The Surgeon's Family Wish by Abigail Gordon Read Free Book Online Page A

thought incredulously. She was doing the opposite to what he’d expected, viewing Richard’s house. If the russet-haired charmer who was his friend and neighbour was on his usual form, she would be eating out of his hand.
    And what if she was? It was nothing to do with him. After the way he’d behaved the previous day she probably thought he had a hidden agenda regarding the place himself, and didn’t want her muscling in. And with that thought in mind she’d arranged to view the property, just to let him see that she was not to be manipulated.
    He was right about that. Talk about keep away from me and mine, Annabel had thought as he’d disappeared amongst the Saturday shoppers with Lucy holding tightly to his hand. She’d decided to arrange a viewing of the house next to his to let him see she had a mind of her own. With the thought had come the deed.
    And now here she was being shown round by its owner, who had explained that he’d returned from France an hour ago and would soon be off again.
    â€˜That’s why I’m selling,’ Richard Clements was saying as he led the way to the upper floor of the coach house. ‘I’m too much of a rolling stone to have a place like this left empty.’
    â€˜It’s a beautiful house,’ she murmured. ‘A colleague of mine lives next door.’
    â€˜Aaron, you mean?’ he exclaimed in surprise. ‘So what are you? A nurse? Doctor?’
    â€˜I’m a paediatric surgeon.’
    â€˜And how well do you know him?’
    â€˜Not well at all,’ she told him with feeling, and changed the subject by asking when he could move out if she was interested.
    He shrugged.
    â€˜Whenever. Once I get a buyer I’ll fit in with them.’
    When the tour of the house was over Annabel said, ‘Thanks for showing me round, Mr Clements. If I’m interested I’ll get in touch with the agent.’
    â€˜Sure,’ he said easily. ‘Or tell Aaron. He knows how to get in touch with me if I’m not around. You and he aren’t an item are you?’
    â€˜No. Certainly not.’
    â€˜Right, then. So do you fancy coming to have dinner with me? I’m starving.’
    â€˜No, thanks. I have another couple of properties to view.’
    It wasn’t strictly true. She had made arrangements to see two other houses, but not that afternoon. She was refusing because this man was a confident charmer and she’d had her fill of that type. Also, she was beginning to feel a bit guilty. What would Aaron think when he knew she’d been shown round this place after he’d tried to discourage her?
    That she had a mind of her own maybe.
    * * *
    On Monday morning Aaron received a cool greeting from Annabel when they met on the wards and he countered with, ‘I saw you viewing Richard Clements’s house yesterday. What did you think of it?’
    â€˜Very nice.’
    â€˜And?’
    â€˜And nothing. I’ve got others to see in different areas. He was very pleasant—charming, in fact.’
    â€˜Yes. Rick is a nice guy,’ he agreed, wishing once again that he’d never mentioned the house next door. The last thing Annabel needed was a seasoned ladies’ man like his friend.
    But that was only his opinion. Maybe she had other ideas and if she had, what had it got to do with him? Yet he was peeved. It was typical of the life he led that he should be fighting shy of any new commitments, while his friend wouldn’t hesitate to proposition Annabel within minutes of meeting if the mood took him.
    â€˜It’s a wonder he didn’t ask you out. Richard doesn’t let the grass grow under his feet,’ he told her with a facial contortion meant to be a smile.
    â€˜He did,’ she said casually, as if she saw nothing strange in it.
    He tutted.
    â€˜I might have known.’
    Without further comment he led the way to their first patient of the day. Teenager Oliver