by Sarah Morgan
‘Seven is fine. Thanks, Craig.’
One of the problems of living in a small community, Evanna reflected as she stepped over the rubble and walked into her kitchen, was that everyone was far too interested in everyone else.
She just hoped that no one said the same thing to Logan.
The next week passed in a blur as the surgery handled an unprecedented number of tourists.
‘I feel as though I’m running an A and E department,’ Logan grumbled as he and Evanna cleared up after stitching yet another child who had slipped on the rocks. ‘That was a nasty cut.’
‘He was rock-pooling and he should have been wearing shoes and not flip-flops. I suppose he just didn’t have any grip, which was why he slipped.’ Evanna dropped the stitch cutter into the sharps box. She’d been making a supreme effort to behave naturally with Logan and it seemed to be working. At least he’d stopped asking her if anything was wrong.
‘People leave their brains behind when they’re on holiday. I heard from the hospital today about Alison Winchester. They kept her in for a night and then followed her up before she went back down to London. She was still suffering aches and pains but no other effects that they can see. They’ve written to her GP.’
‘That will be a first for him. I bet a GP in London would know even less about an adder bite than I did.’ Evanna walked across the room and washed her hands. ‘Did they manage to find the snake, by the way?’
‘Funnily enough, yes. The park ranger rang me last week. They’ve relocated the family.’
‘Mr and Mrs Adder.’ Evanna laughed, yanking paper towels out of the holder. ‘Somewhere homely with a nice view, I hope. Hot and cold running water.’
‘Somewhere that no one is going to tread on them again, I hope,’ Logan said dryly, sitting down and hitting a key on the computer. ‘Am I finished here?’
‘For now. Janet told me that you have three house calls. Doug is feeling really dizzy and wondered if you’d call on your way home. I suspect it’s the heat or maybe his tablets, but it’s worth checking. You know how worried he’s been since they discharged him from the hospital.’
‘Patients are always worried after a heart attack and it’s still relatively early days for Doug.’ Logan picked up a set of results and scanned them. ‘How’s Sonia’s blood pressure at the moment?’
‘It’s still on the high side but her urine is fine and she has no swelling.’
Logan pulled a face and leaned back in his chair. ‘I still feel uneasy about her, Evanna. I’d rather she was in hospital.’
Evanna felt a twist of sympathy. ‘It’s natural that you’d worry after what happened with Catherine, but so far there isn’t an indication to admit her. I’m calling on her every day and if there’s any change, we’ll transfer her to the mainland in plenty of time.’ Her eyes met his and she knew what he was thinking. That night, the horrible storm, losing Catherine because the helicopter hadn’t been able to reach the island.
‘Logan …’ She hesitated, unsure whether to speak or not. ‘You know that there was nothing else you could have done, don’t you?’
‘Yes.’ His voice was harsh. ‘But knowing that doesn’t make it any easier to live with.’
‘I know that. I was there, too.’ Evanna swallowed, remembering the night with a shudder of cold panic. ‘And I ask myself every day whether I could have done something different. Whether I should have spotted something.’
He ran a hand over his face and let out a long breath. ‘There was nothing, we both know that. Catherine had an undiagnosed cardiac problem. Even if she’d been in hospital, the outcome would have been the same.’
‘You were amazing, Logan.’ She bit her lip, desperately wanting to comfort but not knowing how. ‘You saved Kirsty and look how bonny she is.’
‘Yes.’
Evanna hesitated. ‘You should go out more, Logan. I’ll babysit for you so that you can have dinner or something.’
He lifted an eyebrow, a flicker of humour in his blue eyes. ‘With whom, exactly?’
‘I don’t know.’ Evanna blushed, wishing that she’d never brought the subject up. It was bad enough thinking of Logan with another woman, without actually putting a face and name to someone. ‘I just think you need to get out. Have a social life.’
He frowned. ‘I have a social life. I see Kyla and Ethan. Meg and the cousins. You. We’re always eating together and spending time on the beach.’
Her heart skipped. ‘I know that. I was talking about. romance.’
