Page 6 of London
“I didn’t understand much about cancer back then,” she mused aloud. “I still don’t. What causes it? A virus, a bacteria?”
Gerard frowned. “To be painfully honest, not even medical science can pinpoint the exact cause of the disease,” he confessed. “Geneticists have managed to prove that people in the same family may be prone to it, but essentially the most plausible hypothesis is that, under certain conditions, the body’s own cells begin to grow and multiply in a chaotic, uncontrollable way until they form a tumor. If caught early enough, the tumor can be treated.”
“I do know that tumors can be malignant or benign. The malignant ones are the bad ones, those the doctors have to get rid of, right?”
He chuckled. “Something like that. You’re almost ready to work as my assistant. How about it? Care to hang around and be my sidekick?”
“Thanks, but no thanks. I’m more in my element amidst pieces of metal and sharp instruments. Biology was never my forte. Most importantly, I don’t have the emotional strength to work in healthcare. I get teary-eyed just seeing sick people,” she said, her cheerfulness forced.
He covered her hand with his, stroking it lightly with the tips of his fingers. The unexpected gesture sent shivers down her spine.
“Don’t be embarrassed, Linda.” His deep sultry voice caressed her senses. “It’s not shameful to have a soul. You should be glad society hasn’t turned you into an insensitive robot, like so many people these days.”
She didn’t withdraw her hand, enjoying the pleasant warmth seeping into her at his touch. She loved the sound of her name when he said it. She’d heard Frenchmen were passionate, born lovers, with an innate ability to seduce with words. She was experiencing a firsthand demonstration and enjoying it immensely.
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m not ashamed of having weaknesses. I just wish I could hide some of them better. Usually, I’m as easy to read as an open book.”
A corner of his sensual mouth arched up. “Believe me, you’re far from an open book. When I first heard your name, I assumed you were some snobbish celebrity who had more money than brains.”
Her jaw dropped.
“Merde, I can’t believe I said that,” he mumbled, raking a hand through his hair, looking miserable and sheepish.
She burst out laughing. His honesty was refreshing.
“For such a smart man, you’re not too clever, Doctor Leon. While I sometimes come across as distant, it’s only because I like to keep a low profile—especially at the clinic. That’s why I asked that my support remain anonymous, but since everyone seems to know it, that ship has sailed.”
“It’s hard for one person to keep a secret let alone three dozen people.”
“So I see. Do they speculate about the color of my underwear, too?” she joked, chuckling.
Gerard widened his smile. “If you’d like, I’ll gladly check and report. Just so there won’t be any uncertainties, and we can lay that rumor to rest.”
Linda sipped her lemonade to hide how surprising and shockingly tempting his suggestion was.
“Are you this friendly and helpful to all women?”
“I’m helpful to all. Friendly? Only with incredible ones like you.” His expressive eyes grew serious.
Linda’s cheeks burned. She glanced down at her plate. This appetite was sated, but before she started thinking about her body’s other cravings, she grabbed her purse and stood.
“I have to go. Can we get the check? I have some work to do tonight.”
“Let me get this, please. It’s the least I can do in view of your generosity,” he added to stave off her automatic protest.
“Thank you.”
While he took care of the bill, she stepped outside. The sun was setting, and a pleasant breeze promised a cooler night.
“Where’s your car?” Gerard asked.
“About a block down. I can find my way.”
“What kind of gentleman doesn’t walk a lady to her door?”
“If you insist. I’m over there.”
Linda loved her compact black sedan which managed to look elegant and girly at the same time. Would Gerard notice the hot pink bumper stickers she’d recently plastered on it as a personal touch? One said,Sweet, while the other one said,but psycho. As they approached the vehicle, she glanced up at Gerard’s face.
