Reawakened by the Italian Surgeon Read online

  She pushed back her shoulders, lifted her eyebrows, and turned with her biggest grin back to the other surgeon.

  Giovanni felt a wave of relief. Maybe he had overthought things. She certainly seemed to be relaxed enough now. That had seemed like a challenge. As if she were telling him, I’m stealing your surgeon.

  He looked around the table and started talking. ‘You’ll all be well aware that Autumn and I still have to make selections for Team Hope and Team Grace. What you might not know is that this morning Autumn and I did our first practice surgery. There will be others—many others—and you will all have the chance to be involved. Our babies are at twenty-six weeks right now. We will need to have our teams in place, if possible, within the next few weeks. Whilst we hope our babies will remain in utero for as long as possible, we also know that we could be called at any moment.’

  Everyone had stopped talking when Giovanni started, but the silence that fell around the table now was heavy. It wasn’t that his potential team didn’t already know how serious this was, but he could see a few of them swallowing with difficulty.

  The only person who didn’t look fazed at all was Autumn. Her shoulders remained straight and her gaze steady. A little buzz shot through him. She would be ready at a moment’s notice. Just as he would. That instilled him with confidence. For him and for the babies.

  ‘My door is open for anyone who wants to talk to me about being on my team,’ he said, knowing Autumn would see the glint in his eye.

  ‘As is mine,’ she added promptly.

  She stood up and moved alongside him. She was making sure that everyone knew they were equals.

  And they were.

  Things seemed more relaxed now. What had happened earlier today must surely have been a blip.

  He was still thinking when she turned to him. ‘I have some work to do. I’ll catch you later.’

  Before he had a chance to reply, Autumn strode away across the canteen. He could see several staff members watching her leave, and he could almost write a list of who might approach her.

  He tried not to smile. Healthy competition among staff was good. Everyone would be working at their optimum level to ensure a place on a team.

  And that was entirely what he wanted—all staff at their absolute best to ensure the best possible outcomes for these babies.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  AUTUMN COULDN’T PRETEND she didn’t feel a bit off. Whilst she’d had relationships with colleagues in the past, they’d never been with men she might potentially look at across the operating table.

  The host of emotions that had swept over her while practising with Giovanni were simmering beneath her surface. It didn’t matter how much she tried to ignore things, the air between them definitely sizzled.

  Her brain told her it was too soon. She’d only just had a text to say that all her clothes had been packed up and delivered to her flat.

  She pulled at her bright pink shirt. She hadn’t asked for her clothes to be delivered to Italy. It would have been ridiculous and costly, and she’d rapidly realised the clothes she’d normally wear in the UK were just too warm for the current weather in Rome.

  Her only choice was an immediate new wardrobe.

  Via del Corso was one of the main streets in the historical centre of Rome, and several of the female staff at the hospital had pointed her in this direction to get some elegant dresses and suits for work.

  Autumn couldn’t believe quite how long and straight this street was, compared to the surrounding area that was littered with alleys and a variety of small piazze. What was also interesting was how narrow the street was by modern standards. It was busy, with only two lanes of traffic, and the pavements were packed with shoppers.

  The buildings were a variety of colours—oranges, yellows, creams and a few red—with designer shop signs flickering in the light wind. The temperature was high today, and Autumn knew that as soon as she bought some new clothes, she would wear them straight from the boutique.

  As she jostled with the crowds and listened to the chatter around her, she realised that there were just as many tourists as there were locals.

  She strolled into the first designer boutique, pulled in by the elegant dresses displayed in the window. As she touched the first, the fabric light against her fingers, she knew it was perfect—just what she was looking for. The only trouble was the sharp intake of breath behind her.

  She turned around. A woman in a beige suit was looking down her nose at her, speaking in rapid Italian. Autumn caught a few words and made a stammering attempt to reply in Italian. The woman wrinkled her nose, and Autumn felt embarrassed. She was surprised. These Italian boutiques must be filled with tourists on a regular basis.

