Ten

It was a very rare occasion for Gin to seek Kin Arvis out, and from the look in her eyes, her visit was not one of pleasure. "Gin," he stood up, his face a blank canvass. She had difficulty trying to look serious, when he was so damn attractive. All she wanted to do was drown in the depths of his sexy eyes. In fact she would like to … kiss him. "Gin?" " It was you who was responsible for my bursary and employment here, wasn't it?" she accused, her piercing grey eyes blazing with anger. He could not take credit for the bursary. After their passionate, exhilarating night of sex, he had wanted to do something for her. Before he left the country, he had asked the HR Manager to offer her employment in the family medical practice. Kin Arvis admired that glittering look in her eyes when she was angry. She had so much spirit. How could one woman be blessed with so many attractive features? Beautiful eyes, sexy lips, slender legs … amazing body. Ten years ago he had thought she'd worked in the kitchen at that bar. That was before Gin recently informed him, that her brother owned that pub. Before he left, he'd wanted to improve her economic position, little did he know that she was exceptionally bright and had a love for working with children. All he had wanted was to give her a steady job, any admin type of work that would allow her to have her evenings and weekends of, instead, the HR Manager, bless his soul had gone one better, looked at her results and thought she deserved a bursary and look how well she'd done for herself, notwithstanding the fact that she now seemed to be a single mother. "Kin Arvis!" It was her turn to call him back to their conversation. "From what I see, the benefit has been positive," he could not keep the angry scorn from his voice. "You have done well for yourself Gin, all things considered." ""All things considered!". Just what the hell is that supposed to mean?" She demanded. He walked around his desk, his eyes shuttered. She swallowed nervously, slowly shifting backwards. "What is the real reason, you came to my office Gin?" His voice was deliberately soft, his fingers lifted to brush against her cheek. After all these years, her beautiful face still glistened like porcelain, … her skin soft, like a new born baby"s. They were staring into each other's eyes. Gin's eyes widened, she was tongue-tied. "Perhaps you"ve come to rekindle what we shared ten years ago," he whispered huskily, his head lowering to kiss her. "Do you have an urge to kiss me Dr. Mikhayla?" Would he ever understand a woman never, just had sex? Well not this woman. When she gave herself that first time, she gave her all to him, her first lover … . her only lover! "You're mad!" She pushed him away and ran out of his office. Gin heard his throaty laugh follow her as she shut the door. She was clutching her chest when Kin Arvis's secretary, Lin Quor, approached. She had not been there when Gin had stormed in. Lin stared at Gin questioningly. "Can I help you, Dr. Gin?" Gin released her breath. "It's okay, thank you," she meant to escape. "Dr. Ra is a very busy man, Dr. Mikhayla," she rebuked. "Kindly make an appointment in future. Every female staff member seems to find reason to be in Dr. Ra's office." Gin glared at Kin Arvis's secretary. The gall of the woman! And wasn't that exactly what Kin Arvis had accused her of as well? She regretted her impulsive gesture to storm into his office. But then it was only yesterday, when the HR Manager had let slip, of what Kin Arvis's role had been in her employment at the Ra Medical Clinic. "Where does it hurt Vin?" Gin knelt down, her fingers running with skilled precision down his limbs, scanning for any indication of trauma. The principal had called her, informing her that Vin, had complained of acute pain in his lower limbs and that he'd wanted his mum to come to his school. "Here mum," he leaning forward, pressing one little palm on her shoulder, and with the other hand pointed to the calf muscle. "Don't touch it please mum." Gin nodded. "What were you doing when you felt the pain?" "Just running," he shrugged. "We were doing cross country," the physical education teacher provided with a sympathetic smile. "One of the other kids screamed for me and when I turned around, I saw Vin writhing and hopping about on the grass." Gin looked up when the teacher began speaking. She nodded as she listened attentively. "I examined Vin, with my unprofessional eye of course," the teacher smiled. "Don't think there is a sprain or anything more serious, but Vin asked that the principal call you." Gin could not tell whether his eyes