‘STEPH?’ Oliver called as he knocked on her bedroom door five minutes later. ‘Stephen’s on the phone.’
‘Oh.’ Stephanie crossed to her bedside table and checked her cellphone. Closing her eyes, she shook her head, realising she’d forgotten to charge it again. ‘Uh…’ She cleared her throat. ‘I’ll be right there.’
Straightening her shoulders, she gave herself a quick check in the mirror, then laughed at her own antics. Oliver wouldn’t be able to see what she’d discovered. It wasn’t as though she had the words, ‘I’M IN LOVE WITH YOU’ tattooed to her forehead. Stephen would know, hence his phone call, but Oliver—he’d be clueless. She opened the door. At least, she hoped he’d be clueless.
Taking a deep breath, she walked out and picked up the phone. ‘Hi. I forgot to charge my cellphone.’
‘What’s going on?’
‘Uh…nothing much. We’re leaving soon for a day out, seeing the sights.’ She knew her voice sounded over-bright and knew Stephen would pick up on that.
‘You can’t talk, eh? OK. Well, have a nice day and I’ll talk to you later. Love you, sis.’
‘Love you, too,’ she said, and hung up. She glanced across at Oliver and was surprised to find him looking at her. He knows! No, he can’t know. I didn’t even know until ten minutes ago. How could he possibly know?
‘So…’ She clicked her fingers, knowing she was behaving uncharacteristically. ‘What’s for breakfast? Can I help, Mrs D.?’
‘Thank you, Stephanie. That would be appreciated.’
Glad to have something to do, Stephanie eventually found her usual fun-loving attitude and soon had everyone laughing. They all had a good day and after eating lunch at Caves House at Jenolan, they took the scenic route back to Blackheath. At the Megalong Tearooms down in the winding but picturesque Megalong Valley, Mrs Dixon sighed.
‘I have to confess, dear, that I’m not an outdoors person but this area is just divine. It’s extremely pretty and reminds me of home.’
‘Whereabouts are you from?’ Stephanie asked, giving Oliver a wink. She’d definitely won the bet and the rosters were no longer hers to worry about.
‘Cumbria, dear. Have you ever been there?’
‘Not to Cumbria. I only made it as far as London.’ Stephanie toyed with her cup, looking out to where Kasey was playing on the grass with the owners’ dog.
‘All the tourist spots and nightclubs?’ Oliver asked. Stephanie met his gaze for a second before shaking her head, unable to believe that tears were welling in her eyes. ‘Steph?’ He took her hand in his.
‘I went to London to say goodbye to my mother. She died three days after I arrived.’
Oliver squeezed her hand, pain reflected in his eyes.
‘Oh, my dear. I’m sorry to hear that,’ Mrs Dixon offered. ‘And your father?’
‘He died when Stephen and I were teenagers.’
‘So it’s just you and your brother, then?’
‘Yes.’
‘Then it’s nice that you’re both so close,’ she finished with a smile. ‘I’ve given up all hope of Oliver and Augustus becoming friends.’
‘I’m glad to hear that, Mrs D.,’ Oliver said, still holding Stephanie’s hand. It appeared he was in no hurry to let it go. ‘Because that means it’s safe to tell you that Augustus is pursuing Nadele.’
Mrs Dixon was momentarily stunned before she nodded. ‘Well, at least they’re a better fit than you and Nadele. Why you ever married that woman in the first place is beyond me.’
‘Call it an experiment that went wrong.’
‘Is that what it was?’ Stephanie asked.
‘No.’
‘More like your brain that went wrong,’ Mrs Dixon added, and Stephanie laughed.
‘Either way, it was a long time ago and is in the past.’
‘Yes, you’re right, dear. I apologise for mentioning it. At least,’ Mrs Dixon said, as she stood, ‘you’re making better choices now.’ She patted Stephanie’s free hand before walking off.
‘Well, well,’ Oliver said, as he shifted around to come and sit on the bench seat next to Stephanie. ‘It appears you’ve been given the seal of approval by Mrs D.’
‘Hmm. I take it that’s a good thing?’
Oliver smiled and leaned in to kiss her on the nose. ‘That’s a very good thing.’ He pulled back, the smile slowly slipping from his face as he held her gaze. ‘Have I mentioned that I find you mind-numbingly attractive?’
