Read Forbidden (Southern Comfort) for Free Online

fist while he plundered her mouth.  Mother of a young boy or not, she stirred his juices in a way that no one had for quite a while.  The green shirt brought out the intensity of her eyes, which right now were shooting irritated little darts right through him.  “It’s obviously important to you for some reason I can’t quite fathom, so I thought I would acknowledge your rather dramatic change in coloration.  How did you accomplish that, by the way?  You were creamy and a little pink the last time I saw you.  Like a double scoop of vanilla and cotton candy in a cone.”
    Tate bristled, tucking the empty tray under her arm.  “Not that it’s any of your business, but it came out of a bottle.  I felt guilty after you so thoughtfully reminded me of the damage the sun can do.”  She took in his own red face.  “I see that you obviously don’t make it a habit of heeding your own advice, Dr. Copeland.”
    “Clay,” he corrected, because he’d never been comfortable when addressed by his title.  It made him feel like he should be wearing a sweater vest and an unfortunate tie.  “And you caught me.  We psychologists are notorious for doling out advice and then ignoring it.  The profession is rife with hypocrisy.”
    “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind. So what brings you here tonight?”
    “My friend Justin’s pickup.”  He grinned when she rolled her eyes.  “Beer and shrimp,” he amended, hoisting his glass into the air.  “Along with half the city’s population, it would seem. Busy place.  How long have you worked here?”
    “Since I was old enough to walk.”  She finally smiled when she saw his raised brow.  “Patrick Murphy is my uncle,” she explained.  “My grandmother lived next door, and whenever we visited in the summertime, Uncle Patrick would put us to work.  Now I just help out in the evenings during the high season, when I’m not helping my mom with guests.”
    Clay quickly did the math.  “You run the bed and breakfast next door.”
    “Guilty.  I keep the books and handle the business end of it; my mom cooks and charms the guests.  We turned the house into a B and B after Grandma died, because it was the only way we could afford the taxes and the upkeep.”
    “It’s quite an operation you have.” Clay thought about what Justin had told him.  “Do any of your family members by chance own the pharmacy next door?”
    Tate blinked, and then added her lyrical laugh to the music dancing through the air.  “My oldest cousin, Maureen, is the pharmacist,” she admitted.  “And that’s Declan and Rogan, two more cousins, behind the bar with my uncle. I take it our fine reputation for business acumen precedes us?”
    “You could say that.  My friend spent a night with you all several years ago, when he was still a rube.”
    Tate turned to look where Clay indicated Justin was sitting.  “Hmm.  I can’t say I remember him.  But then I was either pregnant or dealing with a toddler at the time, so that’s really not surprising.”  With that not-so-subtle reminder she offered him a stiff smile, and an even less flexible platitude. “Well, it was nice seeing you again, Clay.  Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
    His hand shot out to grasp her wrist before she could move away.  “The only way I’m going to enjoy the rest of my evening is if I spend it with you.”  It sounded like a line, but God, he hated the fact that it was true.  Seeing Tate again made him wonder how he’d ever let her get away from him without securing another meeting.  Whatever baggage she might have regarding her son, and whatever effect the boy might have on him, seemed suddenly insignificant. 
    “Be with me tonight.”
     
    TATE’S warning sonar went on red alert, screaming at her to dive, dive, dive!  She was pretty sure Clay Copeland had a torpedo he was looking to use.  And as attractive as she found him – and dear Lord, was he attractive, with those melted chocolate