The Playboy of Harley Street / Doctor on the Red Carpet Read online

  ‘I couldn’t imagine in my wildest dreams throwing myself off a mountain with nothing but a flimsy bit of material strapped to my back.’ Katie shivered. ‘Bit of an extreme way to get a high, isn’t it?’

  ‘Some people get their thrills from a bottle. I guess I get mine at the top of a mountain.’

  It was the way he said it that made Katie look more closely at him. There was a far-away look in his eyes, a sudden seriousness that intrigued her. Suddenly she wanted to know what attracted him to such a dangerous sport.

  Fabio seemed to give himself a mental shake.

  ‘But we were talking about you. Where do you live? And what about your family? Are they nearby?’

  Katie swallowed. ‘I stay in North London, not far from where I was brought up. Dad was an accountant. Mum used to work as a nurse in the local hospital.’

  ‘Used to?’ Fabio looked at her sharply.

  Oh, God, she always dreaded this question. It made people embarrassingly uncomfortable and they usually quickly moved the conversation to safer ground. Not that she could blame them—what was there to say? ‘They died in a plane crash when I was thirteen.’

  There was no disguising the shock and genuine sympathy in his dark green eyes. ‘I am so sorry. That must have been hard, losing both of them.’ Fabio touched her hand lightly.

  ‘It was.’ Her heart thumped against her chest. She guessed what was coming next.

  ‘What about brothers? Sisters?’

  Katie flinched and shook her head. He’d already elicited much more information than she was comfortable with—and what could she say to this virtual stranger about her brother? Especially when she was still so raw she could barely acknowledge the truth herself?

  ‘No. It’s just me.’ Even as she said it, she hated that she couldn’t yet bring herself to mention her brother. But she couldn’t. Not without wanting to cry.

  She needed to turn the conversation back to safe ground. Anywhere but on her family life. Forcing a smile, Katie turned to him. ‘And you? Where are you from? Not England, I’m guessing.’

  ‘So where do you think, then?’ he asked with a crooked smile.

  She leaned her head back and made a show of thinking. ‘Portugal.’

  Fabio wiggled his hand in a side-to-side gesture. ‘Hmm, not quite. Brazil.’

  Brazeel. The way he said it made it sound so exotic.

  ‘That’s a long way from your family.’

  ‘My mother lives in Brazil most of the time, it’s where most of her work is. My father died when I was in my teens.’

  ‘I’m sorry,’ Kate said simply.

  ‘His mother is a film star,’ Lucy piped up again. The child had remarkable hearing.

  ‘Hey, don’t you give all my secrets away, Luce,’ Fabio protested.

  Katie sneaked a sideways look at Fabio. It made sense he’d have an actress as a mother. That was probably where he got his stunning good looks. She raised an eyebrow, inviting him to elaborate.

  ‘You might have heard of her. The actress Camilla Salvatore?’ The way he said his mother’s name, rolling the consonants around his tongue, his Brazilian accent becoming stronger, made Katie’s toes curl, even as she wondered what had caused the bleak look in his eyes.

  Camilla Salvatore—who hadn’t heard of her? If Katie remembered rightly, she had been a model before becoming an actress, the wife of the equally famous Tom Lineham, who had been huge in the 1980s and whose hits were still popular even now.

  Tom Lineham! God. That made Fabio his son.

  Fabio must have read the dawning realisation in her face. ‘Yes. ‘Fraid so. They’re my folks.’

  Katie’s head was spinning. The couple had been international celebrities. She remembered reading somewhere that Tom Lineham had died and that there had been some mystery surrounding the circumstances, but wasn’t that always the case with celebrities? It was hardly something she could quiz his son about. It wasn’t surprising she hadn’t made the connection, between Dr Fabio Lineham and Tom Lineham. It had never crossed her mind that two famous people would have a son who had become a doctor. Why had he anyway? It seemed an unusual choice for the child of extremely wealthy parents.

  ‘Yet you became a doctor,’ she said.

  He looked amused. ‘As opposed to what? Being in the movies? A singer? Lolling about, living off my parents’ money?’ He smiled wryly. No doubt he was used to this reaction. ‘I’m a lousy actor and my voice is worse.’

