Free Finding the Perfect Man by Marie Higgins Page A

yanked her hands away, and her chest heaved a sigh.
    “Doctor Reed, can I ask you a personal question?”
    Her eyes widened in panic, but she remained in her professional mode. “What would you like to know?”
    “You just said it was a normal reaction to get such urges, and I wondered if you have ever gotten the urge to do something totally unlike yourself. To give into your anger regardless of what you think is the right thing to do.”
    The color on her face brightened. “I think everybody feels like that when the person they love cheats on them.”
    He licked his lips. Her attention strayed to that spot. “No, I mean have you ever acted irresponsible? Ever? Have you ever let your urges get out of control?”
    Different emotions flickered across her face, as if she struggled with her composure. She couldn’t meet his stare, yet her gaze kept moving back to his eyes. Her chest heaved rapidly.
    “Brock,” she said in her proper, controlled tone of voice. “One should always act responsibly when they are angered. In this day and age, it could be dangerous not to. Besides, we are not here to talk about my life, but to discuss yours.”
    He turned his back to her. “You don’t have to say another word. I can see it on your face. My touch and my choice of conversation makes you sick, just like it does to Lanie.”
    “Brock, you’ve misread me. Please turn around so we can discuss this.”
    “No, I think it’s time for me to leave.” He took a step, but she stopped him by moving around in front of him, blocking his path. Her stern, unwavering look and thin lips let him know he was not going to leave her office.
    Good. Maybe something would happen like it had during their last session.
    She stood like a soldier preparing for battle with her hands planted on her hips. “No, it’s not time to leave. I’m not letting you go when you feel like this.” She took a deep breath. “You’ve got it all wrong.”
    “Then why did you act that way?”
    She gave an uneasy laugh. “Why? Because I’m not used to talking about my life, that’s why. I don’t want my clients to think I have feelings, too,” she ended softly. “I have been hurt before. My heart has been stomped on, just as yours has. And yes, I’ve been so hurt and angry that I actually wanted to strangle the man who made me feel that kind of weakness.” She took a deep breath. “But you are my client, not the other way around. I’m here to help you, not the other way around.”
    “What about my touch?”
    “I’m not appalled by your touch, it’s just that...well, that....”
    She was certainly uncomfortable. A grin tugged at his lips, but he fought it. “Go on.”
    “I’m your doctor, Brock.”
    “Not anymore.”
    “But I shouldn’t be reacting this way at all. It’s not proper for you to touch me in a personal way.”
    “So, are you saying you do have feelings? You do enjoy my touch?” She didn’t answer him, so he continued. “Maybe it’s not proper, but I can’t help how I feel. You say I misread you, so tell me right out. Do you enjoy my touch?”
    His stare locked with hers, he waited for her answer. Her face turned a brilliant red, her breathing grew rapid, and her lips parted. This conversation must really be disturbing her. He lifted his hand back to her cheek, careful as he waited for her reaction. Her throat jumped, and he swallowed hard.
    He dared to go further, sweeping his fingers down her neck, then back up to her hairline. He touched her silky waves. She remained stubborn in her stance, and it surprised him she let him do this. He didn’t question. Just continued.
    He caressed her face, moving his thumb to touch her bottom lip. Her mouth opened slightly. His breathing grew faster, and it matched hers perfectly. He reached his other hand and cupped her face. Spreading his fingers, he drove them back into her hair, loosening the pins holding the tight knot together. A lock of hair sprang free, curling around his hand. His