The Last Doctor She Should Ever Date (11 page)

Then he frowned. ‘Dani, I can’t give you anything more than a good time. You have to know that. Please don’t even ask.’

The lump in her throat seemed to grow thicker and bigger. Even though she knew he was right, and was being more honest than he needed to be, it was hard to hear.

‘There are parts of you I want to get to know so much, Zac. But I think they’re the parts you don’t want to share, right?’ The shadows in his eyes. The crack in his voice at Treetops. She ached to smooth them all away, in the same way he’d tried to help her. But he’d put a barrier round them, and there was no way he was going to let her penetrate it.

His eyes shuttered down a little. ‘I’m sorry. I can’t. I won’t make you any promises.’

‘Because of Tom?’

‘Tom.’ Again the shadows.

But that was the closest he’d come to admitting he was holding back and why. One step closer. Two steps back. ‘Okay, so no promises. But you didn’t say anything about wishes.’

He laughed but his eyebrows knotted and wisps of shadows still remained. ‘Wishes? What is this? Cinderella?’ His shoulders flexed back and his playful smile slowly returned. ‘Okay. I reckon I can do Prince Charming.’

‘Too right. That would suit you down to a T. Tomorrow is our last free day before the chaos starts. I want to spend it with you. One day. Doing normal things that normal people do. Not work.’ She watched him step back. Not physically, but he took some distance. She needed to bridge that gap. The hell with being tentative or shy. She needed, for once in her life, to ask for something. ‘Not celebrity stuff. Not rugby stuff. Some fun. Just one day to pretend I can have a normal life, with a normal man.’

‘Hey.’ He stepped back for real this time and glanced down at his über-sexy penguin suit. ‘Less of the normal.’

She laughed. ‘You have way too high an opinion of yourself.’

‘I was always taught to speak the truth.’

‘Okay, then.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘Give me one normal day with an
exceptional
man.’

‘What about your father and his bunch of crazy rules?’

‘Stuff him too. Why is everything always about Davide? Today he had a game of golf followed by a Thai massage. In contrast we spent our day off babysitting a bunch of juveniles after a sleepless night.’ At the memory of Zac’s bare legs entwined with hers she couldn’t help but lean into him again. Stroked his jacket lapel through her fingers. Breathed him in.
Stroking. Kissing. Biting
. ‘I don’t see why we can’t play too. Nobody’s going to know, or care. I just want one day. And I want the whole damned fairytale.’

‘You, Daniella, live in an upside-down world. To everyone else, with your rich and famous celebrity family, you are the ultimate fairytale.’ Reluctance warred with desire in his eyes. He scrubbed a hand over his chin. ‘But I have things I need to do tomorrow. Phone calls to make. I thought I’d talk with the Fijian doctor, see how he’s going. He’s been struggling to find an orthopod in Hamilton. And’’

‘Hush. You work too hard.’

‘And now you know why it’s so important.’

Knowing it made her want him more. His passion for Treetops fired a different kind of passion in her. ‘Other things are important too. Relaxation. Fun. You can’t spend all your time keeping everyone at arm’s length and burrowing yourself in work and fundraising. That’s not a life.’ She tugged on his lapel. Was his reluctance just a fob-off? Had she totally misread him? But no’his kiss wasn’t a fob-off.

She didn’t trust her reactions to him. Couldn’t work out if he was searching for reasons not to spend any more time with her. And after seeing his closed reaction to Tom, she didn’t know if she was chasing a dream that he just wouldn’t participate in. But while her body hummed and buzzed around him, and her brain had programmed itself on this one-man mission, there was little she could do to stop. One day would be enough to satisfy her cravings for him. Surely.

Would it? Or would she spend the rest of her life looking for this one thing she would never be able to have again?

‘Come on, Zac.’ She stepped closer, watched the heat in his eyes. Felt his desire for her. He definitely wanted her. His body told her what he wouldn’t say in words. ‘You know this is getting way out of hand. This kissing, dragging me off the dance floor. The heat in this alleyway is scorching. We need to deal with it and move on. Neither of us wants commitment. We both know where we stand.’ Her forthrightness surprised even her. ‘I just can’t work out what else to do. This morning was fun, but who knows if we’d last a whole day without the added bonus of a hungover chaperon?’ She wriggled against him. ‘Hell, ignoring it doesn’t seem to be helping. And it’s certainly not helping you any.’

‘That obvious, huh?’ His eyes fluttered closed for a second as he struggled with whatever demons he had in that mixed-up head of his. ‘And after? What do you want from me?’

