A few unruly curls had escaped the wide band meant to keep them in place and were now stuck to her moist cheeks.
Cody’s fingers itched to be able to lift them away and tuck them behind her ears. But he didn’t dare. He already loved this job, and he wasn’t going to spoil anything by getting offside with this particular doctor.
So why was he wrapping his arms around her and hauling her shaking body close to his? Because he needed to hold her against him. However briefly, whatever the outcome, he just did. Tucking her head against his chest, he dropped his chin on top of her thick, soft hair and held her. Breathed in her scent of citrus and residual fear. In his arms she gave him strength, helped him settle his jittery muscles. He hoped he was giving the same back.
She's a perfect fit for my body.
The realisation banged through him, made him tense. Made Harper lift her head and look at him with puzzlement beaming out at him from watery eyes.
She sniffed once, and plastered a tight smile on her mouth. ‘Let’s go face the second round. There’ll be questions from all directions.’
Slowly Cody unwound his arms from that warm body he shouldn’t be noticing in any way. From somewhere deep he found a smile that was entirely for her. ‘You did good, Doctor. Really good.’
I’m often asked where the ideas for my stories come from, so I thought I’d share the wee nudge I got for this story.
At the Romance Writers of New Zealand conference there was a young guy working at the bar in the lounge, serving everything from coffees to cocktails and a multitude of drinks in between. He charmed everyone with his enthusiasm and willingness to keep his customers more than happy.
Louisa George and I commented that he’d make a great hero for a story. His name was Cody—and that, plus the little I’ve already mentioned, was the start of my hero in this story.
My Cody started his working life as a deep-sea fisherman, but eventually followed his heart into nursing. A strong man like that needs a strong woman, and along comes Harper—a doctor with a soft heart, especially around children, which makes it downright tragic that she can’t have her own.
I hope you enjoy following these two through their highs and lows as they try to stay true to their needs.
I’d love to hear from you at [email protected], or visit my website at suemackay.co.nz.
Cheers!
Sue
Dr White’s Baby Wish
Sue MACKay
‘A deeply emotional, heart-rending story that will make you smile and make you cry. I truly recommend it—and don’t miss the second book: the story about Max.’
—Harlequin Junkie on The Gift of a Child
‘What a great book. I loved it. I did not want it to end. This is one book not to miss.’
—Goodreads on The Gift of a Child
SUE MACKAY lives with her husband in New Zealand’s beautiful Marlborough Sounds, with the water at her doorstep and birds and trees at the back door. It is the perfect setting to indulge her passions for entertaining friends by cooking them sumptuous meals, drinking fabulous wine, going for hill walks or kayaking around the bay—and, of course, writing stories.
Contents
‘RESUSCITATED CARDIAC ARREST coming in from Courtney Place,’ the newest nurse in Wellington Central Hospital’s emergency department called as he banged the wall phone back on its hook. ‘Male, fifty-two, revived by bystander using CPR. ETA less than five minutes.’
‘Thanks, Cody,’ Dr Harper White replied. ‘Resus Two when he gets here.’
Cody Brand added quietly so that only she heard, ‘Apparently intoxicated as well.’ The man was shaking his head. ‘Seems a bit early in the day.’
Harper’s gaze flicked to the wall clock. Eleven forty-five. Early? Hardly. Not in the world of accidents and incidents. ‘Hopefully now a very subdued man.’
‘You think he’s thanking his lucky stars and swearing off the booze for good?’ Cody grinned. ‘Good luck with that.’
That grin could get the man anything—though not from her. But she’d have to concentrate on not giving in to the zingy feeling skimming her skin. ‘I guess it is wishful thinking.’ Harper watched as Cody strode into Resus Two and began checking equipment, despite it having been restocked and double-checked less than an hour ago after a middle-aged patient had been treated for a major allergic reaction to something she’d eaten for breakfast.
The new nurse left nothing to chance—something Harper appreciated but which also annoyed her at times. Other staff in the department did their jobs just as well. She gave a mental shrug. Maybe Nurse Brand was still settling in and she should leave him to it. No one else had complained, and it was far better than him being slack.
Turning away, she rubbed her temples with