Renegade Millionaire by Kristi Gold Read Free Book Online Page A

her his name but realized if Joanna knew he’d come to pay her a visit, she might not see him. “It’s personal.”
    â€œCan I have your name, please?”
    Damn.
    He sent her his best grin. “It’s a surprise visit.”
    One hand went to her throat, but her smile remained intact. “Well, I’m not sure Joanna would like that kind of surprise.”
    Rio couldn’t argue that. “Just tell her I’m a doctor from Memorial, okay? That’s all she needs to know.”
    She chewed her bottom lip. “I’m not really sure…”
    He leaned into the counter and sought out her name from the badge pinned on her lapel. “I’d really appreciate it if you would, Stephanie.”
    Keeping her eyes locked on Rio, the woman picked up the phone, punched a button and slowly repeated the message. After she hung up, she said, “Wait right here. She’ll be with you in a minute.” The receptioniststacked a few folders then regarded him again with another smile. “So, what kind of doctor are you?”
    â€œOB.”
    She leaned a cheek on her palm and gave him a coy look. “Really?”
    â€œYeah. Really.” She was flirting with him. Maybe some other time, Rio might have flirted back. But the only woman he was interested in at the moment had yet to appear.
    He heard the familiar sound of Joanna Blake’s voice, soft and soothing, deadly as far as he was concerned. Knowing she was nearby had his body reacting in ways not appropriate for a grown man, especially in this setting.
    The door to his left opened and a very pregnant woman walked out with Joanna following behind. He immediately recognized the patient. Allison Cartwright, his patient.
    Rio didn’t know who looked more shocked, Allison or Joanna. Both stared at him a long moment, but Allison spoke first. “Hi, Dr. Madrid. Fancy meeting you here.”
    He couldn’t ignore the sudden flash of anger. “Guess I could say the same thing. What are you doing here?”
    She raised one shoulder in a shrug. “Now don’t get upset. I’m just visiting. Joanna was explaining the center’s birthing methods to me.”
    â€œNo problem,” he said, but it was, at least for him. Rio leveled his gaze on Joanna. “Do you have a minute, Ms. Blake?”
    â€œI’m leaving, so she does,” Allison answered for her, then hurried out the front door in a matter of seconds.
    â€œWhat can I do for you, Dr. Madrid?” Joanna’s tone was professional, with only a hint of friendliness.
    He glanced back over his shoulder at Stephanie, who still continued to stare, then turned his smile on Joanna. “You don’t really want to discuss that here, do you, Ms. Blake?”
    Color splashed across Joanna’s cheeks as she held open the door leading from the reception area. “Follow me, but I only have a few minutes.”
    â€œThat’s all I need,” he said. “For now.”
    So much for not pushing. If he knew what was best, he’d stop with the innuendo. But for some reason, Joanna Blake unearthed his wicked side, trampled his control.
    He followed her down the corridor, watching the gentle sway of her hips encased in black slacks, not jeans, but just as high impact.
    â€œAll the exam rooms are full, so this will have to do.” She stopped at a room set off in another alcove away from the main corridor, stepped to one side and allowed Rio to enter.
    The place resembled something straight out of a bed-and-breakfast inn, complete with a queen-size bed, rocking chair and redbrick fireplace. He found the decor to be surprisingly elegant, all flowers and lace, reminding him of his own home’s attic room, the one he’d offered to Joanna Blake, the reason why he was here. But first, he had a few other questions for her.
    â€œWhat was Allison Cartwright doing here?”
    â€œShe’s considering using the center instead of the