‘Karolina’ll be fine. Bet it’s not the first time it’s happened.’ Kristof broke a short bread stick in half and handed a piece over, then placed a small wedge of cheese on top of his bag along with a knife. ‘Here’s some nourishment. I hope you like it.’
‘I’d like over-boiled cabbage at the moment.’ Her gnawing stomach was doing somersaults. ‘When you said you help your mother out were you referring to your medical skills?’
‘I’m a general surgeon and she runs a shelter and home for children who haven’t got anywhere to go, or anyone to look after them. There’s a small hospital annexe attached for treating those children and others who don’t make it to the main hospital. I come over for a few weeks throughout the year. I’m needed less for my surgical skills and more for general medicine, though we do some simple surgeries.’
‘So it’s back to basics for you when you’re here.’ Interesting. His mother must be important to him. Or was it those children that drew him?
‘It reminds me of how I can help people in dire circumstances.’ He didn’t sound too happy about that. ‘I also cajole colleagues in London to donate some time to help out whenever possible.’ His lips pursed around the rim of his bottle. Unfortunately when he tipped his head back his Adam’s apple became very prominent, and sent her stomach into squeeze-release mode, adding heat to her system, which had to be good considering how cold she’d got standing out here.
Looking away, Alesha gulped at her bottle, focusing on what his problem was, not on him. Didn’t he like working alongside his mother? But if he got involved with organising other medical people to come across to take a turn helping then he must care about what went on in the shelter. ‘You didn’t mention the mental trauma some of those children must suffer. Who takes care of that?’
‘My mother is a psychologist who first trained as a nurse. She also employs counsellors and other medical staff. Her hours are endless because she’s driven to helping every kid that turns up on her doorstep.’ Kristof’s pride was tangible, but there was a chill behind it. As if he didn’t approve, which wasn’t making sense. ‘Sometimes I wish she’d take a break, look out for herself, but it’s never going to happen so I’ve learned to keep quiet.’
‘You assist her at the home. She must be pleased about that, working with her son.’
The pride slipped. ‘Yes, she is.’ This time the words were clipped and there was a definite ‘don’t go there’ warning hanging between them.
Who was she to upset the man who’d had his plans for the evening disrupted because she’d been careless? ‘London’s amazing. I’ve been living and working there for nearly two years and I still haven’t had enough.’ Though she was starting to think the men in London mightn’t be good for her if the way they dumped her was an indication. Another gulp of beer went down her throat. She’d survive. She always did. She was about looking after herself, had never been needy, and wasn’t about to start. She took another gulp. At least the beer was refreshing.
‘Where are you from? I’m picking Australia or New Zealand.’
‘Kiwi through and through.’ And before he thought to ask questions Alesha had no intention of answering, she went with, ‘I came over on my OE after I finished training as a nurse. Living in England and visiting lots of places in Europe is what many of us like to do before settling down.’ Of course, settling down meant finding someone who’d love her regardless.
‘Why are you here on your own, staying at an apartment? Most single people come with a crowd of friends to stay at a cheap hotel, do the sightseeing, hit the bars and nightclubs like there’s no tomorrow.’
‘Now there’s a thought.’ The bottle was empty. Where was Karolina when an open bottle of champagne was cooling in the fridge? Food. She needed to eat, despite having already devoured her share of what Kristof had brought. The bread was soft and delicious, and the cheese to die for. The dairy companies back home didn’t make cheese like this.
‘You really are alone?’ Disbelief echoed between them.
‘What of it?’ she growled. ‘Not everyone has to be with someone.’
‘Hey.’ Kristof put his hand up. ‘If I’ve offended you, then my apologies. Just making conversation.’ He paused and a teasing smile appeared. ‘I have learned you don’t like carrying keys and a phone when you go out to the pool.’ Did he have to sound so sexy when she wasn’t interested?
‘I was angry.’ She was still angry. ‘This is supposed to be the perfect holiday for me and my partner in a gorgeous location.’ Bile rose, bitter and ghastly. Jumping up, she stomped to the roadside and peered through the gloom in both directions looking for Karolina.
