Christmas Kisses Collection. Louise Allen

Charlie and Juliet said in unison then they too looked at each other. But it was not lovingly; their look was more of an aloof stare.

      Juliet had felt as if she were on a roller coaster since she’d touched down at Heathrow, and even before that with the last-minute packing. But now it was a different type of roller coaster. The emotional type. And for which she had not willingly purchased a ticket, nor even had any idea she would be experiencing. But in the few hours since Charlie had stepped into her life and lifted her tiny daughter into his arms, she had ridden highs and lows that she’d never imagined. He was opinionated and brash; considerate and caring; her old school colleague and stubborn opponent; and still, to her annoyance, attractive.

      He was quite the package and she definitely didn’t want to peel back too many layers or get too close. Charlie was confusing her and, working together for the next few weeks, she wondered how successfully she could avoid getting to know more about him. A conservative, bad-boy biker with attitude who seemed to adore children, or at least her child. Could he be any more complex? She doubted it.

      And she wasn’t convinced she wanted to understand Charlie Warren.

       CHAPTER SIX

      WITH LEO AND GEORGINA left alone to think everything over, Juliet had a chance to meet the rest of Teddy’s nursing staff. Although Juliet had seen the Royal Cheltenham hospital emergency department up close and personal with Bea, Charlie knew that she had not seen Teddy’s properly, so he took it upon himself to offer to show her around the centre dedicated to babies and birth. But not before setting the parameters of the working relationship in his mind.

      ‘I think you would have to agree that we both behaved quite poorly in there,’ he began, thinking that they should get everything out in the open and start afresh. ‘Fortunately not that Georgina or Leo noticed.’

      ‘I’m sorry, are you questioning my behaviour?’

      ‘I’m just saying that we could have handled things a little more diplomatically.’

      ‘So you’re saying that we both behaved poorly and we could have handled things better?’

      Charlie frowned. ‘Yes, as I also said, it was done in a very polite manner so that the Abbiatis did not sense any professional tension, but you have to admit we were walking a fine line.’

      Juliet’s hands suddenly took pride of place on her hips as she began pacing, then drew to a halt in front of him. ‘I can’t believe what you’re saying and I refuse to accept culpability for your, as you Englishmen say, poor form. I was seconded over here and you were clearly the one stirring doubt, if not confusion.’

      Charlie studied Juliet’s face. Even angry, she was very beautiful. And Juliet was clearly angry. She was riled up and ready to pounce on him for even suggesting that she had participated in the battle of wills. It was apparent when challenged Juliet was like a cat with an arched back. He wondered what made her so defensive. Had she been on the receiving end of too many challenges over her career? Or was it more than that? Was her attitude of fight or flight born from something outside work?

      He suddenly stopped his line of thought mid-journey. What she did or did not do outside work was not his business. Whatever had caused, or was still causing, Juliet to fight back was not his concern. She was a grown woman, who had no doubt endured some heartache and some of life’s lessons, but that did not excuse her from professional scrutiny.

      Charlie eyed Juliet again. In fact he had barely taken his eyes away from her. All five feet four inches. But despite her petite appearance, he had quickly learnt that she was no shrinking violet. And he doubted she would tolerate fools either. He quickly realised that he wasn’t about to win the argument. And suddenly, to his surprise, he was willing to accept the decision was where it needed to be, with the parents of the babies at risk. They had been given the facts. He couldn’t do any more.

      ‘Fair call, Dr Turner,’ he offered. ‘I’m sorry for the start we’ve had. Shall we begin again? Let’s put the consultation behind us. One way or the other it looks as if we’ll be spending time together so we should try and make this work.’

      Charlie wasn’t sure what had motivated him to call a professional truce but it seemed the right thing to do. He hoped she knew his words were genuine. He was calling a ceasefire. It was a masculine apology but sincere nonetheless. And one he hoped that she would accept.

      She extended her hand. ‘Truce accepted, Dr Warren. Let’s agree to disagree and allow the Abbiatis to decide without further interference.’

      As he met her handshake the warmth of her skin against his almost made him recant the apology so they could return to adversaries. He pulled his hand free as soon as he was able.

      ‘We’re both clearly passionate about what we do and that’s a great thing so we will just have to respect our differing opinions and work alongside each other as best we can,’ he said.

      ‘Yes, and one of us will clearly be pleased with their decision and the other disappointed but we will simply wear it,’ she added.

      Charlie said nothing for a moment as he looked at the tiny powerhouse standing near him. She was without doubt one of the best in her field, and, despite not agreeing with that particular obstetric intervention, he had immeasurable respect for her skills. Her reputation had preceded her. But there was something other than respect simmering below the surface for him and it was making him uncomfortable. Very uncomfortable.

      He walked in the direction of the large digital directory board in Reception. ‘It might be a good idea if you took a look around and familiarised yourself with Teddy’s. It would be best if you met everyone and knew where everything was in case you’re needed.’

      ‘You mean for when I’m needed?’ she responded.

      ‘Let’s wait and see.’

      The introductions soon became an induction. As she met each of the medical staff she learnt about the layout and workings of Teddy’s. The nursing staff gave Juliet a message from Annabelle, letting her know that Bea had settled in well and that she was enjoying a light lunch with the other children while listening to a story. Knowing that, Juliet decided to keep on the tour and learn as much as she could about the hospital.

      The reputation of Teddy’s had been a driving force in Juliet’s accepting the secondment. The opportunity to consult and operate in a hospital with facilities second to none in all of Europe was too good to refuse.

      Juliet thanked Charlie for showing her the ropes.

      ‘Not at all. It’s been an eventful start for you and I hope Bea will be all right tonight. I know I don’t have to mention it, but just give her a little oral analgesia if she has trouble sleeping and she should be fine by tomorrow.’

      ‘I will.’

      As Charlie watched Juliet walk away he realised that he hadn’t wanted the tour to end. He had enjoyed his time with Juliet. She was challenging him and he felt the closest to alive that he had in a long time. They came from polar opposites. Both geographically and professionally. She was forging new ground surgically and he was of the belief that monitoring with minimal surgical intervention was the better method. But despite their differences, he admired her courage.

      He had been an OBGYN for many years, and his conservative approach had always provided great outcomes for the mothers and the babies. Although as he walked back to his office he admitted to himself that he had not dealt with the complication of TTTS in quadruplets. As he sat down behind his desk, to stretch his legs out and read his emails before another ward round, he conceded they were on an even playing field with regard to experience. Neither had a track record that