The GP’s Meant-To-Be Bride

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The GP’s Meant-To-Be Bride Page 14

by Jennifer Taylor


  ‘And he told you it was meningitis?’ Gemma said, interested despite herself.

  ‘He did. He wiped the floor with me, in fact, although only after he’d given the boy intravenous antibiotics and sent him up to PICU.’ He smiled wryly. ‘It taught me a valuable lesson, though, and that was never to disregard anything out of the ordinary, no matter how insignificant it may appear. It was worth getting a rollicking just for that.’

  ‘Especially if it’s helped to save little Abigail’s life now,’ she agreed quietly.

  ‘Exactly.’

  Ross went on his way and Gemma got down to work. There was a pile of paperwork that needed her attention but she couldn’t seem to settle to it. The fact that Ross had shared that story with her had touched her deeply. Although he was always willing to offer guidance, it was rare that he spoke about his own experiences like that. It made her see that he had changed in the past few weeks, become more open and giving, and it made her love him more than ever.

  He was such a wonderful doctor and such a good man, steady and reliable, trustworthy and honest. Admitting that to herself made his recent behaviour all the more puzzling, too. He had told her that he wasn’t in love with Heather and she couldn’t believe that he would have lied to her about something so important. Maybe he had blamed their heightened emotions for them nearly ending up in bed together, but she couldn’t imagine Ross allowing himself to get carried away under any circumstances. It was far more likely he had told her that to stop her feeling guilty about rejecting him.

  It was a painful thought. Even though Gemma knew she’d had no choice but to call a halt, it wasn’t easy to accept that she might have rejected Ross’s love. To be loved by him was the one thing she had always dreamed of. However, even though it broke her heart to know that she had lost her chance of finding true happiness, it didn’t change things. She still couldn’t bear the thought of him seeing her scars and being repulsed by them. She would rather suffer the heartache of losing him than go through that nightmare.

  Ross was somewhat surprised he had told Gemma that story. He rarely spoke about himself, yet he’d felt a need to share it with her when he’d seen how upset she’d been. The past few weeks had changed him, and more and more he had found himself opening up. He no longer felt that he needed to hold back, and it was all because of the way he felt about Gemma. He loved her with his whole heart and that had helped him tap into his emotions in a way he’d been afraid to do before. However, he mustn’t forget that Gemma had made it clear she didn’t want him. He wouldn’t embarrass her by being too open about his feelings again.

  Fortunately, evening surgery was as busy as the morning one had been so there was no time to brood. Before he knew it, it was time to go home. Matt popped his head round the door as Ross was getting ready to leave.

  ‘I’m having a few people round on Saturday night—a sort of late New Year’s party. There wasn’t time to organise anything before Christmas with one thing and another, so this is my way of making up for it. I hope you’ll come, Ross?’

  ‘Oh, right. Thanks.’ Ross wasn’t sure what to say. He still felt a little guilty whenever he thought of how Matt had suffered over the wedding.

  ‘Look, Ross, I know you feel awkward because of what happened between you and Heather, but there’s no need. It was Heather’s decision to cancel the wedding and I accept that. You’re part of this practice and a very valuable part, too.’ Matt shrugged. ‘What I’m trying to say is that I don’t want it to affect our working relationship.’

  Ross was deeply touched. ‘Thank you. That means a lot to me, Matt.’

  ‘Then I’ll take that as a yes and expect you on Saturday.’

  Ross felt his spirits lift as he collected his coat. It was good to know that Matt didn’t hold him solely responsible for what had happened. Although he had been partly to blame, maybe it hadn’t been all down to him. Maybe Heather had had her own agenda for marrying him and had realised at the last minute that she’d been making a mistake.

  It was the first time he had considered that idea, and the more he thought about it, the more sense it made. Heather hadn’t been wildly in love with him any more than he’d been wildly in love with her. She’d agreed to marry him because he’d suited her requirements. And that being the case, he no longer needed to keep blaming himself for what had happened. Hallelujah!

