Free What a Man Needs by Patricia Thayer

anticipation.
    Carrie’s appearance had drastically changed over the years. There was nothing left of that shy, insecure girl he’d once known. She was proud ofher new looks, her trim, curvy body. She’d gotten a new hairstyle and added highlights, even changed her eye color to a dazzling blue with contacts. No, she wasn’t the same woman Richie had left in Florida all those years ago. She was educated and had a career she loved—teaching. She’d married again to her sweet late husband Ralph, but best of all, she had a wonderful son, Jason.
    Suddenly Dr. Richie walked out onto the stage and the audience erupted in applause. Carrie sat up straighter to get a better look at the latest fitness guru. He was dressed in a charcoal custom-tailored suit, snowy-white shirt and a subtle deep maroon tie. His silver-streaked dark hair was styled to perfection. His magnetic personality showed as he walked to the front row and shook hands.
    Carrie felt the tightness around her heart and quickly pushed back the feeling. She had to keep emotions out of this. Richard Strong had a lot to answer for. Twenty years, to be exact. She might not deserve any explanation, but their son did.
    Even over the cheers, she could hear the ringing of her cell phone. She quickly pulled it from her bag as she climbed over people to leave the room. Once in the hall she hurried to a quiet corner and pushed the button.
    â€œHello,” she answered, knowing it could onlybe either her son or the restaurant, La Grenouille Dorée, where she’d worked as a hostess since coming to Portland.
    â€œMom,” Jason spoke.
    Carrie put her hand over her other ear so she could hear. “Jason, is something wrong?”
    â€œThat’s what I was about to ask you. Mom, I wish you’d come home.”
    Carrie smiled sadly, hearing the worry in her son’s voice. He’d gone though so much during his nineteen years.
    â€œJason, we talked about this before. It’s something I need to do.”
    She heard his long sigh. “If you’re doing this for me, don’t. I don’t need another father.”
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    Cynthia was so in tune with her mission of trotting Daisy around the corral, she hadn’t realized that the morning was gone. She’d been in the saddle most of it, and doing a pretty good job with the mare.
    â€œI think you need to take a break,” Patrick suggested while she continued around the arena.
    â€œNot yet.” She couldn’t hide the disappointment in her voice.
    She had worked through each and every command until the horse responded to her with ease.And she was far past walking the horse. She could trot now.
    â€œI’m just getting it right.” There was so much to remember. She could feel the muscles in her legs tightening, and her arms were tired. She wasn’t used to this kind of exercise, but she loved it. And she found she loved riding. Who would have thought it?
    In the center of the corral, Patrick rested his hands on his hips. “If you don’t stop, you’ll be so sore you won’t be able to sit in the saddle tomorrow.”
    Hearing his warning, Cynthia pulled back on Daisy’s reins until she stopped. Patrick came over to help her dismount.
    â€œI can do it,” she said.
    He nodded. “If you say so.”
    Cynthia slipped her right foot out of the stirrup and swung it over the back of the horse. She released the other boot and began to slide off Daisy. Suddenly the ground seemed a long way off and when she finally landed, whatever strength was left in her legs suddenly gave out.
    Patrick grabbed her around the waist and held her up as she started to sway. He pulled her against him so she wouldn’t crumble into the dirt.
    â€œI told you, you overworked this morning,” he said against her ear.
    â€œI guess I am a little tired,” she admitted, much too aware of his large hands on her.
    His eyes grew dark. “Do you think