  ‘So all this …’ she waved a hand around the interior of the plane ‘… is pretty much old hat to you.’

  ‘’Fraid so,’ he said again. ‘I didn’t even know there were commercial aircraft until I was thirteen or so.’

  Poor little rich boy.

  A flicker of a smile crossed his face. ‘That didn’t come out too well, did it? But I’m not going to apologise for the way I was brought up. There was money, yes. But as for …’ He stopped suddenly but not before Katie thought a flash of pain in his eyes. Almost immediately it was gone and the mask was back in place. ‘One thing I’ve learned, Katie Simpson. Never apologise for who you are. Or what you were. Never look back. It’s the here and now that matters.’

  What did he mean by that? For a second she wondered if he knew about Richard. But that was impossible. She hadn’t told anyone. She was beginning to get the unsettling sensation he could see inside her head.

  ‘And, before you ask, no brothers, no sisters—only a cousin who lives in California.’ Maybe he could read her mind.

  ‘So what made you choose physiotherapy?’ Fabio said, before she could question him further.

  ‘My young cousin has CF. Like all sufferers, she has to get physio regularly. She’s one of the lucky ones, though.’

  Her cousin had escaped the relentless round of chest infections that most CF patients were susceptible to throughout their lives.

  ‘What about you? Why did you become a doctor?’ Katie tried to turn the conversation back to him. She was reluctant to share any more details of her life with this man. He already knew more about her than she wanted him to know.

  ‘Pretty much the same reason as you—personal experience. I was ill as a child—nothing too serious. I found it really interesting what everyone was doing around me and decided I’d like to be on the right end of a needle.’ His words trailed off and Katie thought something shifted in his eyes before his mouth widened in a smile. ‘Seems we have more in common than just being colleagues.’

  Katie was pretty sure they didn’t have much in common. Apart from the fact they had both lost their fathers, his upbringing couldn’t have been more different from hers. He was rich, sophisticated and probably used to socialising with the kind of people she’d only read about. Furthermore, the way he looked, the confidence that seemed to ooze from every pore, made her feel gauche and unsophisticated. He had no right to make her feel like that.

  ‘I doubt that.’ As soon as the words were out of her mouth she realised how abrupt she sounded. ‘I’m sorry, that didn’t come out the way I intended.’

  ‘That’s okay,’ He gave her a puzzled look. He was probably wondering why she was so prickly. She wasn’t sure herself. Ever since he’d stepped on board, she’d felt flustered.

  She picked up her magazine again, making it obvious she preferred to read than chat.

  Fabio gave her a long look before settling himself back in his seat and closing his eyes. He opened one briefly to look at Katie. ‘Give me a nudge when we’re about to land, would you? It was a hell of a late night last night.’

  Before Katie could reply, the rhythm of his breathing changed and within seconds he was sound asleep.

  CHAPTER TWO

  AS SOON as the plane touched down, the co-pilot returned to open the door and release the stairs. As they left the plane, Katie saw the statuesque blonde slip a piece of paper to Fabio. Her contact details, no doubt.

  Lucy let out a squeal of delight and almost ran down the steep steps towards a slim, elegant woman and a stocky ma
n, who had to be her parents from the delighted expressions on their faces.

  Lucy’s father swung her into his arms and held her tight, whilst her mother smothered her with kisses.

  Katie hesitated at the bottom of the stairs, reluctant to intrude. Tears clogged her throat as she watched their emotional family reunion, suddenly stricken by a sense of loneliness and longing.

  But she couldn’t let her personal feelings overwhelm her—she was here to do a job—and perform it professionally. Forcing herself to breathe slowly and evenly, Katie regained her composure. Besides, what would it be like to have a child not knowing how long she’d be with you? Unbearable. As bad as having a son or brother or any loved one in a war zone. Life had taught her one thing. Happiness wasn’t guaranteed and even this couple, for all their fame and fortune, weren’t immune to the roll of the dice. Katie prayed Lucy’s parents would have their daughter for a long, long time to come.

  ‘Fabio.’ Amelia walked towards them, hand held outstretched. She seemed pleased, even relieved to see him. He bent to let her kiss him on both cheeks. ‘How lovely to see you again,’ Amelia said. ‘We can’t thank you enough for coming.’

