by Jennae Vale
“Well, we both know that’s impossible.” Angelina took another sip of her wine.
Malcolm’s facial expression was unreadable. “Do we?”
* * *
“Perhaps we should check on her,” Richard suggested. He was still feeling guilty about what had happened the night before, and desperately wanted to talk to Angelina to explain himself. Maybe this was part of the lesson that Edna felt he needed to learn. He had never suffered a moment of guilt until recently. His reputation was not a good one, of that he was certain, but he suddenly found himself caring about other people’s thoughts and feelings. Why did he care so damn much? On some level, it had been easier when he didn’t, but now he couldn’t forget the hurt expression on Angelina’s face as she hurried from the room. He had to fix that somehow. He wanted to be back in her good graces again.
“I already did,” was Nick’s reply.
“And…”
“She’s out to dinner with Malcolm Granger.” Nick glanced at Richard as if he were waiting for an outburst.
Richard remained silent, much to his own surprise. His face, on the other hand, scowled back at Nick. “He’s dangerous, you know,” he finally said. “I don’t trust him.”
“Neither do I,” Nick agreed. “There’s nae we can do, though. I’ll continue texting with her and if she needs our help, she’ll let us know.”
Richard paced back and forth, stopping occasionally to stare moodily out the window.
“I can see ’tis going to be a long night,” Nick observed. “Richard, ye’ll be wearing a hole in the floor. Come sit.” He refilled the whiskey glasses.
Richard stood there for a moment, experiencing a number of revelations. The life he wanted was his for the taking. He could have had it all along. He had a good friend, a family that loved him and the possibility of a very good life. How could he have missed it? His ridiculous jealousy had needlessly clouded everything in his life. If only he had seen it sooner. Perhaps he could have saved himself this second trip to the future. Richard turned to see Nick observing him carefully.
“Have ye got it all figured out?” he asked, with a knowing expression.
“I think I have,” he nodded. “I think I have.”
Chapter 11
The house was in darkness, but fortunately, Angelina had her own key. She fumbled with the lock, but eventually got it open. “Hello, it’s just me!” Angelina called out, just before she found herself engulfed by two strong arms.
“Thank God you’re alright,” Richard said, as he crushed her to him.
“Richard, I can’t breathe!” Angelina gasped. He loosened his grip slightly, but continued to hold her, his warm breath caressing the top of her head. Once again, she was reminded of the power this man had over her. She wanted to sink right into him, but then she remembered he wasn’t interested in her in that way. She struggled to get away from his hold and finally freed herself. “Wow, I just had the craziest night ever.”
“Did he hurt you?’ Richard asked, his eyes fierce with worry.
“No, of course not. Besides, I can take care of myself if I have to. Don’t go getting all medieval on me,” she said.
Richard eyed her curiously. “What do you mean by that?”
“Nothing. You’re just being unnecessarily protective.” She removed her coat and set her purse down on the floor as she breezed by Richard on her way to the living room. She sat, not on the sofa, but in the oversized chair by the fire. She wasn’t going to give him the opportunity to sit next to her again. She had learned her lesson the hard way on that score. Besides, she was still feeling the effects of that hug he’d given her as she’d come inside. Once her body stopped quivering, she might be able to carry on a normal conversation, but before she could settle herself, damned if he didn’t stride over to kneel in front of her!
“Angelina, I beg your forgiveness for my behavior last night. I should never have kissed you.”
He appeared to be very sincere and Angelina swallowed uncomfortably before she responded. “I’m willing to accept some of the blame for what happened. I’ve thought about it and I was sending you signals that I wanted something to happen between us. It’s my own fault that you kissed me. And I kissed you back. I thought it was a pretty amazing kiss, but apparently you thought otherwise, so—”
“No! Of course I didn’t think otherwise,” he interrupted. “It was an amazing kiss.” He reached for her hands and she didn’t pull them away.
“So why did you get all weird on me?” She tipped her head and softened as she gazed at the first man in her life who had apologized for something she would be willing to do again at a moment’s notice.
“I don’t want to take advantage of you, Angelina. I’ll be leaving soon and I can’t take you with me.” He sounded so sad, that she almost forgot to be angry.
“Wait a minute. What makes you think that I’d want to go anywhere with you?” The annoyance in her voice had Richard sitting back on his heels. “I don’t do commitment, Richard. I’m my own woman and I don’t need a man to make my life complete. I’m not interested in being a possession – something to be tossed aside at some man’s whim. I’m an independent woman and that’s the way I like it.”
Richard was smiling warmly at her, despite her rant. “I believe that is what I enjoy the most about you, Angelina. You are a precious flower that cannot be picked, because you are strongest when your feet are firmly rooted in the ground.”
She wasn’t sure how to respond to that. “I’d like for us to be friends. Can we do that?” She asked him, but she was really asking herself. Could she just be friends with this man, who had such a strong physical presence that her knees grew weak just at the sight of him? It would be hard, but she could do it… she hoped.
“That would make me very happy. I don’t think I could stand it if you stayed angry with me.” He touched her cheek and the now-familiar heat flashed through her body, settling in the one place she was hoping it would avoid.
“Let’s get one thing straight,” she said in a raspy whisper. “Friends don’t touch each other like that.”
He pulled his hand away as if it were on fire. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to overstep my bounds yet again.”
“It’s okay. We’ll figure this out as we go.”