‘There can’t be an after, we both know that. We go back to being colleagues. Workmates. The team. Focus on winning the tournament.’ She held out her hand. ‘No ties. No commitment. Just a whole lot of fun. One day. Are you in?’

‘I guess one day off won’t kill me. I have no idea how we’re going to do this without creating a stir. Or making things worse between us.’ He took her hand but instead of shaking on the deal he pulled her close and whispered into her ear, ‘Okay, princess, your wish is my command.’

CHAPTER NINE

Operation Fairytale

Rendezvous time: 10:15 a.m.

Rendezvous point: Basement car park, lot no. 245

Dress code: Casual. Hat essential.

N
EXT
MORNING
D
ANIELLA
picked up the piece of paper that had been pushed under her hotel room door, read it for the fiftieth time and laughed again. A wild buzz rushed through her. Crazy. Stupid. Reckless, even for one day. But just the thought of seeing him had her fizzing.

That Zac hadn’t turned her down was one thing. That he’d gone as far as to take her so seriously was another level altogether. Could it be possible to be satisfied with a few snatched hours? She didn’t know, but she had to try. Then she could put the whole weird crush thing out of her mind.

Or was she out of her mind already? Could one day ever be enough?

Her heart did a staccato dance as she reached the basement car park. Through the gloom three suits walked past her. None gave her a second glance. Clearly the disguise worked. She just needed to make her wobbly legs cross to lot 245 to reach Zac and...

‘A campervan?’ She laughed as he ushered her inside the souped-up shiny oldmobile. Still unsure of the direction their relationship was headed she watched him for clues. But he gave nothing away. ‘I’ve always wanted one of these, it’s so cute. Like a little house. You could go anywhere, be anyone, in one of these.’

‘It has a cooker, sink and fridge. And a bed.’ Squishing down on a pristine gold-and-blue bed his smile transformed from warm to hot. So that’s where they were headed. At least in his mind anyway. At her playful frown he grinned. ‘Could be useful for something?’

‘Sleeping probably.’ She raised her eyebrows but enjoyed the flash of daring in his eyes. ‘It’s seriously gorgeous. But honestly? Bright yellow? I thought we were trying not to attract attention.’

‘A slice of sunshine the hire company told me.’ He patted the ancient dashboard lovingly, then took his seat and cranked the engine. He wore a hippy-chic trilby, dipped over his forehead to almost touch dark shades. A faded black T-shirt hugged his toned frame and straight-leg black jeans wrapped his long legs. Something about his dark clothes and the sneaking around gave the whole escapade a dangerous edge. And that pushed a zillion sex factor buttons. ‘It’s VW vintage, lovingly restored. And, if you’ll care to take a look, it has tinted windows so no one will see you.’ He smiled proudly as he reversed out of the space. ‘You said normal. What’s more normal in these parts than a tourist? Oh, and we need to hurry.’

‘Why?’

‘You’ll see. Now just duck down a little as we swing past these idiots.’ The crowd of photographers camped outside the hotel entrance immediately turned at the sound of the van’s throaty engine. But as soon as they saw the vehicle the paparazzi turned focus back to the main hotel doors with ill-disguised disappointment. Her heart slowed a little as they drove past without the slightest recognition.

‘Perfect.’ Zac grinned and ran his gaze over her. ‘Great disguise by the way. With that monstrosity no one would ever think you were a celebrity.’

‘How dare you insult my favourite sweatshirt? I love it.’ She looked down at the hoodie she’d hurriedly bought from the hotel shop. I Heart Rotorua, it said in cheerful pink embroidery, complete with a cluster of weird-looking rainbow-coloured sheep. That, with her cheap navy baseball cap and dark sunglasses, screamed anything but designer wardrobe. And definitely not Danatello. But Zac’s pupils flared when he looked at her and heat radiated through her. ‘Yes. You’re right, it is hideous. But it’s all I’ve got, so you’ll have to put up with it.’

‘You could always take it off.’ He looked at her with wicked intent. ‘And I could always help.’

‘Whoa. Early days, Zac. It’s going to be a long day.’ But a shiver of excitement wove down her spine as if one touch, one look, from him would have her burning up. This outing was such an excellent idea’burn up the lust. Then get on with the rest of her life. ‘Keep your eyes on the road.’

‘So does that mean no? Or just not yet?’

‘It means I have an even worse T-shirt on underneath that says
don’t go getting any ideas
.’

