Read Online Mendoza's Return by Susan Crosby - Free Book Online Page B

calls there’d been in the past four years with various patients. Nor would she tell him. “You know why I’m riding with Gramps. He’s doing okay. I’ll probably turn him loose soon.”
    Her father cursed a blue streak, making Rafe laugh.
    â€œYes, it’s funny until you have to live with it,” Jefferson said.
    â€œI hope my father lives long enough for that to be a problem, sir.”
    Jefferson looked into the distance for a few seconds then nodded. “Well, we’ve both lost our mothers, haven’t we? Not in any hurry for our dads to go.” His voice was raspy with emotion.
    â€œNo, sir.”
    He cleared his throat. “So, you coming home, girl? Your mother misses you.”
    Which was code for “your father misses you” or “your father wants you to get the hell away from Rafe Mendoza.”
    â€œSorry, Dad. I can’t,” she said. “I’ll check with her on coming over another night.”
    â€œYou got your car?”
    She smiled. “It’s a five-minute walk home.”
    â€œHop in. I’ll drive you.”
    She figured he’d thought Rafe was going to take her. “I want to walk, but thanks. See you later.”
    He aimed a “so long” toward her and got into his truck as she and Rafe watched. He pulled out slowly. She could see him looking at his rearview mirror.
    â€œYou know he was stalling, waiting for me to give up and leave,” Rafe said.
    There was a lot she could say to that. Her parents had watched their daughter’s heart break. Parents weren’t very forgiving of such things. “My dad has never been subtle.”
    Rafe laughed. “Yeah. But he does what a father should. He loves and protects you. My dad’s always been a good role model for me, but so was yours.”
    The words hung between them.
    â€œCan I walk you home?” Rafe asked.
    She was tempted. Over the past few days she’d been drawn back into his world, a world so unlike what they’d expected to have together. How very differently their lives had turned out—as a couple and individually.
    He’d changed, was more self-assured and confident. He’d handled the situation with Beau without rancor, even though they didn’t like each other at all. It took a persuasive man to do that with someone as stubborn as Beau.
    â€œIf you hadn’t come along, Rafe,” she said finally,“I’m sure I would’ve picked a fight with Beau, which wouldn’t have accomplished anything. I probably would’ve threatened him with a lawsuit, too.”
    â€œWhich also wouldn’t have accomplished anything, since he hasn’t done anything illegal. Yet.”
    â€œYet?”
    â€œLet’s take it a day at a time, Mel. Let’s try to work together as a unit, not let Beau goad us into losing our tempers.”
    â€œI can’t even picture you losing your temper anymore.” It was true. The Rafe from years ago, yes. He’d been passionate and emotional. This Rafe was smooth and controlled.
    â€œI’m not as calm or patient as you might think. I’ve just learned how to channel my energy differently.” He leaned a little closer, his voice softer, quieter, but somehow more intense. “I’m a man with normal needs, Melina. Normal wants. Even I lose patience when I’m denied for too long. Don’t you remember that about me?”
    She remembered. She’d loved when he’d let loose of his control, making her feel desired and cherished. He’d had a single-mindedness about him when making love that she hadn’t appreciated then, not knowing any different. Now she knew.
    However, he was being patient now, just standing and watching her, waiting for her to speak. Instead she went up on tiptoe and kissed him. After the barest surprised pause he kissed her back, feeling familiarand yet new in rediscovery, the taste of him tinder to the dry