Sighs Matter Read Online Free PDF Page B

premenstrual mule, and would probably rather die than let on she was hurting.
    “Dammit, woman,” he snapped. “Lose the attitude, put your weapons away, and relax a little. Let somebody who has not been in a car accident, who has not had a head injury tonight, and who may be thinking more clearly than you, take care of you.”
    She blinked up at him and raised her brows. “Dammit . . . woman ? That is so eighteenth century.”
    “Yeah, well I would have said dammit pain in the ass , but I’m nothing if not frigging progressive!”
    “Taylor,” she bit out between clenched teeth. “I’m a doctor. I would know if I were symptomatic. My reactions to the trauma are typical, and nothing more. The adrenaline rush left me shaky, but my pulse is normal now, my vision is clear, there is no headache or nausea present, and no broken bones. Worst-case scenario, I might need a sedative and bed rest.”
    “Physician, heal thyself?”
    “If I thought I needed treatment, I’d get it.”
    “No you wouldn’t,” he said flatly. “You’re afraid this’ll leak to the press and your reputation will be dog food.”
    She looked like she wanted to scream. “I know you think I’m a real tight ass—”
    “It would be ungentlemanly of me,” he said, leaning near her ear, “to comment on how tight your ass is, because it might raise a question as to how I came by such intimate knowledge.”
    He cocked his head in silent challenge for her to pursue the issue at her own risk.
    She set her jaw and stared at him. Man, if looks could kill, she’d need a permit for those eyes.
    Slipping his arm around her waist, he said, “C’mon, Doc. Enough of this BS. Time to go. And remember, you love me.”
    “Oh, right,” she drawled sourly. “We’re engaged.”
    “You say it like you don’t worship the ground I walk on. I’m crushed, sweet cheeks.”
    “Enough to break our engagement?”
    He smiled at her like he knew a secret she could never begin to guess.
    As they made their way through the crowded station to the door, they received wry grins and curious stares. He tightened his arm on her waist and tugged her just a bit closer.
    “Opportunist,” she muttered under her breath.
    Through clenched teeth and a frozen smile, he said, “Shut up or I’ll kiss you.”
    She pressed her lips together.
    He didn’t release her until they’d exited the building and crossed the lot. Nodding at the officers who had parked their unit next to his truck, he helped Claire into the passenger seat.
    “Buckle up, hon.”
    Clicking her restraints in place, she gave him a sad little smile. “I’ve changed my mind, stud muffin. I don’t want to marry you after all. I think we should break up.”
    “Ah, hell,” he said dismissively. “You say that now, but you’ll feel better after you’ve had a hot meal, a good night’s sleep, and some top-quality, grade-A sex.”
    Behind him, one of the officers mumbled something to the other, and both men chuckled.
    “Oh? Did you finally pick up that prescription?”
    His eyes widened innocently. “The one for your spells? Sure did, funny face. We wouldn’t want you to have another unfortunate episode, would we? Next time they might not let you out.”
    Before Claire could elbow him in the gut, Taylor shut her door and moved around to the driver’s side. Sliding in, he buckled his own seat belt, cranked the ignition, and turned left out of the lot.
    Beside him, Claire was silent. He saw her shoulders rise and fall, as though she’d taken in a big breath and let it out. Not facing him, she muttered, “You’re an idiot.”
    “I’ve been called worse,” he said, smiling. “So tell me what happened.”
    “I already gave my statement to Detective Aranca.”
    “I’m not asking for a statement.”
    “You’re not involved in the case. Listen, I’m not trying to be difficult—”
    “Honey, you’re both trying and difficult. Now tell me what happened tonight.”
    She looked like she wanted to