Wishing for a Miracle by Alison Roberts Read Free Book Online

in love with. Something that could never have been discussed reasonably, let alone joked about.
    That Julia could make a joke of it was the other end of the spectrum, wasn’t it? Maybe he should find that almost as offensive but, somehow, it wasn’t.
    She didn’t know and, at this particular moment in time, it really didn’t matter. How could it, in the wake of that astonishing kiss that had taken him somewhere he’d never been before? A place that held release rather than tension. A pleasure so pure it was paradise.
    Relief was coursing through him as well. If he wanted to make something out of this new development in their relationship with each other it was going to be up to him. Julia wasn’t bothered. She could laugh it off. Even better, any damage done by his behaviour tonight was repaired. They would be able to work together again without a barrier that would have been unbearable.
    He could play this game. He could laugh it off too and make it go away.
    â€˜Come on, then,’ he said, completely deadpan. ‘I’ve got a full tank in my car and Gretna Green isn’t that far away.’
    Julia laughed. She turned away, shaking her head. ‘Are you kidding? I only listened to Sister Therese’s rules, I didn’t obey them.’ She was walking away now, towards her small car, but her words floated back, still coated with laughter. ‘Kisses don’t make babies. You’re safe, mate.’
    Safe?
    Safe ?
    Who was she trying to kid?
    Mac wasn’t in a remotely safe place right now. What was worse, a part of him didn’t think he wanted to be either. The part that wanted to go after Julia right now and grab her and take her in his arms for another kiss.
    At least part of his head was still functioning sensibly. He wrenched open the heavy door of his vehicle, eager to shut himself into the temporary sanctuary.
    Â 
    â€˜He what ?’
    â€˜Kissed me. Come on, Annie. This line is so good you might as well be here sitting on the end of my bed. You heard just fine.’
    â€˜I’m just…surprised.’
    â€˜You and me both.’ Julia’s laugh was hollow. ‘Actually, I have the horrible feeling it might have been me, kissing him .’
    â€˜Who made the first move?’
    â€˜Him. No, me. Oh, God, I don’t know. I was worried about him after the job because he’d been so quiet and I kind of ambushed him in the car park. And…and it just kind of happened. The thing is, what am I going to do about it?’
    â€˜Why do you have to do anything about it?’
    â€˜Because he’s my partner. The last three months have been the best I’ve ever had and I don’t want to spoil our working relationship. I might have already!’
    â€˜Why? Was it a horrible kiss?’
    â€˜No…’ Julia’s sigh was heartfelt. ‘It was even better than I thought it would be.’
    â€˜A ha !’ Her sister pounced. ‘I knew you fancied him.’
    â€˜Of course I fancy him. Who wouldn’t? He’s gorgeous.’
    â€˜So what’s the problem? You’re a big girl now, Jules. Go for it. Lord knows, a fling would do you the world of good. How long has it been? Two years?’
    â€˜Nearly three.’
    â€˜So this is the perfect opportunity.’
    â€˜Why?’
    â€˜You’ve only got another three months there. More than long enough to find out if it’s a real possibility. An easy way out if it’s not. Life shouldn’t be all work and no play, you know.’
    â€˜That’s rich, coming from you.’ Julia chuckled. Then she sighed. ‘It wouldn’t be just playing,’ she said then. ‘And that’s why I can’t go there. It’s just too scary.’
    There was a short silence on the other end of the line. ‘You wouldn’t say that unless there’s something really special about him. You think you’re going to fall in love with him