been rushing to spend time with her every night lately.

Karolina’s face fell. ‘That’s terrible. You still want to stay?’

She was here, wasn’t she? If she went home she wouldn’t be able to face her girlfriends after all their nagging for her to go to Dubrovnik and have a great time despite Luke. Cherry had even had the audacity to suggest she have a sizzling fling, burn out the angst in her veins. Her? Sex with another man other than Luke? She wasn’t ready. That’d make her seem fickle, and fickle she wasn’t. Desperate for love, yes. She was all of that, and once again had tried too hard and set herself up to be dumped. And now here she was. Alone. Might as well soak up the sun lazing by that beautiful pool beckoning from metres away on the vast deck the apartment opened onto. Throw in some sightseeing. Alone.

‘Yes. I do.’ If right this moment she wanted to run for the hills she could see in the distance, common sense would soon prevail and she’d make the most of this opportunity to learn something about another country she’d always wanted to visit. Finding a smile for Karolina wasn’t easy, but slowly her lips tipped upward. None of this was her hostess’s fault. ‘You have a beautiful spot here.’

‘Glad you’re happy with it.’ The tension that had started racking up in the other woman backed off and she pointed to an expensive bottle of champagne on the table. ‘There’s wine for you to drink.’

Alesha’s smile widened. There were some things on her side, then. Luke was so tight he must’ve forgotten to cancel that. If she knew where he was staying in Paris she’d send him a bottle of lemon juice, no sugar added. This wouldn’t have been a gesture brought on by guilt. He’d been in a hurry to get rid of her, saying the accountant he’d hooked up with was the one. At least he hadn’t demanded she reimburse him for his share of this accommodation. Was it possible it was a consolation prize in his mind? It hadn’t worked, but, yes, ‘I’m going to enjoy it.’ Mouthful by delicious mouthful, swallowing the anger and disappointment that was her latest ex, she would enjoy it as a precursor to having a wonderful holiday.

A holiday alone. Pain blurred her sight, removed her smile. What was wrong with her that men didn’t stay around for ever? Not only men. Her parents hadn’t either.

‘There are plastic glasses in that cupboard if you want to enjoy a drink by the pool.’

Alesha snatched up the bottle, ready for a glass now. ‘It should be in the fridge.’ And she should be acting outwardly strong, if broken on the inside. After all, it wasn’t as though this had never happened to her before. Not a cancelled romantic holiday. That was new, but broken relationships were becoming her speciality.

‘I want you to have a lovely stay. There is a lot to do in and around Dubrovnik.’ Karolina handed her a card. ‘If there’s anything you need, call me. I recommend you put my number on your phone. I don’t live on the premises but I’m available any time.’

‘Will do.’ Alesha slid the card into her shorts’ pocket. She’d deal with that shortly. First she’d go stick her toes in that sparkling, crystal-clear water.

Karolina removed a metal ring from the door, and waved keys at her. ‘Front door, laundry, and the gate off the street, which must be kept locked at all times for everyone’s security.’

‘No problem.’ They also went into her pocket. ‘Do you have a map of the town?’

‘All the information you’ll need is on that shelf above the table. Restaurants and grocery shops are highlighted. Bus stops, the way to the Old City if you want to walk. Anything else just ask around. Most locals are very friendly.’

‘I will, and thanks. I am going to have a wonderful time.’ She really was, as soon as she’d banished Luke’s haughty face from behind her eyelids. Haughty? Yes, he had been, especially as he’d said she’d got too serious too soon. Hello? Hadn’t he also said he’d fallen for the accountant woman instantly? Alesha’s stomach tightened. He could’ve just said it wasn’t working for him, not layer in how wonderful this other woman was—at everything.

A bird tweet in her pocket had her tugging her phone out fast. He’d changed his mind.

He hadn’t.

‘Hi, Cherry. You on break?’ She wandered out to the pool’s edge as she listened to her friend back in London.

‘No, but I wanted to give you the heads up. There’s a six-month position coming up on the paediatric ward starting in four weeks. One of the nurses is taking maternity leave, but she’s told me it’s unlikely she’ll come back at all. This’d be the ideal job for you. I’ve flicked the application form through to your email.’

A couple of weeks ago she’d have jumped at the opportunity. Probably still would once her head and bruised heart settled back into the ‘being single’ groove. But right now? Alesha didn’t want to make any plans for the future other than getting out of bed every morning to go discover this wonderland. ‘Thanks for letting me know. I’ll think about it over the next few days.’

‘Don’t take too long. Rumour has it nurses from all over London will be queuing up for the chance to join our team. It’d be cool to work together. So, how’s Dubrovnik?’

Alesha hadn’t really taken much in yet—she had been too busy feeling sorry for herself on the drive from the airport, instead thinking Luke should’ve been with her. Wandering over to the wall at the front of the deck, she stared out and around. ‘It’s beautiful,’ she gasped. ‘There’s an awesome bridge in the background, and hills, and almost right beneath where I’m standing is the harbour where the cruise ships tie up.’

