Read Online Love's Miracles by Sandra Leesmith - Free Book Online

his
actions did to the family. Good. She could use that to convince him to face
them.
    When
the last bite had been eaten, Vinnie slid off his stool and gathered the
plates. “How about coffee?” he asked.
    Zane
said nothing.
    “Sounds
great to me.” Margo spoke for the first time in the last half hour. Not only
did she want a cup, but it would also give them an excuse to remain longer. She
had a feeling the meal was going to be the extent of Zane’s hospitality, for
today anyway.
    “Fix
the coffee, Zane, while I go get some stuff out of the Bronco. I have some
papers you need to sign.”
    Vinnie
didn’t wait for Zane to agree but hurried across the room and out through the
sliding glass door. Margo shifted, waiting to see what Zane would do, which turned
out to be nothing. He sat staring at the empty counter in front of him.
    Margo
decided to break the ice. “Vinnie’s efficient. Seems to have everything planned
to the last detail,” she commented. “He’s handling the business affairs of your
family now that you’re here, isn’t he?”
    Margo
studied Zane’s closed expression. He was the oldest. He should be running the
business. Was he resentful? Did he want the reins back? “Do you miss being
involved?” she asked.
    His
expression hardened. “It’s best this way, so leave it.”
    Margo
shrugged to ward off his sudden defensiveness. “Just curious. It’s my job to
ask questions.”
    “Yeah.
About that. No treatment.” His glance traveled the full length of her. “It
wouldn’t work.”
    “Because
I’m a woman?”
    She’d
hit home with that one. It didn’t surprise her. Most of her male patients
resisted that at first.
    “Partly.”
At least he was honest. “Just forget it. It’s not time.”
    That
was a normal reaction. Setting off on a journey to face oneself could be the
most frightening step in one’s life.
    “We’ll
take it slow.” She shrugged. “I’ll drive up on the weekends. We can work
mornings or afternoons. Whichever you prefer. We’ll just talk and get to know
each other.”
    She
hoped by the end of the month she’d establish trust and a beginning. They’d
both know if they wanted to work together.
    “You’re
here now because of Vinnie. Nothing else.” Determination rang in his voice.
“After this you’re gone.”
    Margo
didn’t argue. It would only serve to strengthen his resistance. She stood and
took a step back. “That’s fine – I only…” When she took another step her leg
bumped a table. It moved and she was suddenly falling. She grasped at empty
space as she struggled to get her feet back under her. Zane jumped forward and
grabbed her middle.
    “Easy
there.”
    The
hardness had left his voice. His fingers were firm yet gentle as they spanned
her waist and pulled her upright. She tried to stand but overcompensated and
ended up falling toward him.
    “Good
grief!” she exclaimed as she pushed away from his chest. Her feet found solid
ground, but his hold was creating a new disturbance to her equilibrium. His
concern was genuine and Margo found its effect disturbing. “Nice way to make an
impression,” she tried to joke.
    On
her feet now, she stepped away from his grasp and ignored the sudden and
unwelcome awareness of the fact that she was attracted to him. But there was
more than that. They were doctor and patient. She lifted her gaze to his. “I
can help you.”
    She
could see his expression closing up. Quickly she went on before he could set
his decision. “How about this afternoon then? Let me spend it with you. You
might change your mind after you know me better.”
    As
he straightened upright, he muttered under his breath. He raked large fingers
through his hair while he stared at the high-beamed ceiling. Suddenly he turned
to her.
    “No
way. You ate and can have coffee. But after that you’re out of my life.” He
swept his arm toward the door.
    Margo
remained immobile. It took every bit of control she possessed to keep her own
annoyance at