Do Opposites Attract? (9 page)

Brianna spent the rest of the day helping Dan out with the medical supplies. She was a liability everywhere else in the camp, but at least with Dan she felt useful. And welcome. He flattered and charmed her, a welcome change from Mitch, who seemed determined to do neither.

When her muscles finally screamed at her to stop, she sat wearily on one of the many medical supply boxes they’d collected from the airport.

‘I certainly won’t miss all the back-breaking unloading,’ she complained, rubbing at the small of her back.

‘Will you miss any of it?’ Dan asked, plonking himself down on another box.

‘Umm, let me think. Showering with cold water, no. Sleeping in a tent, no. Eating what seems to be porridge three times a day, no,’ she replied, counting them off on her fingers. Then she grinned. ‘The people, yes. Are you up for a night in town again, a farewell drink? Mitch said he would try to get back for it.’

Dan’s eyebrows shot up. ‘Mitch did?’

‘Don’t sound so shocked. I’m sure there’s a human being in there somewhere. It just needs a bit of coaxing to come out.’

‘Or maybe it needs a beautiful woman.’

Brianna flushed. Not from the compliment, she was used to those, but from the implication. Had Dan guessed she’d shared Mitch’s bed last night? Had he heard them? ‘I doubt Mitch would bow to the bidding of any woman, whatever she looked like.’

Dan laughed. ‘Yes, you’re right there. We’ve had a few foxy chicks drift in and out over the years, but he hasn’t seemed too bothered.’

‘No?’ She told herself it was just idle curiosity. It wasn’t as if she was that interested in Mitch’s love life, not really.

‘I don’t think Mitch is aware of the effect he has on the opposite sex. He’s great with his patients, but that seems to be where his people skills end. Anyway, you know me by now. I’m definitely up for a night out. I’ll gather the troops and we’ll head off around seven?’

Seven o’clock came. Everyone gathered by the jeep, ready to go out. Everyone except for Stuart and Roger, who were on call. And except Mitch, who was nowhere to be seen. Brianna ignored the spike of disappointment and hustled everyone into the jeep. It didn’t matter that Mitch wasn’t there. Dan, Jane, Toby and Tessa were. They would go and have a good night out.

And they did. Without Mitch around, Tessa became a lot friendlier and after several rounds of beer, all five of them were laughing and joking.

‘So, confess up.’ Jane’s attention turned to Brianna. ‘Was it you in Mitch’s tent last night?’

Suddenly four pairs of eyes rounded on her. Three held amused interest, one a flash of cold dislike. Brianna paused and took refuge in her drink. ‘Why do you ask?’

‘Because,’ Jane said with a giggle, ‘Toby and I share the tent next to his. We definitely heard a female scream, though it was quickly muffled.’

She stifled the groan, but only just. Oops. What on earth was she meant to do now? Would Mitch be livid if she admitted to his team that she’d slept with him? Probably. She certainly knew one person who’d be more than cross at hearing the truth. In fact, if looks could kill, Tessa would have shot her right between the eyes by now. ‘It surely can’t be the first time you’ve heard a woman in his tent,’ she prevaricated, trying not to look directly at anyone.

Toby laughed. ‘I can’t imagine he’s a monk, but he doesn’t usually entertain women when he’s on camp. So, was it you?’

Brianna wondered if she could get away with ignoring the question and asking if anybody wanted another drink. But looking at the very interested eyes resting on her, she doubted it. ‘It might have been.’

‘Well, knock me down with a feather,’ Toby exclaimed, clearly enjoying the gossip.

‘And I thought you were saving yourself for me,’ Dan piped up, though he had an easy smile on his face, indicating he wasn’t seriously bothered.

Tessa, on the other hand, was clearly extremely bothered. ‘I’m just going to the ladies,’ she stammered as she lurched up from her chair, the blood fast disappearing from her face.

Brianna watched her go with a rush of genuine sympathy. It must be hard, carrying a torch for someone who didn’t return your feelings.

Jane placed a reassuring hand on Brianna’s arm. ‘Don’t worry about Tessa,’ she whispered as Dan and Toby stood up to get another round. ‘It might do her good. She’s pined away for Mitch for far too long. At least now she knows there’s no hope for her in that direction.’

Brianna resisted the impulse to burst into uncontrollable laughter. ‘Hold up there. You’re putting two and two together and making a lot more than four. Mitch and I just had a little fling. I’m not sure we’ll even repeat the experience.’

