One Week to Win His Heart Read online

  Can one week of passion…

  lead to happily-ever-after?

  Love has been the last thing on surgeon George Wilmont’s mind since his wife passed away. Until he meets stunning head of orthopedics Melody Janeway on the last week of his lecture tour. Their instant connection explodes into passion, but with only a week before George leaves, can a passionate fling really become a forever love?

  “Didn’t you want to…ask me something?”

  Did she? She had no idea. Her brain failed her, the only conscious thought being that if George didn’t kiss her, she’d go wild. The effect he had on her senses was sending them spiraling out of control. Her body was in tune with his as she silently urged him to come even closer.

  How much longer was he going to torture them? If she could get her arms to move, she’d reach out and bring his lips to hers. She was paralyzed—no, hypnotized—and there was nothing she could do about it, such was the effect George had on her.

  “Captivating,” he whispered. Never before had he felt like this. It had to be right—but even if it was wrong, there was no denying that the only thing he wanted to do right at this very second was to claim Melody’s luscious lips in a mind-shattering kiss. A kiss that would satisfy them both—of that he was absolutely sure.

  Dear Reader,

  The bond between siblings is often a strong one, and this is the case with Ethan and Melody Janeway in my Sydney Surgeons duet. After Ethan goes through a tragedy, Melody encourages him to find a new path…one that leads him to meeting heavily pregnant Claudia-Jean in Falling for the Pregnant GP.

  Claudia-Jean loves her town of Pridham. In return, the community rallies around her when she needs them most. Ethan comes from a large city, so it’s little wonder he struggles at first with the way strangers chat with him. After a while, Ethan mellows and realizes not only the benefits of Pridham, but also the benefits of being around a wonderful person like CJ.

  Likewise, in One Week to Win His Heart, Melody can rely on Ethan to offer sage advice when visiting surgeon George Wilmont comes into her life and turns it upside down. Melody is a strong woman who does her best to fight the attraction to George, but his open and honest manner wins her heart. George isn’t sure what’s happening when he meets Melody. It’s as though she’s jump-started his grieving heart. However, he doesn’t know how to handle his feelings, nor the way he seems to be forgetting his first wife.

  Sometimes being brave and taking a second chance at love can reward us with the utmost in happiness, contentment and, of course, wonderful families.

  Warmest regards,

  Lucy

  ONE WEEK TO WIN HIS HEART

  Lucy Clark

  Books by Lucy Clark

  Harlequin Medical Romance

  The Lewis Doctors

  Reunited with His Runaway Doc

  The Family She’s Longed For

  Outback Surgeons

  English Rose in the Outback

  A Family for Chloe

  The Secret Between Them

  Her Mistletoe Wish

  His Diamond Like No Other

  Dr. Perfect on Her Doorstep

  A Child to Bind Them

  Still Married to Her Ex!

  Visit the Author Profile page at Harlequin.com for more titles.

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  Miss Melanie Mischief Maker—how are you twenty-one!

  Love you to Voyager and back.

  Proverbs 20:7

  Praise for Lucy Clark

  “A wonderful yet slightly emotional read in this book, which hooked me from the very beginning…I would recommend Reunited with His Runaway Doc.”

  —Harlequin Junkie

  Contents

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  EPILOGUE

  EXCERPT FROM A MOMMY FOR HIS DAUGHTER BY AMY RUTTAN

  CHAPTER ONE

  DR MELODY JANEWAY brushed her hands apprehensively down her calf-length blue skirt and ensured her embroidered white blouse was tucked neatly into the waistband. Next, she smoothed a hand over her unruly auburn curls, ensuring her hair was still secured in the clip at the nape of her neck. She was ready to meet the dignitary.

  Melody started to pace in front of her desk, taking deep breaths. ‘Cool, calm and collected.’ She whispered her mantra in an effort to calm her nerves. When the intercom on her desk buzzed, she almost hit the roof with fright. She pressed the button. ‘Yes, Rick?’

  ‘The delegation is here.’

  ‘Show them in, thank you.’ She closed her eyes for a millisecond. How had she ever let herself be talked into this job? Acting head of the orthopaedic department? It was ridiculous. Not that she minded the administrative side, but many other aspects of the job, such as lecturing and playing host to delegates, weren’t her cup of tea. She was a doctor, not a tour guide!

  Melody opened her eyes at the sound of her office door opening. Should she be sitting behind her desk? Would that look more official? Oh, well. It was too late to move so instead she stood like a statue in the middle of the large office with a fake smile pasted onto her face.

  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 introd
uced 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. It had a viewing gallery positioned on a mezzanine floor surrounding the operating table so that students, interns, nursing staff and doctors could easily see what was happening.

  ‘It’s also equipped with microphones and miniature cameras. There are two television monitors in the viewing gallery and, as would be expected, we’ll be recording the procedures for further study of your techniques.’

  ‘An impressive facility,’ George murmured.