Stephanie felt the butterflies begin to whirl in her stomach. It happened every time Oliver looked at her that way, and today was no exception. In fact, today everything had intensified but she’d hardly expected less, considering she’d acknowledged she was in love with the man. She sighed and decided to enjoy the sensation rather than fight it. So what? She loved Oliver and he was looking at her now as though he wanted to kiss her senseless. Who was she to deny him?
His gaze flicked from her eyes to her mouth, lingering on the mouth in a sweet, visual caress. It was just as if he’d touched her, and when his gaze returned to hers, she knew he could read the desire there…that she wanted his touch, his lips to be on hers.
‘Maybe we should try dating,’ he murmured as he gradually closed the gap. ‘It’s there, Steph. The attraction is there and it keeps getting stronger.’ His breath fanned her face and her lips parted in hungry anticipation, needing and wanting him with every agonising second they were apart. ‘Friends is fun, but…’
‘But this is better.’
‘Mmm.’ His fingers caressed her cheek and her eyelids fluttered closed as a wave of tingles spread over her. He was intoxicating and even though they’d tried to slow things down, the increasing pressure was too much for either of them to deny.
Opening her eyes, she looked at his mouth. So full and rich and just waiting for her. It felt so right. Everything about them…It was as though they were destined and she knew intuitively they were meant to be.
‘Oliver.’ His name had barely left her lips when his mouth was finally pressed to hers. Both of them gasped then relaxed into the kiss, unable to believe how incredible the chemistry between them was.
His hands came up to cup her face, her earrings tinkling. His body language spoke of need, of greed and of possession, and he didn’t care. He couldn’t believe the way this woman seemed to make him forget all rationality. He’d never felt so…consumed before, and the more he got to know her, the more he desired her.
Her mouth was sublime, the perfect fit to his, opening beneath his, matching his hunger and passion to the fullest extent. How could he not want more? They were two halves that made a whole and although he’d expected the revelation to shock him, it only made him deepen the kiss, wanting to prove to her that she was special.
Until now, the kisses they’d shared had been merely a prelude to what they were both experiencing. How could she have not realised sooner the intensity of her feelings for this man? Even in the last few seconds, since his mouth had been pressed to hers, her emotions had grown. They were meant to be and that was all she could focus on. The rest of the world was out of focus—there was only the two of them, and that was fine by her.
Stephanie pulled back, gasping for breath, leaning on him for support. ‘Oliver.’
He swallowed. ‘I know.’ He held her, his hands gently caressing her back. ‘You know, I think that’s the first time I’ve kissed you that we haven’t been interrupted.’
Stephanie merely sighed, breathing in the fresh, spicy scent of him.
‘Let’s take a chance, Steph. Let’s date.’
She was silent for a moment and he wondered whether she’d heard him. Eventually, she spoke.
‘I don’t know if I can.’
‘Date me?’ Oliver pulled back to look at her, a little perplexed. ‘Can’t you feel the buzz between us?’
‘Is it a bee?’ she asked, and he gave her a small grin for her attempt at humour.
‘Steph. We’re good together.’ Although she’d said she was inexperienced as far as relationships went, didn’t she realise how incredible it was between them? Didn’t she realise that relationships like this didn’t just fall off trees? ‘Come on. Let’s try dating.’
‘I don’t know if I can,’ she repeated, and edged away from him a little. Stephanie could almost hear the blood pumping faster around her body as she met his gaze.
‘Why not?’
‘Because I’m in love with you,’ she blurted. She watched as the rapture they’d just shared was washed away. ‘Yes, I want to date you but I want more than just dates, Oliver.’
‘What do you want?’ He frowned a little, uncertain how to take the bomb she’d just dropped on him.
‘The fairy-tale. Isn’t that what every girl wants when she falls in love?’
‘Are you sure it’s real love?’
Stephanie felt her hackles rise and the look in Oliver’s eyes told her he realised he’d said the wrong thing. ‘I may be a novice when it comes to relationships, Oliver, but I’m not a novice when it comes to reading my own emotions. At least I’m honest enough to admit it.’
‘What’s that supposed to mean? That I’m not?’
She stood and took a few steps away from him.
‘Stephanie, I don’t know you that well.’ The look she gave him would have withered even the toughest weed, and once more he realised he’d said the wrong thing. He shook his head and raked a hand through his hair. ‘Can’t we just try dating? Getting to know each other even better?’
