But Alex wasn’t listening to the praise being heaped on his head, he was concentrating on the mother, refusing to give up. Having saved the baby, he was obviously equally determined to save the mother.

‘She’s in sinus rhythm.’ The anaesthetist glanced at Alex in amazement. He grinned like a little boy.

‘Good work.’

Only when he was totally satisfied that the woman was stable did Alex sanction Jilly’s transfer to the intensive care unit.

Mark strolled back into the room just as everyone was preparing for the transfer.

‘She’s doing all right?’ There was no hiding the surprise in his voice and Alex gave a brief nod.

‘For now. But we’ll have to see how she goes.’

Mark looked stunned. ‘And the baby?’

‘The baby is on special care,’ Tina told him, reaching up to hug Alex. ‘And you are a clever man.’

‘God’s gift to women, that’s me,’ Alex drawled lightly, gently disengaging himself, ‘especially pregnant ones.’

‘Will you talk to her husband?’

Alex gave a nod. ‘I’ll do it now. We have no idea how she’ll do in the long term, of course, but I’ll discuss it with him.’

Jenny looked at him. ‘Do you want me to come?’

‘Yes.’ He gave a nod and led the way out of the room. ‘You’re better at the emotional stuff than me. Are you OK? You look a bit pale.’ His blue gaze was disturbingly acute. ‘Were you thinking about Chloe?’

For a man who didn’t think he was good at emotional stuff, he was amazingly intuitive. ‘Yes.’ She gave him a brave smile. ‘Life’s hard, isn’t it?’

Alex nodded and lifted a hand to squeeze her shoulder. ‘I’m sorry about your sister.’

Jenny swallowed, feeling his strength through the thin fabric of her uniform. ‘Thanks. Oh, and by the way, I think you’re fine with the emotional stuff,’ she said softly, remembering just how hard he’d worked to save the mother and the baby. There hadn’t been a man who didn’t care. ‘Except when it’s about you.’

He paused outside the door, a wry smile playing around his firm mouth. ‘More psychology? Don’t push your luck, Red Riding Hood.’

His masculine voice was silky smooth and she caught her breath.

‘You always keep yourself at a distance.’

His smile widened and he flipped her cheek casually with one lean finger. ‘I can assure you that I don’t.’

She coloured. ‘I meant emotionally. And you’re teasing me again.’

‘I know.’ His blue eyes glittered. ‘But teasing you is such fun. It’s fast becoming my favourite pastime.’

Without giving her a chance to answer, he pushed open the door and held it open so that she could walk through.

* * *

Later that evening they relaxed on the deck, eating a light supper while they enjoyed a spectacular sunset.

‘Had you done one before?’ Jenny couldn’t forget the dramatic events of the day.

‘Had I done what before?’ Alex yawned and twisted some pasta around his fork.

‘A Caesarean section.’ Jenny wasn’t really eating. She was still too wound up. ‘You had that baby out in minutes.’