More Than Time. Caroline Anderson

could be her grandmother’s ring or something. She hasn’t ever mentioned anyone, though. Forget it, Ross. If it’s recreational sex you’re after, you need look no further than that young scrub nurse in Theatre with us last night—given a chance she’ll be all over you like a rash——’

      Lizzi had had enough. She swept into the room, clicked the door shut behind her and glared at them both.

      ‘How dare you both discuss me behind my back? That is exactly the reason I tell no one anything! And as for your locker-room comments about recreational sex—what kind of a reputation do you think you’re giving the medical profession? You’re behaving like a couple of medical students! Now get out of my office so I can get some work done!’

      As they stood up, looking severely chastened, Lizzi remembered the reason for her mission. Oliver, your wife has just admitted a patient for appendicectomy. Whose list is he going on?’

      ‘Mine. I came up to see him. Where is he?’

      She glared at Oliver, her eyes furious. ‘In Bay One. Dr Haig is with him.’

      ‘Lizzi, I’m sorry——’

      ‘So you should be!’ She slapped the case file into his hands.

      With a shrug, Oliver left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

      Ross picked up his jacket and hooked it over his shoulder on one finger, running the other hand through his hair.

      ‘Lizzi, I’m sorry, it was my fault. I shouldn’t have asked him about you, but I was curious——’

      ‘How dare you pry into my life? It is private—I won’t be discussed like some tacky pin-up just to satisfy your idle curiosity!’

      Lizzi realised that she was flushed, her fists clenched, her chest rising and falling rapidly as her anger got the better of her. Forcing her hands to relax, she struggled for control of her temper and met Ross’s eyes challengingly. His lips firmed, and his eyes flashed angrily for a second, and then another emotion flared, just as strong but somehow more shocking, and Lizzi had to turn away.

      She held her breath as his almost silent footsteps took him to the door, then he paused.

      Thank you for the toast and coffee. It’s a long time since a beautiful woman’s cooked my breakfast—and, for the record, my curiosity wasn’t idle. I had every intention of acting on it.’

      He left her rooted to the spot, speechless.