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

this man to a whole new level. Should she respond in kind? Oh, why not?
    “What a relief, AJ. I was scared there for a minute.”
    When his eyes danced and his smile grew, Siobhan decided she was really glad to have taken the risk. He was awesome…but that was no surprise.
    It had been a week since they last saw one another for a final consult before she surrendered exclusively to rehab efforts. And, oh, wouldn’t the girls be giving her grief over this little episode if word got out?
    Heedless of that threat, she continued. “What a coincidence to run into you—although, I guess Westerville is small enough that our paths might cross at some point.”
    “Like a gift. You look great without the cast.”
    More delightful sparks danced across her arms. She needed the boost of affirmation, because without her cane and a steady dose of maximum strength pain relievers, her left leg would be giving her even greater fits. Whenever she rested her full weight upon it, excruciating bolts of energy shot lines against still-healing nerves and muscles.
    “Thank you, but you were right. It’s a painful process. Still, I can’t wait to start training.”
    “Hmm…I see how it is now. You’re a closet masochist. How sad.”
    “Yep, that’s me.” Laughter overtook her in a spontaneous way that freed a few tethers from her heart.
    He eyed the basket strung across her right arm. “Are you finished grocery shopping?”
    Siobhan nodded.
    “Me, too. Would anything of yours perish if we shared a quick cup of coffee? My treat.”
    The Cuppa Café wasn’t even a block away. What a tempting idea. Siobhan was in the mood for an uptick like this. “I’d love it, Coop.”
    “So, it’s Coop now?”
    He arched a brow in tease, placing a guiding hand against her back as they walked slowly toward checkout. His steadiness rode straight through to her core and helped Siobhan maintain strong footing.
    “I’m testing both models. Seeing which one I like the best.”
    “Pragmatism. I like it.”
    After temporarily stashing their sacks in the trunk of AJ’s car, they passed through a double-door entryway that led to the intoxicating aromas, warmth and welcoming atmosphere of Siobhan’s favorite haunt in downtown Westerville—the Cuppa Café. Siobhan chose her favorite, cinnamon and orange tea. AJ opted for a mug of strong, black French roast.
    “I can tell you’re a doctor. You crave caffeine in the afternoon.”
    “There are times when it’s a necessity—like when I work a double shift at the hospital.”
    Following a brief wait for their orders, they made their way to a quiet corner table. AJ pulled out her chair and allowed Siobhan space to comfortably move and settle. The courtly gesture filled her with a powerful glow.
    She set her bistro mug on the worn, wooden table. After unwinding her scarf from its loose loop around her neck, she draped the garment over the back of her chair. Warming her hands against the dark blue ceramic, she savored the image of Coop folding smoothly into the chair across from her and delighted once more at the unexpected way her shopping voyage had evolved.
    Trying to stem an eager smile, she took a sip of tea. “There’s something just perfect about the combination of cinnamon and orange when it’s cold and gray outside.”
    She loved the way his eyes flickered in response.
    “Fill me in and appease my instincts as a doctor. How are you doing with getting around day-to-day? Any problems getting to the dance studio or anything?”
    “Nope. I’m not driving yet, but my friends and family have been a big help.”
    AJ blew across the surface of his coffee, taking a tentative sip. “Why aren’t you driving? You’re healed enough to operate a vehicle.”
    Siobhan tapped and twitched with a stir straw while his words faded. “Yes, but Aileen has a flexible schedule. She’s focused on rehearsals and the recording sessions to come of course, but she’s been great about chauffeuring.” The topic