The Outback Nurse by Carol Marinelli

Author:Carol Marinelli [Carol Marinelli]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Harlequin Medical Romances
ISBN: 9781460377772
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2015-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

‘THERE is absolutely no need for this. I’m perfectly well. I just want to go back to work.’

‘Livvy, do I really need to remind you that you’ve had glandular fever? I need to examine you thoroughly before I even consider letting you return,’ Clem replied, exasperated.

‘Well, I’d rather you didn’t.’ The words came out too harshly, and instantly Olivia regretted her tone. But better that than let him know how she felt. How could she even begin to explain to this impossibly difficult man, who thought she was completely hung up on Jeremy, that her dreams were, in fact, constantly of him, and there was nothing remotely decent about them? It was as if her mind, jaded from self-control and reasoning by day, by night surfaced and took flight, visiting territories alien and uncharted but full of illicit promise.

She could hardly let him examine her. Apart from everything else she was painfully aware of her body. Never voluptuous, the glandular fever had managed to obliterate most of the few curves she’d possessed. Clem might have already seen her at her absolute worst, but she still had some pride. There was no way she was going to let him see her emaciated body.

Running his fingers through his shock of jet hair, Clem threw his pen down on the desk. ‘Livvy, you’re impossible but, of course, my opinion doesn’t count.’ He sighed and looked at her pleadingly but she wouldn’t relent. ‘Obviously I can’t force you to let me examine you, but I can refuse to let you back to work till it’s documented you’re medically fit.’

Olivia frowned. That was something she hadn’t considered.

‘Look, old Dr Humphreys is coming to town on Tuesday for a consultation. He still has a few old faithfuls that he visits and I’m sure he’d be happy to see you. In the meantime, if you trust me enough, will you let me take your blood? We can at least check your liver function and if that’s normal and Dr Humphreys agrees, you can start work again. Very part time, mind you,’ he added sharply, ignoring her eager nodding. ‘And at the slightest sign you’re overdoing it I’ll sign you off for a month, and don’t think I won’t.’

‘Fine. And, no, I won’t overdo it.’

Rolling up her sleeve, he picked up her arm, frowning slightly in concern. She had gone from being slender to downright skinny. His long fingers traced a vein, then gently he flicked her almost translucent skin to bring the vein to the surface. His dark curls fell over his forehead and Olivia noticed the tiny lines around his eyes as he squinted, concentrating.

She resisted a sudden urge to run her free hand through his hair. She closed her eyes, but he filled her senses. She could smell his aftershave, hear his regular breathing, feel his body close to her. If she fainted now, at least she could blame it on the needle, she thought, for a brief moment revelling in his closeness. Charlotte, Charlotte, Charlotte, she chanted to herself.

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