O'Brien's Lady - By Marsha Doss Page 0,2

lips against hers, while his strong arms held her tightly.

Sonny felt a surge of electricity and suppressed an uncontrollable urge to wrap her arms around Michael's muscular neck. Instead, she pressed her hands against his chest and turned away from the look of hunger that lurked within the darkness of his eyes. His touch awakened every part of her body and she hated him for arousing her feelings.

Michael reached out to her soul with his eyes that roamed her face and caressed her with lights of emotion. And then, just as easily as he had lifted her into his arms, he gently lowered her until her heels touched the hard ground.

Sonny searched her heart for an answer she would not receive. She had wanted Michael to kiss her in that instant when his arms were around her and she could feel the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest.

But he was just playing a silly game. A cruel game of cat and mouse and she had almost been lured into the trap. A mistake she would be careful not to repeat. Michael exuded virility and there had never been any doubt that he could attract and break a woman's heart all in the same day. No, she wouldn't be added to that long list of victims.Her hands trembled as she reached for her hat and camera that lay on the front seat. She slipped the leather strap over her shoulder and walked up the front steps to the wide double-door entry. As her hand reached for the knob, the door flew open and a smartly dressed woman of about 55 greeted her with a warm smile and outstretched arms.

"Sonny darlin'." Katy O'Brien's voice choked with emotion and her dark eyes filled with tears. "I see my nephew got you here in one piece."

"Yes, he did," Sonny answered, putting her arms around Katy. "It's so good to see you again."

"We've missed you so much. And now, with your father gone…" Katy reached into the pocket of her white skirt and promptly dabbed her eyes with a tissue.

Michael brushed past them with the luggage and then turned to Sonny.

"Need me for anything else?" he asked.

Sonny shook her head.

"Put those bags up in her bedroom, Michael, then leave us alone. We have some talk to catch up on," Katy ordered.

Katy's warm disposition filled Sonny with joy as they sat at the oak kitchen, sipping hot coffee and eating chocolate cake. For a woman who loved to cook, Sonny was surprised that Michael's aunt had kept herself so thin. Her dark hair, through which shown only a few white strands was cut in the latest short style, making her tanned face appear young and vibrant.

Katy's slight accent rolled easily off her tongue and added to her charm and personality. Katy had been like a mother to Sonny while J.B. had traveled.

"You've become a beautiful young woman," Katy was saying, as her wide smile exposed the large space between her two front teeth.

"I don't know about that, but I've learned a lot since I've been away," Sonny answered.

"So, tell me about yourself and what you've been doing." Katy's thick brows arched and she took another sip of coffee.

Katy replaced the mug to the table. "Tell me about your photography."

"I work with a designer named Pierre. He's very talented, and I've learned about the fashion industry."

"Is there something more than business here?" Katy asked nonchalantly.

Sonny felt as if she were suddenly defending herself. "Maybe. I care for him very much, and we have exciting times together."

"Then tell me dear, why I see the light dance through your eyes when my Michael walks past you? Can you answer that?" Katy smiled and winked.

Sonny shook her head. "Katy, you're a tease. Michael and I aren't even friends." She added quickly, "We never were."

"Um-hum. I know what I see. Michael hasn't settled with any one woman yet, and him goin' on twenty-nine."

Katy's words hit Sonny full force, and she felt her cheeks warm as the older woman's eyes were fixed on her. The two of them had been too close through the years for anything to be hidden and Sonny knew that her denial was not convincing Katy O'Brien.

Later that night, Sonny slumped into the blue wing-backed chair in front of the rock fireplace. The living room was just as she remembered it. Hardwood floors buffed to a high shine and thick white throw carpets beneath her bare feet.

The couch was a shade darker than the chair and lined