finger to her lips, ‘Spoilsport,’ she whispered.
They oohed over the Imperial state crown and Lucy was highly disappointed she couldn’t try it on. ‘But I’m a princess too,’ she said huffily.
‘I know you are,’ said Lexi, ‘and I’m sure when we get to the gift shop I’ll be able to buy you a crown of your own.’
And sure enough she did. It was early afternoon by the time they’d finished at the Tower. ‘I’m sorry our afternoon got hijacked,’ she said to Iain as they made their way to the exit.
‘No, you’re not,’ he said, shaking his head. ‘You looked like you were having the time of your life. What stories were you telling her?’
Lexi smiled. ‘Stories about the evil ravens stealing fairies and the fairies fighting back by hiding in the crown jewels.’
‘All totally based on reality, then?’
She nodded solemnly. ‘Based on a four-year-old girl’s reality.’ She tapped the side of her nose. ‘That’s the trick to keeping them quiet.’
‘Well, you certainly managed to master that.’
She smiled up at him as he reached for her hand and gave it a little squeeze. ‘Let’s go for a walk down to Tower Bridge,’ she said.
Even though it was still cold, the day was bright and sunny. The path down next to the bridge was busy, filled with street acts and various parties on tours. They bought coffee from a street vendor and sat on a bench, people-watching.
Lexi seemed relaxed and happy next to him. If they looked along the river a little they could see Kate’s. ‘Are you going there today?’
Iain nodded. ‘I’ll go in later. I have a few patients to check over. It won’t take long.’
She ran her tongue along her lips. Her hat was sitting in her lap now and her blonde hair was blowing in the breeze. She didn’t seem to mind at all that it was all over the place. In fact, for the daughter of a supermodel, Lexi didn’t seem to care at all about her appearance. She hadn’t looked in a mirror once since they’d met today.
She was gorgeous, of course. But it helped him realise how far down the list she put superficial things. Another plus point for Lexi.
If only that didn’t make him squirm. Because every good point about Lexi made him realise how they couldn’t really be a match. There must be a whole host of guys out there who would want to snatch her up. To admire her beauty, good spirit and work ethic. A hundred guys out there who want to settle down with her and have a family.
She leaned over and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. There was a kind of glazed look behind her smile. She was squinting at him in the sunshine as she reached up and ran her fingers through his hair.
‘It’s not exactly the usual look, is it?’ she said, tugging at his shaggy hair.
‘What do you mean?’ He was distracted by her lips and blue eyes and only looked up when she gave his hair an extra tug.
‘Most surgeons go for the ultra-short look.’
‘I’m not most surgeons,’ he growled.
‘I get that.’
‘Just imagine me shipwrecked on a mysterious island. This is the natural look for me.’
‘Good, because I like it. It suits you.’ She gave him a cheeky wink. ‘Now, don’t ever cut it. I might go off you.’ She stood up. ‘So, fancy a late dinner at mine?’
She said the words so easily. Probably never expecting him to hesitate. But he did. This was his chance. This was his opportunity to let her spread her wings and fly. To stop any chance of him hurting her. But there was still a little something in her eyes. Still a little lack of confidence.
So he smiled, standing up and taking her hand. ‘I think I can manage that.’ He changed his mind, dropping her hand and wrapping his arm around her shoulder. She was closer this way.
Eventually he would have to let her go.
Eventually he would have to tell her the truth.
Just not right now.
‘LEXI, CAN I speak to you a minute, please?’
Ethan Hunter was leaning on her doorframe. He’s still not using his stick. It was her first thought and she quickly pushed it out of her head. It was none of her business.
She pushed her chair back and stood up, walking over towards the door. ‘No problem, Ethan. What can I do for you?’
She was very busy, and between an influx of high-profile clients, thanks to her PR campaign, her nights with Iain and her charity work, she hardly had a moment to think. But Ethan very rarely bothered her and she wanted to give him the attention he deserved.
Ethan looked a little uncomfortable. Was that his leg again, or was he just choosing his words carefully?
‘Lexi, I wanted to ask you about something. I’ve seen some paperwork lying about and heard some of the other surgeons talking about Fair Go. Can you tell me what it is?’
Lexi straightened her shoulders and put on her brightest smile. ‘Why don’t you come and sit down, Ethan? I’m happy to fill you in on all the details of Fair Go. Can I get you some tea or coffee?’
Ethan shook his head and sat down in the leather high-backed armchair opposite her desk. He probably didn’t even realise the visible sweep of relief that came across his face as he took the weight off his leg.
Lexi shuffled some papers on her desk until she found what she was looking for. ‘Here it is. Fair Go—it’s a great name, isn’t it? Named after Olivia Fairchild, the nurse who started it.’
She looked up in time to see Ethan visibly pale. Maybe his leg gave him more pain than he let on?
She moved on. ‘It’s an African-based charity focusing on helping adults and children affected by war. It’s a small charity right now, but with our backing Olivia is hoping she will be able to assist more victims. She has several cases already that could do with transport to the UK for specialist surgery.’ She smiled over at Ethan. ‘I take it you’ll be keen to take part?’
It seemed an obvious question. She knew that Ethan had been a victim of war himself so it seemed only natural he would want to help others. It just seemed odd his brother hadn’t mentioned it—but, then again, she couldn’t really fathom the relationship between the brothers. And she knew better than to interfere in other families’ problems.
Ethan’s voice was strained. ‘Of course I’ll take part. I knew another charity was being proposed for the clinic—I just hadn’t heard the details yet. That’s why I asked Iain if he’d be willing to participate too. I take it he was happy to help?’
Lexi felt an odd rush of colour to her cheeks. Oh, no. Just the
