Seduced by Metsy Hingle Read Free Book Online Page B

much dignity as she could under the circumstances.
    â€œNothing that can’t wait until later. I didn’t realize you had someone with you.” Turning toward Michael, she said, “Forgive me for interrupting. You two go ahead and finish your, um, discussion. I can speak to Amanda later.”
    â€œNo!” Amanda cried out as Sister Mary Grace started to leave. She swallowed and then continued more calmly, “Mr. Grayson and I are finished. He was just leaving.”
    Sister Mary Grace arched one brow; the look she gave Amanda left her with little doubt that the nun didn’t believe her.
    â€œIt’s okay, Sister.” Michael moved toward the door. “Amanda’s right. We are finished—for now.”
    Amanda caught the warning in his voice, but refused to meet his gaze.
    â€œSister.” He inclined his head toward the nun, then turned to Amanda. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    â€œTomorrow?” Amanda repeated, and could have kicked herself at the anxious sound of her voice.
    â€œAfter Summer’s appointment,” he informed her. “She is still scheduled for Wednesday, isn’t she?”
    â€œYes. Yes, of course.”
    â€œSee you then.”
    Once Michael had closed the door, Amanda breathed a sigh of relief. Returning to her desk, she sat down and directed her attention back to her friend. “Now, what was it you needed?” she asked, forcing a lightness she didn’t feel.
    â€œWhat was that all about?” Sister Mary Grace asked as she claimed the chair in front of Amanda’s desk.
    Ignorning the bright gleam in her friend’s eyes, Amanda returned evenly, “Michael came by to tell me he’s decided to allow Summer to remain in the therapy program.”
    â€œWhy, that’s excellent news. I mean, I know he was having some doubts about the program’s effectiveness. I’m glad to see you were able to bring him around.”
    Sister Mary Grace adjusted the wire-rimmed spectacles on her nose, then met Amanda’s eyes. “But something tells me his niece isn’t the only reason Michael Grayson came to see you.”
    Amanda shot her friend a stony look.
    The tiny nun grinned. “Come on, Mandy. The man hasn’t exactly made his interest in you a secret. And I kind of got the impression that you liked him, too.”
    â€œGracie.” Amanda made no attempt to hide her displeasure.
    â€œI know, I know. I shouldn’t interfere, but you’re my friend. I’m only trying to help.”
    â€œHow? By encouraging him? Telling him personal things about me? How could you do that?”
    Sister Mary Grace’s smile faded. Her rosy cheeks paled slightly. “I didn’t mean any harm.”
    At the nun’s stricken expression, Amanda immediately regretted her flare of temper. “I know you didn’t, and I’m sorry for biting your head off. But don’t you see? Encouraging him was the worst thing you could do.”
    â€œWhy? What’s wrong with a nice, young man showing an interest in you?”
    â€œEverything—if that man’s Michael Grayson. You of all people should know I could never become involved with a man like him.”
    Sister Mary Grace frowned. “What do you mean, ‘a man like him’? From everything I’ve seen, and from what you’ve told me yourself, he’s a fine, honorable man.”
    â€œHe is. But for someone else. Not me.”
    â€œAny why not you?” Sister Grace asked in that impervious tone that Amanda had always found so frustrating.
    â€œBecause he has a child.”
    Sister Mary Grace narrowed her eyes. She folded her arms across her chest. “As far as I know, Michael Grayson doesn’t have any children,” she said in that no-nonsense voice of hers. “In fact, according to the information he gave the school when he registered Summer, he’s never even been married.”
    â€œQuit