Sullivan's Woman by Nora Roberts Read Free Book Online Page A

Naturally Colin was beastly to her in the end. He tends to be when someone tries to pin him down. There’s nothing worse than having someone mooning and sighing over you, is there?”
    â€œI wouldn’t know,” Cassidy returned in mild tones. “But you needn’t worry that I’ll be mooning and sighing over Colin. He needs my face, I need a job.” She paused a moment. Perhaps, she thought, it’s best to be clear from the start. “You won’t have any trouble from me, Gail. I’m too busy to orchestrate a romance with Colin.”
    Gail stopped her pacing long enough to fix her with a speculative frown. The frown vanished, and she moved swiftly to the door. “That simplifies matters, doesn’t it? You can change through there.” She flung out an arm to her left and was gone.
    Cassidy took time to inhale deeply. She shook her head. Artists, she decided, were all as mad as hatters. Shrugging off Gail’s behavior, she moved to the door indicated and found a small dressing room. Closeting herself inside, Cassidy began to change. As before, the gown made her feel different. Perhaps, she thought as she pulled a brush through her hair, it’s the sensation of real silk against my skin, or the elegant simplicity of the line and color. Or is it because it’s the image of what Colin wants me to be?
    Whatever the reason, Cassidy couldn’t deny that she felt heightened when she wore the gown—more alive, more aware, more a woman. After giving herself one last quick glance in the mirror, she opened the door and stepped into the studio.
    â€œOh, you’re here,” she said foolishly when she saw Colin scowling at a blank canvas. She had only a side view of him, and he didn’t turn at her entrance. His hands were stuffed in his pockets, and his weight was distributed evenly on both legs. There was an impression of sharp vitality held in check—waiting, straining a bit for release. He was dressed casually, as she was now accustomed to seeing him, and the clothes seemed to suit his rangy, loose-limbed build. His face was in a black study: brows lowered, eyes narrowed, mouth unsmiling. The thought crossed Cassidy’s mind that he was unscrupulously attractive and would be a terrifying man to care for. She remained where she was, certain he had not even heard her speak.
    â€œI’m going to start on canvas straightaway,” he said. Still he did not turn to acknowledge her. “There’re violets on the table.” With one shoulder he made a vague gesture. “They match your eyes.”
    Cassidy looked over and saw the small nosegay tossed amid the artistic rubble. Her face lit with instant pleasure. “Oh, they’re lovely!” Moving to the table, she took them, then buried her face in their delicate petals. The fragrance was subtle and sweet. Touched and charmed, Cassidy lifted her smile to thank him.
    â€œI want a spot of color against the dress,” Colin murmured. His preoccupation was obvious and complete. He did not glance at her or change expression.
    Pleasure shattered, Cassidy stared down at the tiny flowers and sighed. It’s my fault, she thought ruefully. He bought them for the painting, not for me. It was ridiculous to think otherwise. Why in the world should he buy me flowers? With a shake of her head and a wry smile, she moved over to join him. “Do you see me there already?” she asked. “On the empty canvas?”
    He turned then and looked at her, but the frown of his concentration remained. He lifted the hand that held the flowers. “Yes, they’ll do. Stand over here, I want the light from this window.”
    As he propelled her across the room, Cassidy twisted her head to look up at him. “Good morning, Colin,” she said in the bright, cheerful voice of a kindergarten instructor.
    He lifted a brow as he stopped by the window. “Manners are the least of my concerns when