The Italian Surgeon's Secret Baby

by Sue MacKay

  His apology hadn’t come naturally, but it had come. His belief she’d come all this way with a toddler in tow to see what was in it for her was understandable given what Sandy What’s-Her-Face had done to him. Didn’t mean he hadn’t hurt her. The real reason she found it difficult to accept his apology was because Craig had only ever apologised after she’d left him and he’d wanted to win her back. Mattia isn’t Craig. True. It was time to stop superimposing Craig onto every man she met, starting now.

  Her phone showed ten minutes after nine. No wonder Aimee wasn’t in her cot. But it might mean Mattia had left for work and Anna would be minding their little girl. Their little girl? Oh, boy, she was in trouble. There was no way she could ever give up Aimee so, however they resolved this, she was also always going to be a part of Mattia’s life, even if from the sidelines.

  Bang-bang. The pounding in her head intensified. She’d drop it for now. Try breakfast and coffee. Then take Aimee up to Pompeii town by train to get away from Mattia’s house, the male scent that clung to his discarded jacket, the empty glass he’d leave on the kitchen counter—everything came with an undertone of something she daren’t acknowledge. He had a way of getting under her skin that made her think of summer and heat and excitement.

  Wandering into the kitchen, Aimee’s excited shrieks from the deck told Elene her girl was happy. Snatching up an irresistible biscottate from the laden plate on the bench, she headed outside. ‘Morning, baby girl.’ Then the air stalled in her throat. Mattia had not gone to work. Waiting for her to resume her duties? No, Saturday or not, if he’d needed to go in he’d have called on Anna to take care of Aimee until she was up. Or banged on her door.

  Mattia looked up from where he sat on the boards beside his daughter. ‘Morning, Elene. You catch up on sleep?’ So he was playing nice.

  ‘A little.’

  ‘Feel up to a drive down the coast?’ Playing very nice.

  ‘As in the Amalfi Coast?’

  ‘Yes, I thought Positano for lunch. Have you been there?’

  ‘A cousin took me on a quick trip that way, but it was over too fast. I’ve always wanted to go back one day.’ She squelched the rising excitement, aimed for calm and reserved. She hadn’t forgiven him that much. ‘I’d love to go.’ Okay, nearly reserved.

  Mattia was on his feet. ‘I’m making coffee. Want some?’

  Oh, what the heck? ‘Is this Mattia?’ she asked around a sudden smile, feeling comfortable with him at last.

  He grinned on his way past. ‘Sure is.’

  A Mattia grin was dynamite, exploding through her, impelling her knees forward. Locking her knees to stop herself from falling in a heap, she absorbed the sudden heat swamping her even as that grin continued to decimate her. Wow. More, please. ‘I’ll pack a bag for Aimee. She’s coming with us.’

  ‘Wouldn’t dream of leaving her behind.’ The smell of freshly ground coffee beans filled the air, teasing her taste buds. ‘Have your breakfast first. There’s no hurry.’

  More biscottate wouldn’t go amiss. Keep this up and she’d be buying new clothes. But how could she ignore the delicious treats? They were better than her mother’s, and that was saying something. Standing in the doorway where she could keep an eye on Aimee and talk to Mattia, she asked, ‘Won’t we hit the tourist rush?’

  ‘All part of the fun. Anyway, it’s not too bad in April. Watch out next month.’

  ‘Aren’t you meant to be working?’ Anna had mentioned Mattia working weekends somewhere other than the Sorrento Hospital.

  ‘All taken care of.’

  ‘What is this other job?’ For a moment it seemed life was perfect, with Mattia preparing the coffee, those delicious biscottate, Aimee playing on the deck. Almost as if they were a family. Get a grip. That’s fantasy. What was wrong with that?

  ‘There’s a surgical unit in town that’s an outreach of a charity hospital in Napoli where I do orthopaedic surgery for those less fortunate. We have a roster of specialists who take turns putting their skills to good use, mostly at the weekends when no one’s required at their regular positions.’

  Even though he’d spent time outdoors in Wellington having fun on a bike and in a kayak, Mattia had worked long and hard, been available for many more hours than he was paid to cover.

