Heart Melter Read Free Page A

rehearsal was out of the question.
    Ian’s silver-green eyes darkened to gun metal grey as they zeroed in on her with such ferocity she fought the urge to squirm. “What in bloody hell is going on, Tasha?”
    She lifted her chin. “I’m starring in a new show and we start previews tomorrow. If I don’t get back to dress rehearsal, I’m going to get fined, and possibly replaced.”
    Ian’s lip curled as he shook his head. “Nothing has changed. The show must go on. Comes before everything. Right, Tasha?”
    His ironic tone irked the hell out of her. “Yes, that’s right. Just like your patients always come first,” she retorted. His accusation rubbed a raw spot as they faced an impasse. He was right. Nothing had changed—he was as stubborn and narrow-minded as ever when it came to her.
    Natasha inched toward the edge, ready to get off the table, when his hand clamped down on her shoulder.
    “Don’t get up. Tetanus shot first,” he said, turning to the table beside her.
    She twisted her neck to see if the syringe was there, but she couldn’t see over his broad shoulders. “Fine, I’ll take the shot. In my arm and from someone other than you.”
    “I wasn’t planning on it,” he said coolly. “Judy will be in shortly.” He turned and stalked away.
    Natasha got off the examining table when he shut the door. She promptly called her agent, Marty Cranshaw, only to get the bad news that Simon had replaced her temporarily and called a put-in rehearsal for Lisette.
    “No sense in going to the theatre now. Most likely they’ll be there all night. Go home and rest, hon,” Marty said in a caring voice.
    “I will, but make no mistake, Marty. I’ll be back on that stage stronger than ever for opening night,” she said fervently.
    Marty chuckled. “I know you will. Have I ever doubted you?”
    “Nope, and that’s why I love you. Bye, Marty,” Natasha said, hanging up with a smile.
    A smiling, middle-aged woman walked in holding a pair of blue scrubs in one hand and a small metal tray with a syringe in the other hand. “I brought these pants for you to put on after I give you the shot. We keep a few extra pairs in the office for the nurses.”
    “Thanks. That’s very kind of you. I can’t exactly leave here in a leather jacket and panties,” Natasha said grimacing. “Which arm do you want? Right or left?”
    “Neither. Doc ordered it in your gluteus muscle. Bottoms up,” Judy said cheerfully.
    “Great.” Natasha rolled her eyes and privately cursed Ian. “Let’s get it over with then.”
    “First a tiny jab, then a bit of stinging as the liquid goes in. Relax your muscles so it won’t hurt,” Nurse Judy said. She pulled on plastic gloves and lowered the edge of Natasha’s panties, rubbing alcohol on the spot she’d inject.
    Natasha gritted her teeth and silently endured the needle even though it hurt when the liquid went in.
    “Okay, we’re finished, dear. If the area gets sore or swollen, put an ice pack or a bag of frozen veggies on it. That should take care of it,” Judy said reassuringly.
    With a nod, Natasha turned over and reached for the scrubs.
    “I love your hair color. I want to dye mine the same shade of red, but yours looks natural,” Judy said, patting her short curly brown hair.
    “It is.” Natasha smiled. “You should go for it. It would look great on you.”
    Judy grinned broadly. “Thanks, I think I will. You’re the Broadway actress aren’t you?” she asked as she helped Natasha into the drawstring pants.
    “Yes. Do you like musicals?”
    Judy’s big brown eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “I love musicals. They’re my biggest indulgence. I heard you’re starring in ‘The Bee’s Knees’. When is it—”
    A few sharp raps on the door interrupted her question as Ian entered. “All done?”
    “Yes. All done, doc.” Judy winked at Natasha and left the room.
    “Are you planning any more surprise jabs before you let me go?” Natasha inquired with a sleek lift