The Greek Children's Doctor Read online

  Libby shrugged carelessly. ‘So the guy is rich. It doesn’t mean anything.’

  ‘In my experience, rich people don’t throw it away,’ Katy said mildly. ‘It’s the reason they’re rich.’

  ‘Well, I don’t know why he spent a thousand pounds on me,’ Libby said testily, picking up a spoon and teasing the froth on top of her coffee. ‘Who am I to understand the workings of a man’s mind?’

  Katy gave a warm smile. ‘He must have been pretty keen on you.’

  ‘If he is, it’s only because I keep saying no.’

  ‘And why on earth do you keep saying no? Rumour has it that he’s gorgeous.’

  Libby thought of Andreas, remembering his luxuriant black hair and his incredibly sexy eyes.

  ‘He is gorgeous.’

  Katy looked baffled. ‘So what’s wrong?’

  ‘He’s a man,’ Libby said flatly, putting her spoon down and staring at the patterns she’d made on the surface of her coffee. ‘That’s what’s wrong.’

  ‘So?’ Katy finished her tea. ‘You’re twenty-nine, Lib. You can’t carry on being this defensive. Eventually you’ve got to trust someone.’

  ‘Why would I want to do a silly thing like that? It’s asking for trouble.’

  ‘I can tell you like him,’ Katy said softly, and Libby gave a short laugh and picked up her coffee-cup.

  ‘Oh, I like him. I like him a lot.’ She felt things for Andreas that she’d never felt for a man before, and that worried her. It made her vulnerable. ‘It doesn’t change the fact he’s a man.’

  ‘Libby, not all men behave badly,’ Katy said gently. ‘You have to get out there and give it a go.’

  ‘I’ve given it a go,’ Libby said flatly. ‘And I found him in bed with his wife.’

  Katy frowned. ‘But were you in love with Philip?’

  Libby sipped her cappuccino. ‘No,’ she said finally, ‘I wasn’t. Which just makes me doubly determined not to get involved again. Imagine how much harder it would have been if I’d really cared. I’d be humiliated and broken-hearted, instead of just humiliated.’

  Katy looked confused. ‘So you’re going to go through life picking men you know you can’t fall in love with? How is that ever going to work?’

  ‘It isn’t,’ Libby agreed, ‘but, then, I don’t actually want it to work. I just can’t deal with the pain that goes with relationships.’

  ‘But maybe if you chose someone you really liked, the relationship might stand a chance of working,’ Katy suggested logically. ‘At the moment you’re so afraid of being hurt that you pick people who you can’t possibly fall in love with. You’ll never meet Mr Right that way.’

  ‘I don’t believe in Mr Right,’ Libby reminded her. ‘He’s a myth invented for children by the same person that thought up Father Christmas and the Easter Bunny. Personally I’d rather believe in the Easter Bunny. At least he comes armed with chocolate.’

  But, despite her light-hearted words, she found herself thinking about what her sister had said. It was certainly true that she’d never really felt anything for Philip. Did she really pick men that she knew she couldn’t fall in love with?

  ‘You’re so busy protecting yourself from hurt that you never go out with anyone remotely suitable. You’re afraid of falling in love, Libby.’

  Libby glared at her. ‘I thought you were an A and E doctor, not a psychiatrist.’

  ‘Today I’m your sister,’ Katy said softly, ‘and I love you. I want to see you settled with babies because I know that’s what you want, too. I want to see you in love. And so does Alex, which was why he didn’t buy you, I expect. He hoped you might meet someone, and you have.’

  Libby stared at the river, watching the way the sunlight glittered on the surface. ‘I don’t want to be vulnerable and being in love just makes you vulnerable.’

  Katy gave a humourless laugh. ‘I know that. I know that better than anyone. I had such a dilemma when I met up with Jago again. He hurt me so badly the first time.’

  ‘That was different. That was because our father meddled.’

  ‘He still hurt me. Believe me, Lib, trusting him again was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.’

  ‘And Alex and I had to manipulate the two of you back together,’ Libby reminded her dryly. ‘You were going to marry Lord Frederick Hamilton.’

