Danger Calls Read Online Free PDF Page B

you?” His voice trailed off at the end, as if he, too, realized what an awkward situation they were in.
    â€œIf you’re like Ryder, time doesn’t matter.” But it mattered to her and to this man sitting beside her, looking at her way too seriously and with too much compassion.
    â€œI respect what you feel about honoring your family’s loyalties, only—”
    â€œIt’s an outdated concept in today’s world, where anyone can do anything and not worry about the consequences?”
    As if she hadn’t harshly interrupted, Sebastian calmly continued, “I know how hard it is. I just wish that you could find some peace with that duty. With what you want most for you, in here.” He emphasized that statement by pointing to the spot above his heart.
    Melissa struggled for something to say, something that could break the connection she was experiencing with him, only she couldn’t find the words.
    At her prolonged silence, he finally said, “When did you find out what Ryder was?”
    â€œI’m not sure I like all these questions,” she replied softly.
    Sebastian laid a hand on her arm. “I just need to know more before I commit.”
    Seeing that he wasn’t going to give up, Melissa relaxed against the back of the bench. Sebastian removed his hand from her arm. Funny how she sensed the absence of it. Of the quiet strength in his long slender fingers. “I found out about Ryder a little over a year ago. When my parents died.”
    â€œIs that when—”
    â€œI became his…personal physician,” she answered and shot a quick look at him to gauge his reaction.
    He smiled as she acquiesced to his earlier request, but then he became serious once more. “You resent it, don’t you?”
    â€œBroken record time. I think you asked that already.”
    He held up a finger. “But you didn’t really answer.”
    Maybe she hadn’t answered because she didn’t want to discuss it. Especially not with Sebastian. She had given him her body, but she was afraid of giving him more.
    â€œThis is the point where I should realize this is something you’d rather not discuss,” he said.
    Melissa hated the tension between them. Trying to ease the strain, she adopted a lighthearted tone. “I would very much appreciate a change of topic.”
    He smiled sadly, but the sadness faded as he leaned his head against the padded bench, clearly thinking about something.
    Melissa was suddenly impatient to hear what he would say next, and realized she liked that he was unpredictable.
    â€œOkay, so let’s talk about your favorite kind of food.”
    The very abrupt change in subject threw her, but brought a hesitant smile to her lips. “And why would we want to do that?”
    He turned the full force of his gaze on her. Her heart did that funky thing again in the middle of her chest.
    â€œSo I know what kind of restaurant to take you to.”
    His interest shouldn’t have pleased her. She didn’t have time for a normal life. She couldn’t become involved with him. He was carefree, fun…young. Not the kind of guy who’d want to live her kind of life. Despite that, she found herself exercising a rarely used skill—flirtation.
    â€œWhat makes you think I’d want to go?” She bestowed on him her best come-hither smile. Or at least, she hoped it was that and not a grimace. Her smile muscles felt stiff.
    Sebastian scrutinized her face, obviously unsure of where he stood, before shooting her a quick grin. “Let’s just say that I know you want to go, but that you also want to keep it all business. So we will.”
    â€œWe will what?” she asked, perplexed.
    â€œKeep it business. You can tell me more about the journals while I think about what equipment we need and how I’ll program things.”
    She shouldn’t have been disappointed. He was doing the right thing, just