Free Here I Am by Rochelle Alers Page A

glasses.”
    Brandt ran a forefinger over her cheekbone. “No, I didn’t. The glasses are all right. Even no makeup is cool but the rest….”
    Ciara stared, momentarily shocked by his bluntness. “No, you didn’t….”
    â€œYes, I did, Ciara Dennison. There’s no doubt you’re an incredible nurse but—”
    â€œBut what?” she retorted, angrily.
    Running a large hand over his face, Brandt tried to gather his thoughts. He had put his foot in his mouth and he had to find a way to extricate it without embarrassing himself or insulting Ciara any more than he had.
    â€œI’m sorry. Forget it.”
    Her eyes narrowed. “I’ll accept your apology, but there’s no way in hell I’m going to forget what you’ve just said.”
    He held out his hand. “Pay up.”
    â€œWhat are you talking about?”
    â€œYou cussed. You owe the jar a dollar.”
    â€œThe jar is for you, not me.”
    â€œWrong. If I have to make a concerted effort not to cuss, then the same goes for you.” He angled his head. “Now pay up, or the deal is off and I will really let loose.”
    Ciara didn’t give Brandt a chance to react when she pressed her lips to his, caressing his strong mouth. The kiss ended as quickly as it’d begun. “I think that’s worth more than a dollar.”
    Brandt was too stunned to reply or react. He sat motionless, watching as Ciara picked up her plate. “Don’t start something you can’t finish,” he warned softly, recovering his voice.
    â€œAnd what exactly are you going to do sitting in that chair?” she challenged.
    There was enough sassiness in her voice to pique his competitiveness. After all, he was a pro ballplayer, always ready and willing to take on any challenger.
    â€œCome over here and I’ll show you what I can do.”
    Ciara blew him a kiss, crooning, “Some other time, cowboy. I don’t want you to do anything that would compromise your recovery.” She began stacking plates, glassware and serving bowls on the serving cart.
    â€œWhat I propose will not in way compromise my recovery.”
    â€œSlow it down, Superman. There will be plenty of time for that once the casts are off and you regain full use of your legs.”
    A smile spread over Brandt’s face as he watched the confident fluidity in Ciara’s movements. Everythingabout her radiated self-assuredness, as if she was certain of her rightful place in the world. “Will you indulge once I regain full use of my legs?”
    Ciara hands did not falter when she placed glassware on the second shelf of the cart. Brandt was asking whether she would permit him to make love to her. There was no way she was going to date another celebrity after what she’d gone through with Victor.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œNo?” Brandt repeated.
    Her hands stilled, she glaring at him. “What part of no don’t you understand? No, Brandt Wainwright.”
    â€œIs it because I am Brandt Wainwright?”
    â€œNo. It’s because you’re a celebrity athlete, and you can’t go anywhere without cameras following you. Every aspect of what you say and do is for public consumption.”
    â€œAnd if I weren’t what you call a celebrity athlete?”
    Ciara wanted to tell Brandt that she’d never dated blonds and in particular blond jocks with inflated egos but decided not to go there. “I’d have to think about it.”
    While Ciara was thinking about it, Brandt decided to do something about it. He wouldn’t put undue pressure on her because that wasn’t his style when it came to women. He’d discovered his nurse was someone who intrigued him. Her appearance belied her lively personality. He hadn’t expected her to kiss him. He’d enjoyed the kiss, as brief as it was, and wanted to experience it again.
    â€œI’ll accept that.” For now, he added