When she didn’t reply, he clambered from the bench seat and came to stand before her. ‘Look, Steph. I’ve been there. Marriage. It wasn’t good.’
‘I’ve heard it isn’t good if you’re married to the wrong person, and how dare you compare me to Nadele? I may not know the woman but, from what I’ve heard you, Kasey and Mrs Dixon say, I’m nothing like her. Anyway, this has nothing to do with her. This is between the two of us, Oliver. I understand your need to want to slow things down, to date, to get to know each other more, but I also thought you should know the truth. I’m not into keeping secrets.’
Stephanie took a deep breath then shrugged. ‘You’re right. There is something amazing between us, but the question you need to ask yourself is just how far you’re willing to take things. I’m not going to date you if it’s just an interlude for you. I’m also not going to apologise for my feelings. You’re so incredible.’ She smiled shyly at him. ‘How could I resist falling in love with you?’
It seemed, on the drive home, that Stephanie was more than happy to keep up a friendly banter with Mrs Dixon and Kasey, but the instant they arrived home she headed to her room and that was the last he saw of her for the day.
Oliver needed space. Everything had happened so fast and his feelings for Stephanie were so confusing. On one hand, he resented her blurting out the fact that she was in love with him. It made him want to retreat into his cave where no one could get at him, but somehow she still managed to affect him—even there. On the other hand, he was aware of the precious gift she’d given him. She loved him! It thrilled him and totally freaked him at the same time.
Could he go there again? Open himself up to the hurt, pain and humiliation that could come with marriage? Unfortunately for Stephanie, he’d seen the worst side possible where marriage was concerned. She was right, though. She wasn’t Nadele and he had to realise that any relationship he might have with Stephanie would be completely different. He was a completely different man to the one who’d married Nadele all those years ago, so surely that was proof enough that he and Stephanie wouldn’t fail.
Why was it that just as one part of his life finally settled down, another part exploded, leaving him to gather the pieces and try and figure out which way to put them back together again? Kasey, or Kaz as he’d started to call her, had opened up to him. She was becoming more generous with her hugs and he marvelled at the difference in her in such a short space of time. Was it because he’d told her he loved her? That she could see that he loved her? Was it because Stephanie had instantly tapped into the child’s psyche and guided him through the minefield of emotions until Kasey had been willing to let him in?
Perhaps the vast distance between child and mother was a contributing factor. Usually Nadele had Kasey either side of his court-appointed time, but this year Kasey knew it would be quite a while before she’d have to see her mother again…and if he had his way, it would be a great deal longer.
He picked up the latest information from his solicitor and knew this was something he could deal with. It would mean a trip to Sydney to work out the final details, but if everything went to plan, he might have permanent custody of Kasey within the next few weeks. It was better than he’d hoped and it was all thanks to Augustus.
During the next week, Oliver watched with delight as Kasey continued to blossom. She made him happy and proud and as it looked as though her stay in Australia would be permanent, he decided the time was right to move on. He contacted the estate agent and started looking at a few properties. Kasey, of course, came with him as she had a right to say where they would live. She usually had a lot of questions about things, but today—nearly a week after their wonderful day travelling around the Blue Mountains—her questions were more about Stephanie than the accommodation.
‘Why do we have to move?’
‘We’ve been over this, Kaz. The place we’re staying in doesn’t belong to us.’
‘What about Steph?’
‘Stephanie’s house will be rebuilt soon.’
‘Will she be moving back there?’
‘Of course. It will be her house.’ Oliver inspected the kitchen cupboards while they spoke, but his mind was definitely not on what he was doing. Kasey’s questions had triggered in him a response to delay everything—delay moving out of the house they were in now and also asking Stephanie to hold the future construction of her home. He had no right to do either, but that didn’t stop him feeling a need to hold on to things just the way they were.
Although, if he was completely honest, he’d acknowledge the relationship between him and Stephanie was becoming more strained as the days passed. It wasn’t that they were being uncivil to each other but that they were killing each other with polite kindness. He also noticed she stayed out of his way as much as possible.
‘Are you going to see if Mom will let me stay in Australia for ever?’
As far as Oliver was concerned, the question came from left field, and as he turned around he knocked his head on the corner of the cupboard door. He frowned, rubbing the spot. Although he’d been working to bring about such a resolution, he hadn’t discussed it with Kasey. Stephanie had told him he should but, quite frankly, he’d been procrastinating…not wanting to break the bond he’d formed with Kasey.