  Amelia looked elegantly cool in a vanilla-white trouser suit with just the merest pink lace of her camisole peeking out. She was made up but no amount of make-up could hide the fear and sadness in her eyes. She turned to Katie and held out her hand. ‘Miss Simpson, I can’t tell you how delighted I am that you could come too. Lucy has been dy …’ she bit her lip ‘… longing to see her daddy race, but we couldn’t bring her. Until now. I’m told that you are an expert in the field of physio for CF.’

  ‘I’m happy to be here too, Mrs Hargreaves. I gave Lucy her physio on the plane. Didn’t I, Luce?’

  ‘Please, do call me Amelia.’ She knelt beside her daughter. ‘Did you sleep on the plane, sweet pea?’

  ‘Yes. A little.’

  ‘Hey, Fabio!’ Mark called out. ‘Great to see you again.’

  Katie watched as the two men greeted each other warmly, hugging and slapping each other on the back. Fabio clearly had a stronger relationship with the family than most doctors did with patients and their families.

  After introductions all round, Mark gathered Lucy up into his arms again. ‘Sorry I have to leave you straight away, sweetie, but there’s a team meeting I have to attend.’ Giving his wife a lingering kiss, Mark sketched a wave and jumped into a low-slung sports car, then roared away.

  ‘I’ll take you to the yacht,’ Amelia said. ‘The firm my husband races for has given us sole use of it for however long we need, whenever we need it. There’s plenty of room. I hope you’ll be comfortable.’

  They all piled into the back of a stretch limo. The limo was another first for Katie and she sank back in the leather seat.

  As Lucy chatted away to her mother, Katie stared out of the darkened rear windows of the car. She had heard about Monaco. With its international reputation for being the playground of the rich and famous, who hadn’t?

  It was like being on a film set. Sleek sports cars purred around. She didn’t know the names of most of them, but they could have come straight out of a James Bond movie. Most of them were open to the sunshine and were driven by men and women who looked as if they’d just stepped out of the pages of a glossy magazine or starred in that same movie.

  Fabio found himself tuning out from Lucy’s excited chatter, watching Katie instead. Every now and again, her eyes would light up and then just as quickly she would bite her lip and look anxious. It was extraordinary—and curiously refreshing—to see every reaction reflected in her face. Most women he knew thought it gauche to show emotion, especially to reveal that they were anything but bored by their surroundings. Katie Simpson intrigued him.

  Not that she was his cup of tea. She was prim and serious in her buttoned-up suit, and there was that disconcerting shadow in her eyes. He liked his women sophisticated and, well, to put it frankly, not too deep.

  And there were definitely deep layers to Katie Simpson. He had yet to meet someone who didn’t enjoy talking about themselves but it was obvious that she was the exception to the rule. There were times on the plane when he could have sworn she was hiding something. Back there on the tarmac, he’d seen sadness wash over her face as she’d witnessed the Hargreaves’ reunion. Was she recovering from a broken heart? A jilted lover, perhaps? It was a possibility. So that sealed it. Even if she had been his type, he would never have an affair with a vulnerable woman who was on the rebound. That was a complication he could do without. And he didn’t do complicated.

  Despite the evidence of wealth everywhere, nothing could have prepared Katie for the actual size of the yacht.

  Moored alongside several others, it wasn’t the biggest in the bay, but it was still larger than anything Katie had ever seen. More like a small cruise ship than a pleasure boat.

  ‘I’ll show you to your cabins,’ Amelia said as she led them up the gangway. ‘Then, if you think Lucy’s up to it, I promised I’d take her to the track. Mark is due to start a practice session in an hour.’ Her anxious eyes found Fabio’s. ‘If you think it would be okay for Lucy to be there? You will come too, won’t you?’

  Fabio touched her on the shoulder. ‘Lucy’s doing really well at the moment and of course we’ll come to the track. That’s what we’re here for.’

  ‘You’re such a worry-wart, Mummy,’ Lucy said. ‘I keep telling you I’m okay. There’s no way I’m not going to watch Daddy.’ The little girl’s mouth was set in a firm line. This was the determined side to Lucy Dr Cavendish had told her about. Determination was good.

  ‘I guess all mothers and fathers worry about their children,’ Amelia said lightly. ‘Even when they’re all grown up. It’s part of loving someone very much.’

