Read Online Siobhan's Beat by Marianne Evans - Free Book Online

Yeah, she fascinates me. I admit it. I mean, do you know what I keep asking myself? How can a woman who appears to be so delicate be so unbelievably strong, and fierce?”
    “It’s about her profession, man. The girl is a dancer. I don’t need to tell you, dancers are athletes of the first order.”
    True. Siobhan was set to attack rehab, and he could already tell she carried the same type of tenacity and determination as any other pro athlete—but oh, was she worlds easier on the eyes, and heart.
    Whoa . AJ froze when that thought pushed through his mind.
    “Being a doctor is a whole lot less complicated than being a single guy trying to date. I function better in professional mode than personal mode.” He finally downed the chips, and a swig of blessedly cold soda.
    “That’s a pile of crock.”
    AJ laughed at the ready dismissal and sighed, stretching his legs. His mind wandered—again—to Siobhan.
    The other night he had Google searched Sisters in Spirit. He came upon a YouTube video uploaded by Holy Spirit Catholic Church several months ago. In the piece, recorded at a fundraising performance for local parochial schools, AJ witnessed Siobhan Douglas in her prime and in her glory—owning the stage with every graceful arc of her arms, every leap, spin and dip. She was mesmerizing.
    “Right now, Coop. Right this second. What are you thinking about?”
    AJ growled and clutched his pop can in a death grip. Convicted.
    “Just as I suspected. You can’t shake her. Why keep trying? Embrace it, or shut the door. I’ve known you for a lot of years. We went through med school and residency together. In all that time, I’ve never heard you talk about anyone the way you talk about her, and you said it yourself. You don’t focus on anything but your work.”
    “I know, I know. But that’s part of the problem. I’m no good at the dating game. My confidence level sinks to zero on the social scene.” He crunched a couple more chips, battling a heavy sense of dejection. “Sometimes I wish God would just reach down and make it all happen—take matters out of my hands and build this relationship, if that’s what’s meant to be.”
    Mason propped his forearms against the table and speared AJ with a warning look. “Careful what you wish for, Coop. Stranger things have happened, and in a way I think He’s already stepping in—for both of you.”
     
     
     
     

7
     
    “Siobhan? Siobhan, is that you? Hey!”
    Picking her way through a stack of avocados, needing a ripe one set to be pitted, scooped and creamed into spread, Siobhan froze when she heard the summons. It came from a familiar, low and smooth voice. Zapped by a thrill, she hobbled into a turn, using a newly purchased cane for stability. “Doctor Cooper? Hi!”
    He moved from the produce display opposite her, a bag of red, yellow, and green peppers in hand. When he smiled, Siobhan went a bit weak, wondering. How could anyone not respond to such a beautiful sight? Eyes alight, he looked left and right, sneaky-like, and gestured her closer. “Come here for a second.”
    Giggling, and boy did that feel wonderful, Siobhan looked to-and-fro as well, sidling up to him with a pair of perfectly ripened avocados ready for purchase. She slid her chosen fruit into a clear plastic bag. When AJ leaned close, she nearly lost her grip. His cologne was subtle—earthy with an undercurrent of spice—luscious.
    “I have a secret to tell you.”
    His playful whisper, the touch of his breath near her ear, stirred goose bumps and butterfly tickles. “What’s that?”
    “I’ve checked, and we’re in the clear.”
    Off balance and dazzled she eyed him in expectation and question. What on earth?
    “There’s nothing to worry about, Siobhan. There aren’t any members of the doctor police within fifty miles. You can call me AJ, or Coop if you prefer and you won’t get into trouble. I promise.”
    OK, that disarming piece of repartee stoked her feminine appreciation of