‘He’s been held up?’ came the logical question.
Spinning around, Alesha lost balance. It took some quick steps to stay upright. ‘He’s had a better offer.’ Sex, kisses, laughter, fun. All of which he could’ve had with her.
‘That’s the pits.’
Give the man credit. He hadn’t spewed sympathy when he knew nothing of the circumstances. ‘It sucks.’ She huffed out the air stalled in her lungs. ‘I’ll look on the bright side. I’m here and there’s a whole town to explore out there.’ She waved her hand in the general direction of the harbour, knowing full well a lot more of the city was behind the hill she was on.
‘This is your first visit to Dubrovnik? I hope you have a wonderful time despite your setback. There’s so much to see and do if you put your mind to it.’
A setback? Kristof didn’t have a clue, or had the heart of a cold fish. But he’d already proven that particular organ was at least warm by going out of his way to help her. ‘I’m sure I’ll manage,’ she snapped just as a car pulled into the parking bay beside them. The woman getting out of the car was Karolina. Phew. She shot across to her. ‘I’m so sorry for being a nuisance. I fell asleep by the pool and the wind came up, blew my door shut.’
‘It’s okay. Now you’ll be careful to take your keys and phone everywhere, eh?’ At least her smile was friendly, as was the arm she threw around Alesha’s shoulder. ‘I’m glad Kristof found you.’
Ignoring how her burned skin stung under that arm, she smiled at Kristof. ‘He couldn’t avoid me when I attacked him in the street like a woman possessed.’
Kristof gathered up his bags. ‘I think you’re prone to exaggeration.’ He turned to Karolina with a cute smile. ‘Alesha was only slightly crazy when she charged at me demanding that I speak English and get her out of her predicament.’
‘Who exaggerates?’ Alesha spluttered.
‘Let’s go inside and retrieve those keys,’ Karolina said. Then to Kristof, ‘You found anyone to go with you tomorrow night?’
‘No,’ he growled.
‘Have you been asking around? I’m sure there are plenty of girls who’d love nothing better than to go to a formal dinner with you.’
‘Leave it, Karolina.’
Alesha grimaced. If anyone spoke to her so sharply she’d be heading for the hills. The gate was now unlocked so she slipped free to charge up the stairs. She couldn’t get to her apartment and a hot shower quick enough. Too quickly. She missed seeing the final step and tripped, sprawling on the concrete, bruising her elbows and knees.
‘Careful.’ Strong, masculine hands reached for her, took her hands to tug her to her feet, giving her the odd sensation of being cared about. ‘You really are having a bad day.’
He could’ve pointed out it was her own fault, that running up unfamiliar steps in clothes many sizes too big was right up there with leaping off the tenth floor of a hotel in the hope she’d make the swimming pool beneath. ‘Yes, I am, and this one’s on me.’ She tried to pull free but Kristof held her elbow as he led her to the apartment Karolina was unlocking. Her head spun so she stopped, remained still, waiting for it to get back to normal.
‘Are you all right?’
‘I’m good.’
‘When d
id you last eat a proper meal? I saw the way you hoed into that bread and cheese.’
‘I had a sandwich while waiting for my flight first thing this morning.’
His sigh was full of exasperation. ‘You’ve got to look after yourself.’
‘There you go.’ Karolina stepped back from unlocking the door to Alesha’s apartment. ‘Anything else I can do?’
Glad of the interruption from that annoying look on Kristof’s face, Alesha gave Karolina the biggest smile she could dredge up. ‘Nothing. I’m truly sorry about this. From now on I’m not even having a shower without my phone in the bathroom so I can call you if needed.’
Karolina slapped her forehead. ‘I’d say that was a good idea but—’
‘But the idea of hauling me out of the shower isn’t.’ This time her smile was genuine. ‘I get it.’ Then she had a brainwave. Going inside, she opened the fridge and grabbed the champagne. ‘Would you both like a glass? My way of saying thanks.’ Opening the small cupboard above the fridge, she reached for glasses, finding only one. Of course. There was one out on the decking. She’d have hers in a mug if necessary.