by Lucy Clark
‘Of what?’
‘Its comfort. If I sit in it, I might want one for the outback and I don’t think it would do too well when I head bush.’
He laughed and shook his head. ‘Get in the car, Dannyella.’
‘Ah, now, that’s more my style.’ She grinned up at him as she sat in the comfortable leather seat.
‘Nice?’
‘Mmm. Very nice.’ He shut her door and, after stowing her bag in the boot, came around to the driver’s side. During those few brief seconds Danny realised she was now more relaxed. The awkward part was over. It was just her and Mac. Nice, easy camaraderie. Friends.
‘Shall I order one to be delivered to Dingo Creek?’ he asked as he took off his jacket, tossed it carefully onto the back seat and climbed in.
‘Can you imagine the look on Maisy’s face if one of these were to turn up in the main street?’
He laughed. ‘You’d have to order a dark brown one so it blends in with the dirt.’ She laughed as well, her gaze melding with his. ‘I’ve really missed you, Dannyella,’ he murmured softly and, reached out a hand to cup her face. It seemed the most natural thing in the world to edge forward so their lips could finally reunite. It wasn’t a passion-thumping, mind-numbing kiss but a simple, yet possessive touch of his lips to hers.
‘Let’s get going.’ His tone had thickened but he pulled back and started the engine. ‘Although Dingo Creek’s airstrip is quite close to the town, we have a few hours’ drive to get to my village. So sit back and relax.’
Danny breathed a happy sigh and did her seat belt up, determined to do just that.
‘So who are these women you’ve picked up from the airport? Old girlfriends?’
He chuckled. ‘Jealous?’
‘Yes.’ She smiled when he looked over in astonishment.
‘Are you taking the mickey?’
‘Would I do that?’
‘Yes,’ he replied slowly. ‘But not about this. Most of the time it was my mother or one of her friends I was sent to the airport to collect.’
‘Most of the time?’
He laughed. ‘I’ve really missed you, Dannyella.’ He reached over and gave her hand a little squeeze.
Their talk turned to more general topics and she once again recalled how easy they were in each other’s company. After a while her eyes began to close and when she opened them, the sun had well and truly set in the sky and Sebastian was pulling into a driveway.
‘Where are we?’ she murmured sleepily.
‘At my house.’ He cut the engine and turned to face her. ‘Pity you woke up.’
‘Why?’
‘I was planning to wake you with a kiss.’
Danny immediately leaned back and closed her eyes again. Sebastian’s chuckle washed over her and in the next instant she felt his lips pressed against her own. ‘Mmm.’ The groan came from deep within her and so did the stretch. She reached up to the roof of the car, flexing her muscles. ‘What a nice way to wake up,’ she whispered.
He groaned as he watched her and then cleared his throat. ‘Perhaps we should…’ he gestured to his house ‘…go inside.’
‘Good idea, Mac, unless you were planning on making me sleep in the car, which I might add, wouldn’t be all that uncomfortable.’ She shivered slightly. ‘Is it cold here or is it cold?’
He laughed and kissed her again. ‘It’s autumn here, Dannyella. Winter isn’t that far away.’ He climbed out of the car and headed around to open her door. Danny beat him to it. He stopped by the open door as she stood, his glance slightly chastising.
‘What?’ she asked as she smothered another yawn.
‘You’re supposed to wait for me to come and open your door.’
‘Why? Don’t you think I’m capable?’ she teased, and was rewarded with a rich laugh. He continued to walk slowly towards her and when he stood before her, he shook his head.
‘You’re in my country now, Dannyella.’ His rich tone was deep and intimate. ‘Observing the local custom is considered polite.’
‘Oh. I see.’ She glanced to the side of him and took a little step back. ‘And does the local custom include a welcoming committee?’ she asked pointedly. He spun on his heel and pasted on a smile.
‘Ladies,’ he said in greeting. ‘What a lovely surprise.’
‘We thought we’d come and welcome your guest, Dr MacKenzie.’