Jane gaped at her. ‘Hey, you’re not about to shatter my dreams and tell me Mitch is a disappointing lover, are you?’

Now it was Brianna’s turn to look shocked. ‘It’s okay, Jane, your fantasies are still very much intact. But he would die if he knew we were having this conversation.’

‘Very probably. But this is just between you and me. I love Toby, of course.’ Her eyes hastily scanned the bar, checking her husband was out of earshot. ‘But Mitch? Well, he’s most women’s fantasy man, isn’t he? Sexy, moody, but underneath a heart full of compassion. He just needs the right woman to crack him. Maybe he’s found her.’

‘Oh no, slow down there. Mitch and I shared one night of, albeit amazing, sex. I don’t want you reading anything more into it.’ She bit her lip and found herself sighing. ‘He certainly isn’t.’

‘And you?’

Brianna flushed. ‘Just between you and me, I’m smitten,’ she admitted softly. ‘Which is quite possibly the most stupid thing I’ve ever done.’

‘Or perhaps, the best.’ Jane gently squeezed her arm. ‘Give it time and see where it leads.’

Back at her tent, Brianna packed up the few items she wanted to take home with her. Everything else she was leaving for the poor villagers, partly in a bid to help where she could, partly because she never wanted to see them again. Then she climbed into the hard, narrow bed for the last time. As she lay back against the lumpy pillow, she thought guiltily of how much she was looking forward to her goose feather one back home.

Then she thought of what she’d be leaving behind, or rather who.

She’d missed Mitch tonight, more than she’d wanted to, far more than was healthy, and she couldn’t understand why. Heck, she’d met and turned down men who were more handsome than him, far richer than him. Men with charm and sophistication. Men who knew how to flirt with her and how to make her laugh. So why was she fast becoming obsessed with this man? Was it simply the emotion of the setting? Far from home, she was living in circumstances that would play havoc with any woman’s heart.

‘Brianna, are you still awake?’

Her heart lurched at the sound of the rough, deep voice on the other side of the canvas. Quickly she scooted up in the bed. ‘Yes, come in.’

Mitch had spent the day with casualties of a further mudslide that had resulted from last night’s torrential, but thankfully localised, rain. Rain he hadn’t even been aware of while he’d had Brianna wrapped around him. As he lifted up the flap and ducked into her tent, the sight of her sitting up in bed in a skimpy vest top was enough to gladden even his exhausted soul.

‘Sorry I couldn’t get back any earlier.’

She gave him a warm smile. ‘No problem. How was it?’

The sympathy in her eyes made him suddenly long to put his arms around her and bury his face in her glorious hair. But he wasn’t a man who needed comfort, so he remained where he was. ‘Pretty grim.’ His eyes fell on her case. ‘Have you packed?’

‘If you can call throwing a few items into a bag packing, then yes, I have. Early start tomorrow. Dan said he’d take me to the airport.’

He nodded. ‘Right then, I’ll say goodnight and leave you to get some sleep.’

Brianna gave him a lopsided smile and then slid out of bed. ‘Don’t I get a goodbye kiss?’ she asked, her eyes glinting dangerously.

Mitch watched, entranced, as she walked the few paces towards him. The vest top did little to hide the fullness of her breasts. The skimpy shorts revealed slender, shapely legs. How much could he stand before he gave in to the urge to push her onto the bed and take her one last time?

‘You know as well as I do that if we kiss, it won’t just end there,’ he replied, his voice sounding like sandpaper, his arms already settling on her hips, pulling her against him.

‘I was hoping not,’ she admitted huskily.

Maybe it was the grimness of the day, which contrasted starkly with the pleasures she was offering. Maybe it was just Brianna. Either way, he could no longer remember why taking this beautiful woman to bed was a bad idea.

With a groan he lifted off her vest top, enjoying the sight of her breasts as they bounced free. They were incredible; round, pert, a perfect handful. He bent his head to suckle.

‘You have too many clothes on,’ she gasped, her hands rushing to grab his shirt and pull it over his head.

God, the feel of flesh on flesh. The horrors of the day fast slipped away as she rained kisses over his chest and unfastened the buttons of his trousers, beginning to work them down his legs.

Quickly they divested the rest of their clothes. Then she took his hand and led him to the bed, laying down and pulling him on top of her. As his hard edges came into contact with her softness, he groaned with pure pleasure.

