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‘I can handle it,’ Mark said smoothly. ‘I’m acquiring a fiancée. And fast.’
Holly’s green eyes widened. It was beginning to fall into place. ‘You want a fiancée to keep this woman at a distance? Isn’t that overkill? Why not just tell her you’re not interested?’
‘I did, believe me. You know I’m always straight with women. But she doesn’t want to hear it and, anyway, it isn’t that simple.’ Mark sighed and she could almost see him raking his fingers through his cropped dark hair. ‘She works in the practice.’
‘Ouch!’ Holly pulled a face at the phone. ‘You got involved with someone from the practice?’
There was a muffled curse. ‘No, I did not! I am not “involved”, as you put it. I did nothing! I haven’t encouraged her, I haven’t singled her out—I’ve been strictly professional.’
Holly thought for a moment. That was probably what had clinched it. ‘Some women are very attracted to aloof men. Especially macho, aloof men who look like you. So how did it all start?’
‘She invited me to the pub after work. I was expecting there to be a group of us. I thought she was just being friendly.’
‘Mark...’ Holly smothered a smile. ‘Women are never “just friendly” with you. They lust after you, they fantasise about you and they behave in all sorts of strange ways to attract your attention, but they are never, absolutely never, “just friendly”.’
‘That’s nonsense.’ Mark’s tone was clipped and she could sense him frowning. ‘You’re saying that a man and a woman can’t have a platonic relationship.’
‘No.’ Holly frowned thoughtfully. ‘I’m saying that a man like you can’t have a platonic relationship.’
He muttered something rude under his breath. ‘What’s different about me?’
‘Where do you want me to start?’ Holly settled herself more comfortably on the sofa. ‘You’re the archetypal tall, dark and handsome male. To put it another way, you look like a film star, and as if that wasn’t enough you’re also clever, arrogant and cool in a way that drives women wild. One flash of that killer smile and they all succumb. Trust me on this one, Mark—you are just not the sort of man that women want a platonic relationship with.’
There was a stunned silence and then Mark cleared his throat. ‘That’s rubbish. Look at you and I for a start. We’ve been friends for ever.’
‘That’s different.’ Holly gave a shrug. ‘I’ve known you for twenty-four years and I don’t see you the way other women see you. I’m immune.’
It was true. While other women had fallen heavily for Mark, she’d never seen him as anything other than her dearest friend.
‘Oh, here we go again. More ego-bashing,’ Mark drawled, his tone making it obvious that his ego was definitely intact. ‘You’re saying you don’t find me attractive?’
‘Why would you want me to? Mark, you’re my best friend!’ She rolled her eyes with exasperation. ‘I’m not in the habit of fancying my best friend. Anyway, as I said before, you’re not my type.’
‘Why?’ Suddenly he sounded curious. ‘Go on—tell me. Why aren’t I your type?’
‘Oh, for goodness’ sake, Mark, I don’t know.’ She frowned impatiently. ‘I’ve never analysed it before. Basically because I don’t go for macho males, I suppose. And you’re very “male”, if you know what I mean.’
‘I’m not sure I do.’ Mark started to laugh. ‘Surely I’m meant to be “male”?’
Suddenly Holly felt flustered. ‘What I mean is you’re—you’re—very rough and tough. You know, black belt in judo, accomplished sailor, rock climber. You like fast cars and—’
‘You’re basically saying I can’t hold a conversation?’
‘No.’ Holly smiled and nestled deeper into the sofa. ‘I’m not saying that at all. You’re jolly good at conversation. I’m just trying to tell you why I don’t fancy you. You’re too macho. I prefer the sensitive sort.’
Actually, she didn’t really know what she preferred any more. Her love life was such a disaster she’d given up analysing it.
‘You don’t think I’m sensitive?’ Mark sounded hurt and she grinned, knowing it was a pretence. Mark wasn’t that easily wounded. He was totally comfortable with himself, self-assured and confident in everything he did.
‘You’re sensitive with your friends. Just not your girlfriends. And it’s not a post I’ve ever been interested in. And on top of that—’ she played idly with the sleek curtain of blonde hair that fell over her shoulder ‘—I’ve known you since I was two and I remember the time when you put sand down my nappy—’
‘Ouch. Surely I didn’t do a thing like that.’ His sudden laughter was infectious and she started to laugh, too.
‘You did indeed. And when I was too old for nappies you put ice down my knickers, a snake round my neck and you cut off my pigtail to try out your new Swiss army knife.’
Mark was still laughing. ‘What a lousy friend I must have been. OK, I get the message. In fact, I’m amazed our friendship has endured in the circumstances.’
‘Well...’ Holly’s voice was gruff. ‘I suppose I should also add that you’re a great listener, good company and the best friend a girl could want.’
