Read Online Janet by Peggy Webb - Free Book Online

said softly, “I found
one warm and willing lady doctor.”
    She had to take a deep breath before she
could reply. “I’m amazed that a man accustomed to game tactics
doesn’t know one when he sees it.”
    “All that response was game tactics?”
    “Of course.” It was only the second inning
and he was already winning the game. She had to do something to
wipe that triumphant, knowing grin off his face. She put her hand
on his upper arm in feigned sympathy. “Oh, Dan. My dear. Did you
think I found you irresistible?”
    His amused chuckle told her that never was a
man in less need of sympathy than Dan Albany. He winked at her.
“Most women do, Doc.”
    “As you’ve already discovered, I’m not
most women
.”
    “No. Just all woman.” He stood up and
smoothly took her elbow. “Allow me.”
    ‘‘ I brought my own car.”
    “It’s parked two rows back, is it? Waiting
for you?”
    Her only reply was a dignified lifting of her
chin as she began to walk up the aisle. Dignity quickly went flying
out the door. In the press of the crowd she was forced into full
body contact with Dan. He took immediate advantage by sliding one
arm discreetly down her hips and pulling her backward so that she
was intimately aware of every stunning inch of him. His strong
thighs brushed against the back of her legs and his broad chest
fairly enveloped her back.
    Her breathing became short. It was merely
physical, she told herself. The overreaction of an uptight, too
busy physician who had saved her Virginia for the man who would
give her love, marriage and a baby carriage, in that order.
    She was relieved when they reached the double
doors at the back of the auditorium. Every time she was around this
man she lost control. At their next skirmish she would definitely
be in charge.
    Already laying her battle plans, she turned
to him. “Goodbye, Dan. It was lovely seeing you at the ballet.”
    Chuckling, he took her arm and escorted her
down the steps. “Where is your car parked?”
    “Thank you, but I don’t need an escort to my
car.”
    Paying her no mind, he guided her through the
doors and toward the parking lot. “I won’t have any trouble finding
it. That Corvette can’t be too hard to spot.”
    “Is this male-dominance obsession of yours
typical of all coaches, or is it merely a personal quirk?”
    “As you’ve probably discovered, I’m not
all coaches
.”
    “Touche. I’ll concede the victory.” She
pointed into the darkness in the general direction of west. “I
think my car’s over there.”
    “You think! Dr. Hall, have you any idea what
can happen to women alone in the dark?”
    “Are you planning another demonstration?”
    “Now that’s an idea worthy of consideration.”
Dan stopped in a deserted corner of the parking lot her aging red
Corvette and a metallic-blue Firebird. Putting one finger under
Janet’s chin, he lifted her face to his. Her quick intake of breath
pleased him. It seemed the doctor wasn’t immune to coaches after
all.
    The moonlight was reflected in her diamond
hair clasp and shot silvery shafts across her skin. He felt an
intense urge to kiss her, but he didn’t want to carry his charade
that far. She might get the idea that he was actually falling for
her. And of course he was not.
    But he was softening a little. That skin! He
skimmed his index finger across her cheek.
    She held her breath. What was happening to
her control lately? Maybe she needed a break. One as far away from
Tupelo and Dan Albany as possible.
    She steeled herself against his touch and
looked straight into his eyes. “Shall I pucker up, Coach?”
    His smile crinkled his eyes at the corners.
“Not yet, Doc. I’m saving the big guns for later.”
    “I suppose you’re waiting for me to ask what
the big guns are?”
    “No. I plan to surprise you.”
    “You know what they say about surprises,
Coach?”
    “Tell me, Doc. What do they say?”
    “Surprises can sometimes backfire.”
    “That will never happen to