Hired: GP and Wife / The Playboy Doctor's Surprise Proposal (21 page)

‘It won’t stop bleeding for a while,’ he said. ‘These guys have anticoagulant in their bites. It’s hardly lifethreatening, but we don’t want you to bleed all over the place, do we?’ And with that he left the room.

Giving up on the hot tub, Caitlin retreated to her room, showered quickly and slipped on a pair of jeans and a thin cashmere sweater. While she showered she felt herself flush at the memory of her foot in his hand and his eyes on her body. Whatever this thing between them was, she knew he felt it too. She had thought he was going to kiss her and then he had pulled away. Clearly he was reluctant to start anything between them. Was it because they worked together? In that case, she could understand. But could she? They were both adults. Surely, at the grand age of twenty-nine, she could be expected to behave like one. Maybe it was more to do with him being friends with Brianna and Niall? That she could understand. It would be intensely awkward if anything did happen and then one of them broke it off. And, besides, Caitlin told herself firmly, she didn’t want a relationship with a man who lived on the other side of the world from her. There was no future in it. And then there was Brianna. She was here to be with her sister, not be distracted by some man, no matter how gorgeous. She would put any feelings she might have aside and behave towards him as she would towards any other colleague. Why, then, did a little voice tell her that it wasn’t going to be that easy?

While Andrew waited for the receptionist to fetch him a plaster, he too was thinking about Caitlin. Why did Brianna’s sister have to be so sexy and warm and funny? She was doing things to his libido that he couldn’t remember happening before. Sure, he’d had lovers. Sure he’d been fond of them, but they all knew the score and were happy to be lovers until the relationship came to a natural end. Which it always did. And he had to admit usually because he lost interest. But Caitlin was different. He knew deep in his heart that if he allowed her to get under his skin—more under his skin than she already was—she would be a difficult woman not to fall in love with. And falling in love wasn’t part of his plans. It wouldn’t be fair to her, it wouldn’t be fair to him. They could never be anything more than lovers. Deep in his soul he knew that that wouldn’t be enough for her. And to complicate matters further, she was Brianna’s sister. He couldn’t do anything but play fair with her.

Accepting the plaster from the receptionist, he made his way back to his room. Whatever this attraction was between him and Caitlin, he had to put an end to it. He would tell her the truth. It would be her call. If she wanted to take things further, knowing there was no future in it, who was he to stop her? Satisfied that he was doing the right thing, he felt his spirits rise. He would tell her, then leave it up to her.

But when he got to his room, Caitlin was nowhere to be seen. He felt an inordinate sense of disappointment and realised that he’d been hoping that she’d be there waiting for him, happy to pick up where they’d left off. But it seemed that for whatever reason she had decided against it. But she would still need the plaster. Tentatively, so as not to wake the children, he tapped on her door. She opened it, looking wary.

‘I have the plaster,’ he said. ‘I thought you’d still be in my room.’

‘I didn’t think it was a good idea,’ she said, her green eyes glinting. ‘I’m tired, I guess I didn’t realise how tired till just now. It was an early start, so if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll just go to bed.’ She held out her hand and took the plaster. Andrew felt crazily disappointed. He knew then he’d been hoping against hope that Caitlin would listen to what he had to say, and that it wouldn’t make a difference. But it seemed she had different ideas. Had he read the situation all wrong? He was still thinking of what to say when she quietly but firmly closed the door on him.

T
HE
next morning Caitlin was woken by two small faces staring down at her. As she focused, Siobhan and Ciaran giggled.

‘We’ve been waiting ages for you to wake up,’ Siobhan said. ‘Mummy said we weren’t to wake you up, but we’ve been up for ages.’

Caitlin scrambled for her watch and squinted at the face. Five-thirty. She groaned. It was still the middle of the night! However, realising that the children would never allow her to go back to sleep, she eased herself out of bed. The children had tried to dress themselves, but had made rather a poor attempt at it. Siobhan was wearing a pair of shorts and a dress
and
Ciaran had his T-shirt on the wrong way round.

‘Okay, guys, let me just make myself some coffee and then I’ll sort you out. After that we’ll go for breakfast—okay?’

