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It was small talk—just casual conversation—but the minute she’d said it, she wished she hadn’t because he turned to face her and his eyes locked with hers.
She shouldn’t have mentioned the night. After all, they’d spent it together...
‘My night was fine,’ he said softly, his probing eyes still fixed on hers. ‘How was yours?’
‘I slept well,’ she croaked, wishing that she could look away. There was a look in his eyes that she couldn’t interpret. Dear God, please, don’t let him have guessed how she felt about him.
He scanned her pale face and then he muttered something under his breath and reached for her, dragging her hard against him, capturing her mouth with his.
There was no warning—no time for her to even pretend to protest.
His mouth claimed hers with a savage hunger that made her clutch him for support, sharp darts of electricity stabbing her body as his tongue skilfully explored and possessed her mouth. In one easy movement he lifted her and sat her on the work surface, his hands sliding through her hair and anchoring her head to give him better access. Without pausing for breath, he kissed her, his mouth relentless on hers, his body hard and unyielding as he pressed closer to her.
And she kissed him back, unable to resist the fire that his touch ignited inside her. Her hands slid over his shoulders, tracing the muscle of his back, and then locked around his waist, holding him against her, wanting to feel him closer, closer, hoping he’d never let her go...
But then he did—so suddenly that she moaned in protest. And then she saw Greg in the doorway.
Holly slid to the floor, her face pink with embarrassment as she straightened her dressing-gown.
She hadn’t heard Greg but obviously Mark had, which was why he’d kissed her. Not because he’d found her irresistible, which was what she’d foolishly believed for one blissful, deluded moment. Disappointment sliced through her insides.
‘Sorry.’ Greg gave an awkward smile and raked a hand through his blond hair. ‘Didn’t mean to interrupt anything. Next time I’ll develop a coughing fit before I enter a room.’
‘No problem.’ Mark’s tone was short and Holly glanced at him in surprise, admiring his acting skills yet again. He sounded genuinely irritated, which was ridiculous. Wasn’t he taking the act a little bit far? Surely he could be convincing without being crabby with Greg.
‘Coffee, Greg?’ She handed him a mug and smiled, trying to compensate for Mark’s churlishness. ‘I meant to ask you last night, how are you getting on with Caroline? She seems... different somehow.’
‘We’re getting on very well, thanks.’ Greg gave her a saucy wink and took the mug with a nod of thanks before settling himself at the kitchen table. ‘It’s not easy but I think we’re getting somewhere now. We’re going for a drink at the yacht club later in the week. Caroline suggested that you two join us.’
Holly frowned slightly. Why? Was Caroline using Greg as an excuse to get together with Mark?
She glanced at Mark who seemed unusually moody and tense. What on earth was the matter with him?
‘Mark? Do you want to go? When are you on call?’
Greg’s eyes narrowed. ‘It might not be a bad idea to go out as a foursome. It would help remind her that you two are a couple.’ He gave a wry smile. ‘Not that she would have needed much reminding if she’d seen the pair of you a moment ago.’
Holly blushed again and Mark stood up, a muscle working in his strong jaw.
‘Why not?’ He gave a brief smile and glanced at his watch. ‘I’ve got to make a move. I’ve got a medical booked in before my morning surgery. I’ll see you later.’
He turned on his heel and strode through the door, leaving the pair of them staring after him.
‘Ouch. I’m really sorry, Holly.’ Greg gave a rueful smile and drained his coffee. ‘I’ll make sure I sound like a herd of elephants next time I enter a room so that it doesn’t happen again.’
‘It really doesn’t matter, Greg,’ Holly said hastily, her chair scraping on the kitchen floor as she stood up. ‘I’m sorry about Mark. I can’t think what’s the matter with him this morning.’
‘I can,’ Greg said wryly. ‘He’s a man in love and I disturbed him.’
Holly managed a wan smile. Mark was a man in love. But unfortunately it wasn’t with her.
* * *
On Wednesday Holly arrived at work early enough to phone the coronary care unit to ask after Jack Finn. She was delighted to hear that he was doing very well.
‘Could you tell him I called?’ she asked the ward sister, before putting the phone down and getting ready for her clinic.
Halfway through the morning Mark phoned through and asked her to see one of his patients. She hurried down the corridor to his room, hoping that his mood had improved.
