The Proposal at Siesta Key Read Free Page B

was so excited to see you.”
    â€œDanke.”
    â€œYou’re welcome. Seeing you truly made my day. Nee , my week.” She smiled shyly. “Maybe even more than that.”
    With a sinking heart, he realized she was making him into something larger than life.
    Every once in a while he met girls who looked at him with stars in their eyes, making him out to be something more than he was, just because he had a story to tell and an appealing way of telling it.
    â€œDanke.” He smiled, but he knew it was probably strained. He really needed to sit down for a while. Maybe a week.
    â€œAll that is why I wanted to check to see if you were all right. I could help you get to wherever you’re going, if you’d like. May I help you?”
    As much as he would like some help, experience had shown him that going anywhere alone with a female fan was a mistake. “I thank you for stopping, but there truly is no cause for concern. I’ll be fine.” He would. Eventually.
    â€œAre you sure?”
    Actually, he was not. The incision area burned like nothing he could remember in ages. The fear of finally succumbing to his doctors’ warnings—that he might have to have another surgery, another round of recovery and therapy—petrified him. And that fear made his words a little harsher and his tone a little colder than he intended. “What I’m trying to tell you is that I don’t need you to stand here with me.”
    As if stung, she stepped backward. “Oh. I’m sorry. I guessyou must get tired of people always trying to be around you. Wanting to talk to you and ask you questions.”
    He popped his chin up and gritted his teeth. Now he was beyond embarrassed. She was reading him all wrong. She thought he was acting like some spoiled rock star or celebrity, worn down by adoring fans. “It’s not that. I, uh, do appreciate your concern.”
    â€œBut you’d rather be alone.” Hurt and disappointment glistened in her eyes.
    Obviously, she was trying hard not to cry. Now he felt like a real jerk. “I’m the one who is sorry. I’m, ah, just not in the mood for conversation right now. It’s been a long day, and I’m afraid it’s gotten the best of me.” He ached to tell her that he had serious concerns about his ability to make it back to the inn.
    â€œOf course.” She took another step backward. “Well, then. Good evening,” she said before turning away and walking quickly in the opposite direction. Closing his eyes, Michael tried to tamp down the guilt he felt. He knew better than to be so ungrateful for her concern, knew better than to send her on her way alone. But he felt like he needed some time to himself. He needed to be selfish, at least for a few minutes.
    â€œLord,” he murmured, “I’m sorry. I have a feeling I’ve disappointed You something awful, but I hope You’ll understand. I’m only a man. And sometimes I’m afraid I’m as selfish as anyone.”
    He breathed in, exhaled, then at last felt the burn in his knee start to ease. Deciding to take advantage of that fact, he once again started limping toward the Orange Blossom Inn.

CHAPTER 3
    B everly Overholt didn’t need a doctor’s diagnosis to understand that her handsome guest was feeling poorly.
    She could figure that out all on her own.
    After watching Michael Knoxx painfully climb the first two front steps of her inn, grasping the wooden railing with all his might, then pulling himself up each step, she knew it was time to intervene. Seconds later, she was at his side, one arm securely wrapped around his waist.
    â€œJust a few more steps, Michael,” she said in her best no-nonsense way.
    â€œI’ll be fine.”
    â€œ Nee , I think not.” When he stiffened, she kept her voice sure and steady—and laced it with a thorough amount of salt and vinegar, too. “Don’t even try to tell