Read Online Heartbreaker by Laurie Paige - Free Book Online Page A

beating, felt that his was just as fast. When he let her mouth go, he pressed his face into her hair.
    â€œYou can drive me wild with just a word, a touch,” he admitted.
    â€œI’ve never wanted anyone like this, either. It’s totally insane, yet…”
    â€œIt seems the only sane thing in a world gone mad,” he finished for her. Then he pulled away and sat up. “But it’s not going to happen.”
    She considered, somehow knowing she could push past his defenses if she persisted. It was heady knowledge. Her nipples beaded as fresh hunger rushed through her.
    He smiled and with a forefinger gently flicked each tip visible against the cotton of the pajamas. “We’re a dangerous combination. Go to sleep, dancing girl, before I forget my good intentions.” With that, he left her and closed her door behind him.
    Sighing deeply, she let the sexual tension drain outof her, refusing to see any other reasons for the passion between them. It was all physical attraction, nothing more.
    Finally she closed her eyes as sleep claimed her again. She felt oddly secure now. She had only to call out and he would be there. It was a good thing to know.
    Â 
    Susan spotted Michael on the patio as soon as she entered the living room the next morning. He was drinking coffee and reading the paper. She went to the kitchen and poured a cup. Seeing her, he indicated a chair at the glass-topped table. She joined him.
    Bagels, cream cheese and jelly were on a buffet table beside the grill. She helped herself.
    The air was clear in the city that morning and wonderfully refreshing for this time of September, although it would be hot in the afternoon. October was only nine days away.
    She felt her life slipping away with each tick of the clock. And each beat of her heart.
    A need to reach out and grab all she could hit her soul in a tidal wave of grief. With an effort, she summoned her composure and the anger that was rapidly becoming her only barrier to the darkness.
    â€œDon’t think, because I acceded to your orders last night, that I’m going to do so again,” she told him.
    He hardly glanced up from the paper. “I wouldn’t think of it,” he said drolly.
    She gave him her meanest glare. He didn’t look up.
    â€œDon’t think to sway me with sex, either. I admit you’re attractive, but I’ve met lots of handsome men. A few kisses don’t mean a thing.”
    He sighed, folded the paper and laid it aside. “Do say what’s on your mind,” he invited.
    â€œDoctors don’t always know what’s best. My grandmother was told she’d be dead of cancer within six months when she was in her fifties. She’ll be ninety her next birthday.”
    â€œSometimes remission happens when we least expect it,” he conceded. “But, unlike the Grinch who stole Christmas, your heart isn’t going to grow three sizes anytime soon.”
    â€œIt’s worked fine for years. Why should it suddenly quit?” she demanded. “Answer me that.”
    He poured fresh coffee from an insulated carafe, taking his sweet time about replying. She sat perfectly still, as if she, too, had all the time in the world.
    Three months. A year.
    No wonder she was having nightmares. How dare he calmly tell her something like that! It was cruel.
    â€œBrave heart,” he murmured after sipping the hot brew. “You have a hardworking little heart, but it’sworn out. Right now, I’d say it’s running on courage and little else.”
    She fought a wild desire to cry, to fling herself into his arms and sob out her fears and frustrations and fury with the uncertainty that haunted her.
    No! she commanded. The tears receded.
    â€œYou sound like my family,” she told him with an edge of cutting humor. “Susan do this, Susan do that. Listen to your elders. It’s for your own good.”
    â€œI’m not that much older than