‘There’ll be nightclubs and the like there, surely? You can be out all night, and lounging by the pool during the day.’ Cherry sounded excited for her.

Down, girl. ‘Yeah, well, I’m sure there’ll be some dancing and drinking going on. Not so sure about having that fling though. I do know there’re lots of places I want to visit during the day.’

‘You Kiwis and your sightseeing. Can’t you visit a town without spending the days walking for miles, taking photos and making yourself too tired to go out at night?’ Cherry laughed. ‘Oh-oh, dragon on the warpath. Got to go. Put your CV in for that job. Bye.’

Click. Gone.

Alesha sank onto a lounger. The heat was softening her muscles, moistening her skin, draining what little energy she had left. The temptation to fall into the water fully clothed was strong. There’s a phone in my pocket. Could remove it, but if she was going to do that she might as well get into her bikini. The tiny red creation made to cover the essentials and cause havoc in a man’s brain. In his shorts. Instead she’d wear it for a swim on her own. She’d also pour a glass of bubbles as soon as they were remotely chilled. Right about now.

Dressed, make that just decent, in her new bikini and with a glass of lukewarm champagne, Alesha tossed her phone on the bed and returned to the poolside to stretch out on the lounger to soak up some sun. Already hot, it was nice to feel the heat pushing her down into the cushions. Talk about the life. If she had to be alone then this was the way to go.

How some fun, maybe get laid. Put Luke behind you. He doesn’t deserve you anyway.

Leap into bed with just any guy she met? As if she were a tramp? Would that make her a more interesting person? When she’d be uptight and stressed about meeting men in bars on her own? They’d have a different agenda from hers. Theirs would be to head straight to bed, while she was far more cautious. If that made her dull, then dull she was.

I can’t deal with this. I’ve been dumped. Like yesterday’s news. A fling doesn’t require getting to know the other person too much.

Forget the fling and just have fun doing the things she enjoyed.

I enjoy sex.

The thought made her start. Sitting up, she stared around the beautiful complex with its stunning pool. Was she broken-hearted over Luke’s defection? Or hurt because once again she’d failed to find love?

So? It wasn’t as if she were incapacitated. Basically she was used to being on her own. Alesha hadn’t moved all the way from the other side of the world because she was a wuss. No, she’d shifted to a humongous city where she knew no one, had found jobs, accommodation, a man who’d enjoyed her company for the past few months—or so she’d thought.

Her hands clenched as sweat trickled between her breasts, down her back. The sun beat down relentlessly, heating her skin while internally her blood was frozen and her stomach a lump of ice. Love was an intangible, and always out of her reach. She’d been searching for love since the day her brother got sick and her parents no longer had time for her. She’d been trying too hard to be loved by someone special. It might be time to accept it wasn’t going to happen and she should just get on with her life. Get busy so she didn’t notice no one was there for her, with her.

Or maybe she should relax, have some uncomplicated fun as Cherry and Shelley suggested and see where that took her.

Alesha gulped a mouthful of champagne, spluttered as it went down the wrong way.

Stop feeling sorry for yourself.

‘Yeah,’ she sighed. She did have a darned good life living in London, sharing a house with other nurses she got on well with and often contracted to work in some of the best hospitals. Much more exciting and interesting than living in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she’d grown up.

Taking a small sip of the champagne this time, she groaned out loud in exasperation. Her clenched hand pounded the mattress at her side. What a fantastic way to start a holiday. She was not going to spend the week lying on the bed feeling sorry for herself. She was not.

Okay. Message received. She’d start enjoying the sun, the blue sky that went for ever, the view of hills and the harbour below. Even the champagne that in all honesty wasn’t flash in its warmish state. There was a whole world out there waiting to be explored. Alesha would not leave here next weekend without knowing the sights and sounds and smells of Dubrovnik. But first she was going to get into that pool and cool off, physically and mentally. Then she’d go for a walk and see what was nearby for eating out. If her appetite returned by the end of the week, that was.

Luke could go to hell in a wheelbarrow. A rusty one with a flat tyre. There were other men out there.

Exhaustion pulled at her.

A sad sigh escaped. She would have a great time despite going solo. She really, really would, as soon as she’d had a snooze. Yeah, sure. Her eyes stung, proving she wasn’t quite ready to let go the hurt. But crying was not happening. Rarely since the day when she was ten, and stood at her brother’s graveside to drop onto the coffin the silver clock shaped like a Labrador and small enough to fit in the palm of Ryan’s hand, had Alesha given into tears. The clock had been bought out of hard-earned pocket money mowing lawns for Dad and the people next door. Ryan had been meant to get better and take it with him wherever he went in the future.

She laid back and closed her eyes, savouring the sun as she’d done so often on family holidays a good many years ago. Sun, sea, surf. It was what Kiwis made the most of every summer around Christmas and New Year. A relaxed, exciting time with family and friends, just mucking about in the water, catching fish...

