Page 20 of New Year, New Guy
Reading Johnny’s text for the second time Hunter couldn’t blame his fiancée for being furious. When Johnny made the choice to bury his past he had to know that one word out of place could bring it all tumbling down. Much tohisparents’ chagrin, especially his father, he was the complete opposite. They considered it demeaning to air what they considered their family’s dirty laundry in public, even if Hunter’s youthful struggles helped other kids with nowhere to turn.
‘Why didn’t you tell me?’
For a woman who couldn’t have snatched more than a few hours’ sleep Laura appeared as wide awake as ever.
‘I assume you’ve heard from Johnny?’
‘Yep. He popped in to see me for a few minutes before good ole Leo ran him off.’
‘Is that all I get?’
He patted the bed. ‘Sit down.’
‘Certainly not. That’s grossly unhygienic and not something any self-respecting nurse would do.’
Hunter didn’t ask about the non-self-respecting ones. ‘You didn’t exactly brag about your ex-husband.’
‘How do you . . .? Oh God, don’t tell me. The Derriford gossip machine. I should’ve guessed someone would relish passing on that snippet of information.’ Laura sighed ‘Yes, well, I’m notdiscussing him.’ A flush of heat bloomed in her pale cheeks. ‘What did Johnny do to end up in . . . that place with you?’
‘You’ll have to ask him. I’ll spill the beans on me as much as you want.’
‘Laura Williams, you know better.’ Leo Painter loomed over them. ‘I’ll put this patient in a private room if that’s what it takes to get him to rest.’
‘Don’t give her any grief, pal. It’s my fault.’
‘It most certainly is not.’
Hunter shut his mouth before he made things worse.
‘I’m sorry,’ Laura apologised.
‘You’ve got one minute.’ Painter strode off back to the nurses’ station.
‘When I get off work in the morning I’ll be back to check on you.’ She leaned in closer and the drift of her perfume did nothing for Hunter’s equilibrium. ‘Don’t even think about discharging yourself and sneaking off.’
The idea hadn’t occurred to him, but now she said it . . .
‘I’ll set Leo after you.’ The mischievous threat illuminated the gold shards in her rich, brown eyes.
‘That man’s evil.’
‘Tut, tut. You shouldn’t talk about one of my colleagues that way.’
‘I only said what’s going through your mind.’
‘Don’t make that a habit.’
‘Why?’ Hunter stroked his fingers across her forehead. ‘Is there interesting stuff rumbling around up there?’ Her blush deepened and he allowed his hand to fall away. ‘Good night, Ms Laura.’
‘Good night, Mr McQueen.’
For a heartbeat he held onto her gaze before allowing his eyes to close, only daring to open them again when the air around him returned to reeking of its usual disinfectant.
Chapter Twelve
Laura considered banging Polly and Johnny’s stubborn heads together. He insisted that what happened in his life before they met didn’t affect the man he was now or his love for her sister, but all Polly saw was a deceitful man who couldn’t be trusted. She had struggled to be fair and understand both points of view, but in the end couldn’t help coming down firmly on her sister’s side. Laura’s own marriage was based on lies and deceit so now she couldn’t wrap her head around the idea that some things are best unsaid. ‘Let me get this straight. The vicar persuaded you to wait until Thursday before making a decision.’
‘Yes.’ Polly snorted. ‘But she agreed with me.’
