Read Online From the Heart by Nora Roberts - Free Book Online Page A

moment. “Did you know the creases in your cheek deepen when you smile? It’s terribly attractive.”
    “I want you, Kasey.”
    The glasses stopped on the upswing. “Yes, Jordan, I know you do.”
    “And you want me.”
    She felt the thud of desire clearly, as if she were in his arms, his mouth on hers. “Perhaps I do.” She dropped her eyes to his notes again and began to tidy them.
    “Kasey.” She brought her eyes back to his. “When?”
    She knew what he was asking. She rose then, unable to sit. “It’s not as simple as you make it sound, Jordan.”
    “Why?”
    Turning, she stared out the window. Because I’m in love with you, she thought. Because you’re going to hurt me. Because I’m terrified I won’t be able to walk away when it’s finished. Once I let you in, there’ll be no turning back.“Jordan,” she said quietly, “I told you I don’t deal well with pain.”
    “Do you think I’ll hurt you?”
    She heard the surprise in his voice and laid her forehead against the glass. “Oh, God, I know you will.”
    When his hands came to her shoulders, he felt her muscles tense. “Kasey.” He brushed his lips over the top of her head. “I have no intention of hurting you.”
    The ache was already growing, already spreading. “Intent, Jordan?” Her voice was thickening; he could hear the tears. “No, I don’t think there’d be intent, but that wouldn’t stop it.” His fingers moved up to caress her neck. She could feel her control slipping away. “Jordan, please, don’t.” She started to pull away, but he turned her to face him.
    He studied her carefully, brows lowered. Lifting his thumb, he brushed a tear from her lashes. “Why are you crying?”
    “Jordan, please.” Kasey shook her head. She knew she was losing. “I can’t bear to make a fool of myself.” Her own emotions were too strong for her, pressuring her. And his eyes were too direct and too demanding. She could feel the ground slipping out from under her. Longing, needs, fears were crashing down on her. The moment was fast approaching when she would have no choice but to give her emotions to him—without restrictions. “Let me go,” she told him, struggling to compose herself. “I’ve given you enough this morning.”
    “No.” His grip tightened. “Not enough. Not until you explain to me why you’re falling apart in front of my eyes.”
    “Explain to you!” She threw back her head in sudden anger. “I don’t have to explain anything to you. Why should I?”
    “I think,” he said slowly, “a more valid question is: Why shouldn’t you?”
    She was hurting, and her temper rose to protect her. “How could I have said you were perceptive? How could I have thought that, when you don’t see what’s staring you in the face? I’m in love with you!” Her breath caught on a gasp of shock and dismay. They stared at each other, both rocked by the words.
    “I didn’t mean to say that.” Kasey shook her head and triedto push away. “I lost my temper. I didn’t mean to say that. Let me go, Jordan.”
    “No.” He shook her once to stop her struggles. His eyes, as they stared into hers, were dark and intense. “Do you think you can tell me that, then walk out of here? No, you didn’t mean to say it,” he said slowly. “But did you mean it?”
    There were no tears now. Her desperation had dried them. “If I said no?”
    “I wouldn’t believe you.”
    “Then it’s academic, isn’t it?” She tried to draw away again, but he held her still.
    “Don’t pull that on me now. It won’t work.”
    “Jordan.” Kasey’s voice was steady again. “What do you want from me?”
    “I’m not sure.” He loosened his grip, abruptly aware that he must be hurting her. “Are you in love with me, Kasey?” She started to back away, but he shook his head. “No. Look at me and tell me.”
    She took a long breath. “I love you, Jordan. There’re no strings attached. I know some people are uncomfortable being loved. I