* * *

A light breeze tightened her skin. Alesha dragged her eyes open and rolled onto her back. ‘Ouch.’ Sitting up, she looked over her shoulder, got an eyeful of red skin. The tube of sunscreen was still inside her case. Probably where her brain was too. Protecting her skin from the sun was always a priority. Not today. The sun was disappearing behind the hills. And she’d wasted the afternoon getting sunburnt.

A gust of wind swished across the pool and deck, and behind her a door slammed. Her fiery skin was intensely cold for a moment then back to flaming. She shivered. Time to put on some clothes.

That door that banged shut must’ve been hers. But it was all right. It wouldn’t be locked. Not when she stood in her bikini with only a towel to wrap around her and the keys still in the pocket of her shorts lying on the floor inside.

The door didn’t budge when she turned the handle, nor when she pressed a shoulder against the wood. Seriously? No way. Someone was playing a joke on her.

She was not locked out of her apartment without clothes, money or her phone. When her stomach was complaining about lack of food. Her day had just gone from average to worse. What else could go wrong? Tipping her head back, Alesha made to shout her frustration, but hauled on the brakes at the last second. What was the point? Screaming wouldn’t miraculously unlock the door, or hand her phone over with Karolina’s number. Had she got around to putting the woman’s number in her database? She couldn’t remember. Too much emotion had been whirling around in her mind.

Looking up at the apartment above, Alesha saw a light on in the lounge. Relief was instant. Whoever was in there would have the phone number she needed to resolve this glitch.

Loud knocking on that door brought no more success than trying to open her own. The light was on but no one was home. Nor was there anyone in the other apartments when she banged on their doors. Seemed she wasn’t only alone but she might be sleeping on the lounger if she didn’t find a way of contacting Karolina.

This would be hilarious if it hadn’t happened to her. It might even be funny in a few days’ time when she recounted it to her flatmates back in London, but right now it was downright scary. Another shiver wracked her while her sunburnt skin burned and chilled equally. ‘I can’t sleep outside.’ Her stomach rumbled. ‘Yeah, and you can wait and all. There’s no dinner coming your way until this is sorted.’

Looking around the complex, she smothered the panic threatening to overwhelm her. Think. She was safe in here, cold and hungry, yes, but no one was going to get through the outside door leading from the road. Waiting until other guests came home was her only option, although who knew when that would be? Down on the narrow road cars went by slowly. From the far end of the pool she stared out at the view, which would have looked beautiful if she weren’t just a tiny bit afraid she was going to spend the whole night out here.

Lights flickered on in the next-door house. Of course. Neighbours.

Wrapping the towel tight around her, she headed for the gate and out onto the footpath. The gate snipped shut behind her. Her stomach nudged her toes. How stupid could she get? She was out on the street in a bikini and it was getting dark. Lying on the lounger by the pool all night suddenly seemed almost like fun.

Neighbours, remember. Someone would know the owner of the apartments. They had to.

They might’ve but they didn’t speak English. No one at the four houses she tried understood a word she said; instead they looked at her as though she was a madwoman gibbering away in a foreign language—she was fast approaching becoming one—and closed their doors in her face. She should’ve learnt a few more words of Croatian other than hello and thank you, though it would never have occurred to her to learn ‘how do I get in touch with Karolina?’ or ‘I need a locksmith’.

Back on the street Alesha blinked away the irritant in her eyes. Crying was not happening. This was a holiday, shambolic yes, but a holiday in a beautiful place, and meant to be enjoyed. All she had to do was find a way back into her apartment. How hard could it be?

A couple was walking up the road, talking and laughing.

Relief lifted her heart. ‘Hello. Do you speak English? Can you help me, please?’

They did stop and look at her, before shaking their heads in bewilderment and carrying on up the hill.

That had to be a no, then.

A woman came around the corner, a phone plastered to her ear.

‘Excuse me. Do you speak English?’

Apparently not. The woman didn’t even slow down.

Alesha walked down the road a hundred metres, asking everyone she saw the same questions, getting the same result.

The night stretched ahead interminably. What she wouldn’t give to be back in her flat eating yesterday’s leftovers and throwing darts at the board after she’d pinned a photo of Luke to it. It had all started with him, hadn’t it?

No, it went way further back than him.

* * *

Kristof Montfort strolled up the hill, hands in pockets, glad the day was done and the temperature was dropping to something near bearable. Once in a rare year London might get as hot. Might. A cold beer beckoned, and his feet moved faster.

The little girl found curled up, shivering, in the bushes by the Dubrovnik Bridge had been brought in to his mother at the Croatian Children’s Home during the night and had stolen into his heart when he hadn’t been looking as he worked with her. He must be getting soft because the tiny child’s big fear-filled eyes, her gaunt cheeks, and scrawny body had angered him, destroyed his usually well-controlled emotions and let her in where he never let anyone. It had taken all day to get his equilibrium back. How could a parent abandon their child to the vagaries of street thieves and child porn operators? His father might’ve made a mockery of all he taught Kristof about being an honest, reputable gentleman, but he’d never physically hurt him, and the emotional slam dunk had happened when he was old enough to fend for himself.

