Read A Child's Heart (Trent & Cassie's Story) A River City Novel for Free Online Page B

needed smaller equipment. They developed it.”
    “I only knew bits and pieces, and that Tate’s dad was
involved. It’s very exciting.”
    “No, it’s downright scary. There’s a big possibility
that he won’t make it through the surgery, and a bigger possibility
that they won’t be able to fix the problem.” Squeezing her hand, he
continued, “You asked me how I cope. I don’t. It’s one day at a
time.” He stood and went to the railing overlooking the water.
    Cassie knew he needed a few minutes to collect his
emotions.
    When the waitress brought the food, she brought
another lemonade and asked Cassie if he wanted another beer. Cassie
reached over and sipped it. “Yes, please. This one is warm.”
    “Trent, come eat.”
    He turned and smiled. She gave him half of her
sandwich, and they didn’t talk much until she was finished.
    “Try to explain to me why you don’t want your son to
visit the beach, because I want us to do this.”
    “I don’t like imposing on anyone. I can’t afford to
do it. And I’m not ready to share my life with another woman.”
    His words stung right to her core. “I already said
we’d be there as friends. We need to discuss this, and I need to
use the ladies room”
    She ducked by the cashier and paid the bill while she
was inside. Then she stood and watched him for a moment before she
stepped outside. Handsome was the only word to describe him, and
she knew she was chasing him. She watched him stand, take out his
wallet, and tuck some cash under his glass.
    She shoved the door open. “That had better not be
anything other than the tip, because I just paid for the meal.”
    “Then you take the money. I told you, I don’t have
time for a relationship.”
    She picked up the cash he had left and exchanged it
for a five. His long strides made it difficult for her to catch up,
being she was wearing heels. “You’re not walking away from me, so
don’t even try it.”
    He stopped and waited for her.
    She took his arm. “I’ll admit, it’s not a deep
meaningful relationship, but there’s something going on between us,
because no man as ever kissed me the way you have.”
    “It’s simple. I’m a horny bastard, and you’re easy
prey.”
    “I’m not that easy, and it’s not my fault you’re so
damned good-looking that I’d be willing to do almost anything to
get you into my bed.”
    He laughed, then grew very serious. “I’m not a
gigolo, and my son is not a pawn.”
    “Are you saying that your kisses have meant nothing?
Because they sure as hell did something to me.”
    “Yeah, I got a kick out of watching you swoon. Nice
to know I’ve still got it.”
    “Then kiss me.”
    He did. It sent fire through her system. She ground
her pelvis against the budge that formed almost instantly. Every
sane thought vanished, leaving her only with the heat of the
moment. When his lips broke from hers, he pushed her away and held
her at arms length. “Yeah, I still got it.”
    Desire pulsed through her entire body. She licked her
lips and gazed into his face. “Yeah, you’ve still got it and I want
it.”
    “Now, right here?”
    “No. My place.”
    It took them only a few minutes to reach Sweet
Grandview, but in that length of time, some semblance of order came
to her. She closed her apartment door and dropped the lock.
    With hands on her hips, she started talking, “A few
rules. If you leave, and I’m not awake, make sure the door is
locked on your way out. We’re not doing a damned thing without a
condom. I’m not into anything kinky, and you’d better know the
meaning of the word no.”
    He plopped down on her sofa. “Well, you’re out of
luck for tonight, because I don’t carry condoms in my wallet.”
    She reached into a drawer and fished around until she
found the small box that she had purchased. “Here.” She tossed the
box to him.
    He caught it and stood, ready to drop his pants.
    “Don’t be so crude. I want to talk to you first.”
    She grabbed two