‘Well, that didn’t seem so difficult, Dr Seymour. I wonder whether we should put your problem down to a lack of assertiveness. Or perhaps you weren’t in a hurry.’
Beth found his unremitting and unjust criticism more than she could handle. She paused for a moment before replying. She wanted to gather the last shreds of composure she possessed. Australia was supposed to be different. A new start, where she would be valued as a doctor, and also as a person. She had to make that clear now.
Finally, with a calm that belied her still shaky confidence, she challenged her aggressor. ‘You’re wrong with both suggestions, Dr Harrison. It appears that Australian men are not astute enough to get the message when it’s delivered politely. But don’t worry. I’m sure I can alter my delivery to suit the occasion. I learn quickly.’
She watched as the corners of his mouth curved slightly. Not a full smile, but Beth was relieved to see that at least it wasn’t the face of a man about to end her medical career. In fact, to her surprise, she found herself thinking it was a very handsome, almost roguish face. The blue eyes that had threatened her only minutes before now seemed to sparkle as they lingered on hers. She felt her pulse quicken and blood flow into her cheeks.
Conscious of her blushing, she abruptly turned her gaze from him, trying to concentrate on her case notes, but still she felt strangely distracted by his presence so close to her.
Matthew liked her spirit. She had just stood up to him, and not many people could do that. They cowered to his seniority and his reputation. But Beth didn’t flinch when she gave back as good as she got.
‘OD in Priority One,’ called a nurse as she raced past them.
Beth felt a firm hand on her arm.
‘Well, Dr Seymour, let’s see just how fast you learn!’
Dear Reader
I am so excited to introduce Beth and Matthew in my very first book, UNLOCKING THE DOCTOR’S HEART. I feel so privileged to be able to bring these characters to you and tell their very special love story.
The fact that I am able to do this as a Mills & Boon® Medical Romance™ author is a very special story too. An incurable romantic, and an avid reader of Mills & Boon books, I have wanted to write for this publisher for the longest time. I started writing romance a few years ago and, although I did occasionally dare to dream of one day using the title ‘Mills & Boon Author’ I wasn’t totally convinced that it would actually happen. But, just like falling in love, it happens when you least expect it.
I continued writing because I can’t imagine not doing it. And, having a medical background, I wanted to write a romance set in a busy hospital. So that is just what I did—and I added the element of travelling around the world to find love. Beth is a young Englishwoman with a feisty spirit and a desire to find her own identity and fall in love, and she travels to Australia in search of both. Matthew is a man who needs love but has locked away his heart after being badly hurt. They are two wonderful people who have never found ‘the one’. When I felt sure that this story was finally ‘the one’ I sent it off. And then it happened. I received the call from Mills & Boon with the exciting offer of a book contract.
I am thrilled that my first book is set in my hometown of Adelaide, in a fictitious hospital, the Eastern Memorial. It is loosely based on a large city teaching hospital and the story includes local landmarks, including my favourite shopping destination of Rundle Street. I hope you enjoy the rollercoaster ride that takes these two wonderful, dedicated doctors from colleagues to lovers and manages to mend a broken heart along the way.
Warmest wishes
Susanne
Married to the man she met at eighteen, SUSANNE HAMPTON is the mother of two adult daughters—one a musician and the other an artist.
The family also extends to a slightly irritable Maltese shih-tzu, a neurotic poodle, three elderly ducks and four hens that only very occasionally bother to lay eggs. Susanne loves everything romantic and pretty, so her home is brimming with romance novels, movies and shoes.
With an interest in all things medical, her career has been in the dental field and the medical world in different roles, and now Susanne has taken that love into writing Mills & Boon® Medical Romance™.
UNLOCKING THE DOCTOR’S HEART is Susanne Hampton’s debut title!
Unlocking the Doctor’s Heart
Susanne Hampton
DEDICATION
This book is dedicated to Peter, Ori, Tina and all of my wonderful family and friends who supported this dream of mine for so long: Sylva, Yvette and Sandra, my very first homegrown editors; The South Australian Romance Authors and Romance Writers of Australia for all of their encouragement; Flo Nicoll for her amazing patience, guidance and advice.
And finally to my brother Rod—always a hero in my eyes
Contents
CHAPTER ONE
‘DO I LOOK like a mop?’
Beth wondered if this was a trick question, considering the young man asking was quite tall and wiry, not unlike a stick in stature, with a head of loose brown curls. She resisted the temptation to acknowledge an odd similarity.
‘Pardon me?’ she asked.
‘I’m sick and tired of Harrison cleaning the damned floor with me. I tell you, he treats residents like they’re not fit to be in his god-like presence.’
Beth watched from the corner of her eye as the stranger paced the lift. Adding an exaggerated depth and hint of sarcasm to his voice, he continued, ‘And short of lying comatose in ICU, there’s no excuse for arriving late at work while I’m in charge!’
Beth turned around to fully face the figure sharing her lift. ‘Please tell me you’re not talking about Dr Harrison, the senior A and E consultant?’
‘Afraid I am.’
‘I was hoping—’
‘Well,