‘These beds are too damn small,’ he muttered a short while later. In a flash he was on his feet and lifting her up. As she anchored her legs around his hips and her arms around his neck, he used his free hand to grab the blanket from the end of the bed and throw it onto the floor. Then he lay her down on top of it and spread his rangy body alongside hers. ‘Now we’ve got room to move, to explore.’

She turned to give him a sexy smile, her eyes sparkling with desire and promise, and he decided to show her exactly what he meant by exploring. With his lips, his tongue, his hands, he ravished every inch of her. When he was satisfied he’d left no part untouched, he entered her in one fierce, life-affirming lunge. Whatever he gave, she gave back and together they proceeded to make full use of the floor space available. First he pushed her onto her back, then her side, finally she climbed on top of him, never missing a beat. When at last her muffled scream brought about his own shattering climax, he knew he wouldn’t remember today for all the death he’d seen. He’d remember it for this moment.

They lay together, each catching their breath. Feeling deliciously relaxed, Brianna trailed her fingers across Mitch’s bare chest, which was rising and falling in time with his slowly recovering breaths. Had a man’s body ever excited her as much as this man’s did? She didn’t think so. It was scarred, not perfect. Rough, not smooth. Strong, not beautiful. But she couldn’t keep her hands off it.

‘I thought you had an early start?’ he asked as he snared her fingers.

‘Plenty of time for sleep when I get home.’

They lost themselves in each other once more.

When her alarm went off at 5.00 a.m., Brianna was forced awake from a deep and dreamless sleep. With her mind still foggy, she sat up in the camp bed and looked around the place she’d called home for the last week. Her discarded shorts and vest top were the only clue as to how she’d spent most of the night. She could remember, vividly and with the utmost pleasure, rolling around on the floor with Mitch. But she couldn’t remember when Mitch had left her, or how she’d got into bed. Sadly, memories were all she’d have from now on. It was time to go home.

She dressed quickly and walked out to wait for Dan.

‘Are you off then?’ At the sound of the cool female voice, Brianna turned to find Tessa behind her.

‘Yes.’ She smiled warmly at the head nurse. They hadn’t spoken to each other since that episode in the bar, Brianna figuring it best to stay out of Tessa’s way. Though she’d never experienced unrequited love, she’d seen how hurt Tessa was and had felt for her. ‘I hope there are no hard feelings,’ Brianna began, but Tessa’s stony glare stopped her in her tracks.

‘It won’t last.’

Brianna gave a casual shrug. ‘Who says I want it to last?’

‘You’re not right for him.’

‘And you are?’ The sympathy she’d been feeling was fast receding.

‘You think just because you’ve got money, you can get anything, or anyone, you want.’ The words were laced with bitterness. ‘Well, don’t think Mitch will be that easily bought. He’ll always be his own man, not some sort of lapdog to a pampered princess.’

God how she hated that term, but she was too busy laughing at the picture of Mitch as her lapdog to take offence. ‘I know that. And as his own man he can choose who he wants to sleep with. He chose me.’ Oh, what was she doing, getting involved in a demeaning war of words over a man? It was ridiculous. ‘Look, let’s not argue over this. As you say, it’s not as if Mitch and I will ever be an item. To be honest, I don’t even know if we’ll even see each other again.’ Hearing Dan coming towards them in the truck, she stared directly into Tessa’s eyes. ‘It was good to meet you, Tessa. You do a great job here, you really do.’

Gratefully Brianna climbed into the passenger seat. All of a sudden she was desperate to get home. Away from injured children, traumatised villages, and a tall, fair-haired man with intense dark brown eyes and a rough, tough attitude.

Many weary, bone-shaking hours later, Brianna reclined in the first class cabin of a 747 that would whisk her back to London. As the bubbles of champagne fizzed delicately over her tongue, she reflected on her trip. Already she felt a different person from the one who’d flown out, only seven days ago. Now she had a focus, a purpose. She knew what she wanted to do and even had a plan of how to get there. All that remained was to convince Margaret her ideas were sound and that she was capable of carrying them out.

Leaning back against the soft pillow, she took another sip of the liquid nectar and decided to be honest with herself. The change in her wasn’t all to do with her desire to work for the charity. Some of the increased spring, the giddiness, euphoria almost, was to do with a very different desire. She’d finally found a man who really interested her. Not just sexually, though he did that in spades, but emotionally. Mitch McBride had captivated her. She wanted to spend more time with him, to get beneath the tough outer layer he showed to the world. Even as she was flying away from him, she knew she’d have to see him again.