They were yet to learn the child’s name so in the meantime everyone was calling her Capeka—little stork—for her inclination to stand on one leg with the other twisted behind her knee as she huddled in a corner.

He’d done all he could for Capeka today; operating to fix an arm with multiple fractures, stitching deep, badly infected cuts on her thighs and forearms, putting her back together physically. Food, clean clothes and a warm bed had been priorities. The mental stuff would be taken care of by his mother and her colleagues, and would take a lot longer to resolve, if ever. The counsellors and the nurses at the Croatian Children’s Home spent hours with their little patients and lost souls, but there was a gross shortage of caring nurses, the pay being minimum on a good day. Even the most fervent care-giver had to eat and find shelter and wear clothes.

‘Excuse me.’ A young woman dressed in a towel appeared in front of him, looking wary although desperation was rippling off her.

‘Yes?’

‘You speak English?’ Surprise warred with disbelief.

‘I am English.’ And Croatian, but that was another story. ‘What’s your problem?’ There went that cold beer. Somehow he just knew this wasn’t going to be a quick question and answer session. There was something about those earthy coloured eyes that strummed him, and warned him. The woman was in trouble.

Or was trouble.

She jerked a thumb over her shoulder. ‘I’ve gone and got myself locked out of the apartment I’m staying in. As well as the complex,’ she added in a rush. ‘I need to get hold of the owner but I don’t have a phone.’ Her cheeks pinked. ‘Or her number.’

‘You’d be talking about Karolina.’

Hope flared. ‘You know her?’

He didn’t want to dampen that hope; it made her look less drawn, beautiful even. ‘A little, but, better than that, my mother is friends with Karolina’s.’ Tapping his mother’s number, he held his phone to his ear. He listened to the dial tone while studying the woman before him. Temptation in a towel. ‘Fingers crossed my mother has her phone with her. She has a habit of leaving it all over town.’

Her shoulders drooped. ‘Oh.’

‘Is that you, Kristof?’

Kristof raised a thumb in his distraction’s direction. ‘Yes, Mum, it’s me. And before you start in on me about not taking a partner to the fundraiser dinner tomorrow, I’ve got someone here who’s got herself locked out of the Jelinski Apartments and needs to get in touch with Karolina.’ As in the lady he was not taking to the dinner even if his mother had begged him to.

‘She came here to pick up her mother and left five minutes ago. I’ve tried to give you Karolina’s number so many times.’

So you have. Your persistence is admirable, but please use it on more important issues.

He liked Karolina. He didn’t have the hots for her, or love her, or want to get to know her better, though he’d do anything for her if she asked because that was who he was these days, and she felt the same about him. Though she might not do anything he asked. Their respective mothers had other ideas and wouldn’t listen to them. What did they know? Kristof’s mother, in particular, refused to accept that he’d decided not to marry again, ever. Why would he when his ex-wife had cheated on him more times than he could count? Had laughed when he’d told her he loved her and that monogamy was part of their relationship. A deal breaker for him, but her idea of love included adventurous affairs on the side.

The woman before him was looking at him as though he was her saviour, and shivering, wrapped only in that towel and who knew what underneath? Nothing? ‘Mum, please let Karolina know she’s needed at the apartments urgently.’

Now he noticed red, string-like straps running over her shoulders. A bikini? Or a bra? Whichever, no better than nothing for warmth. But slightly easier on his overactive libido, which did not have a role to play here. It might’ve been a few months since he’d seen to that need but he would not be scratching it with this woman, despite the heat starting to flow into his blood. Shoving the phone into his back pocket, he told her, ‘You shouldn’t have to wait long. Karolina lives four streets over.’ As long as she’d gone straight home after dropping her mother off.

‘Thanks so much. I appreciate your help. I was beginning to think I’d be spending the night out here and there’s nothing other than cold concrete or tarmac.’ Now that her problem was being fixed her mouth lifted into an ironic smile. ‘It’s been one of those days.’

Don’t smile at me like that. It goes straight to places I don’t want to acknowledge.

That bow-shaped upper lip and full lower one would be magic on his skin. He slapped his hand against his thigh, instantly regretting the action when she jerked backwards. ‘Well, we’ve dealt with this problem. Glad I came along.’ He was off the hook, had helped her out of a bind and could walk on with a clear conscience. Couldn’t he? Kristof sucked in a breath. She wasn’t as young as he’d first thought. Mid-twenties? Older? What did it matter? He wasn’t interested. It was time for that beer and to forget a particularly difficult day dealing with Capeka. But his hormones got in the way and he asked, ‘Why are you cold when the temperature is still warm?’

‘I fell asleep by the pool for a little while and got some sunburn. Now my skin is fluctuating between hot and cold.’

Kristof looked over her shoulder and whistled. ‘That’s going to sting under the shower.’ An image filled his brain of her tall, slim body under the water. He wasn’t seeing red, more cream-coloured skin and lots of curves. Forget an itch. Muscles tightened in places they had no right.