  ‘I heard you work there most weekends.’

  ‘Someone’s been talking too much.’ His grin had retreated to a smile, but it was just as damaging. Today might prove hard on her emotions, yet she couldn’t help feeling happy, excited even. Soon she’d be shrieking just like Aimee. This man came with a magical touch after all.

  ‘You think?’ She sipped the steaming coffee he’d placed on the nearest counter. ‘How’s this hospital staffed? Completely with volunteers? Or is there permanent, paid staff to keep it running smoothly?’ Could she put in a few hours over the coming weeks and contribute to her stay in a roundabout way?

  Mattia leaned against another counter, his arms crossed over that expansive chest, cup of coffee in one hand. ‘Permanent and volunteer medical personnel keep the place going.’

  ‘I’d like to see it.’

  ‘I—’ On the bench his phone rang. Picking it up, he wandered outside to the deck, talking about a patient.

  Elene finished her breakfast and rinsed the plate and cup before delving into the fridge to prepare bottles and food for Aimee to take on their trip.

  ‘You’re in luck,’ Mattia said when he returned. ‘I have to see a patient at the unit before we go to Positano.’

  ‘Coincidental?’

  He shrugged with a smile. ‘So it would seem. It also means we should get moving.’

  ‘Onto it.’ Excitement had her moving quickly towards the shower. Finally she was going to see something of the coast, while visiting the charity unit Mattia devoted a lot of his time to was an added bonus. More than that, she would see another side to him in action. An interesting side. If she could persuade him to let her put in some hours at the charity unit, he might appreciate that she wasn’t just a money-hungry woman with nothing more on her mind than causing trouble.

  * * *

  With Aimee in his arms Mattia led Elene into the surgical unit offshoot of the Naples charity hospital he’d made happen, pride expanding in his chest. His achievement hadn’t been without the generous help and support of a lot of people, so he wasn’t about to blow his own trumpet, but he needed Elene to understand what they were trying to achieve here—and succeeding. ‘We have eight beds, four to a room, and it’s a rare day they’re not all full.’

  Elene walked beside him, taking in everything, and approving. ‘You cover all surgeries?’

  ‘Except the ones requiring sophisticated equipment. Those cases not covered by the health system we find the funds to operate next door at the hospital.’

  ‘It’s wonderful.’

  Warmth crept in under his ribs. He wanted her approval, he realised. Seeing what was important to him, she’d understand how moving to the other side of the world wasn’t an option. If she realised a fraction of the effort he put in here he’d be pleased, because she’d know more about him. He needed that. Don’t ask him why, he just did. Hearing about her bully fiancé had loosened something inside him, had him wanting to make the Aimee situation work as well for her as him. If only he hadn’t had that brain fade and voiced his distrust. Then again, it could be a good thing he’d got it out there, done and dusted. Except now he had to earn Elene’s trust. Ironic, really.

  ‘You must spend every spare minute here.’ Elene’s smile was full of approval and wonder. ‘What about time out for you?’

  ‘I had that in Wellington. Now I’m home, I’m focused on doing as much as possible for others. Though—’ he looked down at his daughter and smiled ‘—I’ll have to change my ways for my girl. Can’t have her growing up thinking I was too busy working to notice her. Can I, little one?’ He dropped a l
ight kiss on Aimee’s cheek, felt love for her expand.

  ‘I’ll teach her not to let you get away with anything.’ Elene was still smiling, which had to be good, didn’t it?

  ‘No surprise there. Come on, I’ll introduce you to everyone.’ This visit wasn’t only about checking up on Gino, but also about letting Elene into his life in a way no other woman had been since Sandy. In the same environment—a charity medical centre. Caution flickered in his veins. Women knew he ran this unit, they just didn’t know how much of himself he put into it, how he gave his heart for those people far less fortunate than him. Elene understood that already if the admiration in her eyes was a clue. Ignoring the nudge of guilt because he was trying to manipulate her, he led her into the nurses’ office.