  She tried a few words in English. ‘Excuse me, I’m looking for some dresses...’ She lifted her hand again, wanting to check the size label on the dress, but the saleswoman stepped in front of her.

  Autumn was immediately self-conscious, looking down at her clothes. She had on black trousers and a pink shirt. They were certainly a few years old, but perfectly serviceable. She had the most uncomfortable feeling that the woman didn’t think she was good enough to shop in this boutique.

  Maybe she was misunderstanding? Maybe it was just a language barrier—and that flooded her with guilt. She was trying her best, but after less than two weeks she certainly hadn’t mastered the language by any means.

  The woman spoke to her again, rapidly and not entirely pleasantly. Autumn didn’t need to understand the words to understand the tone.

  She took a final glance at the emerald-green dress that would have been perfect, before giving a polite nod of her head and walking out of the door.

  Her phone started ringing instantly, and she pulled it from her bag and answered it without even glancing to see who was calling.

  ‘Hi.’ Her voice was abrupt as frustration swept through her.

  ‘Autumn? What’s wrong?’

  Giovanni’s voice was like an instant balm. She wasn’t thinking about earlier that week. Or about how she’d spent the last few nights barely sleeping, whilst he’d danced around in her thoughts.

  ‘I’ve come shopping—’ she sighed ‘—and I’m having some trouble.’

  ‘What kind of trouble?’ he sounded instantly concerned.

  Now she felt a bit pathetic. ‘I think it’s just a language thing...’

  ‘Where are you shopping?’

  ‘Via del Corso. I wanted some lighter clothes for work. You know...smart, but something I can actually breathe in.’

  He gave a soft laugh. ‘Are you at one of the designer stores?’

  She nodded, then realised he couldn’t see her. ‘Yes.’

  ‘Give me a name?’

  She turned and looked back at the pale-green-fronted store she’d just left and read the name out to Giovanni.

  He gave a loud sigh. ‘I told you to let me know when you needed to shop.’

  ‘Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t expect you to come shopping with me.’

  ‘Order a coffee at one of the nearby stands. I’ll be there in ten minutes and I will take you to some places where they’ll treat you the way they should.’

  She didn’t have a chance to say no before he hung up. She looked up at the door sign again. It was as if he actually knew something about the place.

  She moved over to a coffee stand with a few tables and ordered coffee for both of them, sitting for a bit and watching the world go by. The heart of Rome was extraordinary. Partly filled with tourists, but also some of the most stylish people she’d ever seen.

  A woman in a pale pink trouser suit with a bright silk scarf knotted at her throat strolled past as if she were wearing the most casual clothes in the world. Another woman moved along on the other side of the slim street, designer sunglasses on her face and wearing an elegant pure white dress that rippled around
her model-slim frame. The crowd parted like the Red Sea around her, and Autumn held in a giggle.

  She jumped as Giovanni sat down in the chair opposite her.

  ‘There you are.’ He beamed as if they were best friends.

  ‘You didn’t need to come,’ Autumn said hastily. ‘I’m sure I could have managed.’

  He pointed down the street to the store she’d been in. ‘Not in there. They’re notorious. I’ll show you where to shop.’ His eyes ran down her body. ‘There’s some great places around here. Do you have a price range?’

  Some might be offended by a question like that, but Autumn wasn’t at all. ‘As long as we’re not in the thousands, I’ll be fine.’

  He gave a nod, and she saw that he followed her gaze as she watched another woman in a dark green knee-length jersey dress stop to buy coffee from a nearby stand. ‘I’d like that kind of thing,’ she said. ‘Smart enough for work, but still comfortable.’

  ‘Dresses. No problem. Anything else?’

  She thought for a moment. Whilst she might be a little embarrassed by Giovanni helping her shop, she might as well take advantage of the moment. ‘Some tunic tops, a pair of shorts and some sandals...’

  Giovanni laughed. ‘You do realise I’ll be in big trouble tonight, don’t you?’