There were six women, three most likely in their fifties, one starry-eyed teenager and two very well-endowed women in their mid-twenties—and they were all staring at her. Two of them carried casserole dishes, one a loaf of bread, one a basket of fruit and another fresh flowers. The teenager was simply looking up at Sebastian as though he hung the moon every night. They were all wrapped up in coats, gloves and scarves and to Danny they looked like something out of a picture. It was nice.
‘We had no idea your guest was a woman, Dr MacKenzie,’ one woman said in a hushed whisper. ‘Delilah said your guest’s name was Dr Danny Thompson.’
‘We thought that was a man,’ one of the twenty-year-olds explained.
‘That is her name,’ Sebastian explained, and turned and gestured to Danny. ‘Meet Dannyella Thompson.’
Danny cleared her throat. ‘Nice to meet you.’
‘Ooh. What a lovely accent, dearie. Say something else in Australian.’
Danny smiled but obliged. ‘G’day, mate.’
The more senior women laughed with delight. Danny tried hard to smother a yawn but was unsuccessful. She also started to shiver a little.
‘Dannyella’s not used to the cold,’ Sebastian said as he tried to usher her inside.
‘Oh, you poor dear. You must be exhausted. Our dear doctor here looked terrible when he came back from Australia. Took him weeks to get over his jet-lag, it did.’
Danny raised an enquiring eyebrow at him. ‘Did it now?’ She allowed Sebastian to lead her towards his front door and the women followed.
‘Oh, yes, dear. The poor man was sleep-deprived for weeks after getting back, which is why he’s behind in his research for his Ph.D.’
Danny felt she was being jostled along like a sheep as the women walked into his house without any forethought whatsoever. This gave a whole new meaning to ‘make yourself at home’.
‘Good to get in out of the cold,’ one of them murmured. They proceeded down the passageway towards the kitchen. Once there, the women put the crockery pots either in the freezer or the refrigerator and switched on the kettle. ‘Tea, dear?’
‘Uh…I’d love a coffee.’ Danny smothered another yawn.
‘Oh, there’s no need for that. I doubt Dr MacKenzie would want you to stay awake on your first night here. You’ll want her to have an early night, won’t you, Doctor? That way she’ll be all relaxed and refreshed to help you with your Ph.D. in the morning.’
‘I’m sorry, did you say help with—’
‘Ah, you know, I think you’re right, Rhonda. Dr Thompson does need to get to bed.’ He started ushering the ladies back towards the door. ‘It was so thoughtful of you all to come and welcome her but she’s had a long flight. You understand.’
‘Oh, of course,’ Rhonda said, and took over shepherding everyone out. Sebastian thought they were in the clear until he was about to close the door and Rhonda turned, looked over her shoulder and winked at him, as though implying he wanted Dannyella all to himself for some other reason!
Sebastian closed the door, a bemused smile on his face. It was true, though. He did want Dannyella all to himself and it had nothing whatsoever to do with his Ph.D. He returned to the kitchen and found her sitting at the small, round table, slumped forward, her head resting on her arms.
‘So you want me here to help with your Ph.D.?’ She lifted her head as she spoke and raised an enquiring eyebrow.
His smile was sheepish. ‘I had to give them a reason why you would come all the way from Australia.’
‘Do you think they believe you?’
He shrugged and came to stand beside her. �
��I’m not so sure. In any case, I don’t think I care any more. You’re here and that’s what counts.’ He pulled her to her feet and wrapped his arms about her.
Now they were alone, she felt the ground shift beneath her feet and the uncomfortable sensation which had plagued her as she’d disembarked in Manchester returned. She smiled up at him.
‘Maisy made me pack you some Australian delicacies.’
‘What? Chargrilled gonna and witchety grubs?’
‘You got it, mate.’ Danny rattled off a list of the foods Sebastian had taken a shine to whilst Down Under.
‘You talk too much,’ he murmured before capturing her lips in a kiss, effectively silencing her. When he finally raised his head, he crushed her to him, holding her possessively, his chin resting on top of her head. ‘You feel so right in my arms, Dannyella.’
‘I know. Did it really take you two weeks to get over your jet-lag because if that’s true, I don’t think I’m going to have a good time. I mean, I’ll just be getting over it when it will be time to go back home.’
