A Mother for His Twins (3 page)

It was well after seven o’clock when Jennifer finally swapped her white coat for her suit jacket and large winter coat. She had a briefcase full of work to keep her company that evening and was ready to head back to Sara’s place.

As she walked to the front of the hospital, she heard someone call her name and turned around to see Jasper heading in her direction. She prepared herself for the next onslaught of what he called teasing. She hoped he wouldn’t. She was worn out and just wanted to be left alone. What she hadn’t expected were the tingles that assailed her body as he drew closer. She ignored them and went on the defensive instead.

‘Dr Edwards.’ She nodded curtly. ‘Forgot to say something else this morning? Perhaps an extra insult that you just wanted to get off your chest before you left for the night so you could sleep in peace?’

‘Ooh, and there’s that sarcasm of yours. Right in my face and making me want to say something to definitely rub you up the wrong way.’

Jennifer stared defiantly at him for a moment then the tension seemed to flood out of both of them and they laughed. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said, shaking her head.

‘I am, too. I guess I didn’t make it easy for you today.’

Jennifer shrugged. ‘I’ve had worse first days.’ She pointed to the briefcase he held in his hand. ‘You’re a bit late to be heading home.’

‘It happens. Are you heading to your car?’

‘Yes.’

‘I’ll walk with you.’ With that he waved to the security guard who was on his way over. ‘I’ll walk with Dr Thorngate,’ he said, and Jennifer was left with no choice but to go with him.

‘At least it’s not raining.’ She tried to make small talk.

‘I guess, coming from Melbourne where it drizzles all day long in winter, Sydney might be seen as an improvement.’

‘I guess but I remember quite clearly what winter is like in Parramatta.’

‘Of course. I keep forgetting you know your way around here.’ He paused then asked, ‘Is that how you know Sara? She only said she had an old friend staying with her,’ he added.

‘We’ve been friends since high school.’

‘I remember now. She calls you Jen most of the time, right?’

‘Yes.’

‘Do you prefer Jennifer or Jen?’

‘Jennifer at work. Only my closest friends call me Jen.’

Jasper nodded but didn’t make any further comment. She pointed to a blue Jaguar Mark II. ‘This is me.’

‘This is
your
car?’

‘I just said as much. Why? What’s wrong?’

‘It’s just that…well…usually women don’t drive classic cars like this.’

‘That’s a very chauvinistic comment, Jasper. I’m sure you’d like your daughters to have an appreciation of fine cars.’

‘Well, yes, of course. Sorry.’

‘Don’t be. I’m used to that sort of reaction from men.’

‘Have you had it long?’

‘About eight years.’ She took a deep breath, looked down at the ground then met his eyes, the car park’s artificial lighting accentuating his angular jaw and straight nose. ‘It belonged to my fiancé. He died of cancer.’ There. It was out. She’d learned to say the words matter-of-factly, removing all emotion whenever she brought up Arturo.

Jasper nodded slowly. ‘Why are you telling me this? I thought you liked to keep your private life private.’

‘I do, but let’s face it, Jasper. Sara seems intent on getting the two of us together so no doubt she’s planning some party or get-together soon and we’ll be forced to mix. She’ll also let slip details about my past, just as she’s told me about yours.’

‘So you’ve said.’

‘It was only the basics. She probably thinks that because we’ve both lost someone to cancer that we have a lot in common.’

Jasper scratched his head. ‘She thinks that grief can bring people together?’

‘You know Sara. Her mind works in a way that is still a mystery to most top neurologists.’

He smiled at that, hearing the love she had for her friend in her voice. ‘And this is why she wants you to start dating again? Because you drive your deceased fiancé’s car?’

Jennifer had to smile. ‘It’s not just the car.’

‘It shouldn’t be. It’s an amazing car.’

‘It’s a money guzzler.’ She stroked the bonnet lovingly. ‘But I don’t begrudge one single penny.’

‘Let me guess. It makes you feel close to him?’

‘Art. Arturo—that was his name and, yes, it does.’

Jasper nodded. ‘I’m like that with my bedroom. My wife decorated it in her own special style—she was an artist. Even now, three years later, even though I know I’ve moved on emotionally, I still love being in that room.’

‘It’s like looking through an old photo album and remembering the good times.’

‘Yes. Exactly.’ Jasper smiled at her. ‘My mother thinks it’s morbid to leave the room the way it is but I wouldn’t change it for anything, just as I’m sure you’re not going to get rid of this car.’

‘No. She’s a part of me.’

Jasper was silent for a moment before asking quietly, ‘Would you mind giving me a ride home?’ He looked longingly at the car as she’d seen so many men do over the years.

