Page 51 of New Year, New Guy
‘I never said that, or if I did I didn’t mean it. That American man got me all confused.’ A mutinous expression settled around her thin lips. It would be hers and Hunter’s word against this vulnerable woman and, taking into account Laura’s personal history with both men, what was the chance they’d be believed? She’d ruin her own career for nothing.
Henry cleared his throat. ‘Ms Alford, would you mind if we had a quiet word with Mike and the other doctor involved to make them aware of our concern without any formal complaint being made?’
She read in his eyes a plea for her to go along with this as the best they could hope for.
‘I suppose that would be all right.’
The distinctive wail of a hungry newborn filled the room.
‘Can you pass her over to me? I’m not allowed to pick her up on my own because of my stitches.’
Laura stared in panic at the screaming, red-faced baby but Henry made no move to rescue her from this impossible situation. Gingerly she scooped up the infant and instantly the baby fell quiet and stared up at Laura. If she hadn’t known it was impossible in a three-day-old baby she’d swear the little girl was smiling.
‘Are you going to give her here or what?’
‘Oh, yes sorry.’ She lowered the baby into its mother’s arms. ‘We’ll leave you to feed her in peace.’ Laura touched Kiki’s shoulder. ‘I hope Mike treats you well and is a good father to . . .’ She hadn’t heard any name mentioned yet.
‘Demelza. Like the red-haired actress in that Poldark thing.’
‘That’s a lovely name.’ She bit back a scream. Once she stupidly admitted to Mike that if she ever had a daughter she’d name her Demelza. All he did was scoff and remind her they’d agreed to not have children so if they ever ‘slipped up’ she’d better ‘sort it out’.
Somehow she made it outside of the room before slumping against the wall and Henry half-dragged her into the nearest waiting room.
‘If it’s okay with you, I’ll have a word with Mike’s boss and tell Perry Manning the whole story. It’s best if he issues the warning and tries to ensure Mike doesn’t hang that girl out to dry.’ He patted her hand. ‘I know it’s not the result you wanted but . . .’
‘It’s the best we can do. I only hope he trips up at some point and it won’t get swept under the rug again.’ Laura shrugged. ‘I’ve been doing a lot of thinking recently and pretty much come to the conclusion I don’t want to work here any longer.’
‘You can’t let him drive you away.’ Henry’s panicked protest made her smile. ‘I won’t bloody let him.’
‘I’m not beingdrivenanywhere. This is my choice. I need a fresh start. The divorce only got me half-way.’ Laura waved her hand in the air. ‘There’s a big world out there. Nothing says I’ve got to stay in this little piece of it.’
Henry cracked a toothy grin. ‘It’s the Yank, isn’t it?’
‘Yes, and no.’ Hunter was the catalyst, but she’d been inching in this direction before he ever set foot in Plymouth. ‘I’m starting off by taking a holiday to see him in Tennessee.’
‘You sly old thing. You’ll be up the aisle again and knee deep in kids before you know it.’
‘How did you. . .?’
‘Know you want a family? I guessed years ago. Anyone who sees you around babies and children would have to be blind not to recognise it.’
‘Polly didn’t.’
‘I bet Mr McQueen didn’t need it spelling out.’
For the first time she held back from being completely honest with Henry. Some things were too personal.
‘When are you going to resign?’
Laura appreciated the fact he didn’t attempt to change her mind. ‘Probably before I go on holiday.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘If I do it now everyone will assume it’s because of Kiki and the baby. I’ve got some pride.’
‘You’re an incredible woman. I often wish . . .’ Henry couldn’t meet her eyes.
‘What?’
‘Nothing.’ His firm tone warned her not to ask again.
‘I need to get back to work.’ Laura brushed a friendly kiss on his cheek and could have sworn a blush heated his dark skin. She’d respect his privacy the same as he’d done for her over and over again. Her mobile buzzed with an incoming text and the sight of Hunter’s name made her smile.
