Heartbreaker by Laurie Paige Read Free Book Online Page B

in her life.
    â€œIt’s very nice,” she murmured, getting herself under control and dismissing the ache of passionate need, the longing that confused her.
    â€œHave you eaten?”
    She hadn’t thought about food since her meeting with the director of the ballet company. “No.”
    â€œGood. I put a chicken on the grill earlier. There’s plenty—”
    â€œWhy did you tell the director I couldn’t dance again?”
    He paused at a wide archway leading into a modern kitchen made for today’s entertaining. A black glass cooktop was set into an island dividing the kitchen from the living room. The host or hostesscould prepare a meal and talk to guests at the same time.
    â€œMmm, she got the letter,” he said, nodding as if approving the swiftness of the postal service.
    â€œA medical directive, she called it.” Susan was so angry, she could hardly speak. “You went behind my back—”
    â€œHardly,” he interrupted in a harder tone. “I did my job, the one I was paid to do by the insurance company. The ballet director sent me the forms after I spoke to your regular doctor on Tuesday.”
    â€œYou had no right to fill out any forms,” she informed him, her voice shaking, she was so furious.
    This time he spoke very gently. “I did.”
    â€œI didn’t take those tests as a patient of yours. I only did it to appease my family.”
    His eyebrows rose at this proclamation. She realized in going with him to his office or the hospital or wherever he told her the past week, she had indeed become his patient.
    He poured a glass of white wine and set it on the pink-and-black granite counter of the island, pushing it toward her. He refilled his own glass, then prepared another salad to join the one already made. He heated a frozen Duchess potato in the microwave.
    Indicating the potato, he said, “Sorry. I take a lot of shortcuts. You may as well sit down. I’m not going to discuss this on an empty stomach. You look as if you need to settle down, as well.”
    â€œI’m fine,” she said, hardly able to move her jaw.
    His unexpected smile almost dissolved her fury at being tricked by him and the ballet director. Tears rose, nearly choking her as she thought of her future.
    Which didn’t exist.
    She had lived for the ballet so long she couldn’t imagine what she would do with her time if she never danced again. Pressing a hand to her chest, she willed the momentary weakness away. She was fine. Fine.
    Michael came around the island and wrapped her in his arms, as if sensing her uncertainty. “I’ll take very good care of you. I’ll make the surgery as easy as I can.”
    For a few seconds she let herself relax in his embrace. It felt so good to put herself in his capable hands and not have to think anymore. Her heart settled into a rhythm with his.
    â€œSusan,” he said, his voice deep and quiet and compelling, but so gentle.
    So very gentle it almost made her weep. She tilted her head against his arm and stared into eyes that suddenly seemed a darker blue. She wanted to speak, to ask him…something, but she could only think of his name.
    â€œMichael,” she whispered, and heard the longing she could no longer deny.
    His chest lifted against her breasts as he pulledin a deep breath. “You could make me forget,” he said.
    â€œForget what?”
    â€œMy oath to do no harm,” he muttered cryptically.
    She couldn’t wait any longer. Rising on her toes, she took the kiss, as hungry as a newborn for nourishment.
    He gave a deep, throaty growl and pulled her closer into his arms. The kiss deepened, becoming ever more demanding as hunger rampaged between them.
    She wished she’d met this man long ago, back when she was young and was positive she could have all of life her own way. The fierce hunger added to the pain that seemed to fill her soul of late.
    When he sought