  ‘I was marrying Freddie because I was scared of what I felt when I was with Jago,’ Katy admitted. ‘I was doing what you’re doing. Running from being hurt. But there comes a point you have to take a risk with your heart, Libby. Otherwise you’ll miss out on love. I shiver when I think what might have happened if Jago and I hadn’t got back together. I love him so much. Without him, my life would have been so different. Empty.’

  Libby sighed, acknowledging that she was envious of her sister’s relationship.

  ‘It’s different for you,’ she said gruffly. ‘You and Jago are crazy about each other and you always were.’

  She knew how powerfully Jago had affected Katy.

  Having loved him, Katy had never been able to feel anything for another man.

  But she herself never felt that strongly for a man…

  Until Andreas.

  Libby arrived on the ward for the late shift to find that Rachel had had her drip removed.

  ‘She’s doing so much better,’ Bev told her. ‘Andreas gave instructions for it to be removed this morning and she’s having the antibiotics orally now.’

  ‘Did the results of her urine tests come back?’

  ‘Positive. It was a UTI.’

  So Andreas had been right. Libby gave a reluctant smile. He might be good-looking and too pushy by half, but he was clearly a good doctor. Better than good. Hopefully, by treating the child so early he would have managed to prevent any damage to her kidneys.

  ‘And how’s Melanie this morning?’

  Bev smiled. ‘Doing very well. Her wound is a bit sore, obviously, but she’s a lovely child. So cheerful.’

  ‘Is her drip out?’

  Bev nodded. ‘She had bowel sounds so Andreas started her on sips of water last night and took her drip down this morning. I thought maybe you could get her to the playroom today.’

  ‘Good idea.’ Like all paediatric nurses, Libby knew how important it was that the children had plenty of opportunities for play. ‘I’ll get going, then.’

  She started with Rachel, checking the baby’s observations and noting with pleasure that her colour was good and that she was alert and interested in her surroundings.

  ‘She’s like a different baby,’ she said to Alison, who nodded.

  ‘I know. Those antibiotics worked like a miracle. Thank goodness the GP sent us in here.’ She gave a rueful smile. ‘He might not have diagnosed her correctly himself, but at least by admitting her we saw Dr Christakos. He’s amazing.’

  Right on cue, Andreas strolled into the room looking devastating in a blue shirt and well-cut trousers.

  It was really unfair that any man should be so good-looking, Libby thought helplessly as she tried not to look at him. It was like having a job in a chocolate factory and being on a strict diet.

  ‘She owes me a cuddle.’ He smiled at Alison and scooped Rachel into his arms. He held her with the easy confidence of someone with plenty of experience with children, talking softly to her and allowing her to pat his cheek with her tiny hand.

  ‘She likes you,’ Alison said shyly, and Libby looked at him helplessly.

  There seemed to be no age limit to the women he charmed.

  Pulling herself together, she quickly changed the sheet on Rachel’s cot and got her antibiotics ready.

  ‘We’ll give dose IV and then we’ll take the venflon out and continue with the drugs orally,’ Andreas said, still cuddling the child in his arms.

  Libby tried not to look at him, busying herself with the various jobs that needed to be done and then excusing herself and hurrying back to the nurses’ station.

  Unfortunately he was right behind her. />
  ‘By the way…’ he looked at her ‘…this trip you’ve got planned with Adrienne. She wants to know if you can do it in three weeks’ time. She can’t do it before that because there are things going on at the school that she wants to go to.’

  Libby’s face brightened. ‘I’m delighted that she wants to stay at school.’

  He gave a wry smile. ‘Me, too. She seems to have finally made friends. Thanks to you, I think.’

  Libby blushed. ‘I doubt it. I was only there for five minutes.’

  Andreas studied her. ‘But some people make an impact in a very short space of time,’ he said softly.

  Libby’s heart hammered against her chest. ‘Three weeks, you say?’

  ‘That’s the Saturday of the ball so I suppose that may not be convenient. You’ll want the time to get ready.’

  ‘Believe it or not, it doesn’t take me all day,’ Libby said dryly. ‘And, anyway, I need to do some shopping for myself, so that’s fine. I’m really looking forward to it.’

  ‘So is Adrienne.’ Andreas surveyed her under lowered lids, his expression difficult to read. ‘It’s very kind of you to do it and I appreciate it.’

  Did he think that was why she was doing it? To wriggle into his favour?

