‘Why is it all such a big secret? I mean, why not let either of us know before I started in the department?’
‘Because…’ Sara sighed again. ‘Well, because I thought he might be perfect for you.’
‘Perfect, eh? In what way?’ Jennifer’s eyes met Jasper’s before she looked him over, taking in the chambray shirt which fitted over his torso to perfection, highlighting those perfect arms and broad shoulders. His tie was his university tie and as she looked him over he brushed his hand through his hair. When her eyes met his again she could see the humour displayed there as well as a veiled hint of desire, indicating he’d enjoyed her appraisal. He even gave her a little wink, forcing her to ignore the way her heart rate increased at that one look from him. Friends. They’d decided to be friends.
‘You know what I mean.’ Sara’s exasperation was starting to build to an all time high. ‘Perfect for you to date.’
‘Oh, I see.’ She couldn’t help but chuckle as Jasper put one hand behind his head and the other on his hip, striking a pose. The man was so free and funny. She liked it.
‘Why are you laughing? Jenn-i-fer?’ Sara’s tone was dark and Jennifer knew she was in trouble because Sara rarely used her full name.
‘Hi, Sara,’ Jasper said, his tone warm and inviting.
‘Jasper? You’re there!’
‘I’m here.’
‘Have you got me on speaker?’ Sara demanded.
‘Yes.’
‘Jennifer Alyce Thorngate, you are in a massive amount of trouble when I see you next, and don’t even think of staying at the hospital until two o’clock in the morning because I’ll be waiting for you when you get in.’
‘If you say so, Sara Elizabeth Jones.’
‘So I take it you two have met and figured out I wanted to get you together so you thought you’d have a little bit of payback, right?’
‘Right,’ they said in unison. At that moment Jasper’s pager went off and he checked the number.
‘A and E.’
Jennifer nodded. The next moment her own pager beeped. ‘Listen, Sara. We’ve got to go.’ She checked the information on her own pager. A and E. ‘An emergency’s just come in.’
‘A likely story,’ Sara grunted. ‘OK, but, listen, get Jasper to check out that colleague who wants you to buy the house.’
‘I’m the colleague,’ Jasper told her as he stood. ‘The house two doors down from mine is for sale.’
‘Oh.’ Sara was surprised and then Jennifer heard smugness enter her tone. ‘Oh, well, in that case, go right ahead.’
‘I’ll see you later, Sara.’ Jennifer rang off, rolling her eyes as she picked up her stethoscope.
‘What?’ Jasper asked.
‘Did you hear her tone?’
‘What tone?’ They headed out of her office and down the corridor.
‘That smug tone of hers that says, “Ooh, Jasper and Jen will be living within two houses of each other and working together and spending so much time together that my matchmaking efforts will work and I can take the credit for them getting together.” That tone.’
‘Oh. Well maybe Sara’s right?’
Jennifer stopped short. ‘What? No. I’ve told you I’m not re—’
Jasper laughed and beckoned for her to follow. ‘I’m only teasing. Gee, you’re an easy mark. Come on. Let’s see what sort of mess has come into A and E that we need to fix up.’
They rounded the corner into A and E and walked over to Maryanne, the orthopaedic registrar, who was expectantly waiting for them. ‘What’s going on?’ Jasper asked.
‘There’s been a multiple MVA reported. Ambulances are on their way in, and reports regarding the number of casualties and possible injuries.’ Maryanne directed her comments to Jasper and then to Jennifer and then back to him. It was as though she wasn’t quite sure who was in charge. Well, Jennifer knew it was up to her to make sure everyone in this hospital knew exactly who was in charge of Orthopaedics.
‘Right. Jasper.’ She turned to face him. ‘Once Triage Sister has organised the patients, I want you and two of the registrars to take the most extensive of the multiple trauma cases, which will no doubt include a pelvic fracture.’ She quirked an eyebrow at him. ‘I’ve heard you’re the expert when it comes to them.’
Jasper inclined his head in a sort of bow, acknowledging her words. Jennifer turned to Maryanne. ‘Have you called anyone else in?’
‘Louise and Allan were just finishing their shifts so I’ve asked them to stay.’