Dr. Zinetti's Snowkissed Bride by Sarah Morgan Read Free Book Online Page A

for indulging his interest and letting him sit in your Lamborghini.’ She was stiff and polite. ‘That was kind of you when you must have had a million better things to do with your time.’
    What was it about him that scared her? ‘I wasn’t being kind. I like his company. He’s a great kid. You’re a great mum. He’s lucky.’
    She stared at him for a moment and suddenly, out of nowhere, a sheen of tears veiled her eyes. Without saying anything, she jerked her shoulder away from his grasp and started walking again.
    Cursing in Italian, Dino followed her. ‘ Accidenti , will you stand still for one moment? Mi dispiace , if I upset you, I’m sorry, but I don’t understand how. Jamie is a great kid and you are a great mum.’ He blocked her path and she wrapped her arms around herself and stared past him, not meeting his eyes.
    â€˜Thanks.’ She was all rigid formality. ‘Is that what you wanted to say? Because I have to—’
    â€˜No.’ He ignored the fact that they were standing in a busy corridor with half the hospital staff hurrying past. ‘Why do you always run from me, Meg? I know you’re not a coward. You were out there last night in howling winds, staring down at a vertiginous drop and you didn’t even quiver.’ He was still stunned by how well she’d handled the conditions on themountain the previous night. But now there was no sign of the guts and bravery she’d shown in a blizzard. She looked jumpy and distracted, as if she had a thousand problems on her mind and no idea how to handle any of them. ‘If we’re talking about work or mountains, you have plenty to say, but when I change it to something more social, you clam up. Why?’
    â€˜Sorry. I’ll try to be more sociable.’ Her smile was false. ‘It looks like we might have more snow. I do hope that won’t make your drive to work difficult, Dr Zinetti.’
    Curbing his exasperation, Dino stared down at her, studying the smooth skin of her cheek and the way her lips curved. ‘I don’t want to talk about the weather.’
    â€˜Sorry. We’ll talk about something else. How did you like my mother’s soup?’
    â€˜The soup was delicious. She obviously knows what hungry climbers need when they come home.’
    She relaxed slightly. ‘She ought to. Both my dad and my grandfather were in the mountain rescue team.’
    He already knew that from the other guys, but he didn’t say so. Instead he felt a buzz of triumph that reserved, buttoned-up Meg Miller had finally revealed something personal about herself. ‘So it’s in the family.’ Dino moved to one side as the chief pharmacist hurried past. ‘Same with me. My dad used to be a mountain guide. He took people up the Matterhorn.’ Give something back. Conversation. To and fro. Try and get her to relax.
    Her brow furrowed. ‘The Matterhorn is in Switzerland.’
    â€˜Part of it is in Switzerland. The best part is in Italy. You’re lucky you have your mum to help you. Jamie’s lucky to have such close family.’ He hesitated, wondering how far he dared push it. ‘Does he ever see his father? Are you still in touch?’
    He watched, cursing himself as her expression changed and her body tensed.
    â€˜No. All he has is me. So he’s not that lucky, is he? And I really don’t understand why everyone is taking this sudden interest in my love life.’ Her voice rose and he saw the sudden flare of anguish in her eyes, which was rapidly replaced by horror that she’d revealed so much. Within seconds it was masked and she was businesslike. ‘I really have to go.’ Dodging him, she hurried along the corridor towards the emergency department, leaving Dino standing in silence, regretting bringing up the subject of Jamie’s father.
    He’d touched a nerve.
    And he still hadn’t asked her what he wanted