‘I’m not interested in romance.’ His gaze was steady. ‘Maybe I will be one day, but not at the moment.’
‘Then that’s fine. I’m not pushing you. I’m just saying that whenever you’re ready, I’ll help. I just want you to know that I’ll babysit.’ She decided that it was time to change the subject. ‘You’ve been great with Lucy. She tells me that she’s always ringing you in a panic about something and that you’re incredibly patient.’
‘She’s a new mother. It’s natural to worry. I keep meaning to pop in and see her but Ethan and I have just been too busy.’ His eyes lingered on her face for a moment. ‘How’s she getting on?’
‘Fine.’ Evanna nodded. ‘Sweet, actually. She’s so in love with that baby.’
‘Lucy is a nice girl. No problems, then?’
‘No. The feeding is going well, the baby is starting to sleep a bit longer and I’ve seen Lucy out and about, pushing her in the pram, several times this week.’
‘Good.’ Logan glanced at his watch and stood up. ‘Right, then. I’ll get on with my house calls. It’s Wednesday.’ He frowned as if he’d only just realised that fact. ‘Are you all right to look after Kirsty again this afternoon?’
‘Of course. It’s what we agreed. I hadn’t forgotten. Believe me, it’s a relief to escape from the banging and the blaring radio in my house. Why do builders always need the radio on full blast? I’ve eaten my way through two packets of paracetamol since they started and I’m sick of making bacon sandwiches for hungry men.’
Logan picked up his bag. ‘You spoil people, that’s your problem. Most builders are lucky to be given a dry biscuit.’
‘I suppose I always feel that they’ll do a better job if I’ve fed them properly,’ Evanna said gloomily. ‘I still can’t quite believe that this bathroom is going to look nice when it’s finished. There’s dust everywhere and the walls are full of holes.’
‘Craig is a reliable guy. And if he messes up your bathroom, I won’t sign his repeat prescriptions.’ Logan walked towards the door and then turned. ‘By the way, the cleaner cancelled this morning so my house is going to be a complete mess, but just ignore it. Hopefully she’ll be able to make it tomorrow. Anyway, by the time Kirsty has finished throwing her toys around, you’d never know a cleaner had been near the place. It always strikes me as a complete waste of money.’
‘Spoken like a true man. I’ve bought a couple of new books for her. I thought I’d take her down to the beach for a picnic tea once it gets a bit cooler.’
‘Good idea. If I finish my surgery early enough, I might join you down there.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘I’d better dash. Thanks, Evanna.’
‘You’re welcome.’
She watched him go and then lifted a hand to her ponytail. It was a good job he didn’t notice her as a woman, she thought wryly, glancing at her reflection in the mirror. She hadn’t been able to wash her hair for two days because Craig had turned the water off and now there was some problem with the plumbing that wasn’t likely to be fixed for at least another day.
She was desperate for a shower or a bath but Kyla had a houseful of guests so she hadn’t liked to ask.
And then a thought occurred to her.
What was stopping her having a shower at Logan’s? She had a change of clothes in her bag ready for the afternoon, and Kirsty would be perfectly happy to play in the bathroom for five minutes while she washed her hair and scrubbed off all the dust and dirt that seemed to have stuck itself to her du
ring the bathroom renovation.
She walked through the door that connected the surgery to Logan’s house and smiled at Meg. ‘My shift.’
‘I don’t know how you manage her,’ Meg said wearily, handing over a wriggling Kirsty. ‘All I do is spend the morning pulling her away from danger. I had all sorts of plans for cleaning and ironing and I’ve done nothing except wrestle with her. And as for feeding her—I’d swear that girl doesn’t know where her mouth is. I had to change her twice during breakfast. There was porridge on the walls and the ceilings.’
‘Have you been a handful?’ Evanna kissed Kirsty’s cheek and popped her down on the floor. ‘Don’t worry about the house, Meg. She’ll probably have a nap in a minute. I’ll try and catch up on a few things while she sleeps.’
