The Nurse's Secret

A low chuckle came through the phone, making her smile. ‘You haven’t changed a bit.’

Oh, yes, I have. Because of you, I got over Angus. Though I’m still wary of trusting a man with my heart again. Also, because of you, I’m a mum with the most adorable little girl imaginable.

‘Call me when you have a spare moment.’ The phone banged hard as she put it back on its holder.

Closing her eyes, she pictured Holly on the swing in the park yesterday, giggling as the hem of her pink, frilly skirt blew up under her chin. Holly, her darling girl. Noah had to love her. Had to. No option, or she didn’t know what she’d do. As long as he didn’t try to take Holly away from her. He wouldn’t. But compared to her family, he’d be well off. He was a medical specialist so might think he could provide a better life for their daughter. He’d have the battle of all battles if he tried that on. But she was getting ahead of herself.

He knew nothing about what had gone on in her life after they had parted that morning in his hotel room. She wanted to take her time learning more about his lifestyle and him, before exposing herself and Holly, but she didn’t have that right. She could only trust her gut instinct—Noah Kennedy would do the right thing by them all. Fingers crossed.

‘I gave up waiting.’ Jason plonked a full mug in front of her and pulled out the other seat at the counter.

‘Sorry, you know how it is. Mr Black’s had an appendectomy and will be back on the ward later this morning. We need to keep a close eye on him for developing infection at the original operation site, and make sure it’s not ramping up this latest problem.’

‘Poor guy. He’ll be sore for a while.’ Jason munched on a biscuit. ‘So what do you think of our new surgeon?’

My lips are sealed.

‘So far I like him.’ She spluttered into her coffee. ‘He seems to know what he’s doing,’ she said, trying for a smile but suspecting it came off as a grimace.

‘Guess that means he’ll be too busy for his ward round today.’

She shook her head. ‘No mention of it.’ She needed to know if Noah was going to turn up so as not to get taken by surprise and look out of her depth. Ward rounds were a piece of cake, all part of her duty, but Noah suddenly appearing in front of her was not. ‘How much have you had to do with him?’

Jason shrugged. ‘Much the same as with any of them. He’s an okay guy, though. Not arrogant and willingly shows concern for his patients. They all seem to think he’s the best.’

He’s the best.

That Stacey understood. Jason had described the man she’d met, without the patients. He had been the best for her when it came to dancing and making love. And sharing jokes and laughter. And changing her life. The phone rang again, and she left Jason to deal with the caller. Her work inbox was full of non-urgent messages that had to be dealt with sooner rather than later, because the inward flow never stopped and only caused her a headache if she ignored them. Staying on top of everything was the only way to work in this busy environment that she loved being a part of.

It’d been her ambition to become a nurse since she’d been a child and played with her grandmother’s nursing badge. Once she’d even dressed up in a white uniform and cap like Gran used to wear as matron and had gone off to the fancy-dress party at school, proud as punch to sport the treasured badge. That badge had become hers when Gran had died, and was still in her jewellery box, polished and shining.

‘Have you got a free moment, Anastasia?’

Her head jerked up and her gaze met Noah’s full on. ‘Yes, I have.’ A glance at the wall clock showed midday. Past lunchtime for her. Where had the morning gone? Out with those blasted emails, no doubt. Rising from her seat, she rubbed her lower back, which was aching from sitting so long hunched over the keyboard when she wasn’t talking to various nurses about their patients. ‘I hear Jonathon’s a lot more comfortable than he was first thing this morning.’

‘I’m pleased to hear it. Now, is there somewhere we can talk? I don’t have long with Theatre beckoning.’

‘Who do you want to see first?’

Noah looked down at her, his mouth doing that one-sided smile thing. ‘You.’

‘This isn’t a ward round?’ He was still watching her, and that smile was still happening. Her insides softened. He was gorgeous.

‘Not at all.’

Of course he only did those twice a week. ‘Oh.’

‘Don’t tell me you’re stumped for words. I don’t believe it.’ He grinned.

She couldn’t help laughing. He had a way of talking to her that made her feel good about herself. ‘You’d better.’

‘The staff kitchen? It’s close and time’s short.’

The poky room where they made coffee and ate sandwiches at a speed that gave them indigestion? Her heart dipped. Not much going to happen in there, especially if anyone else was there. There’d be no space to breathe in air. ‘Sure.’ She led the way, aware of Noah behind her every step.

Despite the tight knots in her neck and shoulders she felt good. Hope fought with the Holly knots in her stomach. If she and Noah could get along this easily after a very brief history then the future could be bright. Not for them as a couple or anything so deep and meaningful, but so they could share parenting. Actually, that made her nervous. She wasn’t ready to give up any of what she had with her daughter, while she wanted so much more with Holly’s father for herself.

He touched her shoulder lightly. ‘Where have you gone?’

She shivered. His touch sent sparks in all directions. Beware. This man saw too much for her liking. ‘I’m right here, ready to hear why Mr Kennedy wants to talk to me privately.’ And to talk about themselves, learn more about him, let him know where she came from in terms of family, and what Angus had done to her. Because she would tell him all that, and then he might understand why she’d been so willing to have fun that night they’d inadvertently made a baby. The night when she’d woken up from the apathy Angus had left her with, when her heart had come alive. Still

was if the thumping going on was anything to go by. Noah Kennedy did that to her as easily as he’d kissed her. Heat trickled into her cheeks as a wave of longing rolled through her.

‘Guess that’s my cue to get a wriggle on.’ He was watching her too closely, but at least his smile remained. ‘I can’t believe I’ve finally caught up with you. It’s wonderful.’

Again he’d got to her, softening the tension holding her tight. On again, off again. He was wonderful, and had her dreaming of them being together, close and personal. Nothing like her usual calm disposition.

Show him that and only that side of yourself.

‘We could dance around the room.’

Without hesitation, he reached for her, took her hand and one step. ‘I’m on if you are.’ His smile lightened his face, and lifted her spirits higher. ‘You’re just as I remember.’ He blinked.

Laughter bubbled up her throat as she pulled away. ‘That would so not be a good look if anyone walked in. They’re already wondering why I’m Anastasia to you.’ So was Stacey. It had been a bit awkward when Jason and Liz had commented. She hadn’t realised they’d been within hearing distance when she’d talked to Noah earlier, but she should’ve known. There were no secrets amongst staff on the wards. People were always popping up all over the show, doing their jobs and homing in on background conversations.

Noah nudged the door closed, shutting them into the airless space before tugging her close. ‘I once met this amazing Anastasia who loved to dance, among other things, and if I change her name to Stacey that night will fracture.’

She stumbled, ducked away from his hand when he reached to catch her. ‘You what?’ His memories were that good? This was nuts. They’d had a blast, sure, and she’d been hooked for life, but did he really feel it had been so good he didn’t want to forget it either?