When the Heart Lies Read Free Page A

“Honestly—I’m sorry.”
    “No problem.” She wasn’t sure why, but she softened her voice to sound especially forgiving. Finally able to lower her eyes, she continued fiddling with her food. The last thing she wanted to do was encourage him.
    He cleared his throat, politely catching her attention. When she didn’t respond, he glanced away and back again. “Give me a break. Okay?” He grinned, and the little clef in his chin deepened, making his smile even more appealing.
    Sincerity radiated from his eyes. That, combined with their jewel-like quality, was indeed an unneeded distraction. “Break given. Forget about it.” Trying to avoid continuing with the conversation, she gave him another brief smiled before returning to her meal.
    Looking doubtful of her forgiveness, he cocked his head and laid on the charm. “Okay, I’ll even admit I was staring. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. You’re stunning.”
    Apparently, smiles weren’t enough for him. His persistence bothered her, but only because he stirred her up inside. Although flattered, she was only concerned with leaving Florida, returning to New York, and getting Max settled into a semblance of a normal life again. She placed her fork on her plate and gave him her full attention. “Me? Or my breasts?”
    “Both.”
    She softened her expression, and his smile broadened. How could she fault him for picking the absolute worse time to flirt with her? With a nonchalant scan, he gave her the once over. She felt his eyes sliding over her body. When he angled in for a better look, his smile pulled to the side, and he appeared thoughtful. She could tell he approved. The sensations it brought on prompted her to squish into her chair in an attempt to extinguish the sparks his smoldering eyes created.
    Once his eyes returned to hers, they didn’t waver. “Sweet. A woman who gives second chances.”
    She almost giggled at his persistence and lowered her head, hiding her cheeks that were becoming hotter by the minute. “Aren’t you afraid you won’t be able to get rid of me?”
    He didn’t answer until she looked up curiously. When she did, he had the oddest expression. Soft and dream-like. “I decided that wouldn’t be such a bad thing,” he said. And then he laughed. He had a great laugh.
    She was sure she appeared dumbfounded.
    The intensity of his stare grew hypnotic, seeming too intimate; she broke the connection and stirred more unneeded cream into her coffee. They continued with their meal trying to avoid being caught stealing glimpses of each other. Unable to resist after a few minutes, she looked up, but the clock distracted her. She frowned, disappointed that she couldn’t prolong the meal any longer and a little mad at herself for wanting to.
    “Well, I have an appointment with Dr. Pierce at ten. I have to go.” She stood, and as she turned to leave, she found herself smiling and wondering why he was there. Nearly everyone wore street clothes, so unless someone asked, who knew why anyone was there? Hopefully, he wasn’t some boob ogling head case or recovering heroin addict.
    “Kinsley—?”
    She twirled back, catching his eyes as he promptly withdrew his gaze from her rear-end.
    “Be careful with Pierce. He’s a dick. Oh, and all that …” Playfully, he waved his finger though the air, outlining her body. “… won’t get you anywhere with him.” 
    His comment elicited a breathy laugh. “Don’t underestimate me.” She returned his once over, making sure he noticed.
    He smiled. Full grill this time. “Okay … thanks for the warning.” Before resuming his meal, he flashed a seductive wink.
    She felt like a teenager as she walked away, stomach fluttering.  The unwanted sensation bugged her, but his in-your-face manner seemed refreshing and honest. This little distraction had gone on long enough, though. Because Max needed her, and she wouldn’t let him down again. As soon as she was discharged, she was getting away from Wayde. He had