Conflicts of the Heart Read Online Free Page B

up with a warm glow that disarmed her. Was this the same man she’d heard so much about? The exceedingly charming man who sat across from her showed no signs of an arrogant, self-centered playboy. He appeared too cordial, she reminded herself that had to be part of his charm, part of the fascination he held for some of the women he attracted in this hospital. She picked up her mug and sipped her tea. “Want some?”
    “No, thanks. I’ve taken up enough of your time. You need to settle in.” He rose. “It's been nice.”
    Because of Patrick, the usually tedious sessions might even build up a little steam. He reached out in a farewell gesture. With caution, she took his hand. He let go in an instant.
    “Even though you haven't told me much about yourself, I feel more comfortable.” He winked and with his fingers gave the Boy Scout code of honor. “I'll even follow your rules. Oh, God, it'll kill me, but for a beautiful lady, I'll do it.”
    This guy had a sense of humor, and she liked it. “You work with me, and I'll work with you.”
    “Deal. Check ya later.”
    In an instant, he was gone.
    She walked to the window and glanced down. A chain of Modesto ash trees shaded the expanse of manicured lawn from the blistering sun. She pulled the sliding door open to the small terrace outside her office. A hot breeze splintered the chill of the air-conditioning. Starting a new life by herself struck her again. Since college, she’d had Joel, someone to fall back on during tough times. Now she had only Michael. Her decisions were hers and hers alone. All of a sudden, she felt at loose ends. With her arms wrapped across her breast, she wondered how it might feel to be held by a man again. She shuddered. How could she think such a thing? A man didn’t rate on her list of things to do. After a year, she hadn’t even fully gotten the hang of being alone yet. When she accomplished that, maybe she might-- Then she remembered her promise to Gil. She would not return to Palo Alto, nor would she leave the area. She was home.
    At that moment, Patrick strode down the cement pathway to a red Fiat parked near her office in the visitors' lot. Sliding into the driver's seat, he glanced up at her before she had a chance to step back. He waved, smiled, and drove off.
    Damn! Her throat clogged. He probably thought she stood by the window just to get that last lingering look before he drove off into the sunset. She snorted, and then tore herself away from the window.
     
    * * *
     
    Patrick arrived at the Peppermill shortly after five, and stood inside the entrance while his eyes adjusted to the dark. He thought of Dana looking down at him from her office window and couldn’t shake the sadness in her eyes. Being such a clever lady, he had no idea if he could rely on her completely. She appeared sweet and trustworthy, but he wasn't taking any chances. If she crossed him, he could lose his race with time.
    Must be tough for her, walking into this mess. He remembered all the hell that broke loose when he arrived two years ago. His predecessor was at odds with the hospital, and they were on the verge of a strike. At least she wasn’t walking into that kind of chaos.
    He wondered why she moved back here, if she had a husband and kids. After all, how could he do a decent job unless he knew what made his opponent tick? A few more visits like today and he’d find out everything he needed to know.
    The smell of sautéing onions and mushrooms revved up his appetite. Meeting his cronies here after work, having a couple of beers and an appetizer dinner a few times a week had become a big part of his life. This is what the singles in Ashton did after work. He also learned what the other reps were doing. He had to keep pace with the changing industry. What better way than a few beers.
    He sauntered into the lounge where a knot of men from other unions huddled around Teal DeLuca, the blonde union rep from Local 281.
    “Patrick,” Teal called out from