He looked at her. ‘Would you like that?’
‘Would I get to live with you all the time?’
‘Full time. One house, same bed every night.’
Kasey’s eyes widened. ‘I wouldn’t have to go to boarding school any more?’
‘Not if you didn’t want to. There are some good boarding schools in Sydney and you could come home every weekend, but only if that’s what you wanted.’
Kasey looked away. ‘I guess I could go.’
‘No. No,’ Oliver implored and made her look at him. ‘Kaz, I want you with me—all the time. I don’t want you to go to boarding school, but some kids like being away from their parents. Your mother always told me you loved boarding school.’
‘What?’
Dawning realisation hit Oliver between the eyes. ‘Oh, Kaz.’ He dragged her to him. ‘I’ve been such a fool. I should have fought harder for you.’ He went down on one knee and looked at her. ‘Do you want to come and live here with me?’
‘And Steph? Yes. I want that more than anything.’
‘Well…’ Oliver swallowed. ‘You’ll be able to see Steph. I know she wants to go shopping with you.’
‘Yeah. She told me.’ Kasey walked over to the kitchen bench and leaned on it. ‘Aren’t you going to marry Steph?’
‘Kaz, it’s not that simple.’
‘Why isn’t it? Don’t you love her?’
Oliver slowly stood. He’d asked himself the same question over and over since Stephanie had said those words to him last week. Did he love her? He wasn’t sure…wasn’t sure he could trust his judgement where loving her was concerned. All the emotions he’d felt when his marriage to Nadele had fallen apart had reared their ugly heads again. He’d thought he was over it all, that he’d worked through the rejection years ago, but now, when it became evident he had to make a choice, he felt paralysed.
‘I don’t know,’ he finally answered his daughter. ‘Things are a little complicated.’
That, he thought, was the understatement of the year.
On Thursday, Stephanie decided she’d had enough and after the weekend she’d take Stephen up on his offer of hospitality. Even though she knew Stephen needed the space right now, she couldn’t help it. Being so close yet so far from Oliver was making her ill. She wasn’t sleeping or eating properly, and she just needed to get away.
Thankfully, she had the weekend off and thought a trip to Sydney would be just what she needed. She could catch up with a few friends from med school, have some retail therapy and perhaps get a new colour on her hair. She wasn’t sure whether to go with something wild and dramatic—like purple or fuchsia-pink—or whether to just go red-orange like Kasey’s. She must remember to discuss it with Kasey before she went.
After work, she met Nicolette for coffee, pleased to hear her friend was no longer fighting her attraction towards Stephen.
‘Yes. I love him. Satisfied?’
Stephanie grinned. ‘You’d better believe it. You’re so perfect for him.’
‘If only he would see that.’
Stephanie sighed, knowing exactly how her friend felt. She managed to neatly sidestep any questions regarding Oliver and her current situation, knowing that although Nicolette would be supportive and encouraging, the fact was, she just wasn’t ready to discuss it.
When she arrived home, it was to find Oliver holding his daughter in his arms and dancing around the room to Chopin. She presumed by the wonderful aroma wafting through the house that Mrs Dixon was in the kitchen. She stood by the doorframe, watching them both, Kasey giggling as she held on tight. It was a picture-perfect moment and the magnitude of her emotions swamped her. She swallowed over the lump in her throat, telling herself now was not the time as she fought back the tears.
Seeing Oliver and Kasey getting along so well made Stephanie realise she was no longer needed. Initially Oliver had needed her help—now he didn’t. His relationship with Kasey had gone from strength to strength in a very short space of time but she was glad she’d been able to bring them together.
Tonight she would tell him she’d be moving out. She had no problem with him staying in the house for as long as he needed to, even though she knew he’d been looking at other houses during the week. Oliver hadn’t said a word but Kasey had. Stephanie had tried to be positive as the eight-year-old had told her about some of the houses she’d looked at with her father, but the realisation that her job in Oliver’s life was done was becoming painfully obvious.
The staff at work had accepted the changes Oliver had made, a little reluctantly at first but now everyone could see how everything was working better and faster. Again, the staff had looked to her for guidance and she’d given it, supporting Oliver all the way.
Even at work, she was obsolete.
Realising she was fighting a losing battle with the tears that kept threatening, she hurried up the corridor to her bedroom, hoping she hadn’t been seen. She blew her nose and took some deep breaths, and a moment later a knock sounded on her door.