She’d just have to.

While Brianna was sleeping in the luxury of the first class cabin, Mitch was in the middle of his ward round with Tessa. Was it his imagination or was she being frosty with him? He respected Tessa hugely, but couldn’t say he understood her. Most of the time she was friendly, but there were times he had the distinct impression she was angry with him. Like now.

‘Is everything all right, Tessa?’ he asked when they’d finished checking on all the patients.

‘Yes, why wouldn’t it be?’ She busied herself with filing away the patient’s notes. ‘I saw Brianna go off this morning.’ Suddenly she looked up and scrutinised his face, obviously waiting to observe his reaction.

Mitch knew they were all aware he and Brianna had slept together. Toby had taken much delight in watching his boss squirm when he’d let slip that little nugget. But it was his business, his alone. He wasn’t about to discuss it with anyone.

He turned to leave, but Tessa hadn’t finished. ‘I’m surprised at you, Mitch, sleeping with her.’

Still with his back to her, he struggled to rein in his temper. His private life was just that. But he’d been reckless enough to conduct a physical relationship whilst on camp, something he’d vowed never to do, and now he was paying the price. Biting his tongue, he replied in what he considered to be a pretty measured tone. ‘Not that it is any concern of yours, but why do you say that?’

‘I didn’t think spoilt little rich girls were your type.’

Instinctively he opened his mouth to defend Brianna. She was rich, yes, spoilt no. But then he closed it again. Did he really know what she was like? At the camp she’d been out of her usual environment. Back on her own turf, with all the trappings of her wealth around her, she was probably a very different person.

‘They’re not my type,’ he replied shortly. On that they could agree. However much he might have been attracted to Brianna, she most definitely wasn’t the right type for someone like him.

Thankfully his bleep went off before Tessa could get in any further digs. He’d stick to concentrating on his work from now on. It was the one blasted thing he was good at.

It had taken the best part of a day and a night, but Brianna was finally home. Home was the house she still shared with her parents. Not that they were on top of each other. With four floors, umpteen bedrooms and acres of square footage, it wasn’t what most people were lucky enough to call a home. Brianna had an apartment on the first floor of the impressive London mansion house. Her place had its own entrance and stretched all the way from the front of the house to the rear. Four bedrooms and bathrooms, three reception areas, a study and her own kitchen. She had all she needed for her own independence, with the comfort of knowing her parents were just down the hallway. Sometimes she could go days without seeing them, though usually at some point she’d open the interconnecting door and wander down the corridor for a chat. She was incredibly lucky, and not just in material terms. More important than any amount of wealth, she was loved and cherished. The apple of her parents’ eye. Sometimes it was hard being the only child, the sole focus of all that devotion. But mainly it was heart-warming, comforting. Whatever happened in her life, her parents were always there to pick up the pieces. To console her and then encourage her into the next venture.

Brianna found her mother in the family kitchen, discussing recipes with the cook. She stood and watched for a moment, appreciating her mother’s grace, the way she spoke to the cook in a way that made her an equal, not a member of staff. When she finally caught sight of her daughter, a huge smile swept across her face. Brianna dropped her bag and rushed to hug her. Now
this
was what she called home. Not the bricks and mortar, but her mother’s arms.

‘You look happy, Brianna,’ she announced when she’d checked her over from head to toe. ‘The trip has obviously done you good.’

‘Oh, Mum, I can’t begin to tell you some of the things I’ve seen. It was heartbreaking and inspiring. Depressing but strangely uplifting.’

‘Wow, it certainly seems to have made a big impression.’ She squeezed her daughter’s hand. ‘Come with me. Let’s sit down with a cup of tea and you can tell me all about it.’

Her mother made the drinks and they carried them through to the sitting room, where Brianna took her mother through all she’d experienced. She made her laugh with tales of the primitive accommodation and the cold shower. She made her cry with tales of the mudslide and the mounting body bags. Finally she conveyed her real admiration for the medical team out there, how hard they worked, how many lives they saved. Brianna was careful not to mention any names specifically. Her mother had an uncanny ability to sniff out the merest hint of any gossip and Brianna wasn’t sure she was ready to share Mitch with her yet.

