From the Heart by Nora Roberts Page B

indicated for the doctor to break. “Kasey’s giving me everything I need, and more. I’m finding the store of knowledge in that strange brain of hers incredible.”
    â€œThat’s precisely the point.” Harry broke and frowned. “She is strange.”
    â€œPerhaps it’s the rest of us who are strange,” Jordan murmured. Since she had walked into his life, he was no longer certain. “In any case, she knows her field like most people know the alphabet.” He moved into position for a shot. “I’d never be able to get the depth I want without her.” He shot, made his ball and moved into the next position. “What’s more, she’s the most intriguing woman I’ve ever met.”
    â€œYou’re not getting personally involved with her?”
    â€œI’m doing my damnedest.” Jordan frowned as the five ball missed the pocket.
    â€œJordan, a personal involvement with her could interfere with your work. I told you before when I read your outline, it’s Pulitzer potential. You already have the reputation.”
    â€œIt might be wiser to finish the book before we start thinking about Pulitzers. Your shot, Harry,” Jordan reminded him.
    Harry made two balls and missed a third. As he shot, he thought over his next words carefully. “Jordan, I had noticed you’d been a bit restless lately. I was going to suggest a vacation when the book was finished.”
    Jordan grinned and leaned over the table. He positioned his cue. “Are you trying to protect me from Kasey, Harry?”
    â€œI wouldn’t put it that way—exactly.” Harry blustered and leaned against his stick. “I realize Miss Wyatt is quite attractive, in a rather unusual fashion. She’s also unsettling.”
    â€œ Hmm. Unsettling, ” Jordan murmured. “She does take over. There’s nothing I could do about it if I was sure I wanted to. The one thing I am sure of is that she’s opened a few doors for me I hadn’t known I had closed.”
    â€œYou’re not becoming emotionally . . .” Harry searched around for the proper phrase. “Entangled?”
    â€œAm I in love with her?” Jordan frowned. He sunk the nine ball and scratched. “I haven’t the faintest idea. I know I want her.”
    â€œMy dear boy,” Harry began, “sex is . . .” He faltered and cleared his throat.
    â€œYes?” Jordan prompted, failing to suppress a grin.
    â€œA necessary part of life,” Harry finished stiffly.
    â€œHarry, you surprise me.” His grin widened. “Your shot.”
    Both men glanced over as the door burst open.
    â€œGod, Jordan, you really should post road maps.” Kasey strolled in carrying a thick book. “I’ve never seen so many corridors. Your book, Dr. Rhodes.” She set it on a table and blew her bangs from her eyes. “Have I trod on sacred ground?”
    Jordan leaned on his stick. Why was it that a room seemedto come to life when she walked into it? “Would it matter?” he asked her and smiled.
    â€œOf course not. I’m always treading on sacred ground. Can I have a drink?”
    â€œVermouth? I haven’t stocked tequila down here.”
    â€œYes, thanks.” She was already involved with a survey of the room.
    It was large and open with a gratifying absence of silks or brocades. The wood-planked floor she had imagined in the parlor was in evidence, and there were simple bamboo shades at the windows. It was scrupulously clean, but there were signs of living. A fat candle had been burnt down halfway in its pewter holder. A collection of record albums were stacked on a shelf, one or two of them at odd angles.
    â€œI like this room,” she said and walked to a glass table that held a few pieces of primitive pottery. “Very much,” she added as she turned to accept the glass of vermouth from Jordan. “Thank