  There was a definite spring in his step as he went into the office. Gemma was in there and his upbeat mood rapidly dissipated when he saw how she avoided looking at him. He sighed as he dropped his files into the tray and bade everyone goodnight. He may have cleared his conscience where Heather was concerned, but it appeared he had caused Gemma a lot of problems. If only he could find a way to make it up to her, but how could he when she wouldn’t let him near her? He would never have kissed her if he’d known the damage it would cause…

  He groaned. Like hell he wouldn’t! The moment he’d had her in his arms, he’d been lost. Not that she’d been exactly reluctant, had she? She’d definitely met him halfway, returned his passion with an enthusiasm which made him go hot all over as he recalled it now. Whatever had made her call a halt, it hadn’t been a lack of interest. Gemma had wanted him so what had made her change her mind?

  Ross puzzled over the question for the rest of the night but he had no idea what the answer was. Only Gemma knew and he was very much afraid that she wasn’t going to tell him. The thought that he might lose her and never know why was too much to bear. Ross realised that he had to make her explain, although he had no idea how he would go about it. Hopefully, inspiration would strike him soon.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  GEMMA

  really didn’t want to go to the party but she simply couldn’t think of an excuse. All the staff were going and it would look very odd if she didn’t turn up. In the end she accepted that she would have to go. After all, it wasn’t as though Ross would care one way or the other if she was there. The thought hurt unbearably, but she was determined not to let anyone know how she felt. She took her time getting ready, opting to wear a new dress her mother had bought her for Christmas. Made from sumptuous red velvet, it was simply cut with long sleeves and a straight skirt that ended just above her knees. From the front the dress was positively demure, but from the back it was a different story entirely. Gemma had been a little shocked when she’d seen it. However, at her mother’s urging she had tried it on and discovered how flattering it was. The low-cut back showed off the slender line of her spine to advantage, while the ruby-red colour highlighted her porcelain-pale skin.

  Pleased with the reflection she could see in the mirror that evening, she decided to hype up the image of sophistication and pinned her hair into a loose knot that exposed the nape of her neck. A little more make-up than usual also helped to create the illusion of a woman in control. So long as nobody looked beneath the surface veneer, she should be fine.

  The party was in full swing by the time Gemma arrived. Rachel was acting as Matt’s hostess and she greeted Gemma warmly.

  ‘Come in. I’m so glad you were able to make it…Oh, don’t you look gorgeous! That dress really suits you, doesn’t it, Ross?’

  Gemma’s breath caught when she glanced round and saw Ross standing behind her. He looked so handsome in a well-cut black suit and a midnight-blue shirt that her senses immediately started to spin. It took a massive effort to smile at him as though nothing was amiss.

  ‘Hello, Ross. How are you?’

  ‘Fine, thank you.’ He turned to his mother but not before Gemma had seen the oddest expression cross his face, a kind of wistful longing that made her pulse race. ‘You’re right. Gemma looks really lovely tonight.’

  Somehow Gemma managed to keep her smile in place as she excused herself and went to find the others. Everyone had congregated in the kitchen where the drinks were being served and they greeted her with a cheer.

  ‘Took your time, didn’t you?’ Carol piped up, handing her a glass of wine. ‘Although I can see why you d
ecided to make an entrance. That dress is fab!’

  ‘Thank you kindly.’ Gemma gave Carol a twirl, grinning when her friend whistled as she caught sight of her back. ‘Mum bought it for me for Christmas. You don’t think it’s too much, do you?’

  ‘By too much I suppose you mean too sexy?’ Carol retorted. ‘Definitely not. If you’ve got it, flaunt it!’

  Gemma chuckled. Away from the surgery, Carol was a lot of fun and she always enjoyed spending time with her. They chatted about inconsequentials after that—how busy it had been at work, Carol’s teenage daughter, Holly, who was dating her first boyfriend. Other people joined in, the conversation flowing as they moved into the sitting room. More guests were arriving all the time so that the house was soon packed with people having a good time, although Gemma couldn’t help noticing that Ross didn’t seem to be enjoying himself. He looked very strained and it bothered her to see him looking that way even though she knew there was nothing she could do about it.

