Sympathy Pains Read Online Free Page B

he’d made up his mind that he was going to stop in and say hello, if for no other reason than to prove to himself that she didn’t matter—that the dreams he’d had of her every night since he’d left were nothing more than just flights of fancy.
    When he walked into the restaurant, he realized that he’d actually missed coming here. The food was good—well above average—and the people were always friendly. The fact that he’d chosen to sit at one of Marilee’s tables was simply because all—well, most...uh, some—of the other places were taken.
    He took off his Stetson, laid it brimside up on the seat beside him and was combing his hair with his fingers when someone slapped a menu in front of him.
    â€œCan I get you something to drink?”
    He looked up. It wasn’t Marilee who was asking, but whoever she was, she looked pissed.
    â€œHow about some iced tea?” he asked, and flashed her a grin.
    She glared.
    It was the first time he’d ever gotten that kind of a reaction from something as simple as a smile.
    â€œWhat’s good today?” he asked without opening the menu.
    â€œI’ll take your order when I bring your tea.”
    Justin was taken aback. Whoever this woman was, she needed an attitude adjustment. It wasn’t until she stomped away that a thought occurred. What if Marilee didn’t work here anymore? What if she’d moved? What if he never saw her again?
    A sheen of cold sweat suddenly beaded across his forehead. It was panic, pure and simple.
    God. He’d waited too long.
    He glanced around the room, his stomach in knots, and then immediately the panic receded. There she was, on the other side of the room! He’d recognize those long legs and that topknot of chocolate-brown hair anywhere. He stared ather back, willing her to turn, and then when she did, every thought in his head just stopped. Everything about her was the same—just as he’d remembered, just as he’d dreamed—except for the fact that she was obviously pregnant.
    â€œLord Almighty,” he muttered as his bones turned to mush.
    He thought back to that night and of the countless times they’d made love. He hadn’t used protection, which was careless, of course. But it wasn’t as if he’d planned on having sex. And he’d just assumed that she was protected. Women her age knew the score. It wasn’t as if she’d been a virgin, and she’d been damned willing.
    Then reason surfaced. What the hell was he thinking? Just because he’d spent the night in her bed didn’t mean he was the only one who had. For all he knew, he was just one of many. But the moment he thought it, he knew that he was wrong. He’d known plenty of easy women, and Marilee Cash just hadn’t come across that way.
    All of a sudden another thought hit. What the hell was wrong with him? Six months had come and gone. Hell, she was probably married. And the moment he thought it, he groaned. He didn’t want her married. He didn’t want her coming apart in someone else’s arms.
    So, since when does what you want matter in her life? You had your chance, buddy. You walked out without so much as a “thank you, ma’am.” She doesn’t owe you anything, especially allegiance.
    But the pep talk he gave himself didn’t help. He watched her from across the room, trying to see if she was wearing a wedding ring, but he couldn’t tell.
    And then his waitress came back. He actually found himself wanting to duck when she swung the glass of iced tea through the air before plunking it down at his place.
    â€œKnow what you want yet?” she asked.
    â€œYeah. Some consideration would be nice,” he muttered.
    â€œYou have to give it before you receive it, buddy.”
    His eyes narrowed as he studied her face. Something told him that there was more than a bad attitude under the little waitress’s