New York, Actually (From Manhattan with Love 4)

“I’m not so sure. Anyway, after Adam, I didn’t date for a while.”

“I’m not surprised. But somehow I sense this story isn’t over.” He looked at her expectantly and she sighed.

“You might want more wine.”

“How much more?”

“Buy a vineyard.”

“Sounds like a great investment strategy.” He topped up her glass and his. “Go for it. Who was the next guy?”

“The details don’t matter. Let’s just say that despite the fact that we were perfect on paper and he was a very special person, I didn’t feel a thing. Nothing. I’ve given up now. I cannot make it happen. Basically I end every relationship I ever begin. And the last one was—ugly.”

He glanced at her. “How ugly? Ugly enough to make you leave the country?”

“Yes. And the most upsetting thing about that particular disaster was that I was really careful. I kept looking for signs that he was emotionally involved, but I didn’t see any. We had fun, but he never used the L word until the night he proposed. I almost died of shock. And I’m the one who’s supposed to understand human behavior.” She slumped on the sofa. “They call you the ‘Heartbreaker’ but I can tell you that people have much less flattering names for me.”

“You’ve surprised me. I assumed you’d fallen in love and had your heart broken.”

“I’ve never been in love. I can’t fall in love.” And it scared her. It scared her so badly. What was wrong with her? She had no idea. All she knew was that something major was missing. “Other people fall in love multiple times in their lives, and I can’t manage it even once no matter how hard I try. You don’t want to get involved with me, Daniel. I’m bad news.”

“You don’t look like bad news.” He studied her, and his slow, steady gaze warmed her from the inside out.

“Looks can be deceptive. I don’t ever want anyone to fall in love with me again, because I cannot return the feeling.” There. She’d delivered a warning, loud and clear.

He didn’t move, or shift his gaze from hers. “I’m not going to fall in love with you.”

“That’s what Adam said before he blew his savings on a ring.”

“I’m not the falling-in-love type. Seems you’re not either.”

“Apparently my heart, and my defenses, are impenetrable. I’m like the Great Wall of China, only without the tourists. You might want to remember that.” She stood up, wishing she hadn’t had that second glass of wine. “I’ll see you in the morning. And thank you again for what you did for Va

lentine.”

Eleven

The vet called first thing and Daniel answered it as he finished buttoning his shirt.

Molly had obviously heard the phone because she appeared in the doorway, her face pale and her gaze anxious. “What is it? Has something happened?”

His brief scan of the shadows under her eyes told him she hadn’t had any more sleep than he had.

She looked awful.

“He’s better. Making good progress.” Knowing that she wouldn’t be happy until she’d spoken to the vet herself, Daniel handed the phone over.

He was due in court, but he wasn’t leaving until he was sure she was all right.

He reached for a tie, listening as she asked a dozen questions. They were good questions. Thorough. Somehow she managed to keep emotion out of the conversation, although she sank down onto the edge of the bed, as if her legs would no longer hold her.

“Thank you. Thank you.” She repeated the words to the vet before finally ending the call. Then she sucked in a few deep breaths before finally lifting her head. “He’s better. Making progress. He’s going to be okay.” She looked exhausted, as if she’d used up all her strength and energy getting through that crisis.

He watched, concerned, as her eyes closed and tears appeared along the seam of her lashes.

“Hey—”

“I’m okay. Ignore me.” She pressed her fingers to the bridge of her nose, trying to stem the flow. “I thought— It’s a relief, that’s all. I was afraid—”