  By the time Matt announced the buffet was being served in the dining room, Gemma was desperate to leave. She let the others go on ahead, wondering if she could slip away without them noticing. The last of their group left the sitting room and she was about to make a hasty exit when she realised that Ross was still there. Heat flowed through her when she saw the way he was looking at her. She had no idea what it meant but all of a sudden she knew that she had to avoid a confrontation at all costs.

  ‘Thinking of leaving so soon?’ he said softly as he crossed the room.

  ‘I…I’ve got a headache,’ she said quickly, moving towards the door.

  ‘Really?’ He stepped in front of her so that she was forced to stop. ‘It’s come on rather suddenly, hasn’t it?’

  ‘It’s been threatening all day,’ she retorted, trying to step around him, but once again he barred her way.

  ‘Come on, Gemma, why lie? You haven’t got a headache, you just want to leave.’

  ‘And what if I do?’ she replied, glaring at him. ‘You’re not my keeper, Ross. If I choose to leave, it’s my business.’

  ‘Of course it is, unless you’re leaving because of me.’ He caught her hands. ‘You’re running away because you can’t bear to be in the same room as me, aren’t you, Gemma? Yet you didn’t feel this way the other week. You were happy to be with me then. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that you wanted to be very close to me indeed.’

  He pulled her to him until she was resting against him. Gemma felt a rush of sensations spill through her as she felt her breasts flatten against the wall of his chest. She closed her eyes as a wave of longing washed over her. How she had yearned for this moment, ached to lean on him and let him take away all the pain. To know that Ross loved her, wanted her, desired her, would make up for all the long years of loneliness. She would feel whole again, perfect, a woman fit to be loved. The woman Ross loved.

  Thoughts tumbled round inside her head, so tempting, so beguiling, that she almost let herself believe it could happen. And then she felt Ross’s hand glide down the smooth bare skin of her spine, felt his fingers slide inside the soft, warm velvet, sensed them hovering above the one part of her body no man would ever want to touch, and she knew in that instant that she couldn’t bear it, couldn’t stand to have him touch her there and feel the ugly, puckered flesh.

  ‘No!’ She pushed him away and ran from the room, uncaring what people thought as she fled past them and along the hall. Her car was parked outside and she climbed in, her hands shaking so that she could barely fit the key into the ignition. She managed it at last and thrust the car into gear, pulling away with a squeal of tyres. She had a last glimpse of Ross’s shocked face as he followed her out to the drive and then she was turning into the road, leaving him behind where he must remain. There was no future for her and Ross, no future for her, a woman whose body was damaged beyond repair.

  For a full minute Ross stood exactly where he was, transfixed with shock. He couldn’t believe what had happened, the way Gemma had run from him in such terror…

  His heart contracted as he recalled the anguish on her face when she had pushed him away. He had no idea what he had done to cause such a reaction, but he intended to find out. No way was he going to let this go. No way was he going to let Gemma go. He loved her and one way or another he was going to tell her that!

  He ran out to his car and got in. Fortunately, the traffic had returned to normal now that the festivities were over so it didn’t take him long to drive to Gemma’s house. Her car was parked outside and there was a light on in the sitting room, which were encouraging signs, not that he would have cared if the place had been in darkness. He was going to have this out with her and if it took all night then it was just too bad.

  It took half a dozen thumps with the door knocker before Gemma opened the door. Ross’s heart turned over when he saw her tear-streaked face. He couldn’t bear to think that he was the cause of her distress when he loved her so much.

  ‘I’m so sorry, my love. I never meant to hurt you, but I need to know what’s going on.’ He paused, but she didn’t say anything, didn’t invite him in or tell him to leave. She just stood there, looking as though the world had crashed down around her, and he couldn’t bear it a moment longer.