‘Don’t you go doing Logan’s cleaning.’ Meg frowned her disapproval as she gathered her things together. ‘It’s good of you to look after Kirsty, without sorting out his mess.’
‘I’m happy to help, Meg,’ Evanna said softly, smiling at Kirsty who giggled and clapped her hands. ‘I know it isn’t very fashionable to admit it, but I love cleaning and keeping house.’ Only she didn’t have anyone to do it for, except herself.
‘Well, if Kirsty lets you so much as lift a teatowel, it will be a miracle. I need to dash because apparently the café is heaving with tourists.’ Meg leaned towards Kirsty and waved a finger. ‘Now, you be a good girl!’
Kirsty beamed and waved. ‘Byee-ee.’
‘Oh!’ Evanna gasped with delight. ‘I didn’t know she’d learned that!’
‘Now, don’t you go being soppy about her—she’s a cheeky monkey. And she knows exactly how to get round you.’ Meg slipped her bag onto her shoulder and made for the door. ‘Have a good afternoon. Pop in for an ice cream if you feel like it. I’ll make her one of my specials.’
Evanna waited for the door to close behind her and then settled down on the floor next to Kirsty, who was rubbing her eyes. ‘You’ve had a busy morning. Are you tired, pickle? Where’s your blanket?’ She looked around for the little pink blanket that Kirsty always slept with and spotted it lying over the back of a chair. ‘Let’s take you up to bed and see if you feel like a nap.’
She changed Kirsty’s nappy, gave her a drink of milk and then settled her in the cot with her blanket. Immediately Kirsty’s eyes drifted shut.
‘Creating trouble for Meg obviously wore you out,’ Evanna murmured with amusement, creeping out of the room and leaving the door open a crack.
She glanced longingly at the bathroom but then decided she may as well tidy the house before she finally had the wash she’d been fantasising about for hours.
For the next hour she worked like a demon. She neatly stacked all Logan’s medical journals, she scooped clothes from the floor and put them in the washing machine, she tidied and scrubbed the kitchen until all the surfaces were gleaming, she mopped the floor, ran the dishwasher and emptied all the bins.
Then she threw open all the doors and windows to air the place. Logan’s house was lovely, she reflected as she plumped the cushions on his soft, comfortable sofa. So airy and light. It was a little further from the beach than hers, but she loved the space and all the windows and she adored his garden. As well as the weeping willow there were four huge apple trees that provided plenty of dappled shade. A large white hammock was strung between two of the trees and a children’s book and several toys were lying abandoned on the grass. Logan had obviously been out there with Kirsty. Evanna looked at the hammock longingly. Later, she promised herself. Maybe she and Kirsty would curl up in the hammock to read books.
She chopped vegetables ready to add to the casserole that she planned to make later and then looked at the clock. Kirsty had been asleep for an hour and a half.
Feeling horribly hot and sticky after her efforts on the house, Evanna dragged her forearm over her forehead and decided to check on the child.
She crept upstairs and peeped around the door but the little girl was still fast asleep, the tip of her thumb in her mouth.
Evanna closed the door again and decided that she just about had time for a quick shower before the toddler woke up. Then she’d make the casserole for supper. She could give it to Kirsty for tea and Logan would be able to eat the remains when he finished work.
She walked into the bathroom that she’d cleaned earlier. Oh, the bliss of not having to pick her way through rubble! Swiftly she stripped off her clothes and stepped under Logan’s state-of-the-art power shower. Five minutes. That was all it would take. And, by then, Kirsty should be ready to wake up.
Logan opened the front door and walked into his house. Bracing himself for the usual noise and activity, he was surprised to find the house silent. Then he remembered Evanna mentioning that she might take Kirsty to the beach.
The morning post was neatly stacked on the hall table and he could see at a glance that both the kitchen and the living room were immaculate. Meg had already called him to apologise for the fact that she hadn’t managed to touch any of the housework, thanks to the demands of his daughter, so he knew that only one person could be responsible for the sudden transformation of his house.
Evanna.
