The Very Thought of You Read Online Free Page A

eyes. Her eyes. He loved to watch the play of emotion in Miranda’s eyes. She’d had one of the best poker faces he’d ever seen, but it was all for naught because he could tell what she was feeling when he looked into her cinnamon brown eyes. At that moment they were darker than he’d ever seen them. And if he could guess, he’d say she’d been just as effected by his presence as he was by hers.
    Finally, when the silence began to border on discomfort, he smiled. “Miranda Tyler, as I live and breathe,” Caleb said warmly.
    Her brow rose and he glimpsed the slight formation of a smile on her lips. “Dr. Blackfox, what a surprise.”
    He maneuvered around the bed. As if it were the most natural thing for him to do, he swept her into his arms for a hug. And as her arms wrapped around his sides, his body relaxed in happiness. Even after all those years, they still fit together and she felt damn good. Taking a deep breath, Caleb reluctantly pulled away; but unwilling to break the physical connection, he kept his hands on her arms. Looking down into her upturned face, he grinned. “We had an agreement before I even took the first MCAT that you would only call me doctor at a very special time.”
    Blood suffused her cheeks and she looked away. A flash of triumph shot through his veins. She hadn’t forgotten. They’d known each other since junior high school, but everything changed in college. Back home she’d been the girl next door. All it had taken was the sight of Miranda in a tight skirt to bring him to his knees. Their first date had been a smoldering fire; their first kiss blew his mind. Whenever they’d been in the room together, sparks had flown.
    â€œThat was a lifetime ago.”
    â€œBut the Miranda I knew always kept her promises.”
    She shook her head and a slight smile curved her lips upward. “I haven’t been that girl in a long time, Caleb.”
    â€œWell, although I dislike the circumstances, I’m glad you’re home. Will you be staying for a while?”
    â€œI’ll be here as long as Darren needs me.”
    â€œHe could have a pretty lengthy recovery,” he said in all seriousness. “I’m sure there’s someone waiting for you back north who won’t be happy to hear that.”
    She shrugged. “I’m on leave from work. I can be here as long as it takes for him to recover.”
    His eyes narrowed on her vague reply. As far as he could tell, Miranda had come alone. He’d taken in the lack of a wedding band the moment she’d walked into the room. That observation, coupled with her response, led him to believe that she wasn’t married or in a committed relationship. And having met her parents, he knew that if she’d had a child, she would have to have a husband. Unless…
    Caleb glanced around. A few of the nurses were milling about in the hallway and seemed particularly interested in what was going on. Without a doubt, all the hospital staff from the chief to the orderlies would know about the hug by the end of the day. The line between personal and private had been drawn long ago.
    Caleb made a point to look at his watch. “I’m due to go on a required break and was headed down to the cafeteria. Care to join me? We could catch up. The last I heard you were in New York.”
    She shook her head. “I spent a few weeks there for training, but I live in D.C. now.”
    â€œNice. I look forward to hearing about what you’ve been up to for the past couple of years.”
    â€œI’m not so sure that would be a good idea.”
    Not wanting to lose the opportunity to question her about the little girl, Caleb quickly added, “I don’t bite and I don’t carry needles. If you don’t want to talk about your personal life, then we can discuss your brother’s condition.”
    â€œOf course. I could use a cup of coffee.”
    Caleb stood close