The Doctor's Christmas Bride Read Online Free PDF Page A

attitude! You and my brothers have practically worked your way through most of the females in Cumbria.’
    Streaks of colour touched his incredible cheekbones. ‘That’s different.’
    Suddenly Bryony decided she’d had enough. ‘Because you’re a man and I’m a woman?’
    ‘No.’ His fingers tightened on his glass. ‘Because I don’t have any responsibilities.’
    ‘No. You’ve made sure of that. And there’s no need to remind me of my responsibilities to Lizzie. That’s what started this, remember?’ She glared at him, suddenly angry with him for being so judgmental. ‘Lizzie wants a daddy and it’s my job to find her one. AndI’m more than happy to try and find someone I can live with because frankly I’m sick and tired of being on my own, too.’
    How could she have been so stupid as to put herself on ice for so long? She should have realised just how deep-rooted his fear of commitment was. Should have realised that Jack Rothwell would never settle down with anyone, let alone her.
    It was definitely time to move on.
    ‘I’m going home,’ she said coldly, slipping off the barstool and avoiding his gaze. ‘I’ll see you at work tomorrow.’
    She heard his sharp intake of breath and knew that he was going to try and stop her, but she virtually ran to the door, giving him no opportunity to intercept her.
    She didn’t want to talk to him. Didn’t want to hear all the reasons why she shouldn’t have a boyfriend when he dated a non-stop string of beautiful women.
    She’d call Oliver later and apologise for ducking out without saying goodbye, but she knew he wouldn’t mind. They were a close family and she adored her brothers. At least they’d been encouraging.
    Which was more than could be said for Jack.
    Why had he acted like that? All right, he was absolutely against marriage, but it wasn’t his marriage they were talking about. It was hers , and Jack was usually warm and supportive of everything she did. They never argued. They were best friends.
    She unlocked her car quickly, feeling tears prick her eyes.
    Well, if dating other men meant losing Jack as afriend, then so be it. She’d wasted enough time on him. He didn’t even notice her, for goodness’ sake!
    And if she’d needed confirmation that it was time to move on, she had it now.
     
    Jack banged his empty glass down on the bar and cursed under his breath.
    ‘Nice one, Jack,’ Oliver said mildly, clapping him on the shoulder and glancing towards the door. ‘I thought the three of us agreed that we weren’t going to bring up the thorny subject of Lizzie’s father.’
    Jack groaned and ran a hand over his face. ‘I know, I know.’ He let out a long breath. ‘It’s just that she knows nothing about men—’
    ‘She’s twenty-seven.’
    ‘So?’ Jack glared at Oliver. ‘And we know that she hasn’t been out with a man since Lizzie was conceived. That guy broke her heart! I don’t want her making the same mistake again. She’s obviously never got over him. What if she picks someone on the rebound?’
    Tom joined them. ‘I’m not sure you can rebound after seven years,’ he said mildly, and Jack’s mouth tightened.
    ‘So why does Lizzie never date, then?’
    Tom looked at him steadily. ‘I don’t know…’
    ‘Yes you do.’ Jack’s eyes narrowed as he studied his friend. ‘You think you know. I can tell.’
    Tom shook his head and drained his glass. ‘No. I don’t know.’ He studied his empty glass. ‘But I can guess.’
    Jack frowned. ‘So what’s your guess?’
    Tom gave a funny smile and looked at Oliver. ‘My guess is that she has a particular guy on her mind,’ he drawled casually, ‘and until she gets over him, she can’t move on.’
    ‘Precisely what I said,’ Jack said smugly. ‘She needs to get over Lizzie’s father.’
    And with that he grabbed his jacket and strode out of the pub after her.
    Oliver looked at Tom. ‘I always thought he was a bright guy. How did he ever come top in all those