Free Never Let Go by Sherryl Woods Page B

asked reasonably, determined not to allow his fit of temper to distract her from getting a promise from him.
    “Of course, I’ve talked to him.”
    “And exactly what have you told him?” she asked. “Aside from the basics such as when his surgery is scheduled? Have you discussed the risks with him, told him his chances for a full recovery, reassured him at all?”
    “Mallory, has anyone ever mentioned to you that nagging has destroyed many a relationship? I let you get involved with Davey because I thought he needed you. That doesn’t mean you can start barging into the middle of all my cases.”
    “I am not barging in,” she responded calmly. “I haven’t even seen the man. I’m just passing along a message.”
    “Fine,” he grumbled. “Message received.”
    “Will it be acted on?”
    His gaze swept over her angrily, then he shook his head. A faint smile appearedat the corners of his mouth. “You have the persistence of a gnat. I’ll see the man this afternoon. Satisfied?”
    She beamed at him. “Very.” She laid a hand on his. “And you won’t go back and yell at Carol for talking to me, right?”
    “Right,” he muttered, scowling at her. “You’re going to ruin my reputation as a tyrant, you know.”
    “I’m trying.”
    “Care to celebrate your victory by going to a movie with me tomorrow? I’m not on duty and I could use a night out.”
    The invitation took her by surprise. She’d been sure they would ease into dating far more slowly, probably beginning with some chance encounter that would lead to casual meals. That Justin was apparently ready for more sent a sharp tingle of anticipation through her. She struggled to match his casual tone, when what she wanted to do was tap-dance on the tabletop. “Sounds good to me, as long as it’s not a medical thriller. They hit too close to home.”
    “How about a Woody Allen film?”
    “They usually hit pretty close to home, too.”
    “Yes, but at least they’re funny,” he said as he paid the check. They walked back to the hospital in companionable silence. As they entered the lobby, Justin noticed that the elevator door was about to close and he took off at a run. “Tomorrow,” he called back over his shoulder. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”
    At least half a dozen nursesturned to gaze at Mallory enviously. Holding back a grin, she admitted to herself that she didn’t blame them one bit. The idea of finally going out on an official date with Dr. Justin Whitmore was enough to send the most resistant woman’s pulse racing and she’d stopped resisting days ago.
    The movie had been billed as funny and poignant, but it didn’t stand a chance of competing with Justin for Mallory’s attention. She found herself so conscious of him sitting next to her in the darkened theater, his arm draped casually across the back of her seat, his fingertips brushing her shoulder, that she couldn’t have described the plot if someone had offered her a million bucks.
    Fortunately, Justin was one of those people who liked to rehash every scene over coffee, so she had ample opportunity to learn all about the story line secondhand. She missed that, too. She was intent on studying the curve of his lips, when they were gentled by a laugh, and the spark in his eyes, when they lingered on her.
    “Are you listening to me?” he finally asked, his voice laced with laughter.
    “Umm.”
    “Mallory?”
    She was thoroughly absorbed in contemplating the pulse that was beating in his neck. Her fingers practically itched to caress the column of flesh that promised heat and literally throbbed with life. “What?” she murmured absentmindedly.
    “Are you with me here?”
    “Umm.”
    “I was thinking it might be niceto go for a ride on the zebras at the zoo. What do you think?”
    “Whatever you want.” Suddenly his words registered, and she glanced at him in shock. “You want to ride the zebras?”
    He chuckled and she flushed with embarrassment. “I’m glad I