What a Man Needs by Patricia Thayer Page B

from his embrace and walked out of the barn. She had to get away from this man…and soon.
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    That evening, Cynthia decided she deserved a treat, so she headed for the swimming pool at theclinic. She loved their water aerobics class. It was the best workout and she stayed clean. After changing into her street clothes, she was headed to Dr. Richie’s seven o’clock seminar. She hoped to see Kelly there, too. Her sister didn’t think much of the doctor’s weight-loss plan, but went along. Cynthia liked being here because everyone was so positive and friendly, and after three days with Patrick Tanner, she needed her self-esteem boosted.
    It was Dr. Richie who greeted her as she came into the auditorium. “Ms. Reynolds,” he called to her.
    Cynthia usually hated being recognized, but Dr. Richie was different. His books and tapes had helped her be more comfortable with who she was. And in this clinic, she felt safe from judgmental people.
    She greeted him with a smile. “It’s good to see you, Doctor.”
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    Daniel O’Callahan watched the two from across the hospital atrium. He couldn’t believe it was the beautiful actress Cynthia Reynolds. Wait until he told his grandmother. Maybe he could get an autograph.
    He moved across the room just as the couple exchanged a handshake. The distinguished, gray-haired gentleman said goodbye.
    â€œGoodbye, Dr. Richie,” Cynthia Reynolds said with a smile. Then she turned to Daniel. “Hello.”
    He nearly swallowed his tongue. “Hi. I hate to bother you, Ms. Reynolds, but my grandmother is a patient here in the hospital and she loves all your movies. If it’s not too much trouble, do you think I could get an autograph?”
    â€œOf course. It’s no trouble at all,” she said. She took a notepad from the table and scrabbled on it. “I hope she feels better soon.”
    â€œI’m sure this will help.”
    She smiled again and walked away. He followed her departure, a little surprised over her friendliness. A lot of movie stars avoided people. He glanced around the hospital waiting area, noticing that since he’d been spending a lot of time at Portland General for his grandmother, he’d been noticing that most everyone had been friendly. And not just to him, but to each other. Not just friendly hugs, either, but continuous touching and kissing. He’d noticed several other couples in the halls acting the same way.
    Was something going on, or was it just the cop in him that made him suspicious?

Six
    W here the hell had Cyndi gone?
    Patrick paced his bedroom. The large room had once belonged to his parents, but for the past ten years, and after an extensive remodeling, he’d claimed it as his.
    The walls were a golden tan and the woodwork trimmed in an off-white. The honey hardwood floors were bare except for a scattering of plush area rugs. His king-size bed was covered with a navy comforter and deep green pillows. A connecting bath gave him all the privacy he’d once needed in a houseful of women.
    What once had been his private retreat now was anything but, since Cynthia Reynolds had invaded his home…his life.
    And yet, he had no claim on her…so why should he let the fact that she’d gone into town bother him? If she wanted to find male companionship, he couldn’t stop her. He sure as hell didn’t have time to play games, to cater to her needs.
    Cyndi was only a resource to help him get closer to his dream. She was paying him generously to teach her to ride a horse. Nothing else. Just because they’d spent one night together didn’t mean that he had any say about her actions.
    Damn. He hated that she could stir him up like this. He glanced at the clock. It was after eleven and he suddenly realized there might be a totally different scenario. What if she’d been in an accident, or worse, and needed help?
    He hurried from the room and down the stairs,