Read Online Lost in His Arms by Carla Cassidy - Free Book Online Page B

his absence.
    After suffering a plane crash and a seemingly endless trek in the woods, Talbot had thought nothing more could shake him. But when his brother had divulged the information about his brain tumor, Talbot felt as if he’d taken a vicious punch to the gut and the world beneath his feet had been suddenly whisked away.
    There had been times in the past when Talbot had wanted to knock some sense into Richard, when his brother’s careless spontaneity and boyish antics had driven him half-crazy. But nothing in all the years since their parents’ death had prepared Talbot for what Richard now faced.
    Brain surgery. Talbot knew no matter how many assurances the doctor had given Richard, that kind of surgery was always dangerous.
    The two brothers had stayed up for most of the night, talking about the diagnosis, the plan of action, the challenges ahead.
    Talbot sighed and moved away from the window to pour himself another cup of coffee.
    A damn brain tumor.
    And there was nothing Talbot could do to make it better. There was no way to fix the problem for the brother he loved.
    He’d only felt this helpless two other times in his life. The first had been that dreadful night in the hospital when he’d held his father’s hand, willing him to fight for life, and watched him slip away.
    The second time of helplessness had come just the night before—in that insane moment when he’d kissed Elizabeth.
    He shook his head, as if the physical action alone could dislodge the memory of the sweet warmth of her lips, the heady scent of her that had momentarilysent caution and any kind of rational thought scattering to the winds.
    While Richard had been digesting his diagnosis and contemplating a fight for his life, Talbot had been wandering in the woods and lusting after Richard’s ex-wife. The thought made him feel ill.
    He turned at the sound of footsteps approaching the kitchen. A heavyset, gray-haired woman entered, her broad face wreathed in a welcoming smile. “Talbot. It’s good to have you home.”
    â€œThanks, Rose. It’s good to be back.” He sat down at the round oak table, his mug of coffee before him.
    â€œThe house is far too quiet when you and Richard are gone.” She bustled over to the stove and grabbed an apron from where it hung on a hook. “Scrambled eggs and toast?” she asked as she tied the colorful apron around her.
    â€œSounds great,” he said.
    Rose Murphy had worked for the McCarthy brothers since their parents’ deaths. Unmarried, and liking it that way, she had embraced the running of the McCarthy home with an efficiency that had made Talbot’s life much easier.
    Through the years, she’d become not only invaluable as cook and housekeeper, but also as a means of emotional support and advice for Talbot.
    Within minutes she’d prepared the eggs and toastand set the plate before him. She poured herself a cup of coffee and joined him at the table.
    â€œYou look tired,” she said, her brown eyes bright and sharp as they peered at him.
    â€œI am tired,” he confessed. Quickly, between bites, he told her about the plane crash and the days wandering in the woods.
    â€œYou must have had an angel on your shoulder!” Rose exclaimed when he’d finished. “You could have died when the plane went down. My heart shudders to even think of how close you came to death.”
    He nodded. “We were very lucky.” He hesitated a moment, then added, “And I sure hope that luck continues to hold.”
    â€œWhy? You planning another plane crash?”
    Again he paused a moment before replying, gathering his thoughts, then told her about Richard and what was ahead for him.
    The words came haltingly, and he kept a firm grip on his emotions, refusing to allow them to careen out of control. He had to be strong. He didn’t have time for fear or grief. He had to be strong to get through this, for himself,