Read Online The Way Home by Irene Hannon - Free Book Online Page B

her now-tepid tea and leaned back against the couch. It wasn’t that she didn’t want those things. It was just that now was not the time for them. Which didn’t mean that she was immune to loneliness, she admitted. There were times when she yearned for a caring touch, or a simple, loving look, or the comfort of knowing that someone was waiting for her at the end of the day. But throughout the years she’d learned a lot about self-discipline and delayed gratification. Someday she’d go after those things, applying the same single-minded determination with which she was now pursuing her career goals. But she couldn’t do both at once, and right now her career took priority.
    Her gaze drifted to the roses, and she reached out to gently touch a velvety petal. She had to admit that she’d enjoyed her rare social evening last night. She’d been pleasantly surprised by Cal Richards, had begunto see him in a new and appealing light. He seemed like a decent, caring, considerate man. Under other circumstances, maybe something could have developed between them, despite their differences. But Amy didn’t have the time. And she was pretty sure Cal didn’t have the inclination.
    Â 
    â€œSo how did the big date go on Fri—good grief! What happened to you?”
    Cal glanced up at Cynthia, who was staring at him wide-eyed. “I have a black eye,” he replied dryly.
    â€œI can see that. Was there a brawl at the restaurant or something?”
    â€œWe didn’t go to a restaurant. We stayed at her place and ordered in.”
    Cynthia’s mouth dropped open. “For five hundred bucks you give her takeout? Well, that explains it. I’d have socked you, too, after paying that kind of money for a date.”
    Cal smiled. “That’s not quite what happened.”
    Cynthia dropped into the chair across from his desk. “I didn’t think so. Tell me everything.”
    â€œI got mugged in the parking lot of her apartment.”
    Once more Cynthia’s eyes grew wide. “Mugged! You’re kidding!”
    â€œThose were her exact words when she opened the door. And, as I said then, do I look like I’m kidding?”
    Cynthia eyed him speculatively. “I guess not. What happened?”
    â€œTwo thugs jumped me. They got my money, I gota bloody nose and a black eye. Considering the circumstances, she very graciously consented to eat in.”
    â€œSo what did you get? Pizza?”
    â€œYou’re two for two, now. Her words, again. And no, we didn’t get pizza. I have a friend in the restaurant business who sent something over.”
    â€œWhat restaurant?”
    When he told her, she gave a low whistle. “Now that’s a carryout! I bet the lady was impressed.”
    â€œShe seemed to enjoy it.”
    â€œSo…are you going to see her again?”
    He looked at her in surprise. “Why would I?”
    â€œDidn’t you like her?”
    Cal frowned. As a matter of fact he had—despite himself. She had many qualities that he found appealing—and intriguing. She was a woman of paradoxes—gung-ho about her career, as well as smart, savvy, ambitious and willing to push hard to get the job done, but also a woman who seemed to find aggressiveness and the in-your-face demands of her profession distasteful and who clearly had solid moral and ethical values.
    However, it was equally clear that the two of them had very different priorities. Even under ideal conditions—and the fact that she was a newswoman pursuing him as a source was definitely not ideal—he doubted whether anything serious could ever develop between them.
    â€œWell, if you have to think that long about it, I guess I have my answer,” Cynthia said dryly. “But not to worry. We’ll find you somebody yet, Cal.”
    Cal shook his head. “Give it up, Cyn. I don’t have the time.”
    â€œYou should make the