‘Oh, I’ve got ideas. Some great ideas.’ He grinned, his profile highlighting his strong cheekbones and proud jawline. She fought an urge to run her finger along that jaw. Down his throat. To that little dip where his pulse flickered. Then all the way down that T-shirt to...

His voice lowered. ‘But you didn’t answer my question. I need a little guidance here. Was that a no? Or not yet?’

It was a
soon
. But they hadn’t set any rules for the day and she sure as hell didn’t know much past her crazy irregular heartbeat and intense fizzing. ‘Zachary Price, you are getting way ahead of yourself. You must have been a woefully precocious child.’

‘I was very advanced in many areas.’

It occurred to her that she didn’t know much about his past at all’other than some curious experience with Tom that he refused to share, and that his parents were lauded academics. Eschewing all rationality she planned to find out more later. Discover what had made him the way he was. It was just a matter of finding the right moment. This wasn’t it. Pushing him too early would have him hotfooting it back to the hotel. ‘So you excelled in Seduction class? Gee. I hear there’s a very low bar. Especially for doctors who know how to lay on the charm.’

He laughed. ‘They had to introduce a whole new level just for me.’

‘What? Advanced Overconfidence and Wishful Thinking?’

He steered the van round a sharp corner, and grinned. ‘No, honey, Satisfaction Guaranteed.’

‘Ha. Yeah right. Keep right on driving.’

Out from the cluttered buildings in the township a wide blue sky opened up either side of the road. Rolling hills and fields stretched out in front. The Rotorua sulphur smell thinned as fresh air flooded through the open windows.

For the first time in a long time her chest felt lighter, she didn’t look behind her or worry about what the gossip machine was saying. She felt free. Free from her ordered, controlled life. Even though she had great girlfriends she never usually spent so much as an hour with a man. Certainly not one she was attracted to.

Clasping her hands together in her lap she peered through the window. ‘So where are we going?’

‘A magical mystery tour. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Not too far now.’ He pressed a fingertip to her lips. The temptation to kiss it, suck it right into her mouth, almost drove her wild. But all too soon he gripped the heavy steering wheel with both hands and turned into a popular tourist attraction. ‘First stop. Agroworld.’

‘Really? This is it?’ Whatever she had in mind it wasn’t this. A bunch of sheep and cows in paddocks.

‘Hey...this is just the beginning. Wait and see.’ Judging by his bright smile he was pretty excited. And he appeared to have put a lot of thought into it’the cute yellow van, this place. His attention to detail struck a resonant chord. No one ever put a lot of thought into her’unless it was to rip her off or sell her out. ‘Ever milked a cow? Fed a lamb? Want to get down and dirty?’

Thought you’d never ask
. ‘When would I do something like that?’

‘Thought maybe your sister might have pulled you along when she did that reality farm show.’

‘No way. I was deep in the Inner Sanctum. Sure, she suggested I visit, along with a million camera crews. As if I’d have gone. Why would I? She never bothered to come and see me. None of them did.’ The back of her throat burnt at the memory. A whole month and not a single visit. ‘“Deanna’s Dairyfarm Diary,” what were they thinking?’

‘Money probably.’

‘And more fame. Always the fame.’

His thumb ran small circles over her palm; she focused on that, trying to ease the ache in her chest. The gentle stroking mesmerised and soothed her. When his fingertips ran up and down her forearm her heart beat in sporadic jumps. A tingle of awareness shuddered through her, catching her breath.

She angled her head to look at his face, daring to see what message shone in his eyes. And there it was. I want
you.
Not the fame. Not the Danatello fairytale. Not just sex. But her.

For a few seconds she allowed herself to believe he’d have been her rock when she was sick. He’d have visited. He’d have been faithful and kind. Thoughtful. He wouldn’t have dumped her and sold his story.

She dropped his hand. It was pointless to think like that. He hadn’t been there. He wouldn’t be there if she ever needed someone again. Not the way she wanted someone to be there for her.

He’d promised her one day. That was all he could give. So this was it. Better make the best of it.

Zac’s heart pinched at the sudden transformation of Dani’s face. Where she’d been relaxed and bright a couple of seconds before her frown told him they’d veered into difficult territory.

That damned family, caring more about a facile reality TV programme than Dani’s life had obviously hurt.

And he obviously cared more than he wanted, if the knot in his chest was anything to go by. Hell, the more time he spent with Dani, the more she edged a little deeper into places he didn’t want her to go. It was getting more and more difficult to keep up those barriers.