She must have cleaned for him. She was a born nurturer, he thought as he noticed the polished kitchen floor and the vegetables chopped ready for a casserole. Always caring for people whether she was on or off duty. Feeling a twist of guilt, he ignored the post and walked upstairs towards his bedroom. He’d just find the textbook he needed, make himself a cup of tea and then get back to the surgery and tackle the mountain of paperwork that awaited him.
As he reached the top of the stairs, the bathroom door opened and Evanna walked out.
Naked.
And dripping wet.
Logan stared and then he almost swallowed his tongue.
Her legs were long and slender, her hips wonderfully curved and her breasts full and crowned by rosy pink nipples which glistened with drops of water from the shower.
‘Evanna!’ He croaked out her name and she froze to the spot and her eyes widened and locked with his.
For a long, pulsing moment they both stood. Staring.
The atmosphere crackled with tension and then she came to her senses, gave a squeak of horror and looked around desperately for something to cover herself up with, but there was nothing. ‘I forgot to grab a towel—I—I was—You can’t look—Logan!’ Her voice was tortured with embarrassment as she glared at him. ‘Stop looking at me! It’s not very gentlemanly.’
Gentlemanly?
At any other time Logan would have laughed at her use of such an old-fashioned word but he was too busy being thoroughly ungentlemanly to respond. In fact, he didn’t really know what he was doing. His brain had ceased coherent thought and his eyes were definitely under independent rule. It wasn’t until she moved her hands down to cover herself that he realised his gaze had been firmly fixed on the tempting shadows between her legs.
All the oxygen seemed to have been sucked out of the air and Logan suddenly couldn’t breathe properly.
She was still trying to shield herself with her hands but he already had an all too clear image of her lush feminine curves imprinted on his brain.
He’d known Evanna for his whole life and he’d thought that he knew everything there was to know about her. He knew that she was kind, endlessly patient and had a good sense of humour. He knew how she liked her coffee, he knew that she liked to run and swim. He knew that at school she’d been top in English but hopeless at maths. She was his sister’s best friend and he knew her well. Really, really well. Up until today he would have said that there was nothing about Evanna that he didn’t know.
So why hadn’t he known that she had a body straight out of a hot male fantasy?
Gripped by lust, he closed his eyes briefly to try and erase the image and dragged a towel from the cupboard.
‘Here …’ His voice hoarse, he clutched the towel, intending to hand it to her and move away, but he couldn’t
prevent himself from taking one more look and then found he couldn’t stop looking. The creamy skin of her shoulder and the tempting swell of her breasts were more addictive than any drug.
She had fantastic breasts.
Had she always had those breasts or had she suddenly grown them?
Why had he never noticed her breasts before?
Jabbing his fingers through his hair, he tried to look away but his eyes just wouldn’t obey his brain. Her hair was soaking wet and hung halfway down her back, and she was deliciously slippery and gleaming wet after her shower. His mouth dried and he realised that any moment now he was going to power her back against the wall and take her. Hard. ‘I—You—’
‘For crying out loud, Logan, stop staring!’ Her voice sounded strangled and her expression was horrified as she snatched the towel and held it in front of her. ‘You’ve seen me in a bikini a million times so I don’t see why seeing me naked is such a big step.’
Had he seen her in a bikini? His mind dulled by lust, Logan struggled to think. Yes. He had seen her in a bikini. So why hadn’t he ever noticed her body before? Was he blind? Stupid? Both? Lost in an explicit fantasy involving his hands and mouth on those delicious curves, it took him a minute to realise that she’d asked him a question. ‘What? Sorry?’
She stared at him in exasperation. ‘What is the matter with you? I asked you what on earth you were doing here, anyway.’
Taking a fast ride to paradise? ‘I live here. I think.’ He wasn’t sure of anything any more.
‘Well, I know that you live here. I’m not stupid.’ She tightened her grip on the towel, trying to hold it in place. ‘But I wasn’t expecting you home. You’re supposed to be working.’
He’d never heard Evanna snappy before but she was decidedly snappy and he found her efforts to maintain her dignity and privacy incredibly endearing. Water clung to her dark lashes and her cheeks were pink with embarrassment.