Wild For Mr. Wrong by Virna De Paul Read Free Book Online Page A

doing so.  Now…  “So how’d the engagement dinner go?”
    “ Well, after she verbally flayed me for my admittedly sneaky set-up and you showing up at her door, she said it was exactly what she’d expected.  Which means it wasn’t fun.  But she loves her sister to pieces, and so long as Carin’s happy, Bryn’s happy.”
    He nodded, but given what little he knew about Bryn, he couldn’t see her living life vicariously through anyone.  She was too opinionated.  Too passionate.  She just needed to learn how to apply that passion to something other than work.  Only Daniel wasn’t sure he was the right guy to teach her that.
    Fun and warm, he reminded himself.  He had a good life.  Why complicate it with someone he suspected was special but seemed unwilling to show him that side of herself?  Time to let go.  “Sorry, Tam.  I know you care about her, but she’s got a personal bias against defense attorneys.  I think pursuing Bryn would be useless.”
    Tam sighed.  “She does seem to be more…intense about your choice of career than even I thought she’d be.  Maybe you should ask her why.”  
    Unbidden, a memory of their searing kiss flashed through his mind.  He’d thought about that kiss.  A lot.  At night.  During the day.  When he was alone, and when it was damn inconvenient.
    Tam rose, putting her hands on her hips and arching her back.  “My back is killing me, guys.  I’m sorry to cut this night short, but I need to go potty and then I need to go home.  Vance, hon, would you mind paying the bill and meeting me at the door?”
    Vance said, “Of course, Tam.”
    Tam waddled around the table and kissed Daniel, who’d risen to his feet when she did.  “Goodnight, sweetie.  Remember what I said about Bryn, okay?  She’s got a softer side most people don’t see.  A side she doesn’t want people to see.  But underneath…”
    When Tam headed toward the restroom, Daniel sat back down, took a long swallow of beer, and turned to Vance, who was looking at the doorway where Tam had disappeared. “You’re a lucky man, Vance.  A lucky man.”
    Vance grinned.  “Believe me, I’m well aware of that.”  Suddenly, his face turned serious.  “Look, I’ve been thinking about this obsession you have with Bryn Donovon.”
    Daniel wasn’t sure he liked hearing his interest in Bryn characterized as an obsession, but if not obsession, then what?  He said nothing.  
    “ I have to tell you, I don’t like her.  Tam’s put a lot of effort into trying to befriend her, and she hasn’t been very receptive.”
    “ They seemed pretty engaged to me.”  Daniel had told Vance about overhearing their conversation that day but had sworn Vance to secrecy.
    “ Sure, if it’s on her turf.  She’ll talk to Tam at work, but it’s like she can’t associate with her outside of it.  It’s hurt Tam.  I think the woman’s a cold fish.  Maybe you should pass on this one.”  
    Daniel didn’t jump to defend Bryn.  What could he say?  That because he got a hard-on around her, it proved she was a warm human being?  He knew there was more to her, depths unexplored, but even he had a hard time putting it into words.
    On Daniel’s drive home, he thought about what Vance had said.  Had his initial thoughts about Bryn Donovon been accurate?  Was he fooling himself that there was more to her than what was on the surface?  That kiss had been hot, but was sexual heat enough?  Especially when she wouldn’t acknowledge it?  Maybe their opposing careers and natures were too different to reconcile.
    Maybe he would be better off leaving Bryn to do what she did best – stand up for principles and stand up for the victims of crimes, but do it standing alone.
      

CHAPTER SIX       
     
    When Bryn opened her front door, she was fully dressed and ready to leave for work.  She stepped out of the house, locked her door, and turned to see Daniel walking up to her.  Her stomach churned