Read Online Sutherland’s Pride by Kathryn Brocato - Free Book Online

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    Flynn climbed in, and his thoughtful expression encouraged her to swiftly wet the lace-edged handkerchief in her purse and scrub at the freckles penciled on her nose and cheeks.
    “Actually, I was getting used to them,” he said.
    “Sorry. Maybe I should try getting some sun.”
    “Tomorrow,” he promised. “The weather should be great.”
    He started the engine and guided the vehicle out of the drive and onto the street.
    Pride said nothing, but the tumult inside her fairly shouted out a warning. She still wanted Flynn. She must be crazy. She had to be. Worse, she wanted him to make love to her again. She was clearly, certifiably, indubitably, insane.
    But Johnny needed a little brother or sister. Surely that need mitigated her insanity a bit.
    “What are you smiling about, Pride?”
    “I was wondering how much longer your watch was going to live after further exposure to Johnny. He’s a very tenacious little boy, Flynn. Maybe you’d better use your cell phone like everyone else these days.”
    Flynn laughed and showed her his elegant, gold mariner’s watch. She peered at the colorful, nautical flags on the face. So far as she could tell, the watch still kept perfect time.
    “I’ll have it fixed one of these days.”
    “Once Johnny eats the face, you’ll have to invest in a new watch.”
    “It’ll be worth it.”
    “Let’s hope you still think so, when I send you the bill for the operation to remove various little metal parts from his insides.”
    “All kids eat peculiar things. My particular experiences along that line are legendary. Just ask Dad.”
    Pride chuckled. “I might do that.”
    She’d enjoy knowing of another likeness between Flynn and Johnny, although it looked like she’d never be able to share the likeness with the person most concerned.
    Flynn had turned the car into another parking lot and was guiding it into a parking space before Pride realized they had left the street.
    “I thought you were taking me home.”
    “I’m taking you dancing. We won’t stay long.”
    Being around Flynn in a busy restaurant was one thing. Being alone with him on a dance floor was quite another.
    “I’d rather not,” she said, almost breathless with the desire to dance with him. Just once, she promised herself.
    “I know, but we’re going anyway.” He glanced at her as he released his seat belt. “You can endure dancing with me for twenty or thirty minutes, can’t you?”
    She feared she’d do far more than endure it. She feared she’d enjoy it outrageously. That was the problem.
    He came swiftly around to help her down. “I’ve changed my mind about that dress.”
    Startled, she looked up. His penny-brown eyes were warm and merry, which, at the moment, was more seductive to Pride than his most passionate kisses and apologetic speeches would have been.
    “You remember it?” she managed. “I’m surprised.”
    “I’ve never forgotten anything about you,” he said.
    Feeling considerably shaken, Pride gave him her hand and stepped down. Obviously, this dancing idea was a bigger mistake than she thought.
    She tried to remove her hand from his clasp as soon as her feet were on the pavement, but he refused to let go. Instead, he tucked her hand through his arm in the old way and walked her toward the nightclub. Pride panicked when she noted that her overly responsive senses had detected the warmth of his body as he walked close beside her.
    The band played a slow, soft tune when Flynn seated her at a small table near the dance floor. Maybe she should spend the time scarfing down cocktails rather than dancing in Flynn’s arms.
    She hadn’t been seated a minute when Flynn rose and took her hand. “Let’s dance.”
    The music changed to a slow waltz. She went into Flynn’s arms, feeling almost as if time had rolled back.
    He held her way too close. Pride made a vain attempt to keep her distance, but his arms proved strong and unyielding. Before she knew it, her cheek rested on his