‘Steph?’ It was Kasey. ‘Can I come in?’
Stephanie cleared her throat and pasted on a smile. ‘Sure.’
The girl bounced into the room, excitement radiating through ever pore. ‘Guess what? Dad’s going to take me to Sydney for the weekend.’
Stephanie was unable to control her reaction to the news. In fact, her face must have looked very bleak because Kasey said, ‘What’s wrong? Aren’t you excited? I am!’
Stephanie turned away, cross with herself for not being able to control her emotions. ‘That sounds great. You’ll have a wonderful time.’ How could Oliver do this to her? She was the one who’d planned to go to Sydney for a break, and right now she desperately needed it. If he was going to Sydney then she’d have to stay here and wait for her next weekend off.
‘Oh, but you’re coming, too.’
‘What?’ Stephanie spun around to face her.
‘We’re going shopping, remember?’
‘Uh…but you’re going with your father.’
‘Yes, but he doesn’t know the first thing about clothes.’ Kasey twirled around, the skirt of her dress flaring out. ‘We’re girls. We know how to find a bargain.’
Stephanie laughed, unable to help herself. She sat on the edge of the bed and motioned for Kasey to come over. The little girl came and put her arms around Stephanie’s neck. ‘It does sound wonderful, but I can’t come.’
‘Why not?’ a deep, masculine voice asked from the doorway. ‘Kaz has her heart set on it and I’ve made sure you’re not rostered on this weekend.’ He took two steps into her room. ‘And don’t ask me to change the rosters, Stephanie Brooks, because you know how horrible and frustrating that can be.’
She smiled in spite of her turbulent emotions. ‘Yes.’
‘You’ll come?’
Stephanie pondered it for a moment. She’d still be able to catch up with her friends and she’d never been shopping with an eight-year-old before, so it might just be exciting. She and Kasey could shop and Oliver could do his business. She might not even need to see that much of him. ‘Is Mrs Dixon coming?’
‘Er…’ He seemed surprised at the question. ‘I think so. I’m sure she would.’
She glanced down at Kasey who was grinning expectantly. ‘OK. I’ll come.’
‘Yay!’ Kasey danced around the room and Stephanie marvelled at the change in the child who had first walked into this house. Mrs Dixon called them to dinner and they all headed out of her room—Oliver waiting, as a gentleman should, for the women to precede him.
‘Thank you,’ he said, his breath tingling down her spine. She hadn’t realised he was so close. ‘You’ve made her night.’
Stephanie shivered but didn’t turn to look at him…it would have been too dangerous. She breathed in, loving his unique scent, amazed at what he could do to her just by being so close. He wasn’t even touching her and she was a quivering mass of jelly. How on earth was she going to survive the heartbreak she could feel coming? It had been nearly a week since she’d told Oliver she loved him, and yet here they were, still doing the same dance, a dance which she knew wouldn’t end in commitment.
He wanted to date her but beyond that they hadn’t discussed a thing. Part of her wanted to say that she’d date him and not expect anything else, but she just couldn’t. She was an old-fashioned girl waiting for a man with old-fashioned values. It was that simple.
When Friday dawned, her alarm clock buzzing in her ear, she groaned, switched it off, turned over and buried her head beneath the pillow. She wasn’t due at work until just after lunch so why was her alarm clock bugging her now?
A moment later, there was knocking at her bedroom door. ‘Huh?’ She lifted her head. ‘Go away. I’m sleeping.’
She heard Oliver chuckle. ‘Can I come in?’
‘No, you can’t,’ she said.
‘Steph, it’s almost midday, and you’re due at work in an hour.’
‘What?’ She sat bolt upright and glared at her clock and it confirmed what Oliver was saying. ‘Why didn’t you wake me up sooner?’
‘I thought that’s why you had an alarm clock. Listen, I’ve just dropped home to have lunch with Kaz—and do I have to have this conversation through the door?’
Huffily, Stephanie gathered the doona around her. ‘Fine. Come in, then.’
So he did, and stopped just inside the doorway, staring at her in the big bed. It was messy, with a few pillows on the floor and the doona untucked. Testament to a sleepless night. Snap! Stephanie, though, looked the most incredible, the most stunning he’d ever seen her, and he swallowed quickly, watching how she took in everything about him. Belatedly, he realised she was speaking. ‘Pardon?’