  ‘I’m delighted to hear that. I’ll pass your comments onto the CEO,’ she responded, before they continued with their tour. They headed down yet another long corridor and it was only when George spoke that she realised how close he was to her.

  ‘This is the one characteristic all big hospitals have—long corridors.’ His soft, deep tones washed over her and Melody smiled, pleased to find he had a sense of humour.

  ‘And this one has lovely paintings to glance at as people stride by in a rush,’ she pointed out.

  ‘True.’ There was a wistful note in his tone. ‘It’s the same in every hospital we’ve visited. Busy people, rushing here and there and never really stopping to…gaze at the art.’ He pointed to a painting of native Australian animals, his pace slowing marginally as he spoke.

  ‘I presume life has been very hectic on your tour?’

  ‘Yes. On the go, non-stop, busy, busy, busy.’

  ‘Have you had any time off during the tour?’ she asked as they walked along together.

  ‘We had a month off in June. It was needed by then because we’d all been living in each other’s pockets for the past five months. Plus, we get every Saturday off—if we’re not flying somewhere, that is. Carmel’s very organised.’ There was the slightest hint of sadness in his tone and she wondered why. Was he sad that the tour was almost at an end? Would he miss jet-setting around the world, being adored and praised for his innovative surgical techniques?

  ‘How do you cope with the jet-lag?’

  ‘Stay hydrated and sleep on the plane.’ George recited the phrase as though he’d said it over and over. ‘Actually, the jet-lag hasn’t been too bad because we’ve done small hops between countries, but when we arrived back in Australia three weeks ago we took a week off to acclimatise ourselves to the Aussie weather, especially as we landed in Darwin.’

  ‘Wise decision, and October is still nice and mild compared to summer.’

  ‘I’ve missed it, though.’

  ‘The Australian summer?’ She looked at him as though he was crazy, given that summer temperatures were usually exceedingly hot.

  He laughed. ‘Yes. The heat, the people, the accent. You have no idea how great it was to hear that Aussie twang at the airport.’

  Melody smiled as she pressed the button for the lift. When he laughed like that, when his smile was full, she was astonished to discover her knees weakening at the sound. He really was handsome. When she’d been planning for the visiting orthopaedic surgeon’s tour, she hadn’t given a lot of thought to what type of man he might be. She’d just expected him to be a surgeon who was intent on explaining his operating techniques and research projects, before moving onto the next hospital to do the same thing. She hadn’t expected him to have a sense of humour that matched her own. She also hadn’t expected to be so instantly attracted to a married man—something she normally avoided.

  Ian had been married. Of course, he hadn’t told her that until they’d been dating for three months. She frowned as she thought about the first man to break her heart but when George looked her way, Melody quickly pushed all thoughts of the past from her mind and concentrated on the present.

  Professor Wilmont had a lecture to give in twenty minutes and she needed to get him to the venue without mishap. The lift bell dinged and a moment later the doors opened. ‘All right, can everyone fit in?’ Melody asked as she held the doors open. ‘Everyone in?’ When she received affirmative murmurs, she allowed the doors to close and pressed the button for the fifth floor. She refused to focus on the way George was standing right behind her, nice and close, the natural warmth from his body causing a wave of tingles to spread over her. She also refused to allow the fresh spicy scent he wore to wind its way about her senses. Why weren’t these lifts bigger?

  She cleared her throat and forced her mind back into gear. ‘The hospital’s main lecture facility, which is where you’ll be giving most of your lectures, had a complete upgrade last year,’ she informed
them. ‘I’ve been assured that all the gadgets are in working order but if you find we don’t have everything you require, please let me know.’

  ‘Thank you.’ George replied, his tone as polite and professional as Melody’s, yet she could have sworn she saw a slight smirk touch the corners of his lips. Was she entertaining him? Or had he simply heard similar spiels at different hospitals around the globe? When the lift doors opened, they all exited, again George waiting until Melody had preceded him. She nodded politely before leading the way to the lecture room.

  When she pushed open the large double doors, George’s team instantly fanned out to check the facilities. One of his assistants headed to the audiovisual desk to connect his computer to the system, another did a sound check. They scuttled back and forth, checking things with each other and ensuring the slides and short snippets of operating techniques were ready to go.

  George walked over to the podium, where Carmel gave him several instructions as well as handing him a folder with notes inside. He familiarised himself with where his water glass would be, where to find the laser pointer and how to adjust the lapel microphone.

  Melody wandered over to a seat in the front row and sat down, mesmerised by the confidence he exuded—and he wasn’t even giving a speech. Lecturing wasn’t one of her strong suits so she was always willing to learn. Just by watching him, she knew she could learn a great deal.

  Is that the real reason you’re watching him? The question crept into the back of her mind before she could stop it. She’d been doing her best to think of him as Professor Wilmont rather than George, as he’d instructed, but as she sat there, gazing at him, she realised she already thought of him as George. He was a very personable man but, then, he’d need to be in order to carry out the duties of the travelling fellowship. She tilted her head to the side, her gaze following his every move. He was classically tall, dark and extremely handsome.