Free Unbreak My Heart (Childhood Sweethearts Reunited) by Helen Scott Taylor Page A

have suggested her. The truth was she didn't want to leave her baby with anyone.
    Andre pulled some gold sandals out of a box and held them up. "I can't wear those. The heel must be five inches. I'm used to flats," Kate said.
    "Okay, no problem." He dug out a cream pair with a diamante bow on the front and a two-inch heel and tossed the gold ones back in their box.
    The heel might be lower, but it was still higher than usual for her. But she had to wear something. She hopped on one foot and slipped other into the first sandal, then decided if she didn't want to break her neck she'd better sit down to put on the second. She practiced walking and they weren't as bad as she expected. After she had broken them in, they might even be comfy. "Dan always moaned at me for wearing flats, but I've never found heels comfortable. I'd like to see men wear them."
    "Nobody forces women into high heels."
    "Fashion and men's expectations do. It's the western version of binding women's feet to suit men's tastes."
    "Don't be ridiculous. Western women wear what they want on their feet."
    "Hmm, we'll have to agree to disagree." Kate walked to and fro and angled her leg to see a shoe beneath the fluffy hem of her bathrobe. They were actually really pretty. But she wanted to try the last pair. "What are the others like?"
    "I thought you liked the ones you're wearing."
    "Just give me the third pair, Le Court, and hurry up about it."
    He tried for a stern look, but his eyes sparkled with amusement. He tossed her a green pair that matched the dress she planned to wear. The heel was a little higher on these. "Put on the shoes, Ms. Frost, and let's get moving. You still have to get dressed before we go."
    "You've got to change as well."
    "I'll only take five minutes."
    "So will I!" Kate playfully punched his arm, dodged his retaliation, and giggled as he chased her around the sofa. Inside she tingled with excitement to be sparring with him again like they used to when they were kids.
    "Remind me why I took you in," he said with a gasp as he made a lunge for her and missed.
    "Because I'm the only person who stands up to you. Everyone else says, 'Yes, Mr. Le Court' and 'No, Mr. Le Court.' You admire my free spirit."
    Andre made a noise of disbelief, then sidestepped with his arms out. She evaded him. "I like people who do what I tell them. Things get done that way."
    She waved her finger at him. "Ah, but are they the right things?"
    He feinted one way, then went the other and nearly caught her. She squealed and ran behind the sofa.
    He wiped his forehead on his sleeve and gave her a superior smile. "You know I'm always right, Kat. Just admit it."
    "You weren't right the time you said the ice on the lake was thick enough to walk on, and we both got boots full of water."
    "Give me a break. I was only ten or eleven."
    "Age is no excuse for stupidity."
    "I am not stupid!" He dived over the sofa, grabbed her arm, and pulled her down on the overstuffed cushions. She squealed and wriggled as he came down, pinning her. Their panting breaths sounded loud in the quiet room. Kate's heart raced. Suddenly all her senses focused on Andre's muscular body pressing her down against the cushions, his face only a few inches from hers. Never in her life had he been on her like this. Except in her fantasies.
    "Kat?" He said, his voice hesitant, uncertain. His fingers grazed across her cheek. Her eyelids fluttered, but she kept them open so she could see the rich brown of his eyes. Was he going to kiss her? She wanted him to, needed to feel his lips against hers.
    A loud knock on the door shattered the tension. Slowly, he uncurled his fingers from her wrist and climbed off her. Every cell in Kate's body sighed, and she wasn't sure if it was with relief or frustration.
    Andre crouched beside the sofa. "Are you all right? I didn't squash you, did I?"
    Her heart pinched with memories. He had always been considerate, even as a boy. "I don't break that easily, Le Court. Go answer