Free Seducing the Doctor (At First Sight #4) by Janet Lane-Walters

Matt’s name. After that rebuff ten years ago her mother had been furious and wanted to confront Matt and his father. Only Cassie’s tears had prevented a scene. “Matt Blakefield.” She forced his name out.
    “Do not let him have the house. He had an investigator meet our plane. The man demanded your phone number and address. You will not let that man ruin your life again.”
    “Mom.”
    “Cassie if he’s nosing around it’s because he wants to buy the house. He doesn’t want you. Run, don’t walk away. I’m sure he’s like his mother. If she hadn’t interfered you would have grown up with a father. She told Bradley I slept around. Two of her rich friends backed her lies.”
    “I need to think. We’ll talk later.” Cassie disconnected. Her thoughts whirled like a runaway Ferris wheel. Matt had told her how much his mother had loved the house. He had to know the entire story.
    Her chest tightened. She fought to catch a breath. She wouldn’t cry, not where Matt could see. She gulped several breaths and strode to him. “Nice try. Won’t work.”
    “What are you talking about?”
    “The house. Your romantic gesture. I’m not selling to you.”
    “Cassie.”
    “My mother said you had an investigator meet her plane. He demanded to know my phone number and address. You knew I owned the property.”
    “I didn’t know until after our meeting at the cabin. Then I didn’t have your number and you weren’t there. I drove up on Monday. Then Allie found you and things were so hot between us…Guess I waited too long.”
    Cassie straightened. “And you intended to be with me as long as the fire burned. It’s ashes now. Take me to my apartment.”
    “We need to talk. I need to explain.”
    “Take me or I’ll call a cab.” She stared at the screen of her phone. “I’ll pack up your things and leave them in the lobby. I’m becoming an expert at removing unwanted men’s things.”
    He pulled her into his arms. “Matters aren’t what you’re thinking. I never promised a commitment.”
    “I never asked for one. You could have told me about the house before we made love.” She pulled free. “Are you taking me home?”
    His shoulders slumped. “Yes.”
    Why did he look so defeated? He was the one who hadn’t told her tie truth. She stared out the window.
    When they reached the complex Cassie jumped out and hurried to the apartment. She left the door open. Inside she grabbed his duffle and crammed his clothes and the red bikini set in the bag. As he entered she reached the door.
    “We need to talk,” he said.
    “Just go. I have nothing to say.” She dropped the bag at his feet.
    “I’ll call you.”
    “Don’t bother. If I decide to sell the house I’ll list it with a realtor and you can make an offer.” She closed the door before he said another work. With a sigh she slumped on the couch.
     
    * * *
     
    Matt shoved his duffle into the trunk of his car. Regret colored his thoughts. He slumped in the seat. He should have told her about the house the moment he knew she was the owner. Would the results have been different? Years ago he had laughed and insulted her. She had believed his crude remarks. He feared those words had emerged from where she had buried them. He could have…he hadn’t and he didn’t know why he’d been afraid to admit what happened between them had been more than sex.
    Their joining had been completely satisfying. Though he’d fought against stepping beyond the physical she suited him more than any woman ever had. He straightened. Years ago he’d searched for her. Her mother had refused to let him speak to her. Had he been seeking her in every encounter since then? Lord knows he’d never settled on another woman.
    He started the car. Instead of returning to the city he drove up the hill and parked in the town lot. He would give her time and space before he sought her again. How could he convince her he hadn’t meant to hurt her in the past or the present?
    Face it.