Page 55 of Do Opposites Attract?

‘Lucky?’ There was a twitch of humour to his lips now.

‘Exactly right, and don’t you forget it.’ She tugged his head down and planted a long, slow kiss on his lips. ‘Now, are you going to stay out here sulking, or are you going to come back into the ballroom with me, dance in front of Henry’s nose and then join me in the hotel room we’ve already christened?’

He sighed. ‘Damn it, Brianna, I hate that people like Henry make me feel inadequate. I know I shouldn’t let it get to me, but it does.’

Brianna could only stare at Mitch in astonishment. How could a man as strong, as smart as him, possibly feel inadequate? She couldn’t understand it. ‘Mitch, you’re worth a hundred Henry’s. Just because he was born into money, doesn’t make him a man.’

Mitch allowed himself to be taken back to the ballroom. Allowed Brianna’s words to soothe his rumpled pride. He even had to admit to a spurt of childish euphoria when he saw Henry watching them together on the dance floor. Hell, he knew he was a better man than that pompous twit. He also knew that someone as shallow-minded and mean-spirited as Henry, even with all his money and privilege, wasn’t right for Brianna.

But that didn’t mean a rough-edged charity medic from the wrong side of the tracks was right for her, either. Lust had got in the way of his instincts. He was becoming tangled up with a woman he had no business being entangled with. Worse, he was now in so deep that whatever he did, they would both get hurt.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Brianna threw the phone down in annoyance. Having paid £100,000 into the Medic SOS bank account, it looked like Henry was after his pound of flesh. He wanted his dinner date and he wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Brianna hissed. Perhaps she should be grateful at least one man wanted to have dinner with her tonight, even if it was Henry. Mitch hadn’t exactly been inundating her with calls since last weekend, begging to see her. She was starting to get more than a little fed up with the way he blew hot and cold.

Despite Margaret’s insistence that Brianna work the proper office hours, she left work early, reasoning that tonight could be classed as work. The man had paid a small fortune for the date, the least she owed him was to look her best. And that meant allowing plenty of time to get ready.

Having showered, she slipped into a short, flirty silk dress and was trying to reach round to do up the zipper when her phone rang.

She gave the zip one last tug, but her arms weren’t long enough and the insistent ringing of the phone was driving her crazy. Muttering under her breath she left the unzipped halves dangling and went to answer it. ‘Hello?’

‘You sound out of breath. What are you up to?’

She expelled a soft curse. Mitch. ‘I’m trying to do up the zipper on my dress. Where are you when I need you?’

‘I’m better at undoing zips,’ he replied dryly. ‘Why are you putting on a dress now anyway? Have you got a hot date?’

‘As a matter of fact, I have.’

There was a moment of deafening silence. ‘Who with?’ he asked finally, his voice sounding strangled.

She laughed. ‘Come on, Mitch, I’m only teasing. I’m seeing Henry for this flipping date he paid for at the auction.’

‘I see.’

Again there was silence. Brianna shook her head, half annoyed, half pleased. Was Mitch really jealous? OfHenry? ‘Well, if it helps, I’d rather I was seeing you. I would have been, if you’d phoned.’

‘I’m phoning now, aren’t I?’ Then there was a deep sigh. ‘Look, I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch. I’ve been a bit busy. Where is he taking you?’

‘The Ivy.’ Even as she said the words, she cringed, imagining the look on his face at the name of the pretentious restaurant.

‘Well, enjoy your evening, Brianna,’ he replied quietly, putting down the phone before she had a chance to reply.

With a sigh she gathered up the halves of her dress and went in search of her mother.

‘Would you mind doing me up?’ she asked when she found her in her study.

‘Wow, you look lovely, dear.’ Her mother quickly zipped her up before easing her round to face her. ‘So.’ She coughed delicately. ‘Is this all in honour of Mitch?’

Brianna rolled her eyes. ‘No. It’s for Henry.’ Her mother’s lips curved into a brief, triumphant smile. ‘And before you get any ideas, this is the date he paid for.’

‘Oh, I see.’ The smile disappeared, but Brianna knew her hope remained. ‘Well, have a good evening, darling.’

Brianna mumbled her thanks, disappearing before she received another lecture on how wonderfully suitable Henry was. In contrast to the wildly unsuitable Mitch. There had been a time when she might have looked forward to being taken to dinner by Henry. But that was before she realised he liked her as more than a friend. And before she’d met the rugged doctor who’d stolen her heart.

* * *

Mitch was restless. Ever since he’d spoken to Brianna he couldn’t settle. He’d tried to watch the television, but none of the programmes took his interest. He’d thought of taking out his surfboard, but there wasn’t much light left and for once the thought of pitting himself against the wind and the waves didn’t thrill him. He’d deliberately waited until midweek to phone Brianna, wanting to put some space between them since the saga of the ball. But the moment she’d told him she was going out with Henry, the defensive shield he’d started to erect had shattered. Now he found himself pacing the room, unable to get the image of Brianna laughing with Henry over a glass of champagne out of his head. This scenario should have been perfect. What easier way to put the brakes on their doomed relationship than to push her into the arms of another man?

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