  Autumn’s brow furrowed. ‘Why?’

  ‘Sofia. She’ll be annoyed that she’s missed out on a shopping trip.’

  ‘She likes shopping?’ Autumn was surprised. Sofia hadn’t struck as her a girl who would enjoy shopping trips.

  ‘Are you kidding? My girl can shop like a pro. She loves shopping. When I tell her about this I’ll be in so much trouble.’ Giovanni let out a laugh as he shook his head. ‘In fact, so will you.’

  Something burned deep down inside her. He spoke about his daughter with so much pride—as he should. She could picture Sofia’s face right now. ‘I’m not too sure I want to get into an argument with your daughter,’ she said with a smile as she stood up and put her bag strap over her head. ‘I fear I might lose.’

  He grinned as he stood up too. ‘Oh, you definitely will. Come on, let’s find some stores that are more fun.’

  Autumn was amazed by how remarkably easy Giovanni was around the designer stores. He pointed at a few windows, unconcerned when she shook her head. Then they strolled down the street to look in some others.

  When Autumn found a store with a large array of dresses in the window display that caught her eye, she was amazed when Giovanni greeted the sales assistant by name. Fifteen minutes later Autumn had found three dresses that she loved.

  ‘The pink is great on you,’ said the assistant, Marie, in easy English. ‘And the floral print is so light. It will suit you in the hospital.’

  ‘How did you know I worked in a hospital?’ asked Autumn as she pulled the third dress, a comfortable green jersey, over her head.

  Marie shrugged behind her. ‘Giovanni told me you’re work colleagues.’

  ‘You’re...friends?’ Autumn asked as a button from the dress tangled in her hair.

  Marie was a petite blonde, very attractive and equally nice. Was Autumn missing something here? And why did she feel a bit odd about that?

  Marie leaned forward to unravel Autumn’s hair. ‘Yes, we’re old friends. I know his sisters and I used to know his wife.’ She shot Autumn a sorrowful smile.

  ‘Thanks,’ said Autumn as she shook out her freed hair.

  She was glad of the distraction. Her stomach had clenched uncomfortably, but she was glad Marie hadn’t tiptoed around about her. The staff at the hospital sometimes mentioned Anna. Almost in reverent tones. It was a little disconcerting at times, hearing how wonderful and beautiful Giovanni’s dead wife had been.

  Autumn gave Marie a little nod. ‘Yes, Giovanni has told me about his wife. Obviously I’m new to the hospital, and didn’t know her, but I’ve met Sofia. She’s a delight.’

  Marie’s smile broadened. ‘Well, if you’ve met Sofia, you know who the boss is.’ She glanced through the curtain towards the front of the store, where Giovanni was patiently waiting. ‘It’s such a shame he’s on his own now.’ She gave Autumn a sideways smile. ‘We all keep hoping he might meet someone new.’

  Heat rushed into Autumn’s cheeks. Oh, no, it was like being a teenager back at school. In a few moments she’d gone from wondering if she might be a little jealous to wondering if Marie was trying to set her up. From one extreme to the other. And Marie’s steady blue eyes were clearly sizing her up.

  Marie tipped her head to one side. ‘That’s three dresses now. Do you need anything else?’

  ‘S-sandals,’ stuttered Autumn. Anything to distract the woman. ‘And a few casual tops—maybe some capri pants.’

  She didn’t want to think about what all this might do to her credit card. It wasn’t as if she couldn’t afford to buy herself nice things—it was just she hadn’t seen a single price tag on any of the items of clothing she’d tried so far. History told her that was never good a sign. It was just as well she loved everything that she’d tried.

  Marie appeared again, as if by magic, with a pair of white capri pants and a short-sleeved fitted blouse that was white with pink flowers. She also had with her a second pair of capri pants, in navy, alongside a bright orange loose tunic top with a tie at one side, and a pair of flat cushioned sandals with some sparkle along the straps.