were looking apologetic for the false alarm or sympathetic, because Vin had wanted his mum there. She supposed his teacher would not understand that sometimes, a child just wanted the comforting strength of its mother's arms when in pain. Gin smiled. She cupped Vin's face adoringly. "You just pulled a muscle honey," she drew him into the fold of her arms and hugged him. "The muscle may be a tad tender, but a banana or two can do the trick," she smiled. "Bananas are going to heal me?" "For your muscles to work, they need potassium to help them contract and expand," she informed him. "Otherwise they tend to play up, like yours did," she smiled. Gin stood up, still clutching his hand in hers. "Perhaps you can take it easy for today," she ruffled his hair lovingly. "But I want to finish my race. Can I finish my race mum?" Gin laughed. "I think everybody else has finished running and it's probably time for your next subject." Vin looked disappointed. He loved his sport. "How about I take you ice skating tonight," Gin offered, "after you finish your homework." "Okay," he grinned, looking pleased as punch. "I promise, I'll be done when you get home." Gin kissed his cheek. "I've got to get back to the hospital," she spoke in a soft, loving tone. "Thanks for coming, mum," he hugged her. "Pleasure Vin," she looked up and smiled at the teacher. "Thank you, Dr. Mikhayla," the teacher marvelled at the attractive young lady alternating caps of mother and doctor. She adorned both meticulously. When Gin got back to the hospital, there was a message awaiting her, instructing her she was wanted in Dr. Ra's office. She swallowed nervously. Was it business or pleasure? She had to confess, Kin Arvis made her very nervous, so the less she had to meet him face to face, the better of she felt. Also she disliked having to speak to his cold, unfriendly secretary, Lin Quor. Gin thought a visit to the dentist for root canal treatment, was far more pleasant than doing battle with Lin Quor. Did she have to go to his office? Why didn't he just email her? She really did not want to be alone with him, her attraction for him frightened her. "With her heart thudding ever so loudly, Gin hovered at Lin's door, not because she was intimidated by Lin, but more so in anticipation of the meeting with Kin Arvis. It was good then that Lin was on the phone, it allowed Gin a few seconds to re-group her anxious thoughts. True to character, Lin's eyes narrowed as she stared unsmilingly at Gin. She nodded, spoke into the phone, her eyes critically assessing Gin's navy sweater, casual stone coloured trousers and practical pumps. Gin spent a large part of her day on her feet. She hardly cared for Lin's opinion of her dress code. Gin took a few steps further in when Lin replaced the receiver to the handset. "I believe Dr. Ra wishes to see me," Gin announced. "Go in," Lin reluctantly allowed, still not smiling. Gin relaxed a little when she heard laughter coming out of Kin Arvis's office. In small measures she released the breath she had not realized she had been holding captive. Though she was relieved to discover it was Ethan in Kin Arvis's office, the scene she walked in on, surprised her somewhat. It was Ethan sitting on Kin Arvis's chair, with his feet up on the desk, his ankles crossed over each other. Both brothers had been laughing about something. Kin Arvis was sitting on the visitor's side, his long legs stretched out in front of him, his face still broadly etched in laughter. Gin liked that Kin Arvis and Ethan could get along so well. Clearly Kin Arvis was confident enough about himself. He had no qualms about using the inferior chair on the other side of his desk. And seemingly had no need to demonstrate his superior status in front of his little brother. Gin could tell there was a strong, loving bond between both brothers. It was Kin Arvis who got to his feet first, and Ethan followed suit. "Hi Gin," Kin Arvis greeted with a formal smile. "Have a seat," he casually held out the chair for her, next to his. She was surprised he used her first name. He was always so formal around the hospital. "Hi," she murmured, avoiding Kin Arvis's eyes and offering Ethan a courteous smile. "Lovely to see you again Gin," Ethan winked. "Kin Arvis's just been enlightening me about all the stunning ladies he wooed in Africa." Gin dragged her eyes to Kin Arvis's. His face was a mask even though a polite smile was evident. She did not believe Ethan was being honest. Kin Arvis was just not the kiss and tell kind of guy. Belatedly, she realized, she should not have looked into Kin Arvis's eyes, because now, she