Not That Kind of Girl by Susan Donovan Read Free Book Online Page A

pacing again. “It’s common knowledge that Raymond Sandberg is your ex-lover. The breakup was dramatic and acted out in front of the patrons of a crowded cigar bar. Plus, how many other men in this town can be described as ‘San Francisco’s most successful criminal defense attorney and all-around champion pig-faced, misogynistic asshole?’ ”
    Rick nodded, his brow crumpled in seriousness as he looked into her face. “You hung this guy in virtual effigy, Rox. You turned him into the Internet poster boy for pig-faced men everywhere. He was already planning to sue you for that—and now this ?”
    Bea snorted her agreement. “The man shows up and your dog promptly tries to rip his throat out. This doesn’t look so good, babes.”
    “The man didn’t just show up !” Roxanne wailed. “He busted down my whole freakin’ door! Lilith was protecting me! She might have saved my life!”
    The group of six remained quiet for a moment. Rick’s phone rang and he wandered off to speak with his lawyer. Josie continued to rub Roxie’s back. Ginger stroked her hair. Their attention felt very sweet and maternal, but Roxie was too upset to appreciate their attempt to comfort her.
    Suddenly, the doors leading from the ER slammed open. Raymond Sandberg appeared, looking like an extra in a Quentin Tarantino flick. Blood droplets were spattered all over his white slacks and tangerine-hued Ralph Lauren polo shirt. A large, square gauze bandage was taped to the side of his neck. The same two San Francisco Police detectives who’d interviewed Roxie strolled out behind him.
    Raymond’s dark blue eyes burned with hatred as he headed directly toward Roxanne. She stood up, swallowing hard. All her friends stood up with her, and gathered close. Rick hurried back to the waiting room chairs, the phone still to his ear.
    Raymond came to a stop, breathing hard. “I so look forward to our various courtroom rendezvous,” he said, his voice laced with mock politeness. “It seems you’ll be kissing both your business and your fugly mutt good-bye.”
    “You wait just a damn second, mister.” Josie stepped forward before Roxanne could even open her mouth to speak. The mother-to-be’s cheeks were flushed as she peered up into Raymond’s face. She poked a finger in his chest. “You are a brute and a bully and you’re dressed like you belong in a Miami Vice rerun.”
    Ginger stepped forward next. “You got exactly what you had coming to you, you pompous douche bag.”
    Then Bea sauntered up. “Ain’t karma a bitch?”
    Raymond said nothing for a long second, studying the little group, taking note of Josie and Ginger’s very pregnant silhouettes and angry faces. Then he produced a deep laugh and displayed one of his jury-worthy grins. His gaze flew to Roxanne.
    The force of that stare pinned her down. She felt trapped. She hated him. She’d once loved and trusted him with everything in her, and he’d blown a hole in her soul with his betrayal. It was interesting how hate had filled up that hole, spilling over into everything in her life.
    Oh, and how she despised those eyes of his. How she cringed at the sight of that stellar smile.
    The image of Eli Gallagher flashed in her mind. In her head she watched him tug on the brim of that stupid hat. She remembered the sound of that velvet-calm voice as it assured her she was safe. But she especially recalled the sadness she saw in his eyes when she pulled away from his kiss.
    She remembered it so well because she’d felt the very same way.
    Roxanne squeezed her eyes shut to block the vision. Why was that man haunting her? And why now? Didn’t she have enough shit to deal with? She didn’t want Eli in her head. She didn’t want Raymond in her life. She just wanted these men— all men—to go away and leave her in peace.
    Raymond leaned in close. She kept her eyes closed so she didn’t have to see him. But she smelled him—the crisp, light scent of his expensive cologne mixed with