‘What do you want, Oliver?’
‘You sound tired.’
‘I am.’ Thank goodness he hadn’t said she looked tired, otherwise she would have thrown him out of her room and possibly out of her friend’s house. ‘Your point for barging in here was…?’
‘Yes.’ He cleared his throat and forced himself to look away, unable to believe how she could turn his mind to mush just by being in the same room as him. ‘I received a phone call from my solicitor this morning. Augustus has persuaded Nadele to relinquish custody of Kaz.’
Stephanie’s jaw dropped in surprise before a smile lit her features. ‘That’s…’ She shook her head, her mind not up to deciding which adjective was appropriate to describe her feelings. ‘You must be thrilled.’
‘I came home to give Kaz the good news.’
‘She’s happy about it?’
‘Yes. There are still a lot of formalities to wrap up.’
‘Hence the trip to Sydney?’
‘Yes. Kaz needs to have a conversation with my solicitor just to confirm this is what she wants. Once the papers are through, we sign them and seal them and deliver them. I don’t know to whom, but deliver them we shall.’
His good mood was infectious and Stephanie found her earlier fatigue lifting after just a few minutes in his presence. They would be so perfect together. Why couldn’t he see that?
‘Was there anything else?’
‘Huh? Er…no. Just wanted to tell you the good news.’
Stephanie nodded. ‘I appreciate it. Now I think I’d better get up and get ready for work.’
‘Of course.’ He headed to the door then stopped and turned back to face her. ‘Do you think we can leave by ten o’clock tomorrow?’
Stephanie had already started moving and when he turned back to face her she had just put her feet on the floor, her short nightie revealing a generous amount of leg. Oliver found himself staring, his mouth suddenly going dry.
‘That’s fine.’
He heard her reply but it didn’t compute. ‘Oliver, unless you plan to marry me, I suggest you stop looking at me like that and get out of here as fast as you can.’
‘Marry?’ He raised his gaze to hers. He saw a mixture of repressed anger and desire and realised she was at the boiling point, ready to explode. ‘Right. Sorry.’
‘It worked,’ she muttered gloomily, after he’d closed the door and left her in peace. ‘Peace? Ha!’ She forced herself to go through the routine of showering and dressing and, after she’d eaten something, congratulating Kasey on the verdict, Stephanie’s anxiety increased. Surely the situation between herself and Oliver wasn’t affecting her this badly?
‘Are you all right?’ Oliver asked.
‘I’m not sure.’
He raised his eyebrows and went to put his hand on her forehead, but she shied away.
‘It’s not that. I think I’ll give Stephen a call. I won’t be long and I certainly won’t be late for my shift.’
‘I have no doubt about that,’ Oliver said. He said goodbye to Kasey and Mrs Dixon and headed out the door. Stephanie reached for her cellphone and went back to her room for a bit of privacy. Stephen answered on the first ring.
‘Hi, Steph.’
‘Hi, yourself. Having fun?’
‘Not really.’
‘I thought as much. This is just a quick call because I’m about to walk out the door and head to work. So what’s going on? More angst over Nic?’
‘I doubt it will ever go away,’ he mumbled.
‘It’ll only go away if you face it. Have you told her how you feel?’
‘The attraction is mutual, Steph.’
‘It’s amazing that you can be more stubborn than me. I’m not talking about the attraction. Do you love her?’ Stephanie waited, amazed at how similar their situations were. Oliver seemed to be as stubborn as her brother.
‘I don’t know,’ Stephen finally answered.
‘Well…’ she drawled. ‘That’s an improvement on “I hardly know her”, which is what you’ve said in the past. So she’s still succeeding in driving you crazy, eh? Way to go, Nic.’
‘Steph, this is hardly helping.’
‘Look.’ She thought quickly, deciding to bluff his real feelings out into the open. ‘There’s another reason why I called. Oliver has a friend coming to town tomorrow morning and we thought it would be nice to introduce him to Nicolette.’
‘Why?’
Stephanie smiled. Not only could she feel his tension increase, she could hear it in his voice. If only it were this easy with Oliver, but she was sure that if she pretended to be interested in another man he would merely shrug and wish her all the best. Then again, he had been jealous of Stephen earlier on. Hmm. Something for her to ponder. Right now, though, she needed to sort out her brother. ‘Because she’s a nice person, she’s single and this guy sounds like her type.’
