The Seduction Challenge

‘Do I really need to be there?’ Her green eyes reflected her uncertainty and Joel wondered why she hated going out so much.

‘It’s your idea that we’re discussing and developing,’ Richard pointed out. ‘If you’re worried about Sam, don’t be. There’ll be plenty of people to entertain him.’

‘All right, then,’ she said finally, finding a smile that did nothing to hide her uncertainty. She slid her fingers nervously through her sleek hair. ‘I—I don’t know where the house is. You’ll have to give me a map.’

‘I’ll drive you,’ Joel said immediately, reflecting with wry humour that he seemed to have a need to torture himself.

His father frowned slightly and Joel met his gaze without flinching, knowing that he could expect another lecture later.

And maybe they were right to lecture him.

They were certainly right that he was unsuitable for Lucy. She certainly wasn’t the sort of woman who enjoyed casual flings, and the last thing on his mind was commitment.

Which just left friendship.

And that was proving harder than he’d imagined.

‘Lucy, that’s inspired!’ Richard sat back in his chair at the lunch table and stared at her admiringly. ‘Why did none of us think of that?’

‘What sort of talks did you have in mind, Lucy?’ Michael helped himself to another roast potato and glanced across at her. ‘Child-centred things—weaning, teething…?’

‘Well, we could do that,’ Lucy said hesitantly, and Joel looked at her searchingly.

‘But you’ve got a better idea?’

‘The problem is that those sorts of talks attract mothers who are already very motivated and interested. I think we should cover those issues, of course, but also broaden it out. Cover topics that are more frivolous, more of general interest.’ Lucy realised that they were all watching her, and blushed slightly. ‘Maybe we should cover topics that are more personal.’

‘Such as?’

‘Well, one of Fiona’s mothers is a fitness instructor—she could talk to them about getting into shape with small children.’ Lucy bit her lip, wondering whether it was a stupid idea. ‘I mean, I know it’s hard when you’ve got toddlers, but there are exercises that you can do around the home. I also thought we could maybe have some talks on clothes or make-up—something that’s for them.’

Elizabeth beamed at her. ‘That’s a brilliant idea. They’ll come along for a gossip and to learn something, and while they’re there we’ll talk to them about immunisation.’

‘That’s right.’

‘I can’t think why none of us have thought of it before.’ Elizabeth held up her wineglass. ‘A toast to Lucy. An asset to our practice.’

‘Lucy…’ they chorused, and she smiled self-consciously.

‘Well, if you’re sure you approve, I’ll get together and plan it with Fiona.’

‘Ros can help you design some posters,’ Nick said. ‘She’s a genius with the computer.’

Michael put down his knife and fork and sat back in his chair. ‘So what day are we going to do it?’

‘Thursdays,’ Joel said immediately. ‘It has to fit around the other clinics and that seems as good a time as any.’

They talked through the details and Lucy found herself relaxing and joining in, enjoying the flow of conversation and ideas. The Whittakers were all very bright; there was no doubt about that.

‘Mum.’ Sam’s little voice interrupted them in mid-flow. ‘When are we going home?’

Lucy blushed with mortification but Joel laughed.

‘Sorry, old chap. We must have been boring you to tears, but you’ve been so good and quiet there we all forgot about you.’

‘The poor child!’ Elizabeth gave a gasp of apology and jumped to her feet. ‘You come into the kitchen with me, Sam, and we’ll see what we can find in my cupboards. I kept lots of toys from when my boys were small.’

Lucy sneaked a glance at the three powerfully built men who were lounging around the table. She couldn’t imagine any of them as children.