When Love Calls by Unknown Read Free Book Online Page A

of my hand. I couldn’t believe it because I felt like a complete lunatic. Who the hell bursts into tears because someone wants to make them happy? Despite my mental reproach, every fiber of my being still wanted to break away. I wanted to run out and never come back, but instead I pushed those feelings aside and forced down what felt like an imminent panic attack. I gave Josh’s hand a squeeze and found the words to spark up a lighter conversation.
    “So, I heard they have a new exhibit here. I think it’s called Animals Inside Out.  Let’s see if we can find it. I love anatomy!” I handed him a brochure, forcing him to take his eyes off me. I retreated back into my thoughts as Josh perused the map. Why the hell am I trying to hide my feelings anyway? Isn’t Josh trying to give me what I want? I was certain that he was, but the walls I’d built were crumbling around me and I hadn’t given the go ahead to start the demolition. He was breaking them down from the outside in and part of me felt defenseless and unprotected. This is gonna be harder than I thought.  If I were ever going to come close to having the things I truly wanted, I would have to be willing to take the risk. It’s like Ange said, things could fall apart, or they could fall into place. The breath I’d been absent-mindedly holding stung my lungs and I let out a huff.
     “Are you okay?” Again Josh was eyeing me.
     This time I didn’t flinch. My face broadened into a reassuring smile. “I’m fine. You think after this next exhibit we could get something to eat? I just remembered. I’m starving! All this excitement made me forget about my appetite.”  Josh showed his boyish grin and perked up instantly.
     “Sure, I have plans for us around four o’clock anyway.”  He gave me a wink. We walked arm-in-arm through the life-sized Animals Inside Out exhibit.  It was filled with over one hundred animals from eels to elephants and every one of them was inside out. I was in heaven as I studied the detailed work of each muscle and tendon. The works of art were made of flesh preserved through plastination. At least that’s what the plaque said.
    Near the camel exhibit was a couple and their two small children. I couldn’t resist watching as the little ones pointed and asked questions; their eyes lit up with wonder. A glint of sadness flickered in my heart. One day. As if on cue Josh asked, “So, would you like to have a family someday?” It seemed awfully soon to be having this conversation—even if I was just thinking about it, but I humored him . “I just asked because I think you’d make a great mother if you ever decide to have children.” Interesting presumption. I stared at Josh as he stood there with his hands tucked in the pockets of his jeans as though he had no problem waiting all day if it meant he’d get his answer. Josh seemed perfectly comfortable to have this conversation and seemed quite sure that he already knew so much about me. 
    “Josh, you barely know me so I’m not sure how you’re so certain I would make a good mother, but to answer your question, yes, I would like to have children someday.” 
    Josh cocked his head to the side with a reflective eyebrow raise. “That actually didn’t answer my question. I asked if you’d like to have a family someday. For the record, I think you’d make a great mother because you have a thirst for life. I can tell that just from being around you. You’re vibrant and fun, and when you allow it, there are certain things that make your eyes light up with the same wonder and enthusiasm of a child. You have a heart for children—the pediatric thing kinda gave that away. You’re a nurturing person, but you won’t let anyone nurture you. I asked if you wanted a family because the kid part seems like a no-brainer, but the fact that you seem so hesitant to let people get close to you made me ask if you want a family or would children be enough. I’m not trying to jump the gun