Read Defensive Heart: The Donnolleys, Book 2 for Free Online Page A

adjourned.”
    Jimmy looked up at the judge in time to see him slam the gavel on its little wooden disk with a resounding crack and rise from his seat. The many onlookers stood and started milling out of the room, some deep in conversation, a few already making calls on their cell phones. Jimmy stayed where he was, catching glimpses of her through the people crossing in front of him in the other rows of seats and the center walkway.
    Sonja slung the strap of a large black leather soft-sided case over her shoulder and turned to exit down the center aisle, her focus on the screen of her cell phone. When she got next to him, Jimmy clasped her upper arm.
    She stopped, glanced down at her arm and then up at him. Her baby blues widened in recognition. “Well, Mr. Donnelly. I have to say, I didn’t think I’d be seeing you again.”
    Jimmy stepped closer to her. The nervous tension was back and his mouth was dry. Chill. You got this. He had to play his cards right. She’d bolt the first chance she got, and he wasn’t going to let that happen. Tilting his head to the side, he took in her prominent cheekbones and her full lips before returning his gaze to her eyes. “Sure you did.”
    Sonja set her heavy leather bag on the bench. It was a good diversion tactic. She’d take any opportunity to catch her breath and gather her scattering thoughts. James Donnelly was in front of her, and as a result, every part of her body was on fire.
    What was it about this young guy that made her feel like she was standing too close to a fireplace? Yes, he was good looking. Really good looking . Yes, he had a nice body. Really nice body . But it wasn’t like she didn’t see attractive men on a regular basis in the City. She did. She saw them often and didn’t have this sort of reaction to them.
    Sonja pressed her palm to her forehead, looked at him and felt…annoyed.
    James had that devilish smile on his face, bringing his dimples front and center. The ones she couldn’t quite wipe from her memory. He was wrong. Sonja truly hadn’t thought she’d be seeing him again. Hoped, sure. But she wasn’t going to admit it to him. That information was between her and her showerhead. Sonja crossed her arms and leaned a hip against the bench next to her. “Presumptuous as ever.”
    “It’s nice to see you again too.”
    Keeping this exchange formal and professional was paramount. The last thing she wanted was to continue what’d started between them in Las Vegas weeks ago. “What are you doing here?”
    “I told you I wanted to see you again. So, here I am.” James put his hands in his pockets and shrugged. “Coffee or something, remember?”
    “That was four weeks ago.” She grabbed her bag and settled the strap on her shoulder. “I think we’re past that now.” Sonja turned to walk away and made it as far as the doors.
    He cupped her elbow, urged her backward a bit and pushed the door open for her. “Hey, now. You missed me. I get it.”
    She ignored the rush of heat from his touch, cut him a sideways glance and walked through the exit. James followed and then moved beside her and placed his hand on the small of her back. Sonja stepped to the side to evade his touch. He needed to stop touching her. She was already burning up—maybe she was having a hot flash? Pre-menopause? She could only hope, because the idea that it was his touch making her smolder had her even more agitated than she already was. She simply didn’t respond to any man like this. “I assure you, Mr. Donnelly, I most certainly did not miss you.”
    “Liar.” He bumped her shoulder with his and pressed the Down button for the elevator.
    Sonja groaned and shook her head. “I told you in Vegas. I’m too old for you. Don’t you have women closer to your age you can bother?”
    The elevator doors opened and James cleared his throat. “As matter of fact, I do. But I’m thinking you’ll be more fun.” He held his hand out, motioning for her to step inside the