Read Desperate Choices for Free Online Page B

been watching for it, he wouldn’t have noticed the slight flinch, the immediate blanking of her expression. After his research earlier in the day, he’d hoped not to see that reaction.
    “Not all my life, no. It’s not important.”
    “Why isn’t it important? I’d think the longer you’d had your ability, the better you’d be with it.”
    Her cynical laugh surprised him. “That’s probably true in most instances. I didn’t always accept what I could do, fought it for a long, long time. So, you’re right, I’m not nearly as strong as some other psychics are. Maybe you’d be better off going to consult with somebody else.”
    Max straightened in his chair. He knew he’d struck a nerve, but he didn’t like where this was headed. “Are you backing out on me?”
    “I just think you might be better off working with somebody stronger, more focused than I am.” Picking up her purse, she stood and Max rose to his feet, as well.
    “Look, I know the only reason you even came to ask for my help was because Remy practically forced you to. I think I’ve given you all the help I’m able to. You’re on your own from here, Max. I really hope you find Tommy soon and that he’s safe.”
    She turned and quickly walked away from the table. Max heard the faintest, “I’m sorry” drift back to him as she rushed out of the restaurant.
    “I’m on my own now, huh?” Max murmured, signaling the waiter for the check. He’d taken a calculated risk, pushing her that way. He knew she was hiding something and he wouldn’t stop until he found out what.

Chapter Eight
    Theresa knew it was going to be a bad day before she even opened her eyes. Her dinner with Max the night before played through her mind, highlighting in vivid detail all the reasons she’d tried to keep her distance. She recalled his probing questions. Walking away from both him and the case had been the right thing to do.
    Swinging her legs around, she sat on the edge of the bed, glaring at the alarm clock. Sleep evaded her, and she’d spent the best part of the night watching the minutes turn to hours. Now she felt groggy and irritable, her eyes itchy and swollen. Damn him, anyway. Being a P.I. didn’t mean he could snoop in her life.
    It had been hard enough letting Max go nine months ago. Things had barely begun between them, at least in any romantic sense. A couple of dates, a few dinners. Physically they were compatible. More than compatible, she recalled, remembering the feel of his arms around her, the gentle yet persistent touch of his hands, caressing her willing, eager flesh.
    It ended badly, though, with neither speaking to the other until he’d walked through the door of her shop looking for a missing teenager.
    Last night emphasized they weren’t cut out to be just friends. He was too curious, too inquisitive by nature. If he kept digging, asking questions, eventually he’d uncover things he didn’t need to know. Things she prayed he would never find out.
    It’s best this way, she thought. What he doesn’t know can’t hurt either of us.
    Quickly she dressed in her working garb, a long flowing skirt in a floral pattern bright with pinks, lavenders and blues. She topped this off with a loose tunic-style blouse in muted powder blue, belting the entire ensemble with a white crocheted belt. Fingering her hair into a long braid that hung down her back, she hurried downstairs to her shop.
    She’d barely flipped the sign to Open and unlocked the door when Remy sauntered in, his step light. A quick grin curved his mouth.
    She loved the way his smile lit up his entire face. It added depth to his ruggedly handsome countenance, giving him a charming, boyish quality most women found irresistible. Most women.
    “Good morning, gorgeous.” Hooking an arm around her waist, Remy pulled her close and dropped a quick kiss on her cheek.
    This had grown into an almost daily routine between them. Remy worked the night shift and was usually just leaving the