Page 22

Alex raised an amused brow. “You think you’re up to the task?”

“Of entertaining you for an hour before you scuttle off back to the safety of wherever superstar pianists hide from the limelight these days?” Morgan leaned closer. “I think I can manage.”

Alex felt it hit her like a brick wall. Arousal. If they were in the confines of somewhere private right now, she wasn’t sure she’d be held responsible for what she might do with Morgan Kelly if allowed.

“I see, well, lead the way… I’m in your hands.”

Morgan touched Alex’s elbow before slipping her arm through and linking them closely together as she led the way into the hall. “So, are you planning to stay through dinner, or escape at the earliest opportunity?”

Alex smiled at people as they moved through, between the tables already filling up with guests, with Morgan’s hand now trailing across her lower back.

“I haven’t decided,” she answered, shaking hands with a man Morgan recognised from the physiotherapy department. “I wasn’t sure what to expect,” she turned to face Morgan, “or who might entertain me.”

“I guess you’ll be here till I leave then.” Morgan grinned, before moving away and leaving Alex speechless.

Before Alex could follow, she felt another arm slip through and link her to them. Francine whispered, “So, I’ve shmoozed with George, and he’s asked if you might draw the winning ticket in the raffle?”

Alex groaned. “Really?” She looked up and found herself being studied, those brown eyes just as dangerous from a distance. “I thought it might be a good idea to get to know Morgan a little better before we subject her to being my lover.”

Francine pursed her lips. “I think you’ll have plenty of time for that too.” She reached out and took two glasses of champagne from a passing waitress carrying a tray. “Here.”

Taking the glass from her, Alex immediately took a sip and glanced over the rim of the glass. Those eyes were still staring at her. “Fine, I’ll do the raffle.”

“Great, go mingle. I’ll organise it all.”

There was no time to argue. Francine was already moving away. Alex swigged the champagne and drained the glass. To her left, she could see a figure moving towards her with purpose. She was about to head towards Morgan and escape when she realised the doctor had moved. Alex scanned the area and couldn’t see her anywhere.

“Alexandra.”

Sucking down the disappointment, Alex turned to find a familiar face not quite smiling at her.

“Hello, Calista.”

The other woman studied Alex for a moment before she said, “So, the big question is, what did you do that means you’ve had to attend this annoyance like me?”

“I’m sure you could have found something else to do instead,” Alex replied without answering the question.

“Nope, all heads of department are expected to attend functions, especially fundraising ones.” She sipped thechampagne and grimaced. “So, I take it you’re feeling better now?”

“Yes, much, thank you.”

“Hm, I should probably apologise for being quite so—” Calista smiled. One hand held a glass, the other rested against her stomach. “My ego took a hit when you decided not to continue our…”

“I—”

“And I suppose, I can understand why, it must be quite intimidating to be around someone so capable and—”

“Ms Montgomery, sorry to interrupt.” Alex turned away from Calista and found herself potentially saved, with warm brown eyes and the sweetest smile she’d ever seen aimed right at her.

“Dr Kelly,” Alex said, a hint of hope in her tone. “You know Dr Urquhart?”

“Of course, well, we all know of Dr Urquhart.” Morgan smiled at the ice glare coming her way, before thrusting out her hand. “Morgan Kelly, Doctor.”

“Very James Bond.” Calista sneered, limply taking her hand as though it were diseased. “You’re the one who diagnosed Alexandra’s anx—”

“Yes, I was the doctor on call.” Morgan cut her off from announcing loudly to anyone listening what Alex’s diagnosis was. “I’m just glad that we got it all sorted for her.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, if I can have your attention.”