The Greek Children's Doctor (Westerling)

‘I’m a modern woman,’ Libby said lightly, looking away from him again. ‘If it happens, rest assured that I’m not going to chase you for money.’

His gaze darkened ominously. ‘Unfortunately, I’m not a modern guy,’ he responded icily. ‘I’m Greek and Greek men are notoriously old-fashioned about things like that. If you’re pregnant, Libby, you’ll be getting much more from me than money.’

Without giving her a chance to respond, he strode out of the room, leaving her staring after him.

Chapter 8

Libby managed to avoid Andreas for the rest of the shift by staying with Jenny.

When the night staff arrived she was still in the little girl’s roo

m, cuddling her, talking softly to her, making her feel more secure in her strange surroundings. There seemed no hope that she’d be able to see either of her parents before the morning.

Her mother was still in Theatre and her father was being treated for smoke inhalation.

‘The neighbour thinks that there’s an aunt living nearby,’ Bev told her, ‘but no one has any idea how to contact her. We’ll just have to wait for one of the parents to tell us. In the meantime, we’ll keep the baby overnight. Andreas seems keen to keep an eye on her anyway, given the seriousness of the fall.’

‘I can’t believe she survived it,’ Libby murmured softly, careful not to wake Jenny, who was dozing quietly.

‘Well, the mother obviously took the brunt of the impact.’ Bev looked at the little girl lying on the bed. ‘She seems more peaceful. Has she had more morphine?’

Libby nodded. ‘It will be good when she can see one of her parents. She needs the reassurance.’

Bev nodded. ‘Well, hopefully we’ll manage something tomorrow. We can always carry her up to them if necessary.’ Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Libby. ‘You look exhausted. You should have requested the day off today. How late did you get to bed?’

Not that late, Libby reflected. But she’d been awake for most of the night thinking about Andreas. Dreaming about fairy-tales and happy endings.

‘I’m fine.’

‘What you need is some proper time off. You’ve got a few days’ leave due. I want you to take them.’

Libby looked at her. ‘Bev, we’re far too busy for me to take leave.’

Bev shrugged. ‘You’re knackered, Lib. You’re no use to me like this. You’ve been working double shifts for as long as I can remember and you need a rest. I’ll ring the agency and see if I can get someone for the week after next.’

Libby frowned. ‘Holiday leave…’

‘Yes, holiday leave,’ Bev said firmly. ‘You’ve got five days. For goodness’ sake, go away somewhere.’

Libby looked at her blankly. She didn’t really want to go anywhere. She didn’t have the energy. If she wasn’t going to work, all she really wanted to do was go to bed and sleep for ever.

‘I’ll see how things are,’ she said vaguely, thinking that it might actually be nice to have a few days at home, doing nothing. She could lie in bed in the mornings and meet Katy for lunch. ‘If you’re sure, that is.’

‘I’m sure,’ Bev said firmly, breaking off as Andreas strolled into the room.

Libby felt her stomach turn over. He was so good-looking he took her breath away and she was starting to have really, really foolish thoughts.

Thoughts about being pregnant and him insisting on marrying her.

Ridiculous!

She closed her eyes briefly, horrified by the way her mind was working.

What was the matter with her? She was thinking like someone who wasn’t thoroughly disillusioned with men.

A holiday was definitely a good idea. It would mean putting space between her and Andreas. And she needed that space.

Her mind seemed to have a will of its own and she was starting to believe that Andreas might be different from all the other men she’d ever met.