Read Online A Taylor-Made Life by Kary Rader - Free Book Online

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specifically, my hair. Was it that obvious? I nervously smoothed it
back, making sure the wig wasn’t crooked.
    “Come on. It’s a night for adventure,
right?” The gray-haired man winked at me.
    I scanned the room for Gavin, who was
still placing bids and mingling. “Okay…sure.”
    The man pulled the ring from its case
and held it out to me. I flexed my fingers and took it. The cool
metal and stones sparkled magically up close. The heaviness of the
ring surprised me. I placed it on my finger and held out my hand to
admire it.
    “Stunning. Like it was made for you.”
The man smiled.
    A lump caught in my throat as the
future descended. A whirlwind of might-have-beens swirled through
my mind. A wedding, a family and many years of love flashed in
bittersweet scenes. I stared at the sun-kissed jewel for a few more
seconds, then removed the ring, and handed it back because it, and
all that went with it, didn’t belong to me. The absence of its
sparkle and weight left my hand empty. “Thank you. It’s always nice
to dream.”
    “That it is.” The man replaced the
ring.
    A strong arm wrapped around my
shoulders, startling me, and warm breath filled my ear, making my
head tingle. “Would you care for another drink? All this shopping
has made me thirsty.”
    I leaned against my handsome date and
smiled. “Thanks.”
    He headed toward the bar. I followed
him with my gaze. He turned back to say, “Keep an eye out on our
items. Let me know if anyone overbids us.”
    I nodded. Gavin had insisted we bid on
a weeklong retreat for two to an all-inclusive Caribbean resort. He
said it would be an early Christmas gift for my mom and dad. Then
he bid on a set of custom golf clubs for one of his friends at
work. Both items were well over five thousand dollars. I grimaced.
What must having so much money be like?
    Wandering through the crowd, I made
sure we still had the high bid. After a while, I noticed Gavin in
the far corner. He held our drinks and stood casually conversing.
My heart caught in my throat. What a hottie . His dark hair
lay smoothed back, complimenting his handsome face. He caught my
gaze from across the room, smiled, then motioned for me. I walked
to his side. He slid an easy arm around my waist, pulling me close,
and introduced me to the distinguished man he’d been talking
to.
    “Jason, this is the beautiful girl in
the flesh, Ms. Taylor Smith.”
    I stared at the older gentleman. He
was familiar. Then it dawned on me. “Dr. Harmon, I forgot you were
chairman for this event. You look different without your white
coat.”
    “Taylor. Sweetheart, how are you?” He
hugged me. “I asked Dr. Roads about you the other day.”
    “I see Dr. Roads next week.” Then
another revelation hit me. “Are the Johnsons here tonight? I
haven’t seen them yet.” I must’ve been on another planet with
Gavin, because I just remembered that Rachel’s mom and dad had
helped with this event.
    His face fell. “They aren’t coming.
Rachel took a turn. In fact, as soon as the auction is over, I’m
going to check on her.”
    My heart sank into my stomach.
Familiar bad news always came with equally familiar dread. I’d lost
so many friends from the hospital in two years. More than I cared
to remember, but the possibility of losing Rachel was too much. I
absently said goodbye, barely noticing as Gavin took my hand and
led me out of the crowded room into the empty hallway. He pulled me
into his arms and held me tightly.
    “I’m so sorry, Sweetness. I’m sure
they’re doing everything they can for her.”
    I leaned against him, soaking in the
warmth and listening to his heartbeat. He felt strong and
protective, like he would never let anything hurt me. Wrapping my
arms around his waist, I snuggled closer. His breathing hitched. I
pulled back a little and glanced up to determine the
reason.
    His eyes filled with heat, and the
look on his face was tense. Air froze in my lungs. He stared,
tracing the outline of my lips