‘Don’t you have your car here?’

‘I do, but it can stay here overnight. Classic cars such as this little beauty…’ he stroked the bonnet ‘…don’t come along every day.’

‘So you want me to drive you home just so you can ride in her? How will you get to work in the morning?’

‘I don’t live far. I can walk.’

‘What if it’s raining?’

‘Then I’ll use an umbrella.’

Jennifer smiled, liking his logical answer. ‘Are you sure?’

‘Of course. I am a man who knows his own mind…most of the time,’ he added with a grin.

‘All right, then.’ She shifted her briefcase to the other hand
and pulled the keys out of her pocket. She contemplated her decision for a whole split second before holding them out to him. ‘As it’s not that far to your place, would you like to drive her?’

Jasper’s eyes almost popped out of his head and Jennifer couldn’t help but laugh. ‘Are you serious?’

‘Of course I am. And I
am
a woman who knows her own mind.’

‘You’d let a complete stranger drive your very special car?’

‘First of all,’ she said as she unlocked the driver’s side, then opened the back door to put her briefcase in, ‘you’re not a complete stranger, Jasper. Secondly, we may be new colleagues but you’ve known Sara for years, as have I, and I’m sure we both know that Sara is very careful about who she gives her loyalty to. And, thirdly, I’ve met your daughters and as a father you would no doubt be a careful driver, given you’d often be carrying precious cargo in the back.’

‘Any other reasons?’ He was teasing her, she could tell by the slight twitch of his lips. It was interesting how she’d picked up on that so quickly but, then again, he’d teased her quite a few times today.

‘Yes.’ She held out the keys to him. ‘Because I can tell you really want to.’

Jasper nodded and this time took the keys from her, holding them as though they were precious jewels. Jennifer headed around to the passenger side and watched as Jasper took off his coat and placed it carefully on the back seat next to his briefcase before sliding smoothly behind the wheel. He leaned across and opened the passenger door for her, then put the key in the ignition and placed his hands on the leather steering-wheel.

Jennifer was very pleased when he didn’t start the car straight away but instead seemed to be taking his time, looking around, checking out where the lights were, the wind-
screen wipers, reading the dials. His hands caressed the steering-wheel in the same way Art had done and she smiled at that. She loved this car, there was no doubt about that, and it wasn’t only for sentimental reasons but she had to laugh at the way men were almost hypnotised by it.

‘She’s like a grand old lady, perfect in every minor detail. What’s her name?’

‘What makes you think she has a name?’ Jennifer was instantly amused.

‘Come on. Tell me her name.’

‘Why do men name their cars? I’ve never understood that.’

‘What’s her name?’ Jasper reiterated insistently. ‘I know she has one because if your fiancé loved her as much as I think he did, he would have named her.’

Jennifer rolled her eyes. ‘Miss Chief.’

‘Mischief?’

‘No. Miss Chief.’ She said the two words slowly. ‘But she can be a bit mischievous at times.’

Jasper wiggled his fingers as he reached for the ignition and sighed as the car purred to life. ‘Glorious.’

‘Do you two want to be alone?’ Jennifer laughed and clipped her seat belt on. She hadn’t been a passenger in this car for a very long time and it felt kind of nice to be driven around in it once more. She settled more comfortably into the leather seat, ready to enjoy being chauffeured.

Jasper drove as carefully as she’d expected him to and within a few minutes he was pulling up outside a large two-storey house. ‘She’s perfect. Just perfect.’

‘I’m glad you think so.’ Jennifer undid her seat belt and pointed to his house. ‘This is where you live?’

‘It is.’

‘You’re lucky to be so close to the hospital. I’ve been looking for a place for quite some time but with no luck.’

‘Can’t find anywhere close?’ He’d switched off the engine but kept his hands on the wheel, not quite ready to part with the sensation of such a classic car.

‘No, which is why I’m still at Sara’s. If you know of any decent-sized apartments in the area, would you mind letting me know?’

‘The house two doors down is for sale,’ Jasper remarked, pointing.

Jennifer wrinkled her nose and shook her head. ‘I’m not interested in a house.’

‘It’s only two bedroomed, more like a cottage really, and, besides, an apartment complex would mean you’d have to park Miss Chief in a shared garage or, worse, on the street. The house down the road has a nice large garage just perfect for this regal beauty.’ He paused for a moment, unsure whether he was doing the right thing or not. ‘I know the owner. Want me to get him to contact you?’

‘Well…’ It was all a bit sudden but he did have a point. ‘I was looking for an apartment with a private garage.’

