Jen_C’s Reviews > The Passion of Patrick MacNeill > Status Update

“Then, what am I? Somebody you sleep with, your girlfriend, what?” He jerked his head impatiently. “I don’t do labels, Kate. You don’t need one.” But she did. Oh, she did. If not a label, then at least some assurance that he regarded her as more than a convenience. Her heart tore. She staunched the internal bleeding and went on. She had to, for Jack’s sake.

She stood in the doorway with her arms folded and her eyes glittering in her white face. Tears? Guilt punched him in the chest. Had he done that? Left her hurt and defenseless? “I’m sure this will come as a shock to you, flyboy, but not every woman is secretly thrilled by the Neanderthal act.”

He didn’t have involvements. He was the marrying kind. He’d never been tempted to cheapen the memory of his marriage with a succession of one night stands. Semper fi was the Marine motto. Always faithful. And he had held true, first to his wife and his vows, and later to his grief. He’d had Holly, and then he’d had… Nothing.

A gust of tenderness loosened the knot in his chest. She had to want this, he thought. If he wasn’t coming to her with a whole heart and total commitment, he had to be certain at least that she wanted him the way he ached for her.

“You know, honey,” Patrick said slowly, and now she could plainly hear his smile, “if this thing between us is going to take off, you’ve got to get over this habit of being right all the time.” “Is that yes?” she asked cautiously. “That is yes and thank-you-very-much.” “Well.” She exhaled, relief. All right.”

“We got along too well, and you know it.” “Lighten up, Kate. It was just a kiss.” “Like a subdural hematoma is just a bruise.” His eyes gleamed. “Don’t get medical on me now.” “I don’t know any other way to be. I’m a doctor.” “And kissing me makes you less of a doctor?” She wasn’t sure.

He kissed her. It was over before she could say if she liked it, before she had time to react. He lifted his head, and she felt the absence of his mouth more keenly than she had felt its pressure a moment before. “Well?” She lifted her chin. She had to, to meet his gaze. “Well, what?” His firm, well-shaped lips curved at the corners. “Are you going to object?”

It was true, what she’d told Patrick MacNeill. She wasn’t free to pursue emotional involvements. For one thing, she didn’t have the time. But it was more than that. Face it, Katie Sue. You’re a bust at personal relationships. She should remember that the next time she was tempted to get involved with appealing little Jack MacNeill or his sexy father.

“You hold on, Iron Man. Daddy’s here. I love you. It’s been a tough day, huh? Maybe you should get some sleep now.” And before the door closed, she heard the man singing a rough lullaby in a soft, deep baritone voice. “Hush, little baby, don’t say a word, Daddy’s gonna buy you a mockingbird…”