‘So you see, I really think getting Medic SOS to specialise in the serious trauma cases is the way forward. Not only would it give them a clearly defined role, but it would make fund-raising easier, helping them to stand out from the other charities.’

Her mother sat back on the sofa. ‘Look at you, my darling, your eyes all bright with excitement. You’ve no idea how pleased I am you’ve taken this to heart and I’m sure Margaret will be delighted to hear your ideas.’ She held her daughter’s hand and studied her face. ‘Now tell me what else has you so buoyed up.’

Brianna blinked. Surely her mother’s romance radar wasn’t that good? ‘What do you mean?’

‘My darling child, I know you. It isn’t just the idea of working with the charity that’s put a smile on your beautiful face. What else has happened?’ She smiled as her daughter’s cheeks began to turn pink. ‘Ah, it must be a man.’

‘How do you do it, Mum?’ Brianna shook her head and laughed. ‘I’m never going to be able to keep a secret from you, am I?’

‘No, and don’t you forget it. Now tell me who is responsible for putting a sparkle in my daughter’s eyes.’

‘Mitch.’

‘Mitch McBride? The chief medic?’ She waited for Brianna’s nod of affirmation. ‘I remember him. Serious, somewhat distant, but with an edge to him that was rather attractive.’

This time Brianna’s laugh was rich and explosive. ‘That’s just him, to a tee. He’s all those things, and more. Oh, Mum, he’s not just sexy, he’s dedicated. You should have seen him out there, cool, calm, in control, saving lives.’

‘Can this really be the same daughter who is usually so dismissive of men? Who delights in telling me all men are weak and pathetic, apart from her father?’

‘Up to now, that’s been true. But Mitch is neither weak nor pathetic. In fact I’ve never met someone so mentally strong, so sure of himself.’

Her mother studied her carefully. ‘Watch out, Brianna. You mustn’t let your admiration for his skill build up into anything more than that. I know it’s exciting, meeting someone a bit different to your usual type, but don’t go doing anything foolish. He moves in very different circles to ours.’

‘Now you’re being a snob.’ Brianna dismissed her mother’s concern. ‘Just because he doesn’t have rich parents. Not many men do.’

‘That’s not what I meant,’ her mother replied seriously, her pale blue eyes showing nothing but love and concern. ‘I remember when Margaret first talked about giving him a permanent job with the charity. She ran it by me, as her checks had revealed he’d been in trouble with the police when he was younger.’

‘I’m sure it was just childhood rebellion,’ Brianna replied dismissively, recalling her conversation with Mitch about cars.

Her mother rested a hand on her arm. ‘I’m sure you’re right,’ she agreed softly. ‘That’s why we decided to recruit him anyway. From what I hear he’s doing a sterling job and Margaret has never regretted it. He’s a good man, I have no doubt. But I don’t want you to get hurt, my darling.’ Tenderly she tucked a loose curl back behind Brianna’s ear. ‘Your father and I have a really happy marriage. I think that fact alone gives me some right to advise you. The reason we get on so well is because we’re two similar people, from similar backgrounds, wanting the same things out of life. As exciting as Mitch may seem, he is very different to you. He doesn’t look the type who’d ever want to settle down. From what I recall, he pretty much went from the army into this job. He’s never put down roots. Remember that.’

‘Come on, Mum, it’s not like I’m thinking of marrying him.’ Brianna forced herself to smile, though the truth of her mother’s words stung.

‘Good, because I’m not sure he would be right for you. You want someone more like your father. A man who understands you and where you come from. Who can mix with your friends. A man who loves you for you and not the money you come with.’

Though it hurt, Brianna knew what her mother was saying made sense. ‘Well, you don’t have to fret. Mitch and I haven’t even arranged to see each other again. It was probably just a thing of the moment. A build-up of the emotion and tension that was part of being at the camp.’

They exchanged another long hug and Brianna disappeared thoughtfully back to her apartment. Why did it feel like she was deceiving her mother and herself with her words of reassurance? If it was just a casual fling, why did her heart lurch whenever she thought of him? Why, when she closed her eyes, could she still picture him so vividly? His stern, rugged face and deep brown eyes.

Brianna went to the bathroom and turned on the taps to the bath. She was tired from the journey and wasn’t thinking straight. What she needed was a long, hot soak and a good night’s sleep. Please God, when she woke up in the morning let her silly schoolgirl crush be a thing of the past.