FLOWERS and CAGES by Mary J. Williams Read Free Book Online Page A

words. He had been guilty. Colleen wasn't foolish enough to trust her instincts completely. She didn't know this man and her hormones were on high alert—wanting him could be clouding her judgment. Dalton could turn out to be one of the bad guys. But for the moment, she didn't think so.
    "Do you want to talk about it?"
    Smiling, Dalton shook his head. "You never say what I expect."
    "That, my friend, is a compliment of the first order." Brushing her lips against his, Colleen moved away before either of them could take it further. Caution was never a bad thing. "Let's go to dinner. I lost my appetite. Now it's back."
    Dalton helped her into the passenger seat. As he walked around the car, Colleen marveled that it didn't feel odd to sit here while he sat behind the wheel. Maybe today's heat had fried a bit of her brain. Or it might have been Dalton. Either way, she buckled her seatbelt and relaxed.
    "Chicken fried steak?"
    "And a frosty margarita."
    It sounded like heaven. Or as close as she could get in Midas, Arizona.
     
    THE SIDEWINDER WASN'T exactly jumping, which was fine with Dalton. He wasn't worried about someone recognizing him. It happened all the time. But that was for his music. His arrest had been big news in Midas. It had been carried out in a very public manner. Dalton had no idea where all the police cars had come from. The flashing lights lit up the night sky. That was not something quickly forgotten.
    "This used to be a dentist's office," Colleen informed him as their waitress showed them to their table. "Dr. Painless. He lasted less than a year."
    "I wonder why?"
    "I know. Dr. Feelgood is a cliché, but the curiosity factor alone would have pulled in a few patients."
    They gave their drink orders. The waitress left, giving them time to decide on their meal.
    "I don't know why I'm looking. I always have the special."
    Dalton peered at Colleen over the top of his menu. "Wednesday chicken fried steak."
    "Thursday spaghetti and meatballs. Friday varies. Usually some kind of fish." Colleen wrinkled her nose.
    "Not a fan?"
    "It's always deep fried. I want my sole grilled, not covered in crispy grease."
    Dalton could relate. There was a place for fast food. Sometimes it was a necessity. But there was no substitute for beautifully prepared food made with the freshest ingredients. It was one of the many joys of having the money to travel where he wanted and do it first class all the way.
    "There is a place on the coast of Italy that serves a Fillet of Sole Ponte Vecchio. It is one of the five best things I have ever eaten."
    "You keep track?"
    "I do when it's that good."
    "I want to travel," Colleen said with a wistful sigh.
    "To Italy?"
    "Italy. France. Seattle. New York."
    Smiling, Dalton thanked the waitress as she set their drinks on the table. He took a sip of his beer before he could do something stupid like give into a sudden desire to invite Colleen on the trip he planned before leaving Los Angeles. Two weeks in Greece. Not the touristy places. He had marveled at the Acropolis years ago. This time, Dalton had rented a boat. Not too big, but one that had a full crew so he could sit back and enjoy as they sailed around the different islands. Ashe planned on joining him for a few days.
    The two men would undoubtedly find the time to romance some local beauties. But the idea of seeing Colleen in a tiny bikini, her red hair gleaming in the Mediterranean sunlight, held a great deal of appeal. It wasn't practical. It wasn't going to happen. But it was a nice image.
    Dalton's favorite meals were ones that were drawn out by good conversation. To his delight, Colleen turned out to be a lively, opinionated companion.
    "I don't want a handout." Colleen waved her fork for emphasis. "I want fair pay for work well done. Dole thought he could get away with agreeing to one salary and giving me another. He quickly learned otherwise."
    There was something about a strong, confident woman that got Dalton's blood pumping. Sweet