‘I’m a nice person, I’m single and how on earth would you know what her type is?’ he growled fiercely.
‘I’m her friend. Girls talk.’ Stephanie began to giggle and then he caught on.
‘You’re playing me.’
‘So how did you feel, eh? Does the thought of Nicolette with any other man make you crazy? Personally, I think the answer is yes,’ she went on before he could say a word.
‘Well, if you want to talk about romance, Steph, let me give you a little quiz about Oliver.’
‘Oh, gee. Is that the time? I have to go now, bro.’ She laughed. ‘See you later. Love you.’ She hung up and stood, grabbing her bag. Not only did she not want to talk about Oliver, right now she didn’t even want to think about him. She needed to focus on her job and put him right out of her mind.
‘Easier said than done,’ she mumbled as she walked out of her room.
Stephanie had been at work for just over three hours, with no sign of Oliver, when she was given the case of a seventeen-year-old girl who had a sewing needle through her finger. Her mother had opted to stay in the waiting room, saying she was ‘no good in hospitals’.
‘That’s certainly interesting,’ Stephanie said as she looked at Amy’s finger. ‘What were you sewing?’ She turned away and checked the X-rays she’d sent Amy for on arrival.
‘Denim. I’ve been under a lot of pressure lately because my assignment is already two weeks past deadline, and with all my other subjects, things just seem to pile up.’
‘Carelessness?’
‘I guess…’ She shrugged. ‘And I’m really tired. I didn’t get to bed until three o’clock because I was trying to finish my history paper.’ Amy winced a little as Stephanie touched the needle, which had gone right through the finger.
‘I think a bit of local anaesthetic is in order. So what’s your project for sewing class?’
‘Industrial design—that’s what the subject is.’
‘Oh. Things have changed so much since I was at school. What are you making?’
‘I’m doing a step-by-step booklet about how to turn your old denim jeans into a denim skirt.’
‘Excellent.’
‘My teacher doesn’t think so. I’m the only girl in the class and he tends to patronise me. And even if my work is faultless, he finds something really small to mark me down on. It wouldn’t matter so much except some of the boys, whose work is clearly below standard, get better marks for incomplete work!’
‘You are under stress. What about registering a formal complaint?’ Stephanie administered the local and set about getting the instruments she’d need.
‘I’ve tried, but the principal is the teacher’s brother-in-law and—’
‘Your complaints are falling on deaf ears. That’s not right.’
‘I’ve only got this year to go and then I’m out of there. No more school for me.’
‘No university?’
‘My mum wants me to go but…’ Amy shook her head. ‘I want at least a year off just to relax.’
Stephanie smiled. ‘Sounds good.’ They continued chatting until the anaesthetic had done its job. ‘All right. Let’s get this needle out of your finger.’
‘What happens then? Do I need to keep my hand bandaged?’
‘I’m afraid so.’
Tears filled Amy’s eyes. ‘But I won’t be able to finish.’
‘I’ll be giving you a doctor’s certificate and if necessary speaking to the teacher in question myself. The pressure you kids get put under today…’ Stephanie shook her head as she concentrated on her job. She heard the curtain around Amy’s bed slide back and glanced up briefly, surprised to see Oliver there.
‘Hi,’ she said, and returned her attention to her work. Oliver introduced himself to Amy and heard the teenager’s tale of woe while Stephanie managed to extract the needle cleanly and without complication.
‘You’ll need to soak it daily so it can heal from the inside out,’ Stephanie said as she bathed the finger before bandaging it. She went to give Amy a few extra bandages but realised the cubicle was not stocked properly. ‘I’ll be back in a moment,’ she said, sliding the curtain open and heading out. She returned five minutes later with bandages and instructions for Amy, as well as a doctor’s certificate and note for her teacher.
‘If he has any problems with that, you call me and I’ll speak to him personally. I know the experts say the pressure on students in their final year is to prepare them for the outside world—and in some ways they’re right. You’re always going to come across someone who doesn’t give you a fair deal, whether they’re a co-worker or your boss, but at your age the pressure shouldn’t be so much that you end up completely frazzled.’
Amy nodded, tears welling in her eyes.
‘You have bags under your eyes, you’re exhausted and you need a good, uncomplicated sleep.’
‘She’s a regular flatterer,’ Oliver said jokingly to Amy. ‘But she’s right. I know you’re under pressure but try and get some rest.’
