Free O'Brien's Lady by Marsha Doss Page B

Sonny continued to clean the trays in the small sink. When she moved back to the counter, Michael's body was pressed against hers in the tiny space available.
    "Hey, these are great."
    "You like them?" Sonny looked up into his face and she watched the smile that worked its way across his broad jawline, slowly touching his lips.
    She knew the pictures were good, but she was happy to have his approval, something she rarely needed from anyone when she had confidence in her own work.
    "I like you." Michael's hands were on her shoulders and Sonny fought the urge to lean against the warmth of his chest, where she knew the hard rhythm of his heart would beat against her back.
    She felt the slow sensuous movement of his fingers as they moved down her arms, stroking her with the lightness of a breeze, filling her with a storm of unbridled emotion.
    "Did you see the expression in Lady's eyes?" Sonny inclined her head to the side and Michael bent down to kiss her lightly on the neck. If he'd just stop for a minute she could make enough small talk to end this, but his lips were warm and moist and she turned to protest.
    "Listen, Michael…" Her words were stopped by the hands that cupped her face, holding her gently, securely before his lips trailed the outline of her nose from the very tip to her forehead. She braced her palms against the counter in back of her, trying to move away from his touch, but wanting to have him even closer.
    "Pm sorry about the horse," Michael said with sincerity.
    "What horse?" Sonny asked.
    "The one I bought at the auction. If you're really unhappy, I'll find a way to cancel."
    Sonny had not expected this from Michael.
    Damn, she thought. Just when she had figured him out, he did something so out of character that it threw her into a false sense of security. Why did he do this? Couldn't he just be uncaring and unscrupulous for the next three months?
    "What's done is done, Michael. Just consult me the next time." Sonny tried to steady the uneven flow of words, but Michael's presence and the tart smell of his cologne was doing strange things to her."I promise, I'll tell you each and every move I am going to make."
    "You needn't be sarcastic, Michael. You should have known that the
    Purchase of a new horse was important. What would my father have said if you had taken it upon yourself to represent Pinebrook."
    Michael moved toward Sonny, and she felt like the air had been sucked from the room. Her anger was simmering now, and she did not want him to think he could break her down. She would show him just how strong a business partner she could be. At least that was her plan.
    "You want to know what I am going to do next?" Michael asked.
    Sonny shook her head, "I am going to kiss you." His voice was quiet but firm.
    And then, he did kiss her. His arms were around her waist, pulling her gently to him. She wasn't going to fail for his flirtatious ways. She would be strong. Her intentions were stronger than her emotions, and Sonny wrapped her arms around his neck, and she closed her eyes, feeling the little soft kisses move from her forehead down to the contour of her cheeks, before pressing his lips to hers.
    "Michael," she gasped as she pulled herself away. His dark eyes looked down at her and Michael smiled warmly. For a woman who dressed and tried to act like a sophisticate, he knew that Sonny was still the innocent child that had left four years ago. Her sweetness touched him and he knew that she would not have him knowing how unsure she really was. The fear in her eyes was coupled with the desire that burned in her face, and he knew that she needed, more than anything, to belong somewhere. Michael hoped with all his heart that somewhere would be here at Pinebrook. With him.
    Pulling the curtain back from her bedroom window, Sonny watched Michael as he walked back down the hill to the stables. She wondered if his knees were shaking as hard as hers. What was he thinking about her? Did he kiss Carol Ann that way?