Doctor January by Rhoda Baxter Page A

thumb had been. It wasn’t a big deal that he’d offered to walk her to the lab. He always did that if she was walking anywhere alone at night. She had thought it was sweet. But what if it led to something more? There was definitely something in the air that night. If he kissed her, would she object? She thought about the creases by his eyes and how solid he’d felt next to her and she had butterflies in her stomach. No. She wouldn’t object. Not at all.
    In a corner of her mind, a voice reminded her about Gordon. It was unfair to muddy the waters with her friend when her heart was still bruised. But this sort of flirting meant nothing to Hibs. He would carry on as normal tomorrow. All she had to do was do the same. Besides, she reminded herself sternly, she was over Gordon. It would all be fine
    She fidgeted, full of nervous energy. If she didn’t get a move on, she’d be late for her next time point. ‘Tell Hibs I’m heading off. He can catch up with me.’ She started walking across the pub.
    â€˜Beth.’
    The voice connected to something in her hind-brain and her heart picked up speed. She caught her breath – she would know that voice anywhere. Gordon. But how?
    Someone caught her round the waist and spun her. ‘Babe, I’ve missed you so much.’
    Before she could say anything, Gordon kissed her. For the briefest moment she thought to protest, but her body responded to the familiar taste of him. His arms tightened around her, pressing her to him and it all felt so like old times, so right. She had missed him so much. Without pausing to think, she kissed him back.
    When he finally drew away, thoughts tumbled in her head. What was he doing here? When had he come back? Why was he kissing her? ‘Gordon. You … I … Why aren’t you in America?’
    â€˜I missed you,’ said Gordon, with one arm still holding her to him. He moved a wisp of hair off her cheek and her skin tingled at his touch.
    She wanted to say she’d missed him too. But if he’d missed her that much, how come she hadn’t heard from him in six months. Beth frowned. ‘You didn’t call. Or e-mail.’
    He smiled, lifted her hand to his face and kissed it. ‘I thought it might be too painful for you.’
    He was wrong, but it was sweet that he’d worried. It didn’t matter. He was back. Her heart lifted. His kiss left her so breathless and giddy, she couldn’t believe she’d ever thought it was wrong to be with him. She made a last effort to get answers out of him. ‘You didn’t send me a birthday card.’
    â€˜I did!’
    She raised her eyebrows at him.
    â€˜Didn’t it arrive? I posted it in good time.’
    â€˜No.’
    â€˜Oh, babe, I’m so sorry. Did you think I’d forgotten? How could I forget?’ Gordon looked so concerned that her heart melted. He was still holding her round the waist. She realised suddenly that she was not over him. She was
so
not over him.
    â€˜Beth, you didn’t seriously believe I’d forget your birthday, did you? Oh, babe.’ He gave her a quick kiss on the lips.
    Beth didn’t know what to think. ‘I … We’d split up,’ she said. She suddenly remembered Hibs and flushed deeper. She shouldn’t have led him on like that.
    â€˜Only because it was for the best. We were so far apart, we thought it would be best if we tried to get on with our lives,’ he said, slowly, as though talking to a child. ‘Remember?’
    â€˜We? You decided.’
    â€˜You agreed with me.’ Gordon shook his head, as though saddened by how she’d forgotten that. ‘Listen, let’s not quibble about that now.’
    Beth didn’t want to quibble either. She wanted to kiss him and hold him and make up for all the months she’d spent without him. But how long was he back for? Was this one night, before he disappeared again?