The Nurse's Christmas Wish (The Cornish Consultants)

Mac watched with something close to fascination. He’d never actually watched a woman cook before. Melissa had been a career-woman so on the rare occasions that they’d been in at the same time to eat, they’d lived on fast food and take-aways. And his mother had always had help in the house.

Watching Louisa was like watching an artist at work.

Josh sniffed and gave a moan of pleasure as she placed a bowl of fluffy rice in front of him. ‘I’m not the marrying type, but I swear to heaven I’d marry you if you’d have me, Louisa.’

‘You’re safe, Josh,’ Louisa said soothingly, turning away to lift a casserole out of the Aga. ‘I wouldn’t have you in any shape or form. Given the contents of the take-away cartons, I gather you both like Indian food so I’ve made you curry, but hopefully mine is a tastier and healthier option.’

Mac glanced at the array of dishes and felt his taste buds spurt. ‘You made curry?’

He was starving.

‘That’s right.’ She went back to the oven and removed several more dishes. ‘That’s a lamb rogan josh and a chicken pasanda—very creamy with almonds. Rice, naan bread, spinach with garlic and green beans. Enjoy.’

Deciding that difficult conversation could definitely wait, Mac helped himself, piling his plate with food and then turning his attention to his brother. ‘So—what happened today?’

Without lifting his eyes from his plate, Josh reached for his beer. ‘Usual story. Too many patients. Too few staff. Any chutney, Lu?’

Louisa pushed the dish towards him. ‘It’s fresh chutney. Tomatoes, red onion, coriander—try it. It’s better for you than that sugary stuff you had hanging around in the fridge which, by the way, expired a year ago so I threw it out.’

Josh gave a sheepish smile. ‘Oops.’

‘The forecast is bad. It’s going to be a difficult Christmas,’ Mac said, forking lamb curry into his mouth. For a moment he sat still, savouring the flavour. A fabulous mix of spices exploded onto his palate and he just managed to stop himself groaning with pleasure. ‘This is amazing.’

‘Glad you like it.’ Louisa helped herself to some chicken. ‘Why are you so busy at work? Surely there aren’t many tourists at this time of year?’

‘Difficult to attract staff to deepest Cornwall,’ Mac said, chewing slowly, his eyes fixed on her face. ‘Which makes me wonder what you’re doing here.’

Why would she agree to come and live with strangers at Christmas?

Josh choked on his beer. ‘For crying out loud, Mac, finish the food before you insult the woman. If she deprives us of seconds, I’ll kill you.’

Mac didn’t smile, his eyes still on her face, searching for clues. What exactly was she expecting from him?

She held his gaze. ‘I’m making your life easier, Dr Sullivan. That’s what I’m doing here.’

He glanced round his kitchen. ‘Housekeepers don’t usually work out.’

‘Because they keep hearing wedding bells.’ Louisa’s tone was placid and her eyes twinkled with humour. ‘Josh told me. Don’t worry, Mac, you’re very good-looking but you’re not my type.’

‘So what’s your type?’ The question left his lips before he could stop himself, but she simply laughed.

‘I haven’t met him yet, but when I do, I’ll let you know and I’ll invite you to the wedding. More curry?’

Mac sat unresisting as she spooned the rich sauce onto his plate. ‘Are all your meals as good as this one?’

‘Well, if you’ll let me stay, you’ll find out,’ she said cheerfully, a dimple appearing in her cheek. ‘If you throw me out, you’ll never know.’

It occurred to Mac that she smiled more than any woman he’d ever met.

But he was still going to ask her to leave. As soon as he’d finished eating.

‘So you’re an A and E nurse?’

‘That’s right.’ She poured herself a glass of water. ‘I left my last job a few weeks ago.’

‘Why?’

Josh let out an exasperated sigh. ‘For goodness’ sake, Mac. You sound like the Spanish Inquisition.’