Page 9 of Only for Christmas

Uncrossing her legs, she tugged on the hem of her suit skirt. ‘Perhaps I could draw your attention to the new recruitment policy the hospital introduced last year, which removed asking any unnecessary personal questions from the application process. Basing a recruitment decision using such information was deemed to be inappropriate and outdated.’

He grinned. ‘Ah, a feminist.’

‘I support equality in the workplace, if that’s what you’re implying. I also consider myself to be professional, non-judgemental and impartial. My aim is to assess an application purely on its merits.’

He laughed. ‘I know that’s the party line, but let’s face it, there’s more to a person that a few embellished career highlights on a CV.’ He rested his weight on one hand, revealing an expensive gold watch beneath his shirtsleeve. As his body edged closer to hers, an unpleasant waft of strong aftershave filled her senses. ‘I like to delve a little deeper and find out a person’s true character. I want to discover the inner workings and what drives them to succeed. Like, for instance, are you in a relationship?’

Sarah felt an instant flush hit her cheeks. ‘I don’t see why that’s relevant.’

‘That’s a no, then?’ He smiled. ‘In my experience, when given the opportunity, women love to tell you all about their romantic liaisons.’

Talk about sexist. Sarah pushed back against the chair, trying to create some distance. ‘Not this woman.’

His grin widened. ‘Why, is it scandalous?’

She adopted what she hoped was a stern expression. ‘It’s private.’

‘I’m divorced,’ he said, getting up from the desk, much to Sarah’s relief. ‘Two grown-up kids.’ He handed her a photo frame. ‘My son’s training to be a doctor, like his old man. And my daughter’s working as an architect.’

Sarah nodded politely at the photo of two smiling people with their father’s confident posture, exuding self-belief, and with a slight smidgeon of arrogance.

He replaced the photo frame on the desk. ‘I’m currently single. I love travelling, fine dining and buying expensive art. I spend my weekends on my boat, and most evenings I enjoy trips to the theatre, opera and dining with friends.’ He tilted his head. ‘There, you see? Not so hard to expand on the boring CV, is it? Now it’s your turn. Give me a snapshot of Sarah Haynes. Who is she away from work?’

As much as she wanted to tell him where to stick his impertinent and intrusive questions, she knew her career would suffer if she did. That said, no one was going to bully her into revealing more about herself than she was comfortable with.

Drawing in a shaky breath, she forced herself to meet his gaze. ‘As I’ve already explained, my life away from the hospital is private and I intend to keep it that way.’ She stood up. ‘Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do. I’m extremely busy.’

Seemingly amused, he followed her over to the door. ‘Most women find me easy to open up to. I’m a good listener.’

Ugh. She doubted that. She suspected his favourite pastime was talking about himself. ‘Thank you for the meeting. I won’t take up any more of your precious time.’

‘Until next time,’ he said, holding the door open for her.

What a miserable thought. The less she had to endure the new medical director, the better.

Sarah headed back to her office, glancing over her shoulder to ensure he wasn’t following her, and trying to shake off the lingering scent of his aftershave that seemed to have permeated the fibres of her suit jacket.

As she reached the open-plan area where her colleagues were stationed, she heard Georgia’s distinctive dirty laugh. ‘We’re talking seriously hot. Like, holy hell, yes, please, I’ll-have-me-some-of-that hot.’

Aged thirty, Georgia could be mistaken for a recent uni graduate. Excessive partying, Tinder hook-ups and rolling into work with smudged eyeliner and matted hair was a common occurrence. Her maths skills and dedication to the role of finance assistant saved her from ever being reprimanded when her non-work activities interfered, but she walked a fine line some days.

Sarah reached their workstation in time to hear Jafrina’s reply. ‘Honestly, Georgia, that’s hardly an appropriate way to speak about a work colleague.’

Georgia swung around in her chair. ‘Calm down, Miss Prim-and-Proper. I’m just commenting on the quality of his aesthetic.’

Jafrina tutted. ‘It’s demeaning.’

Unlike Georgia, Jafrina was conservative, quietly spoken and her idea of a wild night was staying up past ten p.m. Something Sarah could definitely relate to. She was far more Team Jafrina than Team Georgia.

‘Blokes love being objectified. Isn’t that right, Tyler?’ Georgia swivelled around to grin at the only male member of the team. ‘Back me up here. Would you be offended or flattered if a woman called you hot?’

Tyler’s deep throaty chuckle was a welcome sound in the office. ‘I’m staying out of this.’ But then he grinned. ‘Honestly? Yeah, I’d quite like it.’

Georgia slapped her hand on the desk. ‘You see?’

‘To be fair, when you’re in a wheelchair, it doesn’t happen very often.’ He pointed downwards. ‘This thing isn’t exactly a turn-on for most women.’

‘Oh, please,’ Georgia scoffed. ‘Don’t give me all that crap about the wheels hampering your game. I’ve seen your wife; she looks like Halle Berry.’

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