  Autumn opened her mouth to talk, but promptly closed it again, taking the clutch of clothes hangers and closing the curtain on the dressing room.

  Five minutes later she was glad she hadn’t voiced any concerns. Marie’s eye was good. She’d picked colours and styles that both suited and complemented Autumn’s colouring. What was more, the clothes were actually comfortable. Almost unheard of unless it was a pair of pyjamas.

  She kept on the sandals and the navy blue capris and orange top, and handed over the rest for bagging.

  ‘Thank you,’ she said to Marie appreciatively. ‘You’ve made this so painless. I’ve got exactly what I need. How much do I owe you?’

  Marie grinned and nodded over to Giovanni, who was sipping coffee in the corner of the store. ‘Not a thing. Your bill has been covered.’

  Autumn’s credit card was already in her hand. ‘What?’

  Marie shrugged. ‘Whether it’s a friend or a sister, he always does this.’

  There was something in the way she was looking at Autumn, with a hint of curiosity and humour.

  Autumn spun around to Giovanni. ‘You can’t pay for my clothes! It’s nice, but it’s far too generous.’ She was trying not to sound defensive and annoyed. Was this because he’d asked her what her price range was? Did he think she couldn’t afford the clothes?

  She heard the rustle of tissue paper behind her as Marie wrapped the dresses and other items, putting them in large bags. It was clear she was staying out of this fight.

  Giovanni put down his coffee cup and stood up. He was wearing light trousers and a pale blue shirt, and with that darn dark stubble and the sunglasses on his head he might easily pass for some Italian model.

  He gave her a nonchalant shrug. ‘I like to keep the women in my life happy. You needed clothes.’ He swept his arm out. ‘We got you clothes.’

  One of the women in his life. That was how he’d just referred to her. She was momentarily stunned. She couldn’t even turn her head, because she was pretty sure that Marie’s gaze would be searing into her.

  Autumn took a deep breath and moved right in front of him. ‘But, Giovanni, you can’t pay for my clothes. It’s not...’ She struggled to find the right word.

  ‘Not what?’ He threw up his hands. ‘Anyway, I might ask you for a little favour in return.’

  Her skin prickled. ‘What kind of favour?’

  Giovanni threw back his head and laughed. ‘You should see your face right now! Don’t be silly. This will be
fun.’ He gave a thoughtful nod of his head. ‘Better grab those bags.’

  Autumn smiled quickly as she thanked Marie again, and left the shop clutching the large packages. Giovanni started to stroll back in the direction they’d started from. She was still a little uncomfortable. When was the last time a man had bought her clothes? She struggled to remember. It had obviously been a long time ago.

  He named a popular movie from the nineteen-nineties. ‘Ever seen it?’

  She looked at him in confusion. ‘Of course.’

  His smile widened. ‘Do you remember that scene where the women in a designer store are mean to the heroine and she returns later with lots of bags?’

  Autumn looked down. She was carrying bags from the store that had been nice to her. She glanced up and saw the pale green store in the distance and started to laugh. ‘Really? You want to do that?’ She wrinkled her nose. ‘Do people really do that kind of thing?’

  The movie was playing in her head now, and she was seeing the similarities that she hadn’t even considered. It might be fun...but it was also out of the ordinary.

  She looked at Giovanni curiously. ‘Is there something you’re not telling me?’

  If she hadn’t been watching closely she might not have noticed the slight falter in his next footstep. He gave the briefest of nods. ‘Maybe. Let’s just say I have history with someone who works in that store. I can’t believe they’re still in business. They treat almost everyone the way they treated you today.’

  Autumn’s footsteps slowed. ‘But why? Why not be like Marie? Why not be nice to people? I’ve never worked in retail, but surely that makes for better sales?’

  Giovanni shook his head. ‘I haven’t worked in retail either, but courtesy goes a long way—no matter what field you work in.’ He looked along the street. They were rapidly approaching the other store. ‘Now, why not just have a little fun?’