found its charcoal depths mesmerizing. To make matters worse, he was staring back. "You wanted to see me," Gin dragged out. "Excuse me," Ethan interrupted. "I've got to take mum to the mall, she does not like to drive," Ethan apologised to Gin. "Kin Arvis, we still on for Saturday night?" "Yes," Kin Arvis nodded and reached for a file on his table. Gin found the silence uncomfortable after Ethan's departure. She almost wished Ethan had not left. Silly really, she was an adult and it was not like Kin Arvis was going to grope her in his office. He was far too professional for that. "Are you aware of this cardio-pediatrics conference in Cape Town, Gin?" Kin Arvis interrupted her thoughts, showing her the brochure. "Yes. Dr. Jenkins is attending, I believe." She also knew Kin Arvis was one of the headline speakers at that international conference for pediatric patients following cardiac surgery. "You're also presenting a paper on "Fast tracking extubation in the Operating Room," she added, inexplicably proud of Kin Arvis's highly sought after contribution to the conference. He nodded, offered half a smile, his eyes engaging with hers questioningly. "Your thoughts on my subject matter then?" he invited challengingly. Kin Arvis's long legs brushed against her knee. She did not think it was intentional. Gin drew her eyes away, summoned her brain to think rationally. She shrugged. "I like that your paper focuses on improved patient safety and reduced patient harm," she murmured softly. Most surgeons handed over patients to high care practitioners, too quickly after surgery, she felt. "Dr. Jenkins called me before lunch," Kin Arvis spoke. "Apparently his wife is not faring too well." "Oh." Gin knew Dr. Jenkins had taken the day off to be with his wife. "She was recovering from pneumonia. Gin wondered now if Kin Arvis wanted to delegate her to manage the pediatric ward during Dr. Jenkins" extended absence. "This means you will have to accompany me to the conference," Kin Arvis announced. "What!" "It will be wasteful expenditure if no one from pediatrics attends," Kin Arvis shrugged. "It's already paid for, so is the accommodation." ""Accommodation ___?"" Alarm bells were clanging in her head. "It's a two-day conference," Kin Arvis stood up. "We leave tomorrow, and return on Friday." "Can't ___ can't you take somebody else?" She did not trust herself alone with Kin Arvis if there was going to be accommodation … a bed would be factored into that equation somehow. Kin Arvis looked up sharply. "Four of my team from cardiology will be accompanying us, but this benefits pediatrics directly. Is there a problem?" "No. Of course not," she quickly added. It was years since she left Vin overnight for any work related events. Although her mum could be depended upon to see to all of Vin's needs, still she preferred not to be away from her son. "Good," he handed her the itinerary. "See you at the airport tomorrow morning, Gin," he nodded dismissively. "Okay," she reluctantly took the file and walked out. Gin went into panic mode. Could she delegate one of her interns to go with him? It would be beneficial for her to attend. There would be many international medical experts giving their valuable input. Not to forget Kin Arvis. He was internationally acclaimed. Medical universities all over the world sent him invitations to guest lecture to their students. She knew that from the popularity of the columns he wrote in the various medical journals. With mixed emotions, Gin contemplated her conference in Cape Town. Gin just got out of the bath, nursing her aching feet. She had worn the brand new sandals, she'd bought from a rushed visit to the mall, the previous afternoon … big mistake. Normally, new footwear fitted on her feet like a glove on a hand, yet for some reason, this frightfully expensive pair, was up to no good. Too exhausted from the day's intensive sessions and in too much pain, Gin had opted for room service. She'd left the door slightly ajar and was about to attempt some soothing foot cream, when there was a knock on the door. "Come in," she answered, reaching for her purse. "Sorry, I'm not getting up. My feet are aching," she dug into her purse to pay for dinner. "Kin Arvis!" The smile died on her face. She tightened the belt of the hotel gown around her waist and with excruciating effort, dropped her feet from the coffee table. "Why do your feet ache?" He grinned, seating his sexy bottom, exactly where her feet had been. Then he proceeded to lift her ankles onto his lap, that megawatt smile still plastered on his face. "No!" Gin tried to stop him, more afraid