Skin Deep Read Online Free PDF Page B

sank legless onto the couch, feeling overwhelmed. First Donny, and then this.
    She took twenty deep, slow breaths, but the sense of calm she so desperately needed evaded her, images from the evening invading her mind, one colliding with the next. Donny hopped up on meth, tossing Emily’s photo as if she meant nothing to him. Nate appearing out of nowhere, dragging Donnie out of the car. Nate firing his gun, asking her if she was okay. Marc arriving at the scene, Emily in his arms. Nate standing shirtless in her kitchen. Nate looking down at her, that handsome smile on his face.
    Her eyes opened.
    She tossed Nate’s business card onto the coffee table. She had no room for a man in her life, not now, not when she was so close to putting the pieces together. Even if she’d wanted to get to know Nate better, he would lose interest in her the moment he knew the truth about her. What was the point of starting down that road?
    Although this was supposed to be a new beginning for her, there really wasn’t any such thing as starting over. The past still followed her everywhere. It had dogged her through two years of college. It had come with her to every job interview. And it had been with her tonight when Nate had asked about Donny, when he’d suggested she learn to shoot, even when he’d smiled at her.
    An ache formed in her chest, sharp and hollow. No matter how much she wanted to know what it was like to love a man and be loved by him, to be the center of his world, to feel safe and at home in his arms, she knew it would never happen. Even if she found a man who could forgive her past, she didn’t think she’d ever be able to enjoy being touched, having sex.
    What man could love a woman who wouldn’t let him touch her?
    Emily galloped her pony across the couch cushions.
    Feeling empty, Megan stood, willing herself to think only of her daughter. “It’s time for your bath, sweet pea.”
    She’d just gotten Emily dried off and into her favorite fuzzy pink jammies when Marc walked inside. She glared up at him. “You didn’t have to be so rough to Nate, you know? You probably hurt him. I’m sure those burns go deep.”
    Marc frowned. “You like him.”
    “He may have saved my life—and Emily’s. Of course I like him.”
    Marc’s eyes narrowed. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”
    Megan said nothing.
    “I did a background check. No arrests. He fought with the Marines, made first lieutenant and was decorated more than once. He was honorably discharged after—”
    “You ran a background check on the man who saved my life?” Megan stared at her brother, stunned that he’d gone so far. “Isn’t that a bit extreme?”
    “Just because he played the hero today doesn’t mean he is one. He could be anyone, Megan. I needed to know.” Marc turned and knelt down before Emily. “How would you like me to read you a bedtime story?”
    Emily nodded and smiled.
    “Go pick out your favorite storybooks, and I’ll be right there.”
    Megan watched Emily scamper down the hallway toward her bedroom.
    “I’ll take care of Emily,” Marc said quietly. “Why don’t you go fill up the tub, soak, and relax? This has been a tough night for you all around, and you’ve handled it well—too well.”
    Megan shook her head, crossed her arms over her chest, tears stinging her eyes. “Not inside I haven’t. I feel like a total wreck.”
    “From where I stand, you’re doing great.” Marc hugged her close. “There was a time when you would’ve turned to the needle. Give yourself some credit.”
    She nodded, looked into her brother’s eyes. “Thanks.”
    “You’re welcome.” He released her, his voice taking on a reassuring tone. “There’s nothing to worry about tonight. We’ve got surveillance outside, and I’m staying the night on your couch.”
    And just like that Megan regretted being angry with her brother. He was only trying to protect her, after all. “What would I do without you?”
    “Hey, I