“Are you going to stay here tonight? It seems too late for you to drive home all alone.”
Angelina realized with a shock that Richard’s concerned face was becoming very precious to her. “I think I will, but only if you let me take the sofa.”
“I couldn’t possibly. You are a lady to be respected and that means you shall have the bedroom and I shall have the sofa.”
“You’re doing it again… getting all medieval on me. If you don’t take the bedroom, I won’t stay. That’s final.”
Richard must have known that she meant it, because he rolled his eyes and looked up at the ceiling as if seeking divine intervention. “If you insist.”
“Okay. You can go to bed now, I’m here and I’m safe. No need for you to worry about me anymore.”
* * *
No need to worry about her anymore! What was she thinking? She had no idea how dangerous Malcolm Granger might be. Richard didn’t have firsthand knowledge of the man, but he knew plenty of others just like him – men who would do whatever was necessary to get what they wanted. He himself had been one of those men, so he understood how bad this situation could become. If Angelina was what Malcolm had decided he wanted, Richard was going to do his best to ensure that he didn’t get her. He relaxed back onto the bed, still feeling guilty that Angelina was sleeping on the sofa. She’s a stubborn one. He smiled, thinking of her in that light. Yes, she was stubborn, strong willed and the most beguiling woman he had ever met – and she was perfect for him. What a mess this all was. Why couldn’t he have met her in his own time? It would be hard to leave her, but it had to be done. Damn it, he didn’t even know when that would be. He might be here for a while, which would be sheer torture for him. S
eeing her every day, hearing that sweet, sultry voice, smelling the scent of her perfume. He wasn’t sure how he’d be able to do it. He wouldn’t compromise her virtue by breaking their pact of friendship, no matter how much he wanted to.
No. This would be a test of his willpower over his more primal instincts. Again, he wondered if this was one of those lessons Edna had told him he needed to learn. If so, it was going to be the hardest one of them all.
* * *
Sleep did not come easily for Richard, nor did it last long when it did. He finally stumbled out of bed at the first sign of the morning’s light, yearning to see the woman who slept just beyond his bedroom door. The woman who was now going to be his friend. He had never been friends with a woman before, preferring bedding them, to getting to know them. He silently crept down the hall and into the living room. Angelina slept soundly on the sofa and he took the moment of opportunity to drink in her beauty. Her silken black locks were strewn across her pillow, perfectly framing her face. He fought the desperate urge to to run his fingers through them. His gaze lowered to her mouth, where her lips had formed the sweetest little pout. He wanted to kiss them. Her long eyelashes brushed the tops of her cheeks, giving her an angelic appearance. How appropriate. He might have stood there all day, watching every slight movement and listening to every soft sigh, but if she awoke and caught him, she’d surely be angry. Tearing himself away, he decided it would be better to give coffee making another try.
Remembering his lessons, Richard made a passable job of brewing the bitter black liquid. He poured a cup for himself and added cream and sugar. Very good. He smiled broadly at his victory in the kitchen. He was just about to take a seat at the breakfast bar when he heard a sleepy Angelina calling to him.
“Richard? Is that you making coffee?” She stretched, and he groaned inwardly at the sight of her languorous movements.
“Yes,” he answered. “Would you care for a cup?”
“That would be wonderful.” Angelina sat up and pulled the blanket up under her chin. “Brrr… it’s cold in here.” She grabbed the remote and pushed a button to ignite the gas fireplace. “That should help.” She smiled at him through sleepy eyes and Richard’s heart almost burst with an emotion that was quite unfamiliar to him.
Handing her a cup, he sat opposite her, watching as she took her first sip. Her lips curved upwards in a brilliant smile. “You did it. This is really good,” she praised, lifting the cup to her lips again.
“Do you think so? I did everything you taught me,” Richard responded, pleased with her approval.
Angelina nodded shyly.
The unfamiliar feeling that had overtaken him was making it hard for Richard to focus on anything but Angelina. He gave himself a mental shake and smiled warmly at her. “How are you feeling this morning, m’lady?”
She cocked an eyebrow at him. He assumed the ‘m’lady’ was responsible. “I’m fine, I slept really well. How about you?”
“I also slept well,” Richard lied.
“I have to go back to Pacifica this morning and I’ll probably meet up with you guys later at the warehouse.”
Richard was so wrapped up in the fantasy of Angelina that was playing out in his head that he didn’t hear her speak and he was startled when she raised her voice.
“Hello. Earth to Richard!”
“Oh, I’m sorry. What were you saying?” He quickly tore his gaze away from her and focused on the cup in his hand.
“I’m going home and I’ll be back later for practice.”
He didn’t feel comfortable letting her go home alone. Something in his gut was warning him that he needed to keep her close. “Angelina, I would love to see your home. Would you take me with you?” He tried his best not to look too eager.
“Sure. If you really want to go, I’d be happy to take you with me. Can you hand me my clothes from the chair?”
Richard hadn’t realized until this moment that Angelina had kept the blanket pulled up to her chin to protect her modesty, because she’d taken her clothes off to sleep. He was particularly grateful he hadn’t known, or sitting here speaking with her would have been doubly difficult. He rose and got her dress and shoes from the chair, depositing them on top of the blanket. He stood there, coffee in hand gazing down at her loveliness.
“Ahem. If you don’t mind leaving for a few minutes, I need to get dressed.”
“