While Caitlin waited for the kettle to boil she fixed the children’s clothes. Then, still in her dressing gown, she opened the curtains and let herself out onto the deck, coffee in hand. Dawn was just beginning to light the sky and a heavy mist hung over the trees. The birds had woken and she listened to the strange chirping and whirling cries as she sipped her coffee. It was like being in another world, on another planet even, she thought.

When she’d finished her coffee, she realised that it had gone unnaturally quiet in the room. She looked around feverishly but the children were nowhere to be seen. An open door suggested that they had got tired of waiting for her and had decided to go exploring. Caitlin flung on her jeans and T-shirt and not stopping long enough to pull a comb through her hair went off in pursuit. How could she have turned her back on them, even for a moment? Visions of them being lost in the rainforest or slipping down the side of a mountain, or, even worse, falling over the edge of the canopy walk made her blood run cold. God, couldn’t her sister rely on her for even twenty-four hours? If having children meant having eyes in the back of your head and being on alert twenty-four seven then Caitlin knew she had been right not to go down that route. Clearly she’d be a hopeless parent. Nieces and nephews, preferably at a distance, suited her just fine.

But she had only got as far as the room next to hers when she saw that the door was open. Hearing the sound of giggles, she followed the sound into Andrew’s room to find him sitting up in bed looking bemused, a child on either side.

‘They got you too, huh?’ Caitlin said. The sight of him, all bleary-eyed and looking so aghast, made Caitlin laugh out loud.

‘The last time I was awake this early I was on call,’ Andrew admitted. ‘Hey, I don’t suppose you could make some coffee while I get dressed?’ He flung aside the sheet, and Caitlin turned away, but not before she caught a glimpse of his torso. Her heart thudding, she busied herself with the coffee while, behind her, she heard him pad towards the shower. ‘Give me five minutes,’ he said.

His coffee was cooling by the time he emerged from the shower, a towel slung low on his hips. Caitlin couldn’t help but look at his muscular chest, golden in colour and perfectly smooth. She was aware of his arms and the muscles that made it seem as if he worked out. Probably all that kite surfing, she thought. For a second she let herself imagine her head against his chest and his strong arms around her. She shook her head to chase away the image. That way lay madness.

By the time they made their way to the dining room, breakfast was being served and Caitlin saw to the children before helping herself to a plate of fruit, some of which she hadn’t seen before. Nevertheless it was all delicious. Andrew tucked into a plate of bacon and pancakes. Catching Caitlin’s look of amazement at how much he seemed able to pack away, he raised an eyebrow. ‘I need to keep my strength up,’ he said between mouthfuls. ‘I have a feeling I’m going to need it today.’

‘What’s the plan?’ Caitlin asked, rescuing Ciaran’s tumbler just in time to stop it tipping over.

‘I thought we should take the children on the canopy walk,’ he said. ‘It’s an easy one, so they’ll manage fine. After that, lunch and home, I guess. I told Brianna we’d have them back around three.’

‘Sounds good to me,’ Caitlin said.

‘Me too,’ said Siobhan. She looked just like Brianna had as a little girl, Caitlin thought. All red curls and freckles. Thinking about her sister, she remembered why she was here. Please, God, she sent a silent prayer heavenwards. Don’t let anything bad happen to this family.

‘How’s your foot, by the way?’Andrew asked, helping himself to another slice of toast. Then he peered at her. ‘Are you all right? You looked so sad there.’

‘My foot’s fine,’ she said. ‘And so am I.’ She glanced pointedly in the direction of the children. Andrew was quick to pick up the signal. He must have guessed she was thinking about Brianna. He leaned over and touched her hand. It was only the lightest of touches but it sent an electric shock up Caitlin’s arm. Before she could help herself she jerked it away.

The children, having finished their breakfasts, were growing restive. ‘Let’s go. Now!’ Ciaran demanded. Andrew and Caitlin shared a look of resignation before gathering up the children.

‘Surely among the treetops there are no jellyfish or leeches,’ she said. ‘I think I’ve had my share of troublesome Australian wildlife for the time being.’

‘Don’t worry,’Andrew said, grinning at her. ‘You’ll be perfectly safe.’

