Blindsided (Indigo Love Spectrum) Read Online Free Page B

thriving, and that’s what matters.” She smiled, rubbing her distended abdomen. “Ten more weeks.”
    Ryan’s hand joined Lara’s on her belly. “They’re so glad to be around their Uncle Norris again they can’t stay still,” he said, looking at Norris. “It’s been forever since we’ve spent quality time together.”
    “We still see each other all the time,” Norris said. “We had dinner the other night.”
    “Yeah. But all you do is eat and leave.”
    “Tax season,” Norris said, which wasn’t a complete lie. Between work and Dahlia he had time for little else, but managed to squeeze time in for Ryan and his family. “April fifteenth was yesterday, but folks are still scrambling. It’s a busy time of year.”
    “Is it just work?” Ryan asked. “You seem distracted right now, and I know something’s been on your mind for a while.”
    The waiter returned to the table with the drink orders, rescuing Norris from his friend’s questioning blue eyes. He drained the iced dark liquid in one swallow. The p otent whiskey burned a fiery pathway from his throat to his belly, reminding him why he didn’t drink scotch.
    “Another?” asked the waiter, placing glasses of orange juice in front of Ryan and Lara.
    Norris shook his head. “No, thank you,” he croaked, reaching for his water glass and taking several big gulps. “Are you ready to order?” the waiter asked.
    “We’ll need a few more minutes,” Lara said.
    The man nodded and left.
    “You gonna tell us what’s on your mind?” Ryan asked. “And don’t say it’s nothing.”
    “Okay, it’s something.” Norris closed his eyes, thinking of Gail’s bombshell. “It’s really something, but I can’t talk about it right now. I will soon. I promise.”
    “You sure, Norris?” said Lara. “You seem a bit scattered.”
    “I’m good, Lara.” He gave her hand a reassuring pat. “Really, don’t worry.” He drank more water.
    “So, how did things go with Dahlia today?” Lara drank some juice. “This audit has her on edge. Did you calm her at all?”
    Norris smiled. Did he ever. Dahlia had an amazingly calming effect on him, too. He lowered the glass. “Uh-oh,” said Ryan. “There’s the look.”
    Lara’s brown eyes narrowed with suspicion. “What’s with the grin on your face, Norris?” she asked.
    “Grin?” Norris pressed his hand to his chest. “Me?”
    “Yes, you. Dahlia’s a beautiful woman. You’re not sizing her up for the kill, are you?”
    Norris clicked his tongue in mock outrage. “Lara, I’m shocked. Norris isn’t a predator.”
    “Is that a no?”
    “Yes, that’s a no.” He was sizing Dahlia up for a lot more than the kill. The more he thought about it, the more the idea of longevity appealed to him, especially after hearing he had a daughter. “Dahlia has nothing to fear from me.”
    “Good, because she’s still getting over a painful divorce. She’s only been back in Denburg a little over a year, and my hair will not be happy with her being gone again. The last thing she needs is the Norris Converse treatment.”
    “The Norris Converse treatment?”
    “I don’t have to explain it to you.”
    Norris nodded. “You’re right, you don’t.” ‘Love ‘em and leave ‘em’ had been his mantra for a long time, but now he was ready for a new tag line. “Your friend is safe, Lara.” He checked his watch. Seven-fifteen. Dahlia was probably home now, and he really needed to see her. “I hate to cut out, but there’s something I have to take care of.”
    “Something to take care of?” said Ryan. “Norris, you just got here.”
    “I know, but this can’t wait, and you two never get any time alone.” Norris stood, smiling as he gazed at Lara’s belly. “Well, you manage to find some time, but you know what I mean.” He laughed. “Order whatever you want, it’s on me.”
    “I know something’s troubling you, Norris,” Lara said. “I can make myself scarce if you need to talk to