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‘It’s all right, Georgie.’ Ben’s deep voice spoke from behind her. ‘Wait for me in my office. I’ll deal with this.’
Georgie backed away, her emotions see-sawing as she heard him deal gently with the older man.
?
?Come on, Mr Tander,’ he said. ‘Let’s get you a hot cup of tea and some time to yourself in one of the lounges.’
‘I love her,’ Mr Tander said as he walked with Ben back towards the lifts, his voice a wobbly whisper. ‘I would do anything for her …. anything …’
‘I know you would,’ Ben answered softly as he pushed the lift call button. ‘That’s what life is all about—loving people. And it hurts at times.’
Georgie was on her way to Ben’s office when she was intercepted by Richard DeBurgh.
‘Ah, Georgie, my dear,’ he said, ‘I’ve been meaning to have a little chat with you about something. Have you got a minute?’
‘Sure,’ she said, ‘but I haven’t got much time. I have to meet Mr Blackwood in a few minutes.’
Richard opened his office door and waved her through. ‘Come in and make yourself comfortable. Ben won’t mind waiting.’
Georgie took the chair opposite his desk but, instead of sitting in his own chair, he perched on the edge of his desk. She tried to edge away but the chair’s legs wouldn’t slide on the thick carpet.
‘Word is circulating that you and Ben are an item,’ he said, running his gaze over her. ‘Is it true?’
She moistened her suddenly dry lips. ‘Not really …’
He arched one brow. ‘Define what you mean by “not really”,’ he said.
‘I’d rather not discuss my personal life as it’s—’
He gave a chuckle that somehow wasn’t reflected in his eyes. ‘None of my business, right?’
Georgie couldn’t even crack a smile in return. ‘That’s right,’ she said a little stiffly.
He leaned closer. ‘Listen to me, Georgie. You’re making a big mistake, getting involved with Ben. What will your father say?’
She put her chin up but her confidence was already starting to sag. ‘He’ll be happy if I am happy.’
Richard shook his head at her. ‘Somehow I can’t see your father accepting Ben Blackwood as a future son-in-law,’ he said. ‘Have you told him about your relationship with the man he thought would never make it as a neurosurgeon?’
She gritted her teeth and said, ‘I am not having a relationship with Mr Blackwood and I think my father did think he would make it. He just wanted Ben to have a few more months to hone his skills.’
‘You seem like a sensible girl, Georgie,’ he said. ‘Don’t waste yourself on someone like Ben Blackwood. If you’re after a quick little affair to boost your career prospects, come and see me. I’d be more than happy to oblige.’
Georgie stared at him in shock, wondering if she had heard correctly. ‘Excuse me?’ she said, narrowing her eyes slightly.
His smile was smooth but again didn’t involve his eyes. ‘I met your ex-partner, Andrew McNally, at an old boys’ function from the cathedral school we both attended. He told me all about you.’ He paused as his gaze slid over her before adding, ‘About how much fun you were.’
She felt her throat go dry as she scrambled to her feet. ‘I think you’ve got the wrong idea, Mr DeBurgh,’ she said, and headed for the door.
‘Think about it, Georgie,’ he called out after her. ‘I’ll leave the offer open if you change your mind.’
She answered by closing the door firmly behind her.
‘What’s wrong?’ Rhiannon asked as soon as Georgie came into the apartment that evening. ‘You look like you’re about to throttle someone.’
Georgie began to pace the room. ‘I am so angry I could scream,’ she ground out furiously. ‘That obnoxious creep! How could I have got it so wrong about him? He’s nothing but a sleazy silver-tongued snake.’
‘So what did Ben do now?’ Rhiannon asked.
