The Australian's Bride: Marrying the Millionaire Doctor / Children's Doctor, Meant-to-be Wife / A Bride and Child Worth Waiting For

Susie drank another mouthful of her wine. ‘God, I hope I never get married because it’s the “sensible” thing to do.’

‘You won’t,’ Emily promised. ‘The right guy is going to come along and you’ll get married because you’re hopelessly in love. You’ll see.’

Susie’s gaze strayed back to the top table again.

Alex, like Charles, was alone as far as female companionship went.

Alone… Available?

Susie drained her glass of champagne and eyed the bottle in the silver ice bucket. It was still more than half- full. She looked at Emily’s glass. The flute didn’t appear to have been touched.

‘You’re not keeping up with me, here, Em. What’s the story?’

‘I just don’t feel much like drinking alcohol tonight.’

The sinking feeling in Susie’s gut was too intense to ignore. ‘Oh, my God…you’re pregnant, aren’t you?’

‘I’m not sure.’ Emily’s eyes shone with joy. ‘Maybe. Hey, what’s the matter?’

Susie shook her head, trying to blink back stupid, stupid tears. She had got this out of her system the other night, hadn’t she?

‘I was going to tell you.’ Emily was frowning now, her joy replaced by concern for her friend. ‘Honestly, you were going to be the first person to know. It’s just that I haven’t even done a test yet. I’m only a couple of days late and…’

Susie blinked harder. She tried to smile. ‘It’s great news, Em. I’m so happy for you.’

‘Could have fooled me.’

Susie tried again, stretching her smile. ‘You’re not going to believe this, but Hannah’s pregnant, too. She rang the other night. Tuesday it was…’ Susie sucked in a breath to try and stop herself babbling. ‘She’d only just done the test. You’ll probably be due at the same time. They’ll be like…like twins…’ The effort of sounding happy was too much. Susie picked up the starched linen napkin that matched the tablecloth, screwed it into a ball and pressed it against her mouth.

Emily had been listening quietly, her eyes huge. Then she put her arm around Susie. ‘Oh, hell! I didn’t even think. You’re the one that’s always wanted a family. Hannah’s the career girl. And now it’s me.’ Her arm tightened. ‘Do you want to escape for a bit? Go for a walk or something?’

‘No. I’m fine.’

‘Your nose is dripping. Have you got a hanky?’

‘No.’ Susie sniffed inelegantly.

‘Use the napkin.’

‘Ooh, gross!’ But it made Susie smile. ‘I’m OK, really,’ she said a moment later. ‘I just feel a bit left out, that’s all.’ She took another deep breath. ‘OK, so I’m jealous. I’m sorry, Em.’

‘Don’t be stupid. It’s me who should be sorry. It’ll happen for you, you know. Like I said, some gorgeous guy is going to come along and before you know it, you’ll be knee deep in nappies.’

‘Ha! I haven’t even met anyone I’d want to date in months, let alone marry.’

‘Alex looks perfectly datable to me.’

‘There’s no point in dating when it’s got no chance of going anywhere. I’m getting too old for games like that.’

‘What’s happened to that girl who persuaded her twin to have her first-ever one-night stand—to see what having the best sex in her life might be like? To try a playboy because they’re the ones who’ve had the most practice?’

‘She’s grown up,’ Susie said sadly.

Or maybe she’d just been hurt too many times. You got carried away by physical attraction and the next thing you knew you were in love with some guy who had never had any intention of making a relationship permanent. Or even long term. No wonder she had a personal crystal ball that revealed the future so easily when it came to men. Especially men like…Alex.

‘Best thing that Hannah ever did, though, wasn’t it?’ Emily persisted. ‘She let herself go enough to have a fling with someone she fancied, and look where she is now. Married to him. Having his baby.’

‘Don’t remind me. I’m going to be everybody’s aunt. They’ll all come to visit mad Aunty Susie who lives all by herself with a zillion cats.’

Emily’s nudge was not gentle. ‘Get a grip,’ she instructed. ‘Distraction is what you need, and don’t try and tell me that Alex Vavunis couldn’t distract you. I’ve noticed how often you’ve been looking at that table.’

‘I’ve been watching Charles. He’s looking a bit stressed, don’t you think?’

‘Liar!’

Susie had to smile back but it was disturbing to think it might have been so obvious. She’d tried to stop but her eyes had simply refused to obey instructions and kept travelling to catch another glimpse. Eye candy.

And this particular variety seemed to be addictive.

Had Alex noticed? The thought made her cringe. It also made her drag her gaze away from Emily to look over her shoulder. To her horror, Alex was a lot closer than the last time she’d seen him.

‘He’s coming over.’ Emily’s stage whisper was delighted. ‘The music’s started. I’ll bet he’s going to ask you to dance.’

It was the last thing Susie needed right now.

Or was it?

With every step he took towards her, she could feel the curl of that overwhelming attraction increase. By the time he was ten feet away, it was hot enough to be melting something deep within her. If she danced with Alex, she would be closer than she’d been to him so far. Dancing involved touching. A lot of touching.

Almost as much touching as…

Oh, help!

Susie didn’t need to consider using the starched napkin as a handkerchief any more. She needed a fan!

The threat of tears was long gone. So was any thought of feeling sorry for herself. Maybe Emily had been right and she needed the distraction that dancing with Alex would provide.

It would be fun. Exciting. A chance to remind herself how much pleasure life had to offer instead of crying in a corner, feeling as if it was all passing her by.

Susie found herself rising to her feet.

Smiling at Alex.

Wordlessly taking his outstretched hand in her response to the invitation to dance.

Letting him lead her, hand in hand, onto the dance floor.

He’d been waiting for this moment for what seemed like for ever.