His phone rang. Relief at the interruption was quick but didn’t loosen the tension plaguing him. ‘Mum? Don’t tell me you couldn’t get hold of Karolina?’ His eyes were fixed on the woman in front of him so he didn’t miss the way her body momentarily folded inward.

When she saw him watching she was quick to straighten to full height, bringing the top of her head to align with his chin, while struggling to banish the disappointment sparking in her eyes.

His mother harrumphed. ‘Of course I did. Karolina will be at least half an hour though. It’s something unavoidable.’ In other words don’t ask.

He wouldn’t. ‘Okay. I’ll tell—’ What was her name? They hadn’t got around to introducing themselves. He almost didn’t want to in case that made her real. Huh? How not real was this stunning female? ‘We’ll be waiting.’ There went that beer. He explained the situation to the woman. ‘By the way, I’m Kristof Montfort.’ He held his hand out. ‘I’m a doctor from London over here helping my mother for a week.’ That was added to reassure her he wasn’t an axe murderer, not to show off. He didn’t need to tell her he owed his mother for hurting her for many years. That was his guilt, not to be shared.

She put her slim hand out to shake his and the towel slid to the ground, giving him an eyeful of her body. Definitely lots of enticing curves and her skin was creamy and smooth. Got that right, then. The moisture on his tongue dried. Her breasts more than filled the ridiculously small red-and-white-fabric cups supposedly holding them in place. He couldn’t breathe. Or move. But his eyes roamed. She was a stunner. From top to toes. His eyes cruised down her legs to those toes just to make sure he was right. Of course he was. This woman was hot, beautiful, a magnet for his manhood. He stepped back. Away from temptation. She’d have him locked up in a flash if he acted on the heat ramping through his body, language difficulties or not. Why had he gone and said he was hanging around until Karolina turned up?

Snatching her hand free, she bent to retrieve her only cover, quickly tying it back in place. ‘Alesha Milligan, fool extraordinaire. I can’t believe I left my phone and keys inside.’

‘Pleased to meet you.’

Then she smiled, reminding him of sunny days on the briny in his runabout, and his stomach hit his feet. Her voice was so feminine and warm. ‘Actually I’m lying. Yes, I can believe it. I’d been distracted big time. It’s a surprise I remembered to take a towel outside.’

It would’ve been better for him if she’d remembered to take her clothes out to the poolside. Of course only someone who knew they were going to lock themselves outside would do that. ‘We all stuff up at times.’ As he was now, with his body still reminding him that all parts below his belt were in full working order, despite a recent lack of practice due to long hours working at the private practice in Harley Street hindering a social life. But he had to be grateful for towels. The one wound around that exquisite body was hiding even the curves. Except now he knew what was under there. Knew, and wanted another glimpse, wanted to touch and get to know.

No, he did not.

‘Feel like a beer while you wait?’ At least that would mean a quick break while he went home to get said liquid libation.

Her scrutiny of him seemed haughty. ‘You don’t appear to have any with you and as I don’t intend going to a bar dressed like this I’ll say no. B-but thank you for offering.’ The shivering was back, her skin lifting in goosebumps.

Inviting her back to the house might be kinder than letting her stand out here, but then they wouldn’t know when Karolina turned up. Also, his mother was still at the children’s home so there was no one else at the house. Alesha might not feel comfortable spending time alone with a stranger while dressed in next to nothing. ‘Give me five and I’ll be back with beer and a jersey and some pants to keep you warm. They’ll be too big but better than nothing.’ And just might make that amazing body look as if it were hanging out in a sack.

But you’d still know what was in the sack.

Again surprise appeared in her face. Kristof liked surprising her for some reason. Maybe because green flecks appeared in the brown of her eyes? ‘Th-thanks, I’d appreciate that.’

‘If you’re sure you’re all right, I’ll go now.’ She’d be safe but not comfortable. He’d be fast. She was also a visitor to his second country, and visitors were meant to be treated kindly. Yes, that was what this was all about. Taking care of a visitor. Nothing to do with this hissing and fizzing in his veins. ‘Be right back.’

He’d have that flare of excitement going on in his groin under control by the time he returned. Hopefully hanging out here in the dark only lightened by low-quality street lamps he’d be safe from those deep, alluring pools blinking at him from under long eyelashes. Safe from the array of emotions darting in and out of her less than steady gaze.

CHAPTER TWO

‘HERE, PUT THESE ON.’ Alesha’s dark-blond, good-looking saviour handed her one of the bags swinging from his large hand.

‘Thanks,’ she muttered. How embarrassing to be stuck out on the street pulling on a complete stranger’s clothes. Lots better than dropping the towel though. His eyes had popped right out of his head, embarrassing her. Had he thought she’d done it on purpose? If so he must think her a bit loose. He wouldn’t know that according to Luke she was the dead opposite. If only she’d been thinking straight when she went outside the apartment without keys after Karolina had specifically told her to keep them with her at all times. But she wouldn’t have got an eyeful of Mr Handsome. Cherry would probably say he was fling material, but she wasn’t going there. It was too soon.