  The interest flaring in the nurses’ expressions amused Mattia. Until their gazes shifted from Elene to him and onto Aimee, and the interest became an ah ha moment. Ouch. ‘Elene is a nurse in the hospital where I worked in New Zealand. I dated her best friend.’

  Elene’s look was pure enjoyment, suggesting she’d recognised his discomfort. Couldn’t blame her for that.

  Jiggling Aimee on his hip, cuddling her and breathing in the baby scent, Mattia felt a moment of pure happiness. This was what being a father was about. Then he noticed the bemused looks coming his way from the nurses, knew there was a long way to go. Biologically he was Aimee’s dad, but in all other ways he had yet to work things out with Elene before he told the staff what they were surmising was correct.

  ‘Come on, Elene. My patient’s along here. He won’t mind you tagging along.’ That way I get to keep you away from prying nurses with nothing better to do than ask unwanted questions.

  ‘You’d better give me Aimee. Hanging onto her while talking to a patient might be going too far.’ Elene reached for the wriggling bundle he was holding.

  As much as he wanted to hold onto his girl, he handed Aimee over. Elene had a point. ‘You realise everyone thinks you’re her mum.’

  ‘They’re not far off the mark,’ she said, and followed up with one of those stunning smiles that warmed him to the tips of his toes.

  This was all wrong. He should not be feeling any warmth brought on by Elene. But he was. No denying the softening in his belly, the increased speed of his heart. The same feelings he’d known that night in Wellington. Being careful was paramount. Elene had been hurt before. He wouldn’t be the next guy doing that to her.

  Taking her elbow, he led her towards the middle-aged man who lived in a tiny house with his wife and eight kids. ‘Gino, I heard you wanted to see me. This is Elene, a friend from New Zealand.’

  Under Mattia’s fingers Elene’s soft skin felt like velvet, making him want more of her. About to whip his hand away, he paused. This astute woman would instantly know something was up if he let go abruptly. No, nothing was up, but he couldn’t deny there was some tightening going on beyond his belt.

  Gino was giving Elene the once-over. ‘Ciao, Elene. Nice to meet you. The doctor’s one wonderful man for all the good work he does for people like me.’

  ‘That’s enough, Gino. Show me where this pain is.’

  Elene was smiling at the other man, ignoring his attempt to divert the conversation to more basic needs. ‘I hear this unit does good things for lots of people.’

  ‘So you’re the doctor’s wife. Your daughter is the spitting image of him.’

  The colour fled Elene’s cheeks. ‘No, not his wife.’

  ‘Excuse me, everyone. Can we get down to business?’ I’m the doctor around here, which means I’m in charge. Not that these two were taking the slightest bit of notice of him. About to step away from Elene, Mattia hesitated. Support her, man. Don’t leave her to deal with this. ‘Like I said, we’re friends. Now, Gino, what’s the problem with your surgery?’

  Either Elene hadn’t heard him or she chose to ignore him. ‘I’m going to talk to Dr Ricco about putting in some hours here while I’m in town.’

  ‘You want to work here?’ Mattia asked before putting his brain in gear. It shouldn’t surprise him. Nursing was in her blood. She wouldn’t be able to walk away from patients in need. What’s more, they’d love her in here.

  ‘Why not? I’m sure you can always use an extra pair of hands. I have a current licence to nurse in Italy. I don’t need a visa since I’ve got dual citizenship.’ Her smile was devastating, no doubt designed to suck him in and get the answer she was holding out for.

  ‘You have?’

  She nodded. ‘Mum thought it a good idea in case I decided to return to her roots.’

  ‘That could work out for everyone.’ Things were beginning to fall into place. Elene could move to Sorrento without any legal difficulties. But did he want her working here? It was one thing to show her what drove him to get up every day, quite another to have her working in his space. Or was it? He wanted her to move to Sorrento, so letting her into his domain was a given. Keep your enemies close, remember? Except he struggled to think of her as anything but a friend. Um, make that a woman who rattled his emotions, set his body humming and didn’t take him at face value. A woman he could all too easily get beyond liking—if he hadn’t already started down that track. ‘We’ll talk about it later.’

  The expectation in her eyes didn’t falter. ‘I’ll hold you to that.’

