Never let the sun go down on an argument. Ross dismissed the thoughts of all the nights he’d curled up on the couch when Alice had thrown something at him and shut him out of the bedroom. He should take Laurie’s attitude for what it was and not make comparisons.
‘I’d like to explain, though...’ Laurie shook her head in a clear gesture that he didn’t need to. Maybe not for her, but Ross wanted to for himself. ‘Bear with me, eh?’
‘If you want.’
‘Setting this clinic up...was hard. I had to go out and find contacts who would refer patients here, and I was in the middle of a messy divorce. This place became my family and...if I’m a little too hands on at times that’s something I probably need to work on.’
Her gaze searched his face. Laurie clearly wanted more, but Ross wouldn’t give it. His decision to stay well clear of any potential romantic involvement had already taken a beating in the face of her golden eyes and indomitable spirit, and discussing the matter might only tempt him to change his mind.
‘Maybe I’m a little hands off at times.’ She gave him a grin that told him there was no maybe about it.
He wanted to tell her that she should never change. That her stubbornness was delightful when combined with her laughing honesty. But it was too great a step to take because it came from his heart, and his head told him that Laurie was still in danger of cutting off her nose to spite her face where her injury was concerned. That should be his one and only priority.
‘Have you thought any more about your potential patients?’
‘You mean the ones that you suggested, and who I’m not reckoning on letting you take away from me?’ She stuck her chin out in an obvious challenge.
‘Yeah. Those. I’m planning on going to see Adam tomorrow afternoon in London. It would be great if you have time to come along.’
‘It’ll only take half an hour to pack. And I’d like to come, it’ll give me a start on getting to know him.’
Ross nodded. ‘Tamara will be arriving the day after tomorrow.’
‘Good. Are just two patients going to be enough to fill my time for four afternoons a week?’
‘I’m hoping you’ll be spending quite a bit of time with each of them. And if you do find yourself at a loose end, there are plenty of clinic activities you can get involved with.’
‘Ah. Those would be the ones I haven’t had anything to do with over the last week.’ She shot him a wry smile.
‘Yes. Those.’ Ross smiled back. ‘There are a few outreach activities just for staff as well. We go to the Lakeside School sports day every year, that’s a couple of weeks from now.’
‘Okay... I’ve got to ask. What’s your involvement with a school sports day?’
‘We’re part of a community here. We take an interest in what local schools and sports centres are doing and offer our advice and help on a pro bono basis, if they need it. The sports day is a good opportunity to go along and get to know people.’
Laurie nodded. ‘That sounds like something I’d expect of you. Socially responsible.’
‘It’s actually a lot of fun. We dress up.’ Ross had left the part that he reckoned Laurie might find the most challenging till last.
She shot him a sceptical look. ‘Dressing up isn’t really my thing.’
‘Okay. Well you don’t have to dress up, you can just come along. You’ll be missing out, though, we’ve built up a few good costumes over the years. I usually go as the Mad Hatter.’ Ross backed off from the idea and the effect was almost immediate. Laurie’s lip began to curl in an expression of mischief.
‘Where are these costumes?’
‘We have them stored in one of the basement rooms. I can let you have the key if you’re interested.’
‘I’ll do you a deal. I’ll come in fancy dress if you let me choose your costume. The Mad Hatter doesn’t really suit you.’
That sounded like a challenge. And Laurie’s challenges were rapidly becoming both awkward and delicious.
‘Yeah. I could probably do with a change. Why not?’
* * *
I’ll dress up if you let me choose your costume. Laurie rolled her eyes at her own terrible judgement. That had to be one of the worst ideas she’d had in ages.
She watched Ross’s retreat. When he walked away from her, she could stare, without risking being caught. There was a lot to admire about him, even from the back.