Rescuing Dr. MacAllister

Ellie watched him go and then turned back to Ben, relief showing on her face. 'How did you know I didn't want to go with him?'

'Because everything you think is either written all over your face or comes out of your mouth,' he said dryly, ripping off his sterile gloves and tossing them into the bin. 'I had the distinct impression that Dr Thacker isn't your favourite person.'

'Well, you're right and that's three times tonight you've rescued me,' she said gratefully. 'But you needn't worry about actually giving me a lift. I can make my own way home.'

'Ellie...' His smile was weary. 'Just get in my car. Otherwise, no doubt you'll cadge a lift from someone undesirable—not that he'd stand a chance with you. You'd talk him to death before he could do you any harm.'

She gave a brief smile and peeped at him cautiously, wondering whether she dared ask him about what had happened earlier.

No.

He clearly hadn't wanted to talk about it, and this certainly wasn't the right place for tackling something that obviously affected him so deeply.

'You really don't have to take me home. Besides—' her eyes twinkled with humour '—I don't accept lifts from strangers.'

'I'd noticed.' There was a hint of laughter in his eyes. 'Get in my car, Ellie.'

'Well, if you're sure...' Suddenly aware that she felt totally exhausted, she looked at Ben gratefully. 'Is it horribly out of your way? Where are you living?'

Sean glanced at them both and started to laugh. 'He's living next door to you. Did Jack forget to mention it?'

Ellie stared at him, too tired to take it in. 'Didn't Jack mention what?'

'When I told Jack I had a new doctor starting, he offered me one of the log cabins for the winter.' Sean grinned. 'It's the one next door to Ellie's. You're going to be neighbours.'

Neighbours.

As he drove carefully along the rain-slicked roads towards the Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Ben glanced sideways at his passenger and gave a disbelieving shake of his head.

She was fast asleep, and had been from the minute she'd climbed into his car, clearly exhausted.

Now her eyes were closed, dark lashes fanning her cheeks, her soft dark hair half obscuring her features. But he could still see the full mouth and her long slim legs tucked under her on the seat. She slept like a child, blissfully content and relaxed. Even in her sleep she looked happy.

He'd never met anyone quite so unrelentingly cheerful and optimistic. Maybe it was just her youth, he reflected. Life hadn't had time to grind her down.

Ben gave a short laugh. At least she didn't talk in her sleep.

Noticing a sign for the centre, he turned right onto a bumpy lane and followed the track down to the small lake, blinking in surprise as he saw a cluster of log cabins nestling among the trees

. It was a wonderful setting.

He pulled up outside one of the cabins and checked the number. Sixteen. That was hers. Which meant his must be next door.

He opened the car door, expecting her to wake up, but she didn't stir and he touched her shoulder gently.

'Ellie?' He gave her a gentle shake but her eyes remained closed. Ben gritted his teeth. What was he supposed to do? Carry her into her cabin? There didn't seem to be any other answer.

Feeling as though he were committing a crime, he reached for her bag and found her keys and then walked round to the passenger side.

Releasing her seat belt, he scooped her into his arms, still expecting her to wake up. Instead, she nestled into his chest, her soft hair tickling his chin as she snuggled closer.

He walked across to the door of the cabin, painfully aware of the subtle scent that clung to her. It was a mixture of roses and summer and soft, warm woman, and it had a disturbing effect on him.

What was the matter with him?

So much for telling Sean that he didn't feel anything any more.

It must be the strain of a long and difficult day that was making him react like this.