What a Man Needs by Patricia Thayer Page A

car pulled up into the driveway, and Kelly Reynolds climbed out. “Speaking of opportunities…” Forest smiled. “I would never pass up a pretty blonde. Brains and beauty are a great combination.” He pushed away from the fence. “I think I’ll go greet our visitor.”
    Amazed, Patrick watched as Forest strolled off toward the expensive sedan and the attractive lawyer. The man had a slow, deliberate walk, taking his time to reach Kelly Reynolds. Forest had a way with people. He put them at ease with his friendliness, and by Kelly’s reaction, she wasn’t immune, either. Forest took her hand and after a few minutes he had her laughing. They were walking toward him when Patrick heard Kevin’s warning yell. He turned back in time to see Cyndi sitting in the dirt holding her leg.
    Patrick hopped the fence and was beside her immediately. “You okay?” Then before she could answer, he looked at Kevin. “What the hell happened?”
    Cynthia couldn’t believe it when she looked up and saw Patrick. “It’s nothing,” she said, her leg stinging. “Spirit and I were just getting to know each other and he got a little too playful and kicked me.”
    Kevin knelt down beside her. “I’m sorry, Cyndi. Spirit has a habit of playing a little rough.”
    â€œAnd if you knew that, why did you let Cyndi handle him? She’s not used to being around horses.”
    Kevin’s face flushed and Cynthia felt bad. “It was my fault, Patrick. Kevin warned me that Spirit kicked, but I got cocky.”
    Patrick wasn’t paying attention to her explanation. He pushed up her pant leg, exposing her boot.
    â€œSee, my leg was protected by my boot.” Her leg hurt some, but she was more embarrassed when she looked up and saw Kelly and Forest running across the corral.
    She pushed Patrick’s hands away from her leg. “I’m fine. Just help me up.”
    His blue eyes locked with hers. “I want to check you out.”
    She doubted he meant his words to sound so suggestive, but they did. She shook away the thought. “I’m capable of doing it myself. Just give me a hand up.”
    Finally Patrick stood and held out a hand. Cyndi was on her feet just as her sister got to her.
    â€œCyndi, what happened?”
    â€œNothing. I’m okay.” She walked around, letting everyone see she was fine. Then she looked for Kevin and the colt, but they were gone. “Where is Kevin?”
    â€œHe’s finishing his chores,” Patrick said.
    â€œBut I want to talk to him.” Cyndi started off toward the barn.
    Her sister chased after her. “Cyndi, maybe you should go up to the house. Look at you. You’re a mess.” She wrinkled her nose. “And you smell.”
    Cynthia looked at her soiled jeans and blouse, recalling her working afternoon. “Oh, I guess I do.”
    â€œWhat have you been doing?”
    Cynthia glanced over her shoulder at Patrick and Forest, who were following them. “Chores. You name it and I’ve probably done it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to see Kevin.” Her gaze met Patrick’s. “I’m going to let him know that he didn’t do anything wrong.”
    Â 
    â€œAre you trying to embarrass me?” Nora asked Patrick as she paced angrily in front of the desk. The knotty-pine-paneled office had been his sanctuary over the years. A place he could go to be alone, to organize his thoughts and have some peace from a houseful of females. The room had been off-limits, but his sisters had ignored that rule and had come in when they needed to talk with their big brother.
    â€œCynthia Reynolds is my boss’s sister, not to mention an award-winning actress.” Nora suddenly stopped. “I did this for you. I thought you’d be happy with the extra money to help with the vineyard.”
    Patrick was beginning to wonder if it was worth it. An hour ago,