of her own body's sharp reaction to Kin Arvis than any fear of him doing any more injury to her traumatized feet. "They're so bruised," he noted the dark colouring around her dainty toes. "It's those new sandals," Gin glared at the sexy stilettos accusingly. "I normally don't have a problem, but I don't know what went wrong, especially since they cost a fortune," she babbled on, her eyes awkwardly returning to Kin Arvis. Gin tried to jerk her feet away when Kin Arvis's thumb gently brushed over her feet. His grip tightened, not much to cause her more pain, but just enough pressure on the heels, to keep them trapped on his lap. "You have gorgeous feet," his eyes held hers. He dipped a finger into the tub of cream and gently smeared it over her foot. His hands were like a healing balm, or was it an acute sexual response that was making her forget the pain? Gin closed her eyes as his hands methodically worked her feet. She was definitely not feeling any pain. He was being so gentle. Was there no end to the man's talents? The foot cream was cool and soothing, like an … aphrodisiac. Her eyes quickly flew open. She must send Kin Arvis out of her room. The assistant in the hotel's boutique shop did tell her, it had a secret, magic potion. A soft purr escaped her throat, self-preservation temporarily forgotten. She leaned back against the sofa, giving into the delightful torture. Kin Arvis's fingers wrought sweet torment on her feet. "It's not safe to keep your door opened, you know," he murmured so softly, she almost thought she'd imagined him speaking. Gin's eyes flew open. When had they closed again? Kin Arvis was not looking at her. His eyes were focused on the job he'd assigned himself. He seemed to be thoroughly relishing the task, oblivious to the oily patch forming on his expensive trousers. Again his fingers dipped generously into the tub, and more cream was evenly spread over her feet, towards her ankles, returning to slide through the grooves between all her toes. Gin wanted to scream out at the sensory torture. "It's much better now, thank you," she attempted to retrieve her feet. "I was expecting room service," she blurted. She needed to stop Kin Arvis somehow, before she begged him to make love to her. "Room service huh," he grinned mischievously. "I'm hoping you're going to rate me ten out of ten, Dr. Mikhayla," he teased provocatively. Gin's face was inflamed. She needed the air conditioner turner higher, even though it was on maximum. She was saved from responding, when the next knock announced, "room service." Just in time, Gin sighed with relief, again attempting escape. "Don't move," Kin Arvis instructed, carefully adjusting her weight, so her feet were spread onto the settee she was relaxing on. Gin held her breath. He was too close for comfort. She relaxed only marginally, when Kin Arvis retrieved his wallet from his back pocket and marched to the door. "My purse is right ____ here," she realized she was talking to herself. "Smells delicious," Kin Arvis returned with the tray. "I actually came to invite you to supper, my treat," he smiled. "It's, fish, grilled veg and a garden salad. I'm sure there'smore than enough for two," she offered, hoping he would stay. "They always serve too large a portion anyway." Kin Arvis placed the tray on the coffee table and walked to her mini refrigerator. "How about some red wine with it?" He smiled over his shoulder. Gin wanted to say no. They were unreasonably high priced … such a rip-off. As a rule she never used phones in the hotels she stayed in nor did she bother with the over priced items one found in the rooms. "Okay," she found herself answering, as she gawked at Kin Arvis. He poured a healthy measure into one glass and handed it to Gin. "What about you?" she murmured in a squeaky voice, not like hers at all. Kin Arvis lowered himself onto her settee. Gin went scarlet all over again. She shifted uncomfortably, closer against the backrest … to accommodate him. Kin Arvis lifted the glass still in her hand, to his mouth and took a generous sip. "Exquisite," he murmured, "not too sweet, almost a decadent, woody taste." He lifted the glass to her lips for her to take another sip. "Delicious, don't you think? Makes you to want savour the taste," his eyes were teasing. Gin could swear he was not talking about the wine. She gripped the glass with both hands, too afraid, the nerves in her hands would become paralyzed and the contents would tilt onto the hotel gown and then what? Was Kin Arvis going to help get her out of the gown, only to discover she was totally naked under that flimsy toweling robe?