Line of Scrimmage by Marie Force Read Free Book Online Page B

should feel much better by tomorrow, but you’ve had a shock to your system. You need to take it easy, too.”
    “I’ll make sure she does,” Ryan said.
    The doctor raised an eyebrow. “And how do you plan to do that when you’re going to be flat on your back or in the hospital?”
    “We’re going to our place in Breckenridge tomorrow morning,” Ryan said.
    “No, we’re not, ” Susannah said.
    “Yes, we are. It’s just what we need: no phones, no visitors, no distractions.”
    “That sounds perfect,” the doctor said, seeming pleased his message had gotten through to Ryan. “How will you get there?”
    “I’ll get a couple of my buddies to drive us.”
    “Have a blast.” Susannah folded her arms across her chest. “I’m not going.”
    Ryan dug his cell phone out of his pocket. “We’ll see about that.”
    The doctor watched them with amusement, which added to Susannah’s irritation.
    “Go ahead and call your damned lawyer. I don’t care.”
    “If that’s what you want.” Ryan pressed the number on his speed dial. “This is Ryan Sanderson. May I speak to Terry, please?”
    Susannah fixated on a water stain in one of the ceiling tiles as her heart pounded. He won’t do it.
    “Hey, Terry,” Ryan said. “A little better. Yeah, it was quite a hit, but we won, so it was worth it.”
    Susannah rolled her eyes. Worth a concussion and three broken ribs? Yes, to Ryan it would be. All he cared about was football.
    “Listen, the reason I’m calling is I’ve decided to put the brakes on the divorce.”
    Appearing uncomfortable to be overhearing their personal business, the doctor signed Susannah’s discharge paperwork, handed
     it to her, and left the room.
    “I know we’re due back in court in nine days, but I’ve changed my mind.” Ryan listened for a moment and then glanced over
     at Susannah. “She’s coming around.”
    Susannah got out of bed and grabbed the phone from Ryan. “I’m not coming around, Terry,” she said, slapping the phone closed.
    “Thought I was bluffing, didn’t you, darlin’?” he asked with the lazy smile that made her want to smack him. Or kiss him.
     No, definitely smack.
    “You are bluffing. You’re not going to stop the divorce.”
    “The judge knew what he was doing when he made us wait six more months before making it final. He could see we weren’t finished
     with each other, yet.”
    “I am finished! What do I have to do to convince you of that?”
    “Spend the next few days with me in Breckenridge. You heard the doctor. I need to take it easy, and so do you. We won’t get
     a minute’s peace if we stay in town. The phone will be ringing nonstop, people coming by—”
    “And poisoning me . . . ”
    “Susie! That’s not nice. You know it was an accident.”
    She sighed as she got up from the bed and slipped on her shoes. “I can’t leave town right now. I’ve got the ball next weekend
     and a wedding to plan. I’m not going.”
    “I’ll have you back in plenty of time for the ball, and you are going. Unless you want me to call Terry back . . . ”
    “What am I supposed to tell Henry?”
    “I’m sure you’ll think of something.” Ryan attempted to push himself into a sitting position.
    Without thinking, Susannah reached out to help him up.
    He played the advantage by putting his arms around her. Tipping his head, he kissed her softly and then caressed her cheek.
     “You’ve got your color back.”
    Amazed by his audacity and her reaction to the gentle kiss, Susannah could only stare at him. Why does he have such an effect on me, and why do my knees still go weak when he looks at me that way? I hate that! Tugging herself free of him, she left the room.
    Bernie and Darling were pacing in the waiting room.
    “Susie!” Darling rushed over to her. “Are you all right?”
    “I’m fine.” Touched by the genuine concern on his face, she hugged him. “It was an accident. I don’t want you to give it another
     thought.”
    “I’m so