Always by Deb Stover Read Free Book Online

admiring his long, jean-clad legs and beautiful hair. "Since this is only temporary, there won't be time to have a second phone line run, or for me to hire someone to answer it, so I want to pay Sue something for the extra work."
          "That sounds fair."
           So far, so good . "And I'll...try not to bother you any more than absolutely necessary."
          Gordon stopped suddenly and turned to her. "Taylor, that isn't possible...and you know it."
          He brought his hands to the level of her shoulders and froze. A deluge of conflicting emotions showed plainly in his eyes. It both frightened and delighted her at the same time.  
          His probing scrutiny searched, bore into her and tugged at feelings she'd wanted so desperately to keep buried. Safe. Unscathed.  
          "I'll still try," she said quietly, severing the invisible thread which had momentarily connected them.
          Visibly shaking himself, he dropped his hands and opened the nearest door. "You can use this as an office–there's no desk, but there's a table and chair."
          "And a window. Thanks. It'll be fine." She rubbed the back of her neck and stretched, closing her eyes. "That long drive is catching up with me."
          "You probably want to rest before this evening."
          "Good idea." Was she really going to Sue's house for dinner– with Gordon? Be tough, Taylor . She forced a smile, then peeked into the adjoining room. "Ah, good. Cabinets for my supplies."
          "Are they in your car? I'll help you bring them in now, then I have to get ready for my afternoon patients...if there are any."
          "Thanks." Taylor edged past him, unable to avoid brushing against his arm. The urge to turn toward him and snuggle close nearly overtook her. Gordon had always been so cuddly and affectionate.
          Squelching her raging hormones and volatile emotions, she walked down the hall and through the waiting room. Digging her car keys from the pocket of her jeans, she hurried to her Volkswagen. Infuriatingly, her hands trembled, making her drop the keys in the dirt near her feet.
          "Here, I'll get them." Gordon bent to retrieve her keys, hesitating a moment before straightening. "Hmm. That's strange."
          "What?" Taylor held her hand out for the keys.
          "Promise not to freak out on me again?"
          Frowning, she looked down. "Oh!" Bear tracks. Again. "In town?"
          "No reason to panic."
          But when she met his fixed look, she saw worry etched across his features. "I don't remember bears coming this far into town before," she said, trying not to remember her one and only close encounter with a bear. She'd overreacted this morning–now she was more rational. At least, she hoped so.
          "Well, not as a rule." He smiled, obviously trying to hide his apprehension. "Let me get a closer look."  
          Walking around the car, he paused several times to stoop down to examine the tracks. "Interesting."
          "What?" Taylor reminded herself not to panic.  
          Straightening again, he met her gaze over the roof of her car. "Nothing to worry about."
          "Gordon." Her voice took on a warning tone.  
          "It's nothing. Really." He shrugged, and gave her a sheepish grin. "Trust me."
           Trust you ? Like a knife, the pain renewed itself, but she determined to bury it deep so he wouldn't see. Frowning, Taylor nodded. "Do I have a choice?"
          "There's always a choice, Taylor."  
          The double entendre hit its mark, making her wince inwardly. Their eyes met and held, then he flashed her a weak smile that destroyed the moment.  
          "Let's get your stuff," he said.
          She popped the trunk and watched Gordon remove her box of medical supplies. The muscles in his arms rippled through the white fabric of his lab coat.
          Time had definitely