The Millionaire and the M.D. by Teresa Southwick Read Free Book Online Page B

happy.”
    â€œIs it possible he didn’t get the letter? Maybe—”
    â€œI don’t mean to be rude, Rebecca. But it’s not something I’m comfortable talking about.”
    â€œOf course. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be nosy. I just—I wish I could help.”
    â€œI know and I appreciate it. That’s just not a time in my life I want to dwell on. It’s taken a while, but I’m okay.” She shrugged, but the troubled look in her eyes belied the words. “I have a beautiful boy and will always be grateful to Joe Morgan—”
    â€œMorgan? His father’s last name?”
    She nodded and a smile curved up the corners of her mouth. “It’s who he is. With him around there’s never a dull moment.”
    Rebecca picked that moment to glance over her shoulder and saw Gabe Thorne in the doorway looking around the room as if searching for someone. “Speaking of dull moments—”
    â€œWhat?” Kate sat up straight to look over her shoulder. “Who’s that?”
    â€œBrother of one of my patients. President of T&O Enterprises.”
    â€œIsn’t that the company doing the hospital expansion?” At her nod, Kate continued, “He doesn’t look like a happy camper.”
    â€œNo kidding.”
    Rebecca could count on one hand the times he didn’t look like he wanted to implode something. Right now wasn’t one of them. But the few times she’d seen him smile or grin were pretty unforgettable. Like three days ago when he’d been annoyed by her optimism. One minute his grin was a wicked challenge, the next it was replaced by sadness brimming in his eyes. The man definitely got to her and that was unacceptable. She hunched forward, hoping he wouldn’t notice her.
    â€œHe’s a nice-looking man,” Kate observed.
    â€œNice-looking? If there was an APGAR for guys, he’d score off the scale,” Rebecca said.
    â€œOh, really.” Her friend’s voice dripped innuendo like a leaky paper cup.
    â€œWhat?” Rebecca stared at Kate. “I may be a brainer geek, but I know a good-looking man when I see one. But that’s all there is to it.”
    â€œIf you say so.”
    â€œWhat does that mean?” Rebecca asked.
    â€œNothing. But your body language is speaking volumes.”
    â€œNo way.”
    â€œOh, yeah,” Kate said, clearly enjoying this. “You could crawl under the table so he doesn’t see you. Oops, too late. He just glanced this way and is now striding purposefully in this direction.”
    The next moment Gabe stood beside their table. “Your answering service said I could find you here. Rebecca, I need to talk to you.”
    â€œI was just leaving.” Kate stood and picked up her tray.
    He seemed to realize his behavior was abrupt. “I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt. Miss—”
    â€œCarpenter. Kate,” she said.
    â€œMiss Carpenter.” He nodded. “Don’t leave on my account. I just need a minute—”
    â€œNo problem. I have to pick up my little guy. Bye, Rebecca.”
    â€œSee you later.” She watched her friend’s back for a few moments. Anything to put off the reaction she knew was coming, the reaction that always followed when she was this close to Gabe Thorne. She braced herself and met his gaze while the hum of attraction vibrated through her.
    Taking a deep breath, she said, “So, why did you want to talk to me?”
    â€œHave you seen or heard from Amy?”
    â€œNo. Is something wrong?”
    â€œI hope not,” he said grimly. “I’m afraid she’s taken off again.”

Chapter Four
    I t was a long shot that Rebecca had seen Amy, but besides his partner Jack O’Neill, the doc was the only other person in Las Vegas his sister knew. It was the only reason he was here when he wanted to be anywhere but looking into warm-brown eyes that