Seduced by Metsy Hingle Read Free Book Online Page A

Summer’s no longer in therapy, there’s no reason for us to see each other at all.”
    â€œBut that’s where you’re wrong.” His lips smoothed into a slow, knowing smile. “We will be seeing each other. You see, I’m giving you the two months with Summer that you asked for. I’m not taking her out of your program. In fact, I’ve already told her she can stay. So, you and I will be seeing each other—a lot—at least for the next couple of months.”
    â€œBut I thought...” Surprised and unsettled by his change in attitude, Amanda turned away. “When Summer didn’t show up for her appointment yesterday, I assumed you’d withdrawn her from the program.”
    â€œThen you assumed wrong.”
    She had been so sure she wouldn’t have to see him again after today. Now she would be faced with not only seeing him but with dealing with the memories and desires he sparked in her.
    â€œDon’t you remember me telling you last week that Summer had a dental appointment and wouldn’t be able to come on Monday?”
    Vaguely, Amanda recalled the words, but at the time she’d been so disturbed by the way he’d been looking at her that she had failed to write it down.
    â€œDid you really think I’d just pull her out of the program without telling you first? Especially after you tried so hard to convince me to let her stay?” His voice held a wealth of disappointment.
    That was exactly what she had thought. And it had made her decision not to see him again easier somehow.
    â€œYou don’t have to bother answering that. It’s obvious what you thought.” He took a deep breath and released it. “For the record, you were right. Summer does need help. Help that I can’t give her. I was a fool to even consider pulling her out of the program. She needs you, Amanda. I need you. Will you help me?”
    She wanted to refuse him.
    She couldn’t, not when he was looking at her with such warmth in his eyes.
    â€œAll right,” Amanda answered, her voice thick. “I’ll keep working with Summer until the end of the school term—but on one condition. We keep our relationship strictly professional. Agreed?”
    When he didn’t respond, Amanda gave him a stern look that she usually reserved for the children. “I want your promise, Michael.”
    He shook his head. “I’m afraid I can’t give it to you. If I did, I’d only end up breaking it. And I make it a point never to go back on my word.”
    Feeling trapped, Amanda walked back to the window and stared out at the playground. She was committed to Summer and didn’t want to abandon her now. She felt a responsibility to the little girl. But what about herself? Was she strong enough to resist the emotional threat Michael represented?
    She sensed him come up behind her, her body suddenly alert at his nearness.
    â€œAmanda?” He touched her shoulder and turned her to face him.
    He was so close, she could smell the woodsy scent of his cologne, see the sprinkling of gray at his temples.
    â€œWhy are you doing this to us?” His eyes held hers. “Is it because of the things you’ve heard about me? About my family?”
    Amanda flushed. “Of course not.”
    â€œThen why won’t you even give us a chance?”
    â€œAmanda?” A quick, one-two tap followed at the door. “Do you still have the fi—” Sister Mary Grace stopped and stared from the doorway. She looked from Amanda to Michael and back again. “Excuse me,” she said, and started to retreat from the room.
    â€œGra—Sister, wait.” Quickly, Amanda pulled away and moved past Michael. Embarrassed, she could have cringed at the sight they must have made. What must Gracie be thinking after practically catching her in Michael’s arms? “Did you want to see me about something?” she asked, trying to muster as