Dreams~Shadows of the Night Read Online Free Page B

beneath her lashes. Hair the color of dirty straw hung over his forehead in scattered waves and his brows hovered above his eyes like a pair of dark slashes. His slenderne ss made him appear frail and his modesty added to the illusion.
    He and Josh were so dissimilar that Catherine found it hard to believe they’d become close friends . It wasn’t only Josh’s superior physique that set them apart; there was also his powerful persona. She couldn’t imagine Josh being unable to get just about anything he wanted. She was a perfect example; one minute she was telling him she never dated patients and the next thing she knew she’d agreed to have dinner with him.
    “Your familie s must have been quite friendly with you two growing up together.”
    “Not really. My parents weren’t what you’d call sociable.” His hand tightened on the glass he held. “I’ve always thought the concept of a family unit is a good one, but it has to have proper nurturing to develop into something meaningful. Sometimes there are too many gaps and missing pieces for things to work the way they should.”
    She sensed too much unspoken pain to ask more.
    “Is Josh close to his family?”
    “Very close, but I expect you’ll find that out for yourself when he gets back.”
    ”I know Josh had his share of women before we began dating. One of them sent me a nasty warning note that I was encroaching on her territory. No signature, of course.”
    “Really? Well, obviously he’s not lived like a monk, but that’s in the past. With you, it’s not just physical. There’s real emotion involved. What’s your family like?”
    “You’re evading my questions. It seems males have their own code of ethics when it comes to discussing their buddy’s old girlfriends with the current one.”
    “I don’t know enough about any of them. I’d really like to hear about your folks.”
    She hesitated, swallowing down the familiar sick feeling that always came when she had to repeat how they’d died. “There’s not much to relate. My parents drowned in a boating accident with my uncle when I was seven.” She heard his sharp intake of breath. “I was an only child. My aunt raised me. She and my mother were sisters.”
    “God, I had no idea. I’m so sorry, Catherine. That must have been awful for you being so young. Do you remember very much about them?”
    “Bits and pieces. It’s been twenty years since the accident, but I do recall they laughed a lot and liked to hold hands.” She had always hoped they’d been able to reach for each other in the end. Her cruel dream hadn’t given her even that small comfort.
    “I’m glad you have your aunt.”
    “I’m also close to her daughter. My aunt used to say if it hadn’t been for the responsibility of raising two little girls she might not have gotten through the tragedy.”
    “Friends are nice, too. They can help make things easier when you’re lonely.”
    It disturbed her to see his quick flicker of vulnerability. But even more disturbing was the look that suggested a need for intimacy. She couldn’t allow that.
    “Most of the time a friend is a friend, family is family, and a lover is a lover. Sometimes you can combine the three, but only to a point. It’s usually not a good idea to confuse them.”
    Bright color flamed in his cheeks.
    “Hey, I didn’t mean to give you the wrong impression. I’m not hitting on you or . . . or anything like that,” he said, stumbling over the words. “Josh is my best friend. He asked me to look in on you and maybe keep you company now and then. I’d never step into his personal arena.”
    “I’m sure you wouldn’t, but it’s important you realize where I’m coming from, too.” She smiled to ease his discomfort. “What do you think he’s doing right now?”
    “Knowing Josh, he’s probably swinging from some jungle vine having the time of his life.” He looked at his watch and stood up. “It’s late. I’d better let you get some sleep.