The canopy walkway snaked across the top of the trees. They had to cross a series of suspension bridges and there were viewing platforms along the way. The children kept shrieking with delight every time they spotted a different bird. Every now and again there would be sounds like a whip cracking or a rifle shot that made them all, but especially Caitlin, jump. Amused, Andrew explained the sounds were made by birds and that Caitlin shouldn’t worry as there were no hunters in the forest waiting to take a potshot at her.

Although it was still early, the sun was already warming Caitlin’s skin. At least up here the sun wasn’t so unbearable. In fact, the heat was just perfect. As the children ran ahead Andrew said, ‘You were thinking of Brianna back there—at breakfast—weren’t you?’

Caitlin nodded. ‘You could tell?’ she asked, smiling wryly.

‘You show everything in your face,’ he said. ‘Every emotion is written there for the world to see.’

Caitlin cringed inwardly. She certainly hoped not every emotion was visible—the last thing she wanted was for him to see how much he was affecting her.

‘I guess I’m not as good at hiding my emotions as I thought I was,’ she replied. ‘Just as well I always tell my patients the truth. Otherwise they’d know immediately when I was lying and lose faith in me. But sometimes I wish I could switch off, not be so involved. I don’t think I could be a paediatrician for that reason,’ she said. ‘Perhaps that’s why my career is following the path of academia,’ she added thoughtfully.

‘I find I have to keep my distance. I worry I’d let personal feelings cloud my judgement otherwise,’ Andrew answered.

Caitlin felt herself bristling. ‘I don’t think I have ever let my feelings cloud my judgement,’ she said, more sharply than she’d intended.

‘Hey,’ Andrew said. ‘I wasn’t implying that you did. We all have to cope in different ways. I think you’re an excellent doctor. Certainly if I had a wife I’d want her looked after by you.’

‘And have you? Ever had a wife, I mean?’ Maybe that was what Brianna had meant. Of course he was probably involved. After all, it was unlikely that someone as gorgeous as him wouldn’t have someone. Maybe he was divorced and that’s what Brianna had meant about her not being his type? But what was she thinking, letting her imagination run away with her? She could just ask him.

‘A wife?’ He shook his head. ‘Good God, woman, I’m too young for one of those.’

‘How old are you, then?’ she asked.

‘I’ll be thirty on Christmas Day.’

‘Most people would say that’s not too young to settle down.’

He looked at her sharply. ‘What about you? You’re twenty-eight or twenty-nine? You don’t look it,’ he added hastily, ‘but you must be at least that to be where you are professionally.’

‘I’m almost thirty,’ Caitlin said. ‘And, no, I’ve never met someone I wanted to marry. I don’t expect to either.’

‘What, never? Don’t you want kids?’ He sounded astonished, Caitlin realised. ‘I want several!’ he continued, laughing, but she noticed a flicker in his eyes. Probably thinks all women should be barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen, Caitlin thought to herself. But she didn’t have to justify her decision—not to him or anybody else for that matter.

She looked across to where Siobhan and Ciaran were playing. ‘I have five nieces and nephews. And I have my work. That’s enough for me.’ By this time Ciaran had moved to the side and was beginning to climb the barrier for a better view. For a moment she thought Andrew was going to say something else, but instead he simply nodded and turned his attention back to the children. He scooped Ciaran up and swung him onto his shoulders. ‘Come on, little fella, let’s go have some fun.’

It was past three by the time they pulled up outside the house. Brianna and Niall came rushing out to meet them and the children flung themselves into their parents’ arms as if they’d been away for weeks instead of a single night. ‘Honestly, sis,’ Caitlin said. ‘We didn’t beat them or starve them. Although,’ she muttered under her breath, ‘I was tempted this morning when they woke me at half-five.’

‘Siobhan, Ciaran. What did I tell you about not disturbing Aunty Caitlin too early?’ Brianna scolded mildly. ‘Sorry, Cat, children have no respect for the adult’s need to sleep.’

Caitlin laughed. ‘It was no problem. I enjoyed our trip very much.’

‘Thanks so much to both of you,’ Brianna said. She looked so much better for her night with Niall, Caitlin thought. Brianna’s cheeks were pink and her eyes sparkling. She knew how much she loved her children, but guessed the strain of keeping up appearances in front of them took its toll. She’d have to try and give Brianna more breaks.

