Confidential: Expecting! Read Online Free PDF Page B

back another step to lean against the rail, forcing him to release her arm. “I…I guess I don’t have my sea legs yet.” He didn’t think that was what had caused her momentary weakness, but she was saying, “In response to your finding me ‘sexy as hell,’ what am I supposed to do?”
    “I have a couple of suggestions.” He bobbed hisbrows to lighten the moment and was rewarded with a laugh.
    “I hate to break it to you, but coy isn’t another word for promiscuous.”
    Logan snapped his fingers in a show of disappointment. “Damn.”
    “You know, if I thought you really meant that, I’d have to toss you overboard.”
    He had little doubt she would try and perhaps even succeed despite the fact she was no match for him physically. “How would you get back to the yacht club then?”
    She folded her arms across her chest. “Oh, I’d manage.”
    Even from their short acquaintance, Logan could tell that about her. Mallory was a survivor. That caused him to sober. He’d met survivors before. He’d counseled a good number of them in his private practice before he’d taken his profession to the airwaves. While he admired their ability to persevere and overcome, in some cases survivors could be very solitary. They didn’t need anyone.
    “It’s time to head back.”
    “Already? You know, I was just kidding about leaving you bobbing in Lake Michigan.” She laughed again.
    Logan joined in. “I know.”
    “But I’ve made you nervous.” The line returned between her brows.
    “Not because of that remark,” he admitted.
    “Hmm.” There was that sexy sound again.
    “There’s not much daylight left and I’m not a fan ofsailing in the dark. Besides, I have some prep work to finish for tomorrow morning’s show.” It wasn’t a complete fabrication. In addition to taking listeners’ calls, Logan included a segment on general mental-health topics. Tomorrow’s, appropriately enough, was panic attacks.
    He prepared to bring the boat around. Mallory helped. In fact, she insisted on lending a hand, as if it was vital that she know what to do to return to the safety of the shore. Survivor, he thought again.
    “Watch for the boom,” he called. “Or you’ll be the one overboard.”
    “Aye-aye,” she called, offering a salute even as she ducked to avoid being struck.
    When the Chicago skyline with the sun peeking around the skyscrapers was before them, she whistled. “Talk about a million-dollar view.”
    “It’s something all right. Want to take a turn at the helm?”
    “Are you kidding?”
    “I never kid when it comes to my boat.”
    “Then, yes.” She stepped into place, legs splayed shoulder width apart, hands at the ten and two positions on the wooden wheel he’d spent hours sanding and staining. Though there was no need, Logan moved in behind her and set his hands over hers.
    “Don’t you trust me?” she asked.
    “Sure.” He dipped his head low enough so his jaw scraped her cheek and whispered into her ear, “I’m just looking for a good excuse to touch you.”
    Was that a shiver he felt? It was hard to say since Mallory’s voice sounded perfectly normal when she asked, “Do you need an excuse to do that?”
    “Apparently.”
    “Sad.” She made a tsking sound. “Perhaps you should see someone about your…hang-up around competent women.”
    “Hang-up?”
    She shrugged. “I know this famous doctor who might be able to offer some advice.”
    “Really?” He let his cheek brush against hers. “Should I make an appointment?”
    “No. He’s much too busy to take appointments these days. Famous, remember?”
    “Ah. Right.”
    “But you could place a call to his radio program. It airs weekday mornings, top of the FM dial. All of Chi-town tunes in to listen to it.”
    “Don’t forget the rest of the greater metropolitan area,” he added.
    “How could I? He’s the savior of their maddening morning commute. Who knows how many cases of road rage he’s nipped in the bud with his