Abigail Gordon - Paramedic Partners

‘Yes and no.’

‘Meaning?’

‘I once had an unpleasant experience.’

‘And have now tarred us all with the same brush?’

A smile tugged at the corners of Kane’s fascinating mouth.

‘You make me sound like a flattering combination of male chauvinist and bighead.’

Selina had to laugh.

‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. It’s early days for us, isn’t it? We’ll adjust to each other’s peculiarities in time, no doubt.’

As Kane’s cool, dark gaze took in the charms of his new assistant he knew that he didn’t find her peculiar at all. Unique maybe. She was beautiful in her golden slenderness, and tranquil with it, unlike a lot of women he’d come across.

Yet life had dealt her a poor hand so far. She’d lost a young husband and it stood to reason that they’d been happy. He couldn’t imagine a man being unhappy with a woman like Selina Sanderson.

He shook his head as if to clear it. He was getting soft, rhapsodising over a woman he’d only just met. And wasn’t he supposed to be watching his step as far as her sex were concerned?

When they arrived back at the station Selina said, ‘Let’s go and grab a coffee before we’re called out again.’

‘Good idea,’ he agreed equably, and it was as if their challenging discussion on the way back had never been.

* * *

During the next few days they established a situation they both seemed reasonably happy with. Workwise Selina was aware that Kane was extremely efficient, and under his brisk command they were offering a first-class service to sick and injured alike.

From a personal point of view she was curious about him. He hadn’t said so in so many words, but from the odd comment he’d made and his attitude in general she deduced that he had no ties, which was surprising as he was of striking appearance. Not attractive or handsome in the true sense of the words, but with a sort of dark magnetism that would instinctively appeal to womankind in general.

He was the complete opposite of Dave. He’d been fair-skinned, with light brown hair and boyish good looks, and as she dwelt on the comparison Selina was aghast at the channels that her thoughts were moving along.

Since losing the man who’d been her childhood sweetheart, no other male had invaded her consciousness until now. But, she told herself with calming reason, it was only to be expected that she would be aware of Kane if they were going to be working together for twelve hours at a time.

Charlie popped in for a chat and invited them all to join him for a farewell drink at a bar close to the station, and most of those who weren’t on duty agreed to go.

Selina and Kane were due for two days off and, knowing that Jill wouldn’t mind having Josh for this one evening, she accepted the invitation.

Kane had said nothing, obviously feeling that as a new member of staff it didn’t apply to him, but Charlie said, ‘You, too, Kane, if you feel like joining us. It’s no joke moving to a new town where you don’t know anyone, is it?’

Kane smiled, giving nothing away as usual, and said easily, ‘Thanks. I’ll bear it in mind.’

Selina felt guilty after that. Charlie was right. Kane was alone in a strange town. The station officer had reminded her of that on that first day. Though she’d like to bet he wouldn’t be alone for long.

At least she could offer him some hospitality until he’d made some friends. He’d said that he had a basic sort of flat somewhere near the hospital and that was all she knew about him.

‘I’ll be going to Charlie’s farewell tomorrow night,’ she said awkwardly as they set out on a call shortly after his visit, ‘but I’ve nothing planned for the night after and I wondered if you would like to come round for a meal.’

She could feel her face warming as he observed her with surprised dark eyes.

‘Just to show you some northern hospitality,’ she said quickly, ‘and I’m sure that Josh would like to see you again.’

‘Really? Well, on the strength of that I can’t refuse. What time?’

‘Seven?’

‘Yes, that will be fine.’

* * *

Later that night, sitting quietly in the summer twilight with Josh fast asleep upstairs, Selina was regretting her rash offer. Did she want another man eating at her table…in the house that had been hers and Dave’s?

She didn’t know whether she did or not, but she was about to find out. And, she reasoned, wasn’t she making too much of it? She’d asked Kane to dine with them merely as a gesture to a stranger in their town, not as a date.

When she’d asked Jill if she would mind Josh while she went to Charlie’s party her sister-in-law had said, ‘But of course. It’s time you had a social life. You haven’t had an evening out since Dave—’

‘I know,’ Selina had agreed softly, ‘and I haven’t wanted one, but I’m fond of Charlie…and I might as well tell you I’ll be socialising the night after, too, but here on my own patch.’

Jill’s eyes had sparkled.

‘Tell me more!’

‘I’ve invited my new partner round for a meal. He doesn’t know anyone in these parts and I thought I should show him some hospitality.’

‘Well! How old is he? What’s he like? Is he free?’

She had to laugh.

‘Hold on! He’s thirty-something. Darkly brooding. And I don’t know whether he’s free or not. That doesn’t come into it. I’m merely being hospitable…nothing else.’

Jill had given her a quick hug.

‘Yes, I know, my dearest one, but Gavin and I don’t want you to be alone for ever. Dave would want you to—’

Selina put a gentle finger on her lips.

‘I know what you’re saying, but he would be a hard act to follow…and then there’s Josh.’

‘What about him?’

‘He has to have a say in those sort of things.’

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