  ‘I’m doing it for Adrienne, not you.’ She looked him in the eye and then wished she hadn’t. Head on he was dangerously irresistible.

  Andreas smiled. ‘Of course,’ he said smoothly. ‘Can anyone come or is it girls only? I could treat you both to lunch in the middle of what sounds like an exhausting day.’

  Libby hesitated, knowing that Adrienne would like to have him there. It was clear that she was very fond of her uncle.

  ‘You’re very welcome as long as you promise not to give your opinion.’

  He lifted an eyebrow. ‘My opinion isn’t valued?’

  ‘Not by a twelve-year-old girl at boarding school,’ Libby said dryly. ‘I know what she needs.’

  ‘And I don’t?’

  ‘You’re a man,’ Libby drawled, and Andreas gave her a smile so sexy that it melted her bones.

  ‘I am indeed, Libby. And I’m glad you’ve noticed.’

  Libby swallowed. Oh, she’d definitely noticed. It was hard not to.

  The next three weeks passed so quickly that Libby barely had time to think. The ward was incredibly busy and Andreas was working so hard that she often went several days without seeing him, which was a relief because it made it easier to keep her mind on the job and not start dreaming about things she couldn’t have.

  They picked Adrienne up from school on the Saturday of the ball and drove into the centre of London.

  ‘We’re going to start by sorting out your hair,’ Libby said, turning in her seat so that she could look at the child. ‘I’m taking you to the best hairdresser in town.’

  Adrienne’s eyes widened and she lifted a hand to her unruly mop. ‘I’ve never really had it cut before. I’ve just been growing it long.’

  And it was badly out of condition and desperately needed shaping, Libby reflected, although she kept those thoughts to herself.

  ‘We won’t cut it short,’ Libby assured her. ‘Trust me. It’ll look great.’

  She directed Andreas through some back streets and then showed him where to park.

  ‘I’m amazed that there’s somewhere to park this close to the centre,’ Andreas observed, and Libby grinned.

  ‘It’s only for very valued customers. And I am a very, very valued customer.’

  Andreas ran his eyes over her gleaming blonde curls and gave a wry smile. ‘I’ll bet you are.’

  ‘A girl has to look after her crowning glory,’ Libby said airily, pushing open the door of the exclusive salon.

  She walked confidently across the marble floor and approached the reception desk.

  ‘Morning, Francesca. Is Mario around?’

  The girl glanced up and her face brightened as she recognised Libby. ‘Well, hi, there!’ A puzzled look crossed her face and she checked her computer screen. ‘We weren’t expecting you today, were we?’

  ‘Not exactly.’ Libby dealt her a winning smile. ‘I’m after a favour.’

  An extremely slim man wearing a pair of skin-tight, imitation crocodile-skin trousers minced across the salon towards her.

  ‘Elizabeth Westerling, please tell me that this favour isn’t happening on a Saturday.’

  ‘Hi, Mario.’ Libby followed and kissed him on both cheeks. ‘You’ll have fun, trust me.’

  The man gave a dramatic groan and wiped a hand across his brow. ‘It’s Saturday, Libby. My busiest day. Everyone is clamouring for my attention—’

  ‘But I’m not everyone,’ Libby reminded him with a sunny smile that drew a wistful sigh from the salon owner.

  ‘How can I refuse you?’ He spread his hands in a gesture of surrender and then froze as he noticed Andreas for the first time. His hands dropped to his sides and he took a step backwards, his eyes raking appreciatively over the other man’s broad shoulders and powerful physique. ‘Introduce me to your friend, Libby. Immediately.’

  Libby laughed. ‘Hands off.’

  Mario’s gaze lingered regretfully on Andreas whose expression was comical.

  ‘Relax,’ Libby said, still laughing. ‘He’s a brilliant hairdresser. The best.’

  Mario was pacing the floor of his salon. ‘Already I have your sister Katherine booked in and you know how fussy she is. Her hair has to look exactly so.’

  ‘You’ve been doing Katy’s hair for years,’ Libby pointed out patiently. ‘It won’t take you any time at all. Now, listen.’ She grabbed Adrienne’s hand and pulled her forward. ‘Mario, do you remember when I was thirteen?’