Time to make things light. He checked his watch, then started to count. ‘Five, four, three, two...bingo. Right on time.’

The frown lifted. ‘What are you doing?’

‘A student tourist bus is just pulling in. I thought we could blend into the group.’ He nodded towards a large intercity
fun bus
across the car park. Streams of camera-laden youths disgorged, jabbering in foreign languages.

‘And you knew they were coming...how?’

‘I rang to see when the busy times would be. They told me a student tour arrives every day at ten-thirty. So to avoid this time if necessary. I thought it would be perfect.’

‘It is.’ She squeezed her hand on his knee, sending his synapses snapping and a swift rush of blood to his groin. For a second he thought about abandoning the whole day’s project and making love to her right there. But that wasn’t what this was about. This was about showing her a good time, a special time. The other stuff could wait.

Could it?
Whoa. This was definitely dodgy ground and then some.

* * *

A couple of hours later, after the farm tour, a sheepdog show and some intense sheep shearing, he joined Dani up on stage to feed greedy lambs. Watching the animals mill around, fighting to get to the milk, reminded him of the ruck and maul of the paparazzi.

Her eyes widened as she laughed. ‘They’re pulling so hard at the teat I can hardly hold the bottle. Look at this one, he’s so cute. Oops...wow, he’s strong.’

‘Come here. Let me help.’ Zac sat in close behind, his legs straddling her, and wrapped his arms over her shoulders. Sure, it was corny as hell trying to find an excuse to sit close. But her smile had tugged so hard at his heart that he just needed to touch her. To remind himself that this was real and time was short.

‘This is so much fun.’ She turned her face up to him, her breath grazing the side of his neck. The lambs made little bleating sounds that made her chuckle and that tickled his skin. He rested his head against hers and took the punch of pride that resonated through his chest at her smile.

‘Well, there’s lots more to come. So when you’ve finished with little Lamb Chops there, we’ve got a lunch date.’

‘Lamb chops indeed.’ She gave him a stern look and covered the sheep’s ears. ‘Hush. You’ll scare him.’ Then she nuzzled the wiry fleece. ‘He didn’t mean it. Nasty old Zachary.’

His heart snagged again as he watched her stroke the animals and wave goodbye to little Lamb Chops as if the darned thing was her pet. Taking his offered hand she jumped down from the stage. Kept tight hold as they ran across the car park back to the van.

‘That was great.’ She smiled up at him before climbing in. ‘Thanks.’

‘My pleasure.’ God knew, he meant it too. ‘Now, let’s go eat.’

‘You are joking?’ Ten minutes later her voice was thick with laughter as he came out of the fish and chip shop with a hot bundle of paper that smelled like salt and vinegar heaven.

‘Got to have a good old-fashioned Kiwi lunch.’ He drove as fast as he dared down to the lake shoreline. Pulled up in a little deserted car park off the main drag and set up a picnic table and chairs outside in the weak early-autumn sunshine. Dappled light glinted off the serene deep blue lake that bordered the town and then stretched out across to dips and troughs of volcanic hills, some covered in the deep lush green of grass, others peppered in pine forest or majestic flax.

A family of ducks waddled past their feet, clearly in a hurry to finish some pressing business at the lake edge. Nothing else stirred.

Grabbing a couple of champagne glasses and a bottle of fizz from the fridge Zac smiled at Dani’s frown. ‘Don’t worry’I only break some of Davide’s rules. It’s just sparkling grape juice. Nothing but the best for my...’ His words stalled. His what exactly? His girl. His friend. His date? ‘To one day.’

‘One day.’ She seemed to hesitate slightly, took the glass and sipped. Then dipped the hot chips in tomato sauce and ate them with her fingers. Whilst she’d opened her heart to him yesterday he got the feeling she still didn’t quite trust him. To be so wary and on her guard the whole time, never knowing who was a true friend, had to be hard. But her smile seemed genuine. ‘These are so yummy. You know how to treat a girl.’

‘I certainly do. Sunshine and hot chips beats a swanky restaurant any day. Tell me, Daniella, what do you do when you’re not touring the country with a rugby team? I don’t feel like I know much about you.’

‘And yet you know so much more than most.’ She reached across and squeezed his hand. ‘But I’ll do you a deal. A question for a question.’

Not where he wanted to be going. But he weighed up the pros and cons. If he wanted more information he had to give some too. Fair deal. She had a point. ‘Okay. One question each. And then we’ll see how we go.’