Shoving her arms into the lightweight jersey, Alesha pulled it over her head, down to just above her knees. And she’d thought she was tall. The sleeves needed rolling up, but at least she felt warm and cosy. The fabric smelled of man: good-looking, intriguing man. Yes, well, she wasn’t interested. As for the jeans, they were ridiculous. Even with the lengthy belt on its tightest notch they were going to slide down whenever she moved. ‘Just as well I’m not going anywhere,’ she quipped as she bent down to roll up the hems several turns.

‘Sorry I didn’t bring some shoes.’

His smile touched her deeply, dodging the lump that was Luke’s defection. A genuine, not wanting anything from her smile that went some way to warming the chill gnawing at her. When was the last time a man had smiled at her like that? Had anyone ever? Finding a smile of her own, Alesha glanced down at his enormous feet. ‘I doubt you have a pair of size seven high heels stashed in your wardrobe.’

His laugh was light and added to the warmth his jersey was creating. Soon she’d be roasting. ‘I’ve never been into cross-dressing.’

‘Again, thank you for everything. I don’t know what I’d have done if you hadn’t come along.’

‘You’d have got a little colder before Karolina came to do her night round.’ Kristof dug into another bag and retrieved two beers. ‘I promised you one of these.’

Accepting the bottle, Alesha dug deep not to react outwardly to the zip of heat the touch of his fingers on hers created. ‘What do you mean? Night round?’

His eyes had flared at that touch. Was he feeling hot too? ‘Karolina checks on the apartments every morning and night, and a couple of times in between, often cleaning the pool, pulling the rare weed that dares to pop up in the gardens, making sure everyone staying here is happy. She’s very particular about her apartments and wants her guests to get the most out of their time with her.’

The admiration in his voice had Alesha wondering if there was more to his relationship with this woman than he was letting on. ‘The place is immaculate, and she was so welcoming that I feel terrible causing trouble. She told me to put her number in my phone, but it never crossed my mind I’d need to have it with me while I was only a few metres from my room taking a dip.’ Or falling asleep. What was done was done, and there was no point bemoaning the fact she’d stuffed up.

‘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 did 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 corner, 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.’

‘Like I said, it’s a shelter for neglected children. The operating theatre’s tiny. Not a lot of operations are done there. Take today. A wee girl was found hidden in bushes under the Dubrovnik bridge, cold, hungry and with numerous injuries. She hasn’t spoken a word, has had surgery, and faced strangers poking at her and asking questions, and just stands there staring around as though nothing’s real.’

‘Except the pain in her heart.’

‘Exactly. One look in her eyes and you can see it, you know? It’s huge, and everyone accepts it’s going to take a long, long time to lighten it.’

‘If they ever do.’ A layer of sadness settled in Alesha’s eyes and voice.

She really got it. Did that mean she’d been hurt badly in the past? Or was there a massive heart inside that chest that understood people? ‘At least she’s safe now, but what the future holds is anyone’s guess.’ Kristof needed air, space. That sadness was tugging at him when it shouldn’t. Standing up, he walked to the other end of the deck to stare down at the harbour filled with cruise ships. Tourists flooded Dubrovnik during the day, turning the Old City situated behind these hills into a place most locals avoided until winter, when they got the city back to themselves. At night many of the tourists would be back on board their ship making the most of the entertainment put on free of charge.

He heard a movement beside him and Alesha was standing there, her hands on the concrete wall, leaning forward to peer in the same direction as him. ‘It’s stunning.’ So she’d joined him but wasn’t continuing the conversation that had him fidgeting to get away.

He usually managed to keep the kids he saw in his mother’s clinic at a distance. But today Capeka had got to him. His shield had slipped. He didn’t know why, but did know it wasn’t a good look. And that it couldn’t happen again. Not if he intended to maintain his barriers against being in a loving relationship. ‘Yes, it’s magic.’

‘Very different from London.’

If she was digging for information about his life back there she would need a bulldozer. He commented, ‘We don’t get the wonderful weather, for starters.’

Her mouth flattened. Then turned up into a grin. ‘Fair enough.’ The grin was quickly followed by a yawn. ‘Sorry. It’s been quite a day on top of a long night. I didn’t knock off work until eleven last night and since it was my last time on the ward there was a visit to the pub involved afterwards. Then today Luke’s bombshell really sank in when I stepped out of the plane into Croatia.’

‘I’ll leave you alone, then.’ Kristof’s jaw dropped. He didn’t want to go. He really didn’t, instead wanted to hold her close, kiss away that hurt that had started going on in her eyes when she’d mentioned a big day. ‘Are you going to be all right?’

Wipe your mouth out. You don’t do personal questions. With anyone.

It brought people close when he learned what made them tick, meant he could no longer put them in a box.

