Forbidden Bond by Jessica Lee Read Free Book Online

added with a flip of his hand. “I’m determined that Olivia is going to enjoy herself this evening.”
    “That sounds like a fine idea.” Sue tapped the outside of their booth and hurried off to her next customer.
    Olivia fished her cell from her purse, sat the device on the table, and tossed her bag beside her on the seat. She looked over and noticed Taylor’s gaze honed in on her iPhone. “Just in case Kris or one of my patients needs me.” He looked at her, his expression one of disapproval.
    “Um…are you insinuating that if I checked the other side of your hip, I wouldn’t find yours attached?”
    He cleared his throat. “You got me.” A smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
    “That’s what I thought.” Olivia cupped his cheek. “And I understand. But we’re doctors, and the closest vets for the next twenty miles. We’re never not on call. Even on date night.” She turned back to her own cell, checking the display.
    After a delicious meal consisting of a filet, baked potato, and Caesar salad, Taylor ordered them both a glass of wine. Olivia reached for hers and held it up, admiring the bubbles in the blush color.
    “I’ve always thought wine was so pretty.”
    “Not nearly as beautiful as its bearer.” Taylor clinked his glass against hers.
    Olivia lifted her gaze from the liquid and met Taylor’s.
    “Dinner, wine, flattery…if I didn’t know any better, Dr. McDaniel, I would think you were trying to seduce me.” He stared back, the intensity hard to miss, then he leaned in, aiming straight for her lips.
    “Taylor, I don’t think…” Her breath hitched, and his mouth softly touched hers, hesitant, as if asking for permission. She pressed in, sealing the kiss for the both of them. God, how she wanted to feel her blood rush. She was crazy not to feel anything for this man!
    She lowered the stemware to the table with a thump , turning more into his kiss. Taylor followed suit and moved in closer, pressing his thigh against hers. He cupped her face and slid his fingers into her hair.
    This is nice, right? Olivia ran her palms along his biceps, up along his neck, and into the short blond strands at his nape. So why wasn’t her heart jumping or the hairs on her arms standing on end from his touch?
    Taylor cared about her. He’d never hurt her. Hell, he was a hunk—sexy even. She opened, inviting him to deepen his exploration of her mouth. Taylor answered and dove inside, thrusting against her tongue. His fingers curled into a fist, tugging on the hair tangled in his hand and stinging her scalp, but not enough to hurt. He groaned and suddenly pulled back, breaking free of her lips on a harsh breath.
    “I love you, Livvy,” he whispered. She opened her eyes. Taylor’s stared into hers, his blue irises hooded as if he was intoxicated—by her. “I want you so much. Can’t imagine my life without you in it.” He planted another gentle kiss against her lips, then leaned back and reached into the pocket of his khakis.
    Oh, God. What the hell is he doing? Her heart raced. Absently, her palm covered her mouth. Her stomach flipped. If only her symptoms were a result of their intimacy and anticipation, not fear of what was coming next. Dammit. She closed her eyes. I have to stop. Stop measuring every man who has come into my life by Mandrake standards, and a little girl’s memories. That was twelve years ago. People changed. Evolved.
    Taylor pulled his hand free from his pocket, and in his palm sat a small black velvet box. She swallowed hard at the sight, and seized her lower lip between her teeth. He reached out and pulled her palm away from her face, then gently lifted her fingers to his lips and placed a chaste kiss to the back of her knuckles. Warmth bloomed in her chest, and she couldn’t help but smile.
    “We’ve known each other for almost five years,” Taylor said, lowering her hand. “Five of the most amazing years of my life.” He grinned. “You’re my best friend. You’re