The smile, however, became genuine when she found herself staring up at a man with the most gorgeous brown eyes she’d ever seen. He was tall—a lot taller than she’d expected. Probably about six feet three inches. His hair was a rich dark brown, militarily short and starting to grey at the temples.
‘I’m George Wilmont.’ He extended his hand as he walked towards her.
‘Welcome, Professor Wilmont.’ She quickly recovered her composure, pleased with herself for not openly gaping at the man. ‘I’m Melody Janeway.’ She placed her hand in his, the touch sending a jolt of electrifying tingles up her arm. His fingers gripped her hand firmly, warming not only her hand but the rest of her as well.
She’d been unprepared for such a reaction to this stranger, especially as he held her hand for a fraction of a second longer than was necessary. Melody felt something wild and untamed pass between them. His gaze locked with hers and she saw a flicker of surprise register in his eyes before they both dropped their hands and took a small step backwards.
Whoa! What on earth was that? According to the dossier she had on him as part of the preparation information for this tour, he was a married man. Melody cleared her throat, desperately trying to regain her composure. ‘Uh...welcome to St Aloysius Hospital, Professor Wilmont.’
He cleared his throat. ‘Please, call me George.’
She nodded. ‘I’m Melody, and if you want to make any jokes about singing or asking if I can carry a tune, the answer is yes. I sing very well and often in key.’
George smiled at her attempt at humour, a real smile, not a polite I’m a professional type of smile. The effect was real as she noted his eyes spark with a glint of merriment. They stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, the hours ticking by, yet in reality it was no more than five seconds. Still, it was enough to make her feel highly self-conscious. The smile slid from George’s lips and he shifted back again, as though needing to put even more distance between them.
‘Melody Janeway, allow me to introduce you to the rest of my staff.’ George introduced the people who were responsible for helping him keep to the strict timetable he lived by. As a visiting orthopaedic surgeon, George had been touring the world for almost twelve months and had now returned to his homeland of Australia. He had two administrative assistants, one research assistant, one technical consultant and a personal aide.
Melody’s own PA, Rick, was hovering by the door. She beckoned him in and introduced him. ‘Rick and I are both at your service this week. If there’s anything you need to know or can’t find, please don’t hesitate to ask.’ Melody addressed the group as she spoke but her gaze kept returning to George.
‘Thank you,’ he responded, smiling politely as their gazes held once more. Melody gave herself a mental shake and checked her watch. ‘I guess we should make a start. Have there been any changes to the agreed agenda?’
For the past few months, information had been emailed back and forth between Professor Wilmont’s organisers and Rick, ensuring operating theatres and lecture halls were booked, as well as confirming catering arrangements and restaurant reservations. Throughout this week, Melody’s job was to be the official representative for St Aloysius Hospital, to be the master of ceremonies at some events, or to simply be there to field questions and introduce Professor Wilmont where necessary. It would be a long, arduous week and if there had been any changes to the agenda, it was best to find out now, rather than at the last minute.
Professor Wilmont’s delegation had been organising these types of events in hospitals around the globe since the beginning of the tour in January, so they were very experienced at what they did. That was another reason why it was important for Melody and Rick to ensure St Aloysius measured up to the standards of professionalism the professor would have received from other medical institutions.
‘Not that I’m aware of.’ George answered Melody’s question but turned and raised an inquisitive eyebrow at his personal aide. ‘Carmel? Any changes?’
Carmel consulted the leather-bound book in her hands, then shook her head. ‘No.’ She was a small, thin woman who wore very high-heeled shoes and a tailored business suit, with her almost jet-black hair pulled back in a tight chignon. The consummate professional.
‘Excellent.’ Melody nodded. ‘Well, then, we’d better get started to make sure we don’t fall behind schedule.’
‘Carmel would never let that happen,’ George remarked as Melody walked towards the door and held it open. ‘She’s a hard taskmaster but a necessary one.’ His words were spoken with affection and joviality. Carmel’s answer was to provide a polite smile in their direction. ‘I’d have been lost without her during this tour.’
George was the last person to exit, apart from her, and Melody inclined her head towards the door. ‘After you, Professor Wilmont.’ She gestured, indicating he should precede her.
‘Ladies first,’ he insisted, and the smile he aimed in her direction was one that turned her insides to mush.
She was knocked off guard by the sensation, so mumbled a ‘Thank you,’ as she went through the door before him.
As they headed towards the operating theatres, Melody pointed out different areas of the hospital, trying to regain her inner composure. It had been quite some time since she’d reacted like this to a man’s charming personality, and the outcome of that experience had been one of heartbreak. If she was focusing on playing host, on being professional and imparting information, then her mind couldn’t dwell on the unexpected way she was responding to Professor Wilmont.
Once in Theatres, they did a tour of the operating room George would be using when he taught.