Alesha blinked, hard. Her mouth flattened. He didn’t like that. Nor that slumping that sloped her shoulders.

‘Sorry, don’t answer that. It’s none of my business.’ But if he could make her feel a bit happier, he would.

‘We planned this trip at Easter. Then a couple of weeks ago I learned I was the only one flying to Dubrovnik. Luke has found someone else and they’ve gone to Paris for the weekend.’

That was appalling. Who did that? ‘Can I swear?’

‘Go ahead but it won’t change anything.’ She’d crossed her arms and those long manicured fingernails were digging into her biceps.

He’d prefer they were on his biceps. Kristof stepped closer so his arm touched hers. That was as close as he was getting, tantalising fingers or not. But hell, he wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss that sadness away. Even when the man she’d want kissing her wasn’t him.

Alesha leaned into him, as though now she’d voiced what had happened the strength to stay upright had deserted her.

He couldn’t resist. His arm wound around her shoulders, to give her support. Nothing more. Or was it? A heady mix of gentleness, need and friendship closed around him. A totally foreign sensation. He lost track of how long they stood there, both staring out across the harbour with a myriad lights winking from the ships and the wharves, he holding her, she trembling.

Then she knocked him sideways with a whisper. ‘You don’t have to go. I could do with some company.’ When she turned to face him she was close so her breasts brushed against his chest. When her mouth touched his, those lips were soft and warm, exciting, just as he’d imagined. Talk about getting what he wished for.

Kristof lifted his chin and stepped back, his hands on her shoulders until she found her balance. ‘Thank you for asking but you’re feeling let down, unhappy, disappointed. Tomorrow you’ll regret having made that suggestion.’ He was already regretting not following through. As far as kisses went that one had barely got started, but every cell in his body was screaming out for more and for the follow-up rampant sex.

‘That’s a no, then.’

‘Yes, Alesha, it is.’ Give him strength, because the more he said no, the more he knew it was a lie, that he wanted to accept her invitation, to lose himself in her, give her a reason to let go the hurt plaguing her eyes for a few hours at least.

‘I could beg.’ Fixed on him, her eyes were enormous.

‘It wouldn’t become you.’ His lips grazed her forehead. He breathed in apples from her hair.

Go, while you still can.

Dropping his hands, he stepped further away. ‘Take care, Alesha. Whatever you do, enjoy your time in Croatia.’ And on that dry note he left, feeling her eyes boring into his back until he reached the bottom step and let himself out onto the street. He didn’t know if she watched from above as he walked up the road, wasn’t looking back over his shoulder to find out. Alesha had come into his life with a problem. Now the crisis was fixed and with every step he took he was leaving her further behind, safe, out of his life, out of the way of temptation. He couldn’t fix her bigger problem.

‘Kristof, wait. Stop. Look up the road.’ Alesha was running after him. ‘I think there’s a fire further up.’ She had his arm now, was pulling at him and pointing towards the area where his mother’s house was.

A red glow backlit a building. Not his mother’s, but close. Someone’s house was definitely burning. ‘I’m calling the emergency services. You go back inside.’ He didn’t need to be worrying about Alesha while he tried to assess the situation.

‘I’m coming with you. There could be people inside.’

Arguing wasted time. ‘What can you do to help?’ It was an honest question. If she was hanging around there might be something she could do to help.

‘I’m a nurse, remember?’

‘Come on.’ There wasn’t time to argue, and she was right, she might be needed. He began sprinting up the road. Hopefully she wasn’t going to be required at the scene of the fire.

Puff, puff, from beside him. Not a fit nurse, then.

The emergency dispatch for the city answered his call, preventing him saying something he’d regret. Rattling off what he knew about the location, nothing specific but once the emergency crews got close they’d work it out, he punched the red icon and shoved the phone deep into his pocket, hoping it stayed there while he got on with helping out at the fire. Losing all his work contacts was not on.

You don’t want to lose Alesha’s number either.

Best if he did, then he couldn’t be tempted into calling her, asking her to join him for a beer or a trip into town for a meal during the coming week.

Kristof really was trying to fool himself. Who needed a number when he walked by the apartment complex every day? Which reminded him. ‘Did you remember your keys?’

She gaped at him, her eyes wide and filled with disgust. ‘Guess it really isn’t my day.’

They weren’t going to call Karolina out a second time. ‘There’s a spare bed at my mother’s.’

Laughter filled the now smoky air. ‘I meant there went my opportunity to crash at your place. I have keys and phone buttoned into my back pocket.’

He looked. How could he not? Yes, there, on that smooth, curved outline of her backside, was the obvious shape of a phone and a bundle of keys. ‘Well done.’

Damn.

CHAPTER THREE

ALESHA DREW DEEP breaths in an attempt to stop puffing so hard. Time to find a gym if this was what a short run up a gently sloping hill did. Beside her Kristof was barely breathing any faster than normal.

‘Bystanders are saying there’s a family of four inside,’ he told her. ‘I’m going to see how close I can get.’