  It was true, Katie thought, her heart twisting. Unfortunately all the worrying in the world didn’t stop bad things from happening.

  Amelia hooked her arm through Fabio’s, leaving Katie to follow in their wake. To her surprise she felt a small hand slip into hers. She looked down to find Lucy looking up at her.

  ‘Don’t be sad,’ she said. ‘I’ll look after you.’

  Katie squeezed Lucy’s hand. No doubt the little girl was used to seeing the hurt in adults’ eyes. Katie gave herself a mental shake and forced a smile. For as long as she was there, she would make certain Lucy had one less adult to worry about.

  ‘Sure,’ Katie replied. She dropped her voice and bent to whisper in the little girl’s ear. ‘This is a bit bigger than the boat I was on as a little girl, you know.’

  Lucy giggled. ‘It’s not that big, silly.’ She pulled on Katie’s arm. ‘Come and see.’

  It was that big. There was a hot tub surrounded by padded seating and a raised deck for sunbathing. To the stern was a covered area where, Lucy explained, they had breakfast. A number of white-uniformed staff drifted around with trays of cool drinks and Katie helped herself to a glass of chilled freshly squeezed orange juice. It was the perfect cure for her tight, aching throat.

  After showing her the top deck, Lucy led her down some steps.

  The inside was even more spectacular. An enormous lounge with what looked like a working fireplace was furnished with soft white leather couches and antique pieces, including a polished rosewood table that held a silver decanter and crystal goblets. The dining room was equally impressive. A chandelier hung over a French-polished dining table with matching chairs. It was big enough to seat sixteen. Katie hardly had time to take it all in as Lucy kept pulling her along until they came to a door. Lucy opened it with a flourish.

  ‘This is your cabin. Dr Fabio’s is right next door. And mine is across the passage, next to Mummy and Daddy’s.’

  Cabin wasn’t the word Katie would have used to describe the room. There was a double bed, a sitting area with a television and a marble bathroom with a full bath and shower. Katie, with Lucy still watching her reaction, stepped out onto a small balcony. The marina was crammed full of yachts, most of
which had people on the decks either sunbathing or sipping drinks while they chatted. Katie couldn’t be sure, but she thought she recognised at least one famous actor.

  ‘Wow!’ she said to Lucy. She couldn’t think of anything else to say.

  Suddenly the little girl seemed exhausted and she sank back on Katie’s bed. Katie was instantly alarmed. The long journey plus the excitement had taken it out of the child.

  ‘Tell you what,’ she said. ‘While I unpack, why don’t you have a nap on my bed before it’s time to go to the race track? Then, if you don’t feel better, I’ll ask Dr Lineham to come and have a listen to your chest.’

  ‘I’m okay,’ Lucy said. ‘But I will have a sleep. Don’t say anything to Mum, will you? She’s happy right now.’

  Katie’s heart went out to Lucy. Along the way she had become used to pretending for her mother’s sake.

  Lucy was asleep in seconds and Katie was covering her with a blanket when there was a knock on the door. She answered it and put her finger to her lips when she saw Fabio standing there. He’d changed out of his suit and into a pair of light trousers and an open-necked, short-sleeved shirt. Katie felt over dressed in her jacket and trousers.

  He glanced over her shoulder and, seeing Lucy, tiptoed into the room. ‘I was just looking for her,’ he whispered. ‘How’s she doing?’

  ‘Exhausted, I think. I suggested she have her nap here, where I can keep an eye on her. I think it’s all been too much for her. The journey, the excitement of seeing her parents, as well as the prospect of watching her father race.’

  Fabio scrutinised Lucy’s face while feeling her pulse. He straightened and smiled at Katie. ‘She’s okay. Rest is good. I’ll let Amelia know where she is.’

  ‘I’ll stay with her until she wakes up,’ Katie said. ‘Tell Amelia not to worry.’

  Fabio nodded his head in the direction of the balcony and Katie followed him outside. He closed the door behind them.

  ‘It’s important we let Lucy do whatever she feels able to,’ he said. ‘It’s what she wants. Understandably her parents would prefer to wrap her in cotton wool, but Lucy has let me know in no uncertain terms that she wants to be treated as if she were any child.