Harlequin Special Edition July 2015 - Box Set 1 of 2: The Maverick's Accidental Bride\The M.D.'s Unexpected Family\Daddy Wore Spurs by Christine Rimmer

Author:Christine Rimmer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Harlequin Special Edition
Publisher: Harlequin

Chapter Ten

Tim saw Cassidy the second he pulled into the lot. Dressed in jeans, a silver shirt that shimmered in the sunlight and bright red boots, she stood at the entrance to the refuge. He wondered if it was the jet-black hair or the glare of the sun that made her look so pale.

He parked next to her car in the empty lot. As he strode across the gravel, stones crunched beneath his leather loafers, imparting a fine sheen of dust. He felt overdressed in his dark gray dress pants and pin-striped button down, but he’d come straight from the clinic.

“Hey, stranger. It’s good to see you,” he said, keeping it light when he drew close, resisting the urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her.

The truth was he’d missed her. A lot. Keeping his distance had proved more difficult than he’d imagined. But it had been necessary. He wasn’t looking to fall in love again or to marry, and Cassidy deserved all that and more.

While the cheeky smile she shot him was familiar, there were dark circles beneath her eyes that even makeup couldn’t disguise. Her eyes, normally bright and filled with sass, looked red rimmed and haunted.

“I realize it was short notice and a hassle, especially with the girls...” She stopped, pressing her bright red lips together as if realizing she was babbling.

“No worries.” He kept his tone conversational, his smile reassuring despite the concern bubbling up inside him.

Something was wrong. At work? With her...family? Tim vowed he would find out and do whatever he could to help. He was thankful she felt comfortable coming to him for assistance.

“Well, I appreciate your willingness to meet me.” She blinked rapidly as if trying to dislodge a speck of dust from her eyes.

The next he knew she’d spun on the heels of her boots. She started down the path that wound through the refuge at such a fast clip it took Tim several long strides to catch up to her.

Even when he reached her, she kept her gaze focused on a herd of buffalo in the far distance. Lines of tension bracketed her mouth and eyes. Whatever was troubling her was obviously serious.

They strode down the dusty path surrounded by rangeland in silence.

Finally, Tim could no longer stand the suspense. Until he knew the problem, he couldn’t help, couldn’t reassure her that all would be well. He reached over, took her arm, slowing her pace until she stopped.

“Tell me what’s wrong,” he ordered in a tone that brooked no argument.

“As if you care.”

The scorn-filled words appeared to startle her as much as him.

“I’m sorry.” She raked a shaky hand through the shiny black hair. “It’s not fair to take this out on you.”

“I care about you. That’s why I’m here. I want to help. Tell me how.” He placed his hands on her arms and searched those large, expressive eyes. The depth of fear and uncertainty reflected there surprised him. “Are you in some sort of trouble, Cass?”

“You could say that.

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