A Stallion's Touch by Deborah Fletcher Mello Read Free Book Online Page B

hesitated. “I don’t date at all, sir. And I wasn’t expecting...” She paused a second time, choosing her words carefully. “I wasn’t expecting to be ambushed with lobster and wine when I understood this to be a business meeting over hot dogs and french fries.”
    Dr. Harper laughed. “Touché! I guess I should have been more specific about our dinner plans.”
    Tarah rested her fork on her plate and folded her hands together in her lap. “About your plans, sir, and yes, you should have. Asking a girl to grab a bite to eat doesn’t imply the likes of this,” she said, gesturing with her hands.
    The two locked gazes briefly before Dr. Harper snatched his eyes from hers. His cheeks were crimson and he fumbled with the cloth napkin in his lap. “Well, I’m still glad you’re here,” he mumbled nervously.
    â€œI’m not sure what you were expecting, Dr. Harper,” Tarah said softly, “but I really believed we were meeting solely to discuss the Barton twins.”
    Dr. Harper smiled, shifting slightly in his seat. “You’re a stunning woman, Tarah. I was certain you knew I was attracted to you.”
    She shook her head. “No. I really didn’t.”
    â€œWell, now you do. I would really like for us...”
    His comment was interrupted by her cell phone’s ringtone. She took a deep breath, glancing down to the number flashing on the screen. “Excuse me,” Tarah said. “I need to answer this.” She pulled the device to her ear. “Hello?”
    â€œTarah, hey, it’s Nicholas. How are you?” His voice was deep and rich, a seductive baritone that resonated through the phone line.
    She wanted to smile but she forced herself to keep her expression and her tone bland. “Yes, hello. How can I help you?”
    Nicholas was slightly taken aback by her coolness. “I was just calling to say hello. Is this a good time to talk?”
    Tarah shot Dr. Harper a quick look. She paused as if she were still listening to something Nicholas was saying on the other end.
    â€œOh, my!” she exclaimed, drawing a hand to her chest. “Is it serious?”
    She could hear the confusion in Nicholas’s voice. “Is what serious?”
    She ignored him, still speaking into the receiver. “No, no, it’s no problem. If I leave now I can be back at the house in thirty minutes. Just hold on. And don’t hang up,” she commanded. “I just need to let my associate know.”
    Meeting the look Dr. Harper was giving her, Tarah didn’t bother to cup her palm over the receiver, unconcerned about Nicholas hearing anything that would be said. “I’m so sorry, but a pipe burst at my house, and my neighbor says water is pouring everywhere.” She stood up. “I really hate to rush off, but I have to leave.”
    Dr. Harper stood with her. “Do you need me to follow you home? I might be able to help.”
    Tarah gave him one of her brightest smiles, her head tilting slightly. “No, I’ll be fine. I appreciate the offer, though,” she said as she grabbed her handbag. “Thank you for dinner. I had a very nice time. I’ll see you in the morning.”
    Dr. Harper brushed a large hand across her shoulder. “I hope we can finish our conversation soon.”
    Tarah nodded. “Of course,” she answered and then turned, almost running out of the restaurant.
    Once outside, she moved quickly to her car and hopped inside. As she pulled out of the parking lot, she engaged the Bluetooth on her cell phone. She could hear Nicholas breathing on the other end. “How did you get this number?” she resumed their conversation as she drove into the early evening traffic.
    â€œAre you talking to me?” Nicholas asked, the barest hint of attitude in his tone.
    Tarah met his emotion with attitude of her own. “Who else would I be talking