  Mario shuddered at the recollection. ‘You were all pouts and teenage rebellion and your hair never behaved itself. Not like your sister’s.’

  ‘Absolutely.’ Libby smiled happily. ‘Well, I’ve got another ripe case of teenage rebellion for you here. She’s having trouble at school, Mario. I want you to transform her. She’s going to be cool and a trendsetter by the time she leaves your salon.’

  Andreas sucked in a breath and started to protest but Libby placed a hand on his chest.

  ‘You promised not to interfere, remember? What do you say, Mario? Will you do it?’

  Mario rolled his eyes dramatically and gave an exaggerated sigh but he stepped forward, loosening Adrienne’s hair from the childish band she wore. He pulled a face as he pushed and pulled, feeling the hair and placing it in different positions, his eyes narrowed as he experimented with different effects.

  ‘It is too heavy,’ he murmured. ‘It’s concealing her face. And she has a very beautiful face. It needs layers and texture.’

  Libby beamed. ‘My point exactly.’

  Mario pushed, twisted and lifted for a few minutes and then sighed and looked at his receptionist. ‘Rearrange my morning, Francesca. I’m going to be busy.’

  He took Adrienne by the hand and led her through to the basins. ‘We’ll start with some serious conditioning.’

  Libby followed and kissed him on the cheek. ‘Thanks, Mario. You’re a star. We’ll go and grab a coffee and be back in an hour. And remember. She’s not quite thirteen. I don’t want lamb dressed as mutton.’

  Mario looked affronted. ‘You are trying to tell me how to do my job?’ He clicked his fingers at one of the salon juniors who hurried across to shampoo Adrienne’s hair.

  ‘I’m not sure I should be leaving my innocent niece in the hands of that man,’ Andreas muttered darkly, following her across the road to a café.

  Libby laughed. ‘Mario’s great. But you had a narrow escape.’ She shot him a wicked look. ‘He really, really fancied you.’

  Andreas shook his head disapprovingly and sat down at one of the tables on the pavement.

  The sun shone down on them and the air smelt of fresh baking and garlic as the many restaurants prepared for their lunchtime trade.

  Libby ordered cappuccinos. ‘You look really tense. Come
on, what’s wrong? You’re not seriously worrying about Mario, are you? Because you shouldn’t. He really is the best hairdresser in London. People wait an average of four months to get an appointment with him.’

  ‘Unless your name is Libby,’ Andreas observed dryly. ‘No, it isn’t that. I’m worried that Adrienne will think that fitting in is all about the way you look,’ he confessed, reaching into his pocket for sunglasses.

  Libby sucked in a breath. Normally she found it impossible to look away from his sexy eyes, but now they were covered she suddenly found herself focusing on his dark jaw. He was staggeringly handsome and she could hardly help to notice the way that every woman who passed stared at him.

  ‘Appearances matter,’ she said, leaning back in her chair as their drinks arrived. She smiled at the waiter. ‘Could I have a chocolate brownie, please?’

  ‘Chocolate brownie?’ Andreas lifted an eyebrow and she shrugged carelessly.

  ‘A girl’s got to have a vice. Mine’s chocolate.’

  Andreas gave a slow, sexy smile, his expression concealed by the sunglasses. ‘And is that your only vice, Miss Westerling?’

  ‘Yes,’ Libby replied firmly, wishing that he would remove the sunglasses. It was unsettling not being able to see his eyes. ‘But it’s a serious one. Now, back to the subject of appearances. You’re right that appearances shouldn’t matter, but they do, I’m afraid. You know that as well as I do. People form an opinion about you within about thirty seconds of meeting you. And when you’re a teenager, the way you look is part of being accepted. Teenagers have a uniform.’

  Andreas lifted his cup. ‘And you really think a new haircut will help her make friends?’

  ‘I think it will be a start. The rest is up to Adrienne. Mmm. Yummy.’ Libby licked her lips as her chocolate brownie arrived and Andreas tensed.

  Feeling his gaze on her, Libby felt suddenly hot, every inch of her quivering, female body helplessly aware of the tension that simmered between them.

  ‘D-don’t look at me like that,’ she muttered, and he lifted an eyebrow.

  ‘Like what?’

  His voice was husky and very male and she knew he was teasing her. Suddenly she found she couldn’t breathe properly.