‘Paracetamol will help with the pain.’
‘OK.’
Stephanie walked Amy out to the waiting room and very briefly explained to Amy’s mother what had happened. The other woman’s face went pale so Stephanie cut things short. ‘Here are the X-rays and the rest of the paperwork.’ She handed them over. ‘Good luck with the project, Amy, and when you’ve finished the booklet, please, drop a copy off so I can learn how to do it. It sounds like a terrific idea.’
‘I’ll do that. Thanks again. I’ve felt better just talking about things.’
‘Make sure you see your GP in two weeks’ time to have that finger checked,’ she reminded her, before heading back to the nurses’ station to write up the notes.
‘All done?’ Oliver asked over her shoulder, making her jump.
‘Yes.’ She turned and looked up at him. They were in the exact the same positions as his first night at the hospital—the night when she’d stood and kissed him on the cheek. It seemed so long ago instead of the couple of weeks it had been since she’d met him…and now she was in love with him! She supposed her life could never be called dull.
‘Er…’ He cleared his throat and she realised she’d been staring. ‘So, can you come to my office when you have a spare ten minutes? I need to talk to you.’
Stephanie met his gaze, noticing how it had darkened with desire from her appraisal. ‘I’m free now.’
‘OK.’ Unable to control the temptation to touch her, he reached for her hand and helped her to her feet. He reluctantly dropped it as they walked through the department and to his office. Once there, he closed the door and motioned for her to sit.
‘So? What’s up, boss?’
‘Nothing bad. I just wanted to share some good news with you.’
She waited, watching as a small smile creased his lips.
‘I’ve just put in an offer for a house.’
Stephanie’s jaw dropped open in shock. Of all the things she’d expected Oliver to say, that hadn’t been one of them. ‘I thought you called me here because you wanted to discuss work,’ she said after a moment, before standing. ‘Is that it?’
‘What do you mean, “Is that it?” I wanted to share my good news with you.’
‘Great. Thanks. Hope you’ll be happy.’ She headed for the door but Oliver was out of his chair and around the desk like a shot.
‘Stephanie?’ He placed his hands on her shoulders, searching her expression for some clue to explain her behaviour. He thought she’d be pleased, that she’d be interested in his life. After all, she’d professed to love him. ‘What’s going on?’
‘Nothing.’ She stepped back and he dropped his hands.
‘Don’t lie to me. I can tell there’s something wrong. Someone meeting you for the first time could see there was something wrong.’
‘I just can’t do this any more.’
‘What? What can’t you do?’
Stephanie shook her head, desperate to keep the threatening tears under control. ‘Feel as though I’m some sort of consolation prize.’
‘Who makes you feel like that?’
Stephanie stared at him, totally amazed. ‘You do. You ask me to help you at work—so I help you. You ask me to help you with your daughter—so I do. I’m not begrudging that, honestly, I’m not. I like helping people. It’s why I became a doctor, but this…’ She waved her hand between the two of them. ‘I just can’t do it any more.’
Oliver was completely taken aback.
‘Everyone at work has accepted the changes and things are running smoothly. You’ve been able to open up to Kaz and the two of you are going to be fine. And now…now you’ve bought a house and so you no longer need the place you’re staying in. That’s great. It’s wonderful. For you. But what about me, Oliver? What were your plans for me? A little interlude while you got yourself settled here? A bit of fun?’ Her voice choked on the word and the tears fell from her eyelashes. She brushed them away impatiently.
‘But it all backfired, didn’t it?’ Her tone was filled with scorn and distaste—both emotions aimed at herself rather than Oliver. ‘You hadn’t planned on me falling in love with you. Ever since I told you, you’ve been reserved and distant and you’ve made it quite clear that you wanted out of the house.’ She hiccuped, cross with herself for getting so emotional, but she couldn’t help it. A woman should be allowed to cry when her heart was being broken.
‘I’ve been a prize fool, haven’t I? How ridiculous was it that I fell in love with a man who never wanted the love of any woman again? I guess that’s just my annoying inexperience rearing its ugly head.’ She pulled a tissue from her pocket and blew her nose. ‘Well, I’m sorry, Oliver. I’m sorry I’m not excited about your new house. I’m sorry I’m not going to fall at your feet, doing your bidding any more, and I’m sorry I ever thought myself in love with you.’