Expecting the Doctor's Baby by Teresa Southwick Read Free Book Online Page A

Dad. Darlyn Marshall is also very good at what she does. Sometimes people don’t realize how they come across and simply need to learn coping techniques to keep the little things from turning into big issues.”
    â€œIf I hold my breath waiting for that,” her father said, “I would be in urgent need of emergency services myself. Either someone fits in or they don’t. Talking it to death is an exercise in futility.”
    â€œYou do realize you’re referring to your daughter’s profession,” Mitch said, eyes narrowed.
    â€œIndeed I do. More’s the pity for her.”
    When Mitch felt her tense, his edges turned rougher and he couldn’t keep his mouth shut. “If that’s the way you feel, why bother with the program?”
    â€œIt wasn’t my idea. Believe me.” Without giving his daughter a look he said, “If it was up to me, you’d be out. And frankly this is all just a waste of time and money, in my estimation. I don’t expect any results and we’ll be back to square one, which is asking for your resignation.”
    â€œWhat if I prove you wrong?” Mitch asked, barely able to rein in his anger.
    â€œI’m not wrong. And if my daughter would stop wasting her time and take my advice to find a real profession, one worthy of respect, she would be much better off.” His mouth thinned in distaste when he looked at Sam. “Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s someone I need to talk to. I’ll see you later, Samantha.”
    Mitch was about to follow and felt Sam’s hand on his arm. “Don’t,” she whispered.
    â€œJust one good shot,” he said through clenched teeth.
    â€œPlease. No—” Her voice caught and abruptly she turned and walked in the opposite direction.
    Mitch didn’t realize she was leaving until she stopped at the table, grabbed her purse and wrap, then hurried toward the exit. He followed her out the double doors, down two sets of escalators, through the casino and past the registration desk. For a small woman she went pretty damn fast in her high heels. Before he knew it she was through the front doors and outside. When he caught up with her, he heard her say something to the attendant about a cab.
    â€œSam—”
    â€œGo away, Mitch.” She wouldn’t look at him.
    â€œI’ll walk you to your car.”
    â€œIt’s not here. I came with him.” Her voice was unsteady and she caught her top lip between her teeth. “I think…it’s better if I take a cab home.”
    â€œIgnore him.”
    â€œEasy for you to say—” She had her back to him.
    â€œOkay. It is easy for me. I’m an objective observer. In spite of the fact that you think I have the sensibility of a water buffalo, I realize that you’re dealing with an emotional component. But, Sam—” He put a hand on her shoulder and gently turned her toward him.
    Her eyes were moist with tears and something tightened in his chest.
    He’d been susceptible to a woman’s tears a time or two. His ex-wife. His mother when she pleaded with him time and again to help Robbie. Pain sliced through him at the memory. He didn’t trust tears. Female tears were tools of manipulation. Interesting the first syllable of that word was man . He should just walk away and let her get a cab. Let her deal with the real water buffalo in her life on her own terms. The words were on the tip of his tongue until he saw her mouth tremble and her struggle to control it.
    Instead of “good night” he said, “I’m taking you home.”

Chapter Four
    M itch was driving on Interstate 15 south and nearing the turnoff to the 215 Beltway before Sam said anything. The only reason she did was to give him transition directions.
    â€œTake the Beltway east. Toward Henderson.”
    â€œOkay. Which exit?” he asked.
    â€œGreen Valley Parkway.
    She’d been a