Sarah's Child Read Online Free PDF Page A

protectively over her chest, even when his eyes dropped to survey her from her feet, clad in blue socks, all the way up to her face, which was bare of even a trace of makeup.
    Ask me in, he commanded, his voice even deeper than usual.
    She didnt extend a verbal invitation; she couldnt. Instead she stepped back and opened the door, and he moved past her into the room. He was dressed casually, in well-cut tan slacks and a blue pullover shirt, but he still made her feel like something found in the city dump. Have a seat, she invited, finally controlling her voice enough to speak. He sat down on the sofa, and she seated herself across from him in an oversize armchair, unable to make polite chitchat, just waiting for him to break the tension by speaking.
    Rome wasnt aware of any tension; he had been taken too much by surprise by her appearance, and he was having difficulty dealing with this startling new aspect of her character. Hed expected her to be dressed in heels, sleek black pants, and a silk blouse, her coldness firmly in place as a barrier between them. Instead she looked very young, very relaxed, and very sexy in those comfortable old clothes. She had the sleek, aristocratic grace of form and carriage that made it possible for her to wear anything, even an old football jersey, with casual elegance. He knew that she and Diane had been the same age, so that made her thirty-three, but there was a freshness about her bare face that took at least ten years off her age. This was how hed often imagined seeing her, or at least a variation on the theme. The remote poise hed expected was gone, and he realized that he had her at a disadvantage. With relish, he looked her over again, his eyes lingering on the obvious freedom of her breasts beneath the jersey, and to his surprise and intensified desire, a warm blush heated her cheeks.
    Im sorry about last night, he said abruptly. At least, about what I said. Im not sorry I kissed you, or that I almost went to bed with you.
    Sarah looked away, unable to meet his intense gaze. I understand. We were both
    Upset. I know. He gave her a crooked little smile as he interrupted her. But upset or not, I kissed you the second time because I wanted to kiss you. Id like to see you, take you out to dinner, if you can forgive me for what I said.
    Sarah wet her lips. Part of her wanted to jump at the opportunity, any opportunity, to spend time with him, but the other part of her was cautious, afraid of being hurt. I dont think it would be a good idea, she finally said, choking the words out of her dry throat. DianeDiane would always be in my mind.
    His eyes went black as pain assailed him. And in mine. But I cant lie down and die with her; I have to keep living. Im attracted to you, and Ill tell you up front that I always have been. He ran an agitated hand through his dark hair, disturbing the lock that usually fell over his forehead. Hell, I dont know, he burst out in confusion, but last night, for the I could talk about them. You knew them, and you understand. Its all been dammed up inside me, and I can talk about it with you. Please, Sarah, you were Dianes friend. Now be my friend.
    She sucked in her breath, staring painfully at him. What irony, that the man shed loved for years should come to her begging for her friendship, because he felt he could talk to her about his dead wife. For the first time she resented Diane, resented the hold Diane had on Rome that hadnt loosened even in death. But how could she say no to him, when he was staring at her with desperation tightening his features? How could she say no to him regardless of what he asked her? It was the raw truth that she couldnt deny him anything.
    All right, she whispered.
    He sat there for a moment; then her words sank in and he closed his eyes in relief. What if shed refused? In a way he couldnt understand, it had become vital to him that she not freeze him out. She was his last link to Diane, and more than that, the night before hed