‘Are you coming in, Andrew?’ Niall asked.

‘No, thanks,’ Andrew replied. ‘I thought I might get some kite boarding in while there’s a bit of a breeze. I was thinking Caitlin might fancy coming too and give windsurfing a go,’ he said. ‘In fact, we could all go.’

‘I think I’ll pass,’ Brianna said. ‘If you don’t mind. But you go on. Niall could go with you too, if he likes.’

‘I spend enough time away from my kids as it is,’ Niall said firmly. ‘And although it was a pleasure to be alone with you, my darling wife, I’d really like to spend this afternoon with my family. Or had you forgotten I’m away again tomorrow?’

‘No, I hadn’t,’ Brianna said softly. ‘Do you have to?’ Then she shook her head. ‘Oh, don’t mind me,’ she said. ‘Of course you have to. I’m just being silly.’

Caitlin and Niall exchanged concerned glances. Brianna had been so resolutely cheerful up to this point. The touch of anxiety in her voice was unsettling. Andrew must have noticed it too. He walked over to her and felt her forehead and then her pulse. ‘Are you feeling okay?’ he asked.

‘I’ve just got a bit of a headache. Nothing a bit of a liedown won’t sort out. Niall can look after the children while I do that, so go on, Cat, take Andrew up on his offer.’

But Caitlin felt strangely reluctant to leave Brianna.

‘I’m sure Andrew has had enough of my company for the time being,’ she said lightly. ‘And, besides, I’m not sure if I’m ready to risk being stung again. Besides,’ she went on, ‘I was almost eaten alive by this enormous leech after walking in the rainforest. Perhaps I should stay indoors for a while.’

‘Wuss,’ said Andrew challengely. ‘Well, they do say women from the northern hemisphere are more timid. But I know Brianna has a wetsuit you can borrow. That’ll keep you warm and safe.’

‘You can say what you like,’ Caitlin said, unmoved. ‘But I quite fancy lying by the pool with a good book for a couple of hours. Maybe another time?’

‘Fine by me,’ Andrew said. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow, then?’ And he kissed Brianna and the children before leaping into his car and heading off.

Brianna went to lie down while Niall took the children to the park. Caitlin took her book out to the pool and read before having a dip. After an hour’s nap Brianna appeared, carrying two tall glasses of cold orange juice. Caitlin sipped hers greedily, then pressed the ice-cold glass to her forehead.

‘How are you feeling?’ Caitlin asked her sister.

‘Much better, thanks. It was only a headache.’ She sat next to Caitlin and stretched out. ‘Tell me about O’Reilly’s,’ she said. ‘Did you love it?’

‘Mmm,’ Caitlin said. ‘I thought it was wonderful. Maybe you and Niall could come the next time?’

‘We’ll see,’ Brianna said. ‘Anyway, although I promised not to pester you, did you get a chance to think about what I said? About getting yourself checked? I need to know you’re all right.’

‘Once the big sister, always the big sister.’ Caitlin smiled. ‘I did think about it, Bri, and I’ll go for a mammogram—soon, I promise. Just to put your mind at ease if nothing else. But as for the genetic screening, I’m not sure there is any point. If I do have the gene, what then? I don’t think I want to live my life knowing that the sword of Damocles was about to fall.’

Brianna took a deep breath. ‘I’ve been thinking too,’ she said. ‘I spoke to Andrew about it. He knows someone who will carry out the test on me. I need to know if I carry the gene. I need to know because of Siobhan. Do you understand?’

Caitlin hugged her sister. ‘You know I’ll support you, whatever you decide,’ she said. Then a thought struck her. ‘But what if you do turn out to have the gene? What then?’

‘I’ll consider a mastectomy. Above all else I want to be alive for my children, whatever the cost.’

‘It’s a big decision,’ Caitlin said slowly. ‘Not one I think I could make. But if you are going to be tested, then I suppose I should think about it too. If you come back positive, there’s a good chance I’ll also carry the gene. Whew! I hadn’t really thought through all the ramifications before.’

‘That’s why I wanted to speak to you first. Because, whatever I do, it will affect you,’ Brianna replied.