Sarah's Child by Linda Howard Read Free Book Online Page A

that hardly seemed to matter. When he kissed her good night, his light kiss would linger, as if he were inexorably drawn to the soft warmth of her mouth, and soon shed be locked in his arms as they kissed with all the pent-up fervor of teenagers. But there was no more than that; he always drew away before any deeper intimacy developed between them, and Sarah took that to mean that he didnt intend any serious relationship to grow between them. He seemed content with things as they were; he had companionship and lively conversation from her, as well as the comfort of shared interests. She wanted more; she wanted everything he had to give, but perhaps he was giving her all he had. She knew that Diane was never far from his mind, and whenever they talked about her, as they inevitably did, his expression would grow bleak.
    A week after Mr. Grahams heart attack, Maxwell Conroy flew in from Montreal. He was a tall, lean Englishman with a precise British upper-class accent, a cap of golden hair, and the liveliest, most wickedly dancing blue-green eyes Sarah had ever seen. He was more than handsome; he had an ageless, aristocratic beauty to him that held women bemused, staring at him helplessly. If Sarah had been able to see anyone but Rome, she would probably have fallen in love with Maxwell Conroy on sight, but as it was, he received only her usual polite, slightly remote smile.
    He wasted no time. The first time Sarah was alone with him he asked her out to dinner.
    She looked up at him with startled, wide eyes. There was no way of mistaking his intentions, not with those luminous eyes so plainly telegraphing his thoughts. She bit her lip; how could she refuse him without making things difficult between them at work? She didnt want to commit herself, though, because Rome could ask her out at any time. I dont think that would be a good idea, she finally refused, keeping her voice gentle. We have to work together, and you know that although there arent any actual company rules against employees dating, its generally discouraged within the same department.
    I also know that as long as people are discreet its generally ignored.
    She drew a deep breath. Im seeing someone else.
    Would he mind? Maxwell asked promptly, and Sarah gave a low chuckle.
    Probably not, she admitted, her laugh fading into an echo of pain that was revealed in the way the soft green of her eyes grew misty with shadows.
    Then hes a fool, Maxwell said under his breath, his eyes on her sleek, pale knot of hair. If you should decide to give someone else a chance, do let me know.
    Yes. For a moment, she met his warm, piercing gaze. I will.
    In all truth, she was more attracted to Maxwell than shed been to any other man in her life, except for Rome. Shed liked Maxwell on sight, and in a curious way she felt relaxed with him, for she sensed that he recognized the boundaries shed set and would respect them until she gave him permission to go beyond them.
    That afternoon Rome and Maxwell lingered in the hallway, finishing a discussion before leaving for the day. Sarah locked up the office and murmured a good night to them as she walked past, carefully not letting her glance linger on Rome.
    Maxwell turned so he could watch her walk down the hallway, his brilliant eyes narrowed with interest. Romes dark gaze sharpened, and he too turned to watch Sarah, noting the grace with which she walked, the way her skirt moved fluidly about her lovely legs. He didnt like the way Maxwell was looking at her, like a cat lovingly surveying the canary it was about to have for lunch, and a slow curl of anger began in his stomach.
    Shes a very pretty woman, he commented, probing for a response, and every nerve in his body waited for Maxwells answer.
    Maxwell shot him an incredulous look. Pretty? Shes bloody beautiful. Shes so subtle, so understated, that you have to really look to see how pure and classic her face is.
    Rome had seen her face glowing with pleasure, her lips swollen from his