‘It didn’t take me two weeks to get over the jet-lag and I’m sure you realised that. I was…extremely preoccupied, though.’
‘With what?’
He bent and kissed her again. ‘Thoughts of you. I found it difficult to sleep.’
Danny melted. It was amazingly cold outside yet here, in the shelter of Sebastian’s house with his arms wrapped around her, she could have sworn it was over forty degrees centigrade. His words warmed her right the way through before winding themselves protectively about her heart.
Sebastian was elated she was finally here. She looked good—in his world. The question remained, how would he ever convince her of that?
CHAPTER NINE
A FEW days later, Dannyella managed to finally kick off her jet lag and had spoken to Maisy and a few of the locals at Dingo Creek every night. She’d insisted upon paying for the long-distance calls, even though Sebastian was more than happy to cover them.
He wasn’t surprised at how much she missed her friends. After all, they were her family and he understood the importance of family.
Tonight, when he’d returned home, he found her dressed in jeans, thick socks, hiking boots and two jumpers—the top one was his. She was in the kitchen, warming up a casserole in the microwave.
‘Cold?’
‘Freezing,’ she said as he started to shed his jacket and tie. ‘Sorry. You’re probably boiling. I’ve turned the thermostat up.’
‘So I noticed.’ He smiled and walked towards her. ‘Nice jumper.’
‘Oh, yeah. I thought you wouldn’t mind.’
‘I don’t.’
‘I was just so cold.’
‘Come here and let me warm you up.’ She went into his arms as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Their lips met and melded together in perfect symmetry. That alone should have scared him witless, yet it only fuelled his desire for her.
When the microwave beeped, she pulled back. ‘So how was clinic?’
‘Boring,’ he grumbled as he slumped down at the table.
She laughed. ‘That’s what you said yesterday. Set the table, please.’
He stood and did as he was told. ‘I wasn’t sure you would remember anything about yesterday. You’ve been sleeping quite a bit.’
‘Hey, you’re the one who told me to.’
‘I’m not criticising,’ he said defensively. ‘Wine?’
‘Sure.’
‘I thought you didn’t know how to cook.’ He collected the silverware and headed back to the table.
‘I’m not cooking. I’m reheating. Big difference.’
He laughed. They were so domesticated—and he loved it.
‘What would you like to do after dinner?’ she asked as she dished the food onto plates and cut some bread.
‘Well, if the sky is clear tonight, I thought we could look at the stars…and talk.’
‘Talk?’
‘We need to talk, Dannyella.’ His tone had turned serious.
‘OK. Sure. We’ll talk.’ She carried the plates to the table and they sat down. ‘So, do I get a prelude?’
‘No. Not while we’re eating.’ He filled her wineglass.
‘Spoilsport. Go on. Ya know ya wanna!’
‘All right.’ He lifted his glass and tapped it against hers before taking a sip. ‘My mother has apparently organised a cocktail party for this Friday night, and you and I are going to attend.’
Danny stared at him in stunned disbelief. When she realised he was waiting for her to say something, she forced a smile. ‘Well, hey—there goes my appetite. Right out the door.’
‘It won’t be that bad.’
‘How are you going to explain me?’ She sat back in her chair and crossed her arms defensively.
‘Explain what you’re doing here?’
‘That and where I’m staying. I don’t think she’d approve of you having me alone in your house.’
‘For a start, Dannyella, it’s none of her business and I never explain my private life or actions to her either.’
‘She’ll think we’re sleeping together.’
‘You and I will know the truth.’
‘Why aren’t we?’ she asked.
He smiled and she was glad he hadn’t pretended he didn’t know what she was talking about. ‘Because you’ve been recovering from jet-lag for the past few days and, besides, we still have a lot of issues to work through.’
‘You think sex will complicate that even more?’
‘I do. Besides, that wasn’t the reason I asked you to come here.’ He must have seen the doubt in her eyes because he reached out and took her hand in his. ‘Don’t get me wrong, Dannyella. I find you immensely attractive and I want you more than the air I breathe but changing our relationship at this stage, when there are so many questions hanging over us, I fear would cloud our thinking.’
Danny smiled. ‘And I thought chivalry was dead.’