  ‘Thought you might.’ He watched her wander away, presumably to give Gino some privacy to talk about what was bothering him. Elene was a great nurse; his patients in Wellington always had nothing but good words for her. Nothing would be any different here, so why was he hesitating? Because I feel vulnerable around her. And that was so alien it floored him.

  ‘Dr Ricco?’ Gino spoke loudly.

  Vulnerable to a woman? To Elene? How was that possible?

  ‘Doctor?’ Louder still.

  He reluctantly turned away from that tempting sight of Elene’s straight back, pert butt and the long hair swishing back and forth over her shoulders, and refocused on who he’d come to see in the first place. He definitely couldn’t have her working here. His patients would be in jeopardy every time he got distracted.

  ‘Sorry, Gino. What did you say?’ Over the phone, the nurse had mentioned the man’s reluctance to get out of bed and start working that new hip.

  ‘The nurse says I have to walk with one of those geriatric walking frames. I only had surgery yesterday. I need to rest.’

  ‘Not at all, Gino. The best thing you can do to help yourself is get out of bed and start moving. Not big steps or long walks, just back and forth across the room like the physio showed you, and the exercises.’

  The man grimaced. ‘Won’t I damage the wound?’

  Getting too cosy? That happened in here sometimes, and who could blame the patients? A comfortable, warm bed, meals at regular intervals and clean pyjamas—all things most people took for granted were luxuries for many of this unit’s patients.

  ‘Not if you follow the rules. There might be a little pain, which the nurses can give you something for, but if you don’t do this the thigh muscles will tighten and hurt far more later on.’

  Gino sighed and sat up, grunting as no doubt that wound reminded him why he was here.

  Mattia brought the walking frame closer. ‘Those exercises for tightening and relaxing your thigh muscles while lying in bed will have you back on your feet quicker than you can believe.’

  ‘Mattia, can you take a look at some results that’ve come through from the lab?’ a nurse called from the desk.

  ‘Sure. You take over here.’ Mattia crossed to the desk and studied the computer screen in front of him, then picked up the phone and dialled the pharmacy down the road. Next he visited Signora Esposito. So much for a quick drop by before hitting the road to Positano.

  A glance across the ward had him smiling. Elene was now with Gino as he balanced awkwardly on the walking frame. ‘That’s it. One small st
ep, then another. See, you can do it.’

  ‘My legs are feeble,’ Gino grumbled before taking another step.

  Elene told him, ‘You’ll be on crutches before you know it, and able to give the nurses cheek as you go past their desk.’

  His progress picked up from a snail’s pace. ‘Why are nurses always so chirpy?’

  ‘Hassling patients is part of our job. No, don’t turn around. You can make it to the other side and back. That’s it. You’re doing great.’

  Mattia sat on the corner of the desk and watched Gino hanging off every word Elene uttered, doing his best to impress her. Yes, they needed her here. Everyone except him, that was. Though that was getting harder to believe by the day.

  * * *

  ‘I don’t think I could ever be brave enough to drive along this road.’ Elene stared at the car in front that had just cut across the front of Mattia’s vehicle. It wasn’t the first of the morning. ‘Look at all those dents in the bodywork.’

  ‘I was going to offer you the use of my car whenever I’m at work.’ Mattia laughed. ‘Not a good idea?’

  ‘Not if you want it back in pristine condition.’ She laughed too, then winced as a car coming in the opposite direction overtook and sent everyone sideways in avoidance mode. ‘That was close.’

  ‘That’s Italy. Toughen up and enjoy it. The driving does get a little chaotic on popular roads like this one, especially when tourists are thrown into the mix.’

  ‘I’ll take the bus or train while I’m here.’ Especially since she had a toddler to think of. She looked beyond the sharp bend they were approaching and gasped. ‘That’s so beautiful. All those houses painted pretty shades of yellow and pink and red and white, with the sea at the bottom. How they remain attached to the steep hillside is beyond me.’ This was what she’d wanted to see again. Also to wander along the streets of Positano and poke around in the shops, pick up some souvenirs to take home.