Free The Doctor's Baby by Cindy Kirk

triathlons?”
    While the man’s tone was friendly enough, the proprietary way he glanced at July told David he didn’t appreciate being interrupted.
    “Last triathlon I did was Pinedale,” David said. “I’m planning on competing in a couple marathons this summer.”
    July whirled at the sound of his voice. The shock in her eyes told him Tom wasn’t the only one surprised to see him.
    “July, here,” Tom gestured with his head toward the redhead, “has been a casual runner and she’s interested in getting in marathon shape. I offered to do some one-on-one training sessions with her.”
    The lecherous hint in the man’s eye told David exactly what he had in mind for those sessions. And the fact that he was even talking about running told David that July had failed to mention she’d just had a baby. It would be a good month before she could do more than walk.
    “Hello, July,” David said when Tom made no attempt to do introductions.
    If July felt the energy sizzling in the air between them, it didn’t show. “Hello, David.”
    Tom’s brows slammed together. “You know each other?”
    “She lives at my sister’s house.” David kept his tone as offhand as hers.
    “Tom has done quite a few marathons.” July took a sip of club soda and gazed at him over the top of her glass. “Isn’t that nice of him to offer to help me?”
    David tightened his fingers around his drink. If he didn’t know better, he’d think she was trying to make him jealous. He kept his expression neutral and focused on Tom. “I’m surprised you have time for that.”
    “I’ve got a good crew at the store.” Tom slanted a smile at July. “Most nights I’m out of there by five.”
    “Doesn’t Teresa expect you home?”
    July lifted a brow. “Teresa?”
    “His wife,” David said. “And they have a beautiful baby girl. What’s her name…Sarah?”
    “Samantha,” Tom said stiffly. “I was just about to pull out the pictures when you walked up.”
    From the skeptical look in July’s eyes, she didn’t believe the lie any more than David did.
    “It’s been great visiting with you, July,” Tom said. “But it’s time for me to mingle. Stop in the store sometime.”
    July offered up a noncommittal smile and lifted a hand in farewell.
    “I didn’t mean to chase him away,” David said.
    July waved a dismissive hand and David experienced a surge of satisfaction.
    “I thought you came to take pictures,” David said in a conversational tone. “From the little I’ve observed that camera on the bar isn’t getting much action.”
    July set down her glass and gazed over the throng of people. “I took quite a few at the beginning but then everyone started to pose. I thought I’d give it a rest for a while. Tom approached me and we got to talking about marathons.”
    “You could have asked me if you had questions about running.” He inhaled the clean, fresh scent of her and his body stirred. “Did I mention I’m looking for a new running, ah, walking, partner?”
    If she was surprised by the change in subject, it didn’t show. A thoughtful look crossed her face. “When do you go out?”
    “Early morning. Before I head to the hospital.” He took a sip of beer. An early morning run had been his habit for as long as he could remember. Celeste had run with him several times when they were dating, but had lost interest after they’d married.
    “I need to get back into shape,” July admitted.
    He jerked his attention back to her. Placing his glass on the bar, David let his gaze linger. “You look pretty good to me.”
    A becoming shade of pink cut a swath across her cheeks. “You know what I mean…back in running shape. If I have to walk for a while to build up, that’s okay, too.”
    “There’s nothing like knowing someone is waiting for you to help get you out of bed in the morning,” he said in his most persuasive tone.
    To his surprise she appeared to be considering his proposition when her phone rang. It