‘Does this mean you’ll come with me to this cocktail party of my mother’s?’
‘Of course I will.’ Danny picked up her fork and started to eat.
‘Glad to see your appetite has returned.’
‘With a vengence. So will there be lots of eligible young debutantes there for your mother to parade in front of you?’
‘Yes.’
‘So what’s the game plan?’
‘I’m sorry?’ He was frowning again with an expression of complete bewilderment on his face and Danny felt a surge of power. He was so adorable when he was confused.
‘Your mother. Are we going to go in all lovey-dovey or are we going to play it cool and keep her guessing all night long?’
A slow smile worked its way across his lips. ‘Dannyella Thompson. Have you been reading my mind again?’
She laughed and together they started figuring out what approach to take at the cocktail party.
On Thursday afternoon, after a relaxing morning reading a book, Danny wrapped up in her coat, scarf, woolly beanie and gloves and set off down the street toward Sebastian’s clinic. He’d told her it would take about ten minutes to walk to his clinic rooms and she was glad of the chance to get out and about. The jet-lag firmly behind her, she breathed in the cool, crisp air and blew it out, enjoying the little cloud it made. She did this again and again, having never before seen anything like this.
‘Afternoon, Doctor,’ a voice called from across the street, and Danny turned. It was Rhonda, one of the women who’d been part of her welcoming committee. She stopped and crossed the street.
‘G’day.’
‘Heading towards Dr MacKenzie’s rooms?’
‘Absolutely.’
‘Over your jet-lag, dear?’
‘You betcha.’
‘Enjoying yourself…with him?’
It appeared Rhonda was fishing. A twinkle of mischief flashed in Danny’s eyes as she smiled sweetly at her interrogator. ‘Oh, most definitely. What’s there not to enjoy? I mean, he’s cha
rming, handsome and funny. What more could a girl ask for?’
‘So…’ Rhonda was obviously surprised at Danny’s forwardness. ‘You’re quite taken with our Dr MacKenzie, then?’
‘Oh? Dr MacKenzie?’ Danny frowned and shook her head. ‘Sorry. I…I didn’t realise you were talking about Dr MacKenzie.’ She watched as Rhonda’s brow puckered in confusion. ‘I’d better be going. It was nice chatting with you.’ With that, Danny waved cheerfully and headed off, clamping down on the bubble of laughter which was threatening to rise up and overwhelm her. She could just see Rhonda repeating her words to every other woman in the town, all of them trying to figure out who she’d been talking about.
When she arrived at the clinic, Sebastian was just coming out with a patient.
‘I’ll see you in two weeks’ time, Mrs Richmond.’ He glanced over the woman’s head and looked at Danny. ‘Come through, Dannyella,’ he said briskly, and turned on his heel, disappearing from view. Danny followed quickly. He held the door to his consulting room open for her and closed it once she’d entered.
‘Something wrong?’
‘No.’ He pulled her into his arms and held her. Danny slid her arms around his back and began to knead his tense muscles. Neither of them spoke for quite a few minutes and it wasn’t until his receptionist buzzed through that he finally let her go. ‘Thanks,’ he mumbled as he walked around to his desk.
‘Yes, Winifred?’
‘Mr Bellamy’s just arrived and said he really isn’t feeling too well. He doesn’t have an appointment and his wife’s just brought him in.’
‘Show him through,’ Sebastian said, but in the next instant there came a loud scream from the direction of the waiting room. Danny wrenched open the door and both of them rushed out.
Mr Bellamy was lying crumpled on the floor, his wife sobbing hysterically beside him. The receptionist was coming out from behind her desk. ‘Call an ambulance,’ Sebastian ordered as he and Danny crouched down beside the unconscious man.
‘Mr Bellamy,’ Sebastian called. He felt the man’s carotid pulse. ‘Pulse is weak. Let’s move him. When did he first start to feel unwell, Mrs Bellamy?’ They were working all the time, organising to move Mr Bellamy.
‘It was just after our lunch, Doctor. He started moaning and groaning and I didn’t know what was wrong. He didn’t want to come, Doctor. I think he knew something bad was going to happen and he was scared.’