Seducing the Doctor (At First Sight #4) Read Free Page B

and grinned. “Seems you like spice.”
    “In my food.”
    “We’ll see.”
    The cocky challenge alerted her. They would see. She feared she would take the dare. She stared at her plate. Had he seen the flash of interest she couldn’t deny.
    Enough. You’re not in high school. Nothing has changed. You’re the same person he rejected back then.
    Matt cleared his throat. “So why don’t you like weddings?”
    Cassie drew a deep breath. “I just don’t.”
    “That’s no answer. I’ll keep asking until I know. Are your friends dragging man after man into your life telling you each one is perfect for you?”
    “No.”
    “Spill your reasons. You’ll feel better.”
    Would she? A bubble of anger surfaced. “Why do you want to know?”
    “Curiosity and maybe I can help.”
    He seemed sincere. As yet no one would know until she didn’t show up at the shower. “Tonight would have been my wedding shower.”
    “Here?”
    “At a colleague’s home. As you can see I won’t be there.”
    “Did you call the wedding off?”
    Cassie shook her head. “No.”
    A frown wrinkled his forehead. “Why skip the shower?”
    Her face burned. “He married our office nurse yesterday.”
    Matt half rose. “That man’s an idiot.”
    “Or he realized he’d made a mistake and found someone more interesting.”
    “No way.” Matt clasped her hand. “How long has he been seeing this woman?”
    “Socially I don’t know but four days a week at the office. He recommended her so we hired her.”
    “And you didn’t ask him any of these questions.”
    Cassie pulled her hand free. “Not when you receive the news by voice mail.” Her fork clattered on the table. Her chest felt tight. Tears burned her eyes.
    Matt groaned. “Then I crashed back into your life and reminded you of another incident.”
    “You could say that.” She pushed her chair back. Before tears erupted she had to hide. She dashed away.
    Matt caught her and pulled her into an embrace. “Listen to me. The man is a jerk and a fool. So was I all those years ago.” He turned her to face him and tilted her chin with a thumb. His lips touched hers.
    Cassie felt ribbons of heat sweeping along her skin. Before she’d realized who Matt was she’d been attracted to his voice and his body. There were high school days and the fantasies woven before and after the move. Could she trust herself not to dive into another relationship headed nowhere. But she had thought Tim was safe. Then he walked away.
    She could refuse what Matt offered. That was a wise choice but being in his arms felt good. Could she handle the storm of emotion she would experience when he walked away? Dare she take a chance?
    He deepened the kiss running his tongue over her lips and slipping inside her mouth to stroke. All logic fled. She didn’t want to fight the fires of passion.
    His hands slid down her back to circle her waist. His tongue danced along hers and slowly withdrew. He raised his head and drew a breath. “I want you.”
    “Are you sure?” She hated the shakiness of her voice. She could handle this.
    “Feels right to me.” He met her gaze. “The moment I saw you crouching beside me I wanted you. Let me show you how much.”
    She closed her eyes. Sex wouldn’t mend a broken heard. Had hers been broken? Her pride had been shattered and her self-esteem bruised. Had Tim’s action really surprised her? He’d been reluctant to name a wedding date until the senior partners had pushed. Deep down she’d expected him to walk away. She’d refused to admit his actions had been reminiscent of her father’s lack of affection and his neglect. She had never met him.
    Anger bubbled to the surface. She’s wasted years waiting for Tim to agree on a date. Then he had lied. She drew a deep breath. Matt was honest. He wanted sex and no promises of more than one night.
    Matt nibbled on her earlobe. “How long were you engaged?”
    “Five years.”
    “And you never pushed for marriage.”
    She