  Taking hold of her by the shoulders, he gently turned her round and ushered her inside. Normally, he wouldn’t have imposed himself on her like this, but this wasn’t a normal situation. Desperate times called for desperate measures and he was prepared to do anything it took to resolve this problem, whatever it was.

  ‘Come and sit down.’

  He sat her down on the sofa, picking up one of the throws and wrapping it around her when he saw her shiver. The fire had died down so he added a couple of logs, and still Gemma didn’t say anything. Crouching down in front of her, he took hold of her hands.

  ‘I don’t know what’s wrong, sweetheart, but whatever it is, we can work it out. I promise you that.’

  ‘No,’ she whispered, raising tear-drenched eyes to his face. ‘There’s nothing you can do, Ross. There’s nothing anyone can do.’

  Her voice broke on a sob and he couldn’t stand it. Pulling her into his arms, he held her close, cradling her against his heart because it was the one place she needed to be at the moment. If he could make her understand how much he loved her, then nothing else mattered.

  She let him hold her for a few minutes then drew back. ‘I think you should leave now. I know you mean to be kind…’

  He swore roughly then apologised. ‘I’m sorry, but being kind isn’t my main concern at this minute. I want to know why you’re upset and why you ran away just now.’ He cradled her face between his hands. ‘I love you, Gemma, and I think you love me, too. That’s why I’m not going to let you fob me off any longer. I want the truth, Gemma. Please.’

  Her eyes closed for a moment before they opened again and he saw the despair they held. ‘If it’s the only way I can make you understand how pointless this is then I don’t have a choice.’

  She stood up, taking him by surprise so that he had no time to stop her. However, instead of walking out of the room, as he’d expected her to do, she moved to the very centre and stopped. Ross’s breath caught when he saw her hands go to the zip at the side of her dress. He had no idea what was going on but he didn’t move a muscle as she slid the zipper down its runner. Gemma didn’t look at him as she let it fall to the floor in a soft heap. All she had on now was a red lace bra and matching panties and his blood pressure zoomed several notches up the scale as he took stock of her beautiful body, all the dips and curves, the softness, the silky fine skin…

  She suddenly turned around and he couldn’t stem the gasp that escaped his lips when he saw the ridges of scar tissue that marred the left side of her body. There wasn’t just one scar but dozens, criss-crossing each other and forming a network. Some were obviously the scars left by surgery, others were the result of some kind of terrible accident, not that it mattered what had caused them. The fact that t
hey were there, and that Gemma thought they were of such significance, was what really hurt him.

  He stood up and walked towards her, feeling his love for her filling every cell in his body. He knew how much she must have suffered over the years, suspected that he knew why too. Had some man seen these scars and been repulsed by them? he wondered, and knew it was true. The thought tipped him over the edge. To imagine how Gemma—this beautiful, tender-hearted woman—must have suffered was too much.

  He dropped to his knees in front of her and let his fingers trace the raw, red network of tissue, feeling her flinch when he touched it. The biggest scar could only have been caused by major surgery and his heart shuddered with fear at the thought that he might have lost her before he’d had the chance to fall in love with her.

  ‘They had to take away my kidney and my spleen,’ she informed him in a tight little voice that echoed with pain.

  ‘The surgeon did a first-rate job,’ he murmured, leaning forward so that his lips could caress the red line that scored her skin.

  Gemma shivered, her hand moving automatically to his head, although whether to push him away or hold him there he wasn’t sure. He didn’t give her time to make up her mind as his fingers moved on, following the trail as it spread around her body.

  ‘Those were caused by the metal cutting into me,’ she said with a wobble in her voice. ‘The other car rammed into the side of us and bits of the door sliced into me.’

  Ross winced as the scene played itself out in his head. He forced it away as he let his lips delicately trace the cobweb of red, from the front of her body round to the base of her spine. There was a puckered patch there too, just an inch or so above her buttocks, but he was less conscious of that than he was of the soft curve of her hips, the rounded swell of her bottom, the creamy tops of her thighs…

 

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