‘Be careful.’ Look out for yourself, don’t get injured. Clench, clench went her stomach for her new—What? Friend?

She couldn’t hear any sirens. ‘How far away is the fire station?’ She picked her way through the crowd behind him.

‘Ten minutes. Stay back here.’

‘And if you find someone in need of medical attention?’

‘We’ll bring them out here and you can help me.’

‘We?’ That was when she realised two other men were pushing ahead on the same track Kristof was following. ‘Fine.’ She was wasting precious time, holding him back from possibly saving someone. ‘Go.’ Her heart sank. If there really was a family in that inferno their chances of survival were slim, and getting smaller by the second. When she was training back in Christchurch she’d worked in a burns unit and had hated it. The stench, the raw agony, the horror in her patients’ eyes as they stared at their scars, had drained her emotionally in a way no other field of nursing had.

Around her people were talking as they gaped at the scene. Unfortunately she couldn’t understand a word. Someone pointed towards the house and there was a shout as a burning piece from the roof plunged to the ground. Kristof towered above everyone, making it easy to keep an eye on his progress.

Be safe, please.

He was in charge. No doubt about that. He seemed the kind of guy who’d take note of the situation and still charge in to save whoever he could with little regard for his own safety. Not that she could explain why she felt that, she just did. He’d impressed her with the way he’d looked after her earlier. No one had ever gone out of their way for her before, and it made her feel special, as if she counted for something. Then she’d repaid him by coming on to him. It was a wonder he’d spoken to her at all after that.

‘Does anyone know if the family was definitely at home when the fire broke out?’ she asked without thinking, and got a surprise.

‘The mother and son came home thirty minutes ago,’ the woman beside her answered. ‘The husband and other son are still out.’

‘Two safe. That’s a start.’ Where had Kristof gone? There was no way he could get inside. Not and survive. It was a furnace in there.

‘I hear sirens,’ said the woman.

There was movement ahead, and the crowd parted. Kristof strode towards her, a body in his arms. ‘Alesha? I’ve got the lad. He’s unconscious.’ Kneeling down, he laid his precious bundle on the ground.

Running forward, she dropped to her knees, ignored the gravel digging into the earlier bruises. ‘That’s a nasty cut on his head.’ Blood oozed through the lad’s hair. Her fingers gently probed, touched swollen flesh. ‘Something must’ve fallen on him. Where did you find him? You’d better not have gone inside.’ What did that matter now? If he had he was out safe.

‘On the back porch lying half out the door.’ Kristof began checking the boy over, gently rolling him onto his right side. ‘Burns to his back and left arm.’

‘Don’t pull that shirt off,’ she warned. They didn’t need to cause any further damage.

‘Agreed.’ Kristof was feeling the bones in an oddly shaped elbow, a competent doctor at work. ‘Fractures for sure. He’s got cuts as well as massive trauma bruising. Someone mentioned an explosion.’

‘Do people here use gas for cooking?’ That could explain the injuries and the fire.

‘Yes.’ He gave her a nod of acknowledgment. ‘You know your stuff.’

‘Worked in a burns unit. He has respiratory problems, probably due to smoke inhalation.’

‘I’ll check his heart.’

Cardiac arrest often followed respiratory failure. ‘Will an ambulance come with that fire engine?’ A defibrillator wouldn’t go astray right now, just in case of the worst-case scenario.

‘Of course. From what I’m hearing two fire trucks and one ambulance have just pulled up. The good news is the hospital is only a mile further up the road.’

‘Knowing the lingo is a plus.’ Never had she felt so useless. Not understanding what was going on was disturbing. But she did understand this boy’s dilemma and that was all that really mattered. He needed her help, not her doubts and frustration.

‘Great nursing skills don’t need interpreting.’ Kristof underscored her thoughts as his hand touched the back of hers briefly. Except she hadn’t thought great was true, just thorough.

Someone in uniform knelt beside her, asking rapid questions in Croatian. No doubt a paramedic. She locked eyes on Kristof. ‘You take this.’

He was already talking to the other man. She continued taking the boy’s pulse for a second time. ‘Slower.’

Another person in ambulance uniform joined them and Alesha was nudged aside. Her back cricked as she stood up and looked around. ‘What about the mother?’

Screams rent the air. Someone was pushing through the crowd. A woman. In her late thirties? The boy’s mother? Alesha crossed her fingers. That would mean she was safe and not inside. The woman dropped to the ground beside the boy, crying and shouting, reaching to touch her son, being gently held back by Kristof and another lady.

Alesha stepped away. The woman’s grief was personal, and heart-wrenching. On the other side of the road she stopped amidst the crowd to take stock. Around her voices were low and all eyes seemed to be on the mother and boy. Time to head back to the apartment. There was nothing else she could do to help here.

‘He’s going to be in hospital for a while but I think he’ll be all right.’ Kristof materialised out of the gloom. ‘None of those injuries look life-threatening.’

‘If you don’t count the scars he’ll have.’

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