‘You won’t find one around here. Not close to the hospital. Check out the house,’ he pushed again. ‘Just go for a look around. See if you like it.’ He shrugged. ‘I’ll even come with you if you want.’

‘You’d do that?’ She was surprised by the sweet gesture and it made her realise that Jasper Edwards was indeed someone she might be able to trust.
Might.

‘It’s the least I can do after you’ve let me drive Miss Chief.’

‘Hmm. Maybe I should remember that. Whenever I need Jasper to do something, I’ll just let him drive my car.’

‘I’m an easy sell,’ he replied with a chuckle, and reluctantly climbed out of the car. Jennifer followed suit and walked around to the driver’s side. ‘Thanks, Jennifer. She really was an amazing drive.’

‘My pleasure.’ And she realised it was. It had been good to share her love of the car with someone who really appreciated it. They stood there for a few moments, looking at each other, before Jasper seemed to realise he should move. He collected his coat and briefcase.

‘I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.’

‘I guess you will,’ she replied.

‘The second day is always better than the first,’ he said as he walked over his front lawn.

‘I’ll look forward to it, then.’

Jasper nodded slowly, heading into the shadows. ‘So will I.’

F
OR
the next two weeks, Jennifer started to find her feet in her new job. As good as his word, Jasper was professional yet polite when he showed her around the research laboratory and introduced her to various members of staff. She felt comfortable going to him with questions or concerns she had, just trying to get a feel for what had transpired before her arrival.

When she’d arrived home at Sara’s house that first night, she hadn’t said a word to Sara about meeting Jasper. Sara had hedged a little, asking her how the day had gone—had she met any new and exciting people? Jennifer had played it cool, deciding to keep Sara in the dark for a bit longer. Instead, she’d eaten her dinner, played a board game with Sara’s boys for half an hour and then headed to her room to settle down to the contents of her briefcase.

The evenings were usually hectic, with Jennifer not leaving the hospital until very late, only to be back bright and early the following morning.

‘You’re working too hard,’ Jasper told her one Thursday evening.

‘I’m the boss. I need to work hard. How can I ask more of my staff if I don’t give one hundred and ten per cent?’

Jasper eased himself into the chair opposite her desk and
shook his head, tut-tutting. ‘You’re still working too hard and you’re not going to inspire anyone if you end up sick. Or haven’t you noticed the bug which seems to be sweeping its way through the hospital?’

‘Of course I’ve noticed. Why do you think I’m working so hard?’ Her words had come out defensively and harshly, and the instant they were out she closed her eyes and sighed. ‘I’m sorry, Jasper.’ She hung her head for a moment, rubbing her fingers in tiny circles around her temples before looking at him once more. He was such a nice man and had been nothing but supportive during her time there so far. He didn’t deserve to incur her frustrations and insecurities. ‘I’m just eager to get all this work done and up to date so I can settle down into a more normal rhythm.’

‘Filling in for other staff and working yourself to death isn’t going to accomplish anything.’

‘Then what do you suggest I do?’ She indicated her desk, piled high with paperwork, as she spoke. Jasper heard a hint of mild desperation in her tone. ‘I was chosen for this job. It’s what I’ve been working towards for a very long time and I don’t want the powers that be to think I’m incompetent and—’

‘They won’t think that,’ Jasper interrupted as he stood and walked towards her. He stood behind her chair and placed his hands on her shoulders. She jumped when he touched her but he kept his hands still for a moment and the warmth he generated started to flow into her tired and exhausted trapezius. ‘You are doing an incredible job and no one is going to blame you for taking a night off and relaxing a little rather than beating yourself with a stick and wearing sackcloth and ashes.’

Her lips twitched at his words. ‘Sackcloth and ashes?’ She was working very hard at ignoring the way her body responded so readily to his nearness. There was something
about him which she found highly attractive…in fact, if she was honest, there was a
lot
about him she found highly attractive and keeping her distance, making sure their working relationship was that and nothing more, was the only thing which had helped keep her unwanted attraction to Jasper in check.

‘You know what I mean. Listen. Why don’t we get out of here and go grab a bite to eat?’

‘But what about your girls? Don’t you need to get home to them?’ Jennifer was concerned for both Lilly and Lola, not wanting to take their father’s time away from them but, really, she was more concerned with being alone with Jasper for any great stretch of time. In fact, they were alone now…here…in her office…the rest of the staff either on duty or off home. They were more alone here than they would be at a crowded, busy restaurant.

