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‘Yeah?’

‘How would you feel about it being at yours? I mean, it’s not that I don’t really enjoy you coming here, and I don’t mean it to sound like I’m complaining, or being pushy and demanding…’

‘You being demanding can be sexy as hell. Especially in certain positions.’

She shook her head, smiling. ‘I’d just like to see your place.’

‘It’s not mine in the same way that this place is yours.’

‘Right, your standing Friday night dinner date.’

‘Not a date. If it means that much to you, we can arrange a visit.’ He’d figure out how to make it work. He’d just have to try and make sure his ma was having a good day – and didn’t get any ideas that might make things awkward for Mia. ‘We just wouldn’t have much privacy. And I definitely enjoy having privacy with you.’ He squeezed her hand. ‘I promise you it’s nothing you need to worry about. I wouldn’t put you in a compromising position. You can trust me.’

‘I do.’

‘Thank you.’ He kissed her hand before letting go. ‘Am I seeing you in the week?’

‘Quite probably. I’ve got a new antenatal class starting on Wednesday and wanted to talk to you about some samples.’

‘Sounds like a good idea. I’ll get some made up. I’m working Tuesday, so can have them ready and fresh.’

‘See, this is what I mean.’ Mia smiled as she opened the door for him. ‘Great sex and then chatting about work a few minutes later.’

‘Works really well for me too, Princess. See you in the week.’

Mia groaned and fumbled for her phone, yawning as she dragged herself out of dreams.

She was surprised to see Aiden’s picture flashing on the screen.

‘Hey, you OK?’

‘Not really, no. I’m sorry to disturb you, but I need your help.’ His voice – tight and stressed – snapped her fully awake.

‘What’s wrong?’

‘I can’t stop the bleeding.’

‘OK.’ Mia rolled out of bed and into professional mode. ‘Is the patient conscious?’

‘Yes. And arguing.’

‘That’s good. How long have they been bleeding?’

‘Maybe half an hour.’

‘Any blood thinners or known clotting disorders?’

‘No, she doesn’t have anything like that.’

‘If you’ve tried compression and elevation and still haven’t resolved the bleeding after this long, she really needs a hospital.’ Whoever ‘she’ was.

‘She won’t go.’ His frustration and worry echoed through the phone. ‘I called emergency services before you. They said she’s not a high category call, so it could take five or six hours. I followed their instructions, but the blood is still seeping through. Mia, she won’t let me take her in. I know I shouldn’t ask⁠—’

‘You don’t have to,’ she interrupted as she wriggled into her jeans. ‘Send me the address. I’m on my way.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Not needed.’ She dragged a sweater over her head. ‘I’ll have my hands-free on. Call me if anything changes.’