Forbidden Read online

  She’d tried to call to let him know about her cross-country move, but of course she couldn’t reach him. She should have taken the hint.

  He was busy avoiding me. Just like he always does. Like he probably is now, if he’s even home.

  She knocked once more before turning away. At least no one could say she hadn’t tried…

  “Leah! What are you doing here?” Framed in the doorway by pale golden light, her big brother looked like some otherworldly being.

  “I came…I came…” Leah’s tongue had somehow tied itself in knots. Her heart started pounding, and her palms went damp. What was wrong with her, anyway? It didn’t matter how perfect he looked; he was still just her brother.

  Then Owen ran a hand through his hair, rumpling it up and destroying the illusion of celestial beauty. His plain green scrubs with the TGH logo stitched on one arm, completed his transformation to mere human. “You’d better come in,” he said gruffly. “You’re going to get soaked.”

  “I’m already soaked,” Leah said, brushing past him. Was it her imagination, or had he pressed his back against the doorjamb, trying not to have any contact with her when she passed by? Why was he always so touch-me-not? He hadn’t been like that when they were kids.

  She stepped into his loft and pushed her wet hair out of her eyes to look around. High ceilings made the large, open space soar, and the few pieces of furniture scattered around were black leather and obviously expensive. This was the first time she’d been in his home since he’d moved away from their parents’ house, and it looked like he had good taste. Of course, as a doctor, he could afford to.

  “Nice,” she murmured. “Very nice.”

  “So glad you approve.” He was frowning; his arms crossed over his broad, muscular chest. When she was younger, his chest had been her favorite place to lay her head when she needed comfort or affection. But now Leah couldn’t imagine a less comforting or affectionate sight than her big brother standing there, frowning down at her. “Let me repeat, what are you doing here?”

  “I moved to Tampa.” Leah had meant the words to come out bright and enthusiastic, but somehow they fell flat. But she couldn’t stop now. “James and I broke up, and I was so lonely, and I thought it would be nice to live near family, and besides, USF has an excellent doctoral program in religious folklore and legends. I couldn’t get into the program this semester on such short notice, but I’m taking a few classes, and I found a professor who will take me on as a TA, so I…” Owen was glaring at her.

  “You moved here?” His voice was thick with disbelief and displeasure.

  Leah knew she shouldn’t have expected any other reaction, but she couldn’t help the sinking feeling in her stomach. Still, she lifted her chin and stared him in the eyes. “Yes, I moved here. What, I’m not allowed to live in the same city as you?”

  “Leah, you shouldn’t even be on the same side of the country as me, let alone—” He broke off, shaking his head. “Never mind. But why didn’t you at least tell me before you made such a huge change?”

  “You mean so you could talk me out of it?” she demanded.

  “I never said that, but it’s a big decision. You should have called.”

  Suddenly all the anger she’d been bottling up came pouring out. “I tried to. I’ve been calling you over and over, but you never answer the phone or return any voice messages. Just once it would be nice if you weren’t too busy to get back to me, but I guess that’s never going to happen, is it? You’re being so busy is why you didn’t find out about Mom’s cancer until the day before she died.”

  Leah slapped a hand over her mouth. Too far. She’d gone too far. She always did when she fought with Owen, always said the most hurtful thing without thinking. “Oh God,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around herself. “Owen, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean that.”

  “No, it’s okay.” His voice was quiet and stoic, but the pain in his eyes was as sharp as a scalpel. “You’re right. I should have gotten back to you earlier. I’m the one who ought to be sorry.”

  “You don’t have to be.”

  “Yes, I do.” Owen shook his head. “You shouldn’t have had to go through that alone. It was wrong of me to make you.”

  “You were busy,” Leah said, wondering why she was making excuses for him.

  “I shouldn’t have been too busy to return your calls.”

  “I forgive you.” Leah held herself tighter, trying not to shiver. She’d been thoroughly soaked and the AC had just kicked in, blowing a gust of cold air right at her. “For that, anyway,” she added. But not for the funeral. Not for the way you looked right through me when I needed you, needed the comfort of your arms around me so badly…

  “Thank you.” Owen finally seemed to realize she was cold. “Here, get out from under the vent before you get pneumonia.” He gestured her farther into the loft, still carefully not touching her.

  “Th-thanks.” Leah sneezed into her cupped hand and then sniffled. “You have it like the Arctic in here.”

  “I like to keep it cold. You want me to get you a towel?”

  “Sure, if you don’t mind. I, uh”—Leah shifted from foot to foot—“I was kind of hoping I could stay here tonight. There’s some kind of convention in town, and all the motels around the airport were booked solid.”

  Owen gave her a wary look, as though she’d asked if she could keep an armed bomb at his house. “I don’t know…”

  “Please.” Leah didn’t like to beg, but it was late, and she didn’t know the area. “I won’t be any trouble or keep you up or anything,” she said pleadingly. “I can be out of your hair tomorrow morning as early as you like, I promise.”

  He sighed, and an expression she couldn’t interpret crossed his face. “All right. I’m sorry I was hesitant. It’s just…”

  “Just what?” Leah prompted.

  “Just nothing.” Owen glanced away. “I have a surgery tomorrow, so I have to be up early.”

  “I completely understand. I…I—Achoo!” The second sneeze caught her by surprise. “Sorry.”

  He frowned. “Let me get you that towel, and then you should probably change into some dry clothes.”

  “I’d love to if I could,” she said, trailing him across the broad open living area to a narrow hallway with just two doors. “But the stupid airline lost my luggage.”

  “Really?” He opened the first door—the bathroom—and tossed her a fluffy green towel. Leah gratefully used it to blot her dripping face and hair.

  “Would I make something like that up? I literally have nothing but the clothes on my back—not until they find my luggage or the stuff I shipped from Sacramento gets here.”

  “And when will that be?”

  Leah shrugged. “A few weeks. I told the shipping company to take its time so I’d have a chance to find a place.”

  “So you don’t even have an apartment lined up yet?” He was doing the incredulous-big-brother thing again, which really got on her nerves.

  “No, I don’t,” Leah snapped. She sneezed again and sighed. “Look, don’t worry. I’m not expecting to live here with you. I’ll find a place.”

  Owen frowned. “That might be easier said than done, especially around the USF area. The semester’s about to start; most of the apartments in the safer areas are probably taken.”

  “I’ll find something,” Leah repeated. “Since you’ve decided to let me stay here instead of casting me back out into the dark and stormy night, do you think I could take a quick shower? I’m freezing, and I think it might help me warm up.”

  His dark blue eyes flickered over her shivering frame. “You should take a bath instead. It’ll bring up your core temperature.”

  “Fine. A bath, a shower. Whatever.” Leah gestured impatiently. “Is it all right with you?”

  “Sure. Of course it is.” He stepped out of the bathroom doorway and gestured for her to go in. “Help yourself. And let me know if you need anything else.”

  “I will. Thank you,”