Jasper’s hands were moving slowly, working their magic and beginning to unknot her shoulders. She would relax too much with him like this…secluded in her office. She needed to move. She needed to put distance between them. She needed to…

‘Mmm.’ Jennifer heard herself moan as he continued to massage. It was so good. So nice. So warm and caring. So…evocative.

At that realisation, she pushed away from her desk, almost knocking Jasper over in her haste to put as much distance between them as possible. Her eyes were wide, her breathing doubling in an instant from its previous relaxed rate, and she started fidgeting with the papers she’d almost knocked off her desk.

‘Jennifer?’

‘Er…Nothing. I mean, thanks for the massage. Did you say something about dinner?’ She opened her drawer and pulled
out her handbag. ‘We can take my car if you like.’ Focusing on searching for her car keys and quite unable to look at him, she tried to pull herself together. When he didn’t say anything, she knew she had to meet his gaze. ‘Unless you do need to get home to your girls. Of course you do. It’s all right. Sara usually keeps leftovers in the fridge for me so it’s no trouble to—’

‘Jennifer.’ He interrupted her again, a smile twitching at his lips. ‘The girls will already be in bed by now and are well cared for. Of course we can take your car, if you’d prefer, but just relax. It’s only dinner.’

‘Right. I know. I guess your words are finally starting to sink in.’ she walked over to the coat rack and swapped her white coat for her warm jacket. ‘Do you know anywhere good that’s also close?’

‘I do.’ Jasper walked to the door. ‘I’ll just get my things from my office. Won’t be a moment.’

‘Great. Sounds great.’ She watched him walk away, his stride strong and purposeful as he made his way down the corridor to where his own office was. When he was out of sight, she closed her eyes and started to reflect over what had just happened. Jasper’s touch. The way he’d looked at her, that cute little smile of his playing about his lips. The warmth of his hands. The nearness of his body. The scent of him overpowering her senses.

It had been so incredibly long since she’d been seriously attracted to another man that she wasn’t at all sure how to behave. ‘You can do this. You can do this,’ she kept telling herself as she locked up. ‘It’s just dinner…with a friend. Nothing more.’

But as Jasper made his way back up the corridor towards her, she knew she was lying to herself. Spending time one on one with Jasper probably wasn’t the best idea in the world but,
she had to admit, she was rather curious about him. Sure, Sara had filled in a few of the gaps but
she
had definitely been intrigued by him, even before she’d known his true identity.

‘Ready?’

‘As ready as I’ll ever be,’ she replied, and they headed out of the hospital. Jasper walked with her to her car and this time refused the keys when she offered them to him.

‘I’ll navigate.’ His deep words washed over her as she exited the car park and for a split second she wondered if he was offering to navigate more than the car. Was Jasper also willing to navigate her through the rocky waters of moving on with her life? Of course she’d moved on in a professional capacity but emotionally she knew she’d held onto the past for too long. It was one of the reasons she’d returned to Parramatta. She needed to lay her past to rest once and for all. She needed to move on. To date. To find someone else to share her time with. Otherwise she’d end up all alone…And she didn’t want to be alone.

Jasper navigated extremely well and after she’d parked Miss Chief, they walked the short block to the dining district in the main street of Parramatta. ‘The world is your oyster…literally,’ Jasper said, pointing to a seafood restaurant. ‘What do you feel in the mood for?’

‘Huh?’ Jennifer was mildly startled by his question. She’d been intent on walking beside him, intent on trying not to get too close that their hands touched, intent on calming her nerves because she was out with a man…and not just any man at that.

Jasper only chuckled. ‘Good to see your brain’s starting to relax. How about here?’ He pointed at a restaurant that served café cuisine but also a large variety of foods. Their menus were printed up as a newspaper which you had to open to read. Jennifer was impressed with the gimmick and after they were seated and had trawled through the menu, deciding what to eat, she eased back in her chair and sighed, a smile on her face.

‘That’s better,’ Jasper declared.

‘What is?’

‘You.’

‘Me?’

‘Yes.
Now
you’re starting to relax. It’s good to see.’

Jennifer nodded. ‘You’re right. I do tend to push myself too hard, too fast. Thanks for making me get out, Jasper.’

‘Although I have to confess…’ he leaned a little closer, his elbows on the table, his eyes focused on hers ‘…I thought I was doing a good job of relaxing you back in your office.’

Jennifer blinked once and simply stared at him. Did he mean what she thought he meant? She swallowed, unable to speak for a moment.

‘Your shoulders are far too tight. I’d be more than happy to act as your remedial massage therapist if it’s going to help.’ He waggled his eyebrows up and down in a suggestive manner, that gorgeous smile that managed to melt her heart touching his lips.

‘Uh…I don’t…Uh…’ She cleared her throat ‘…know if that would be the…er…best idea.’

‘Why not? You were certainly enjoying it back in your office.’ His voice was so rich, so deep, and it wasn’t just washing over her any more—it was washing through her.

‘Jasper.’ She knew now he’d been well aware of the effects he’d been having on her, was
still
having on her. She decided not to play games any longer. ‘We can’t. We’re colleagues.’

‘True, and no doubt we’re better off maintaining a friendship, but that doesn’t change the fact that you’re the first woman I have been seriously attracted to in a very long time.’

‘
Jasper
.’ His name was a tortured whisper as she shook her head. ‘Don’t say things like that.’

‘Why not? It’s the truth and I’ve found it a good policy always to stick to it wherever possible.’

‘So you’re…you’re…attra—’ She stopped as the waiter delivered their food. They both smiled their thanks and when they were left alone Jennifer found it difficult to look at him again. He was attracted to her and he’d admitted it. Just like that. She had a feeling that she’d been out of the dating loop for far too long if this was the way things were now done.

‘You have your family. I have…’ She paused.

‘You have what?’ His words soft and slightly probing.

Jennifer sat up a little straighter and squared her shoulders. When she spoke, she met his eyes. ‘I have my job and while that might not sound like much to some, I’ve worked extremely hard to get to where I am and I want to enjoy it.’

Jasper opened his mouth as though he was about to say something else but then changed his mind at the last second. ‘Fair enough. Let’s eat while it’s still hot.’

She blinked once, a little surprised at his acquiescence, but decided it wasn’t good to look a gift horse in the mouth. ‘It looks delicious,’ she remarked.

‘Me? Or the food?’ Jasper asked, that teasing glint back in his eyes.

‘The food.’ She pointed her fork at him. ‘Now, cut it out. We’re just going to be friends.’

‘Why?’

Jennifer’s expression and her tone were quite serious. ‘Because I don’t have many.’

Jasper nodded as though accepting her answer. ‘Fair enough.’ He raised his glass and held it out to hers. ‘Friends,’ he toasted as they chinked glasses before raising them to their lips—both of them hoping they’d be able to stick to this resolve.

‘I feel like I hardly see you,’ Sara complained when Jennifer called her late on Friday afternoon to let her know she wouldn’t be there for dinner again.

It’s only because I’m trying to get everything settled as quickly as possible. The workload will even out soon enough and I won’t be burning the candle at both ends.’ Or having impromptu dinners with Jasper, she added silently. She’d had such a great time with him, simply being out on her own with a man whose company she enjoyed. He was smart, funny and not at all difficult to look at.

‘But what about trying to find an apartment?’ Sara’s words brought her thoughts back to the present. ‘I mean, don’t get me wrong, Jen, you’re more than welcome to stay here for as long as you need to, but I know you want to get a place of your own, have your own space. How are you going to have time to do that when you’re stuck in that hospital during daylight hours?’

‘Actually, Ja—er, a colleague has told me of a place for sale which is close to the hospital.’

‘Great.’

‘I’m meeting the owner in half an hour,’ she said, checking her watch.

‘The owner? Not the real-estate agent?’

‘It’s a private sale.’

Sara’s tone was instantly wary. ‘I don’t know, Jen. I don’t like the sound of this. It all sounds a bit…I don’t know…dodgy.’

There was a knock at Jennifer’s door and she looked up, placing her hand over the receiver, and called, ‘Come in.’ A moment later Jasper walked into the room. Jennifer ignored the little spark of pleasure at seeing him. Those sparks were becoming all too familiar of late.

‘Should I come back?’ he asked, but she shook her head and beckoned him in. She pointed to the phone and mouthed, ‘Sara.’ Jasper nodded and sat down, his eyes starting to twinkle.

‘Have you said anything?’ he asked softly. Jennifer shook her head but smiled at him. Jasper felt the now familiar hit to his solar plexus. It occurred whenever she smiled like that and in his opinion, when he didn’t see her all that often, he started to miss it. Last night, though, he’d had a fantastic time. For the first time in a long time he’d felt happy, free and single. Being the father of two meant he didn’t often get that much time alone, especially to spend it with an intelligent woman like Jennifer.

He had to hand it to her. She was a good administrator as well as a brilliant surgeon and while she may have ruffled a few feathers since her arrival, it had all been necessary, and he’d backed her up one hundred per cent. The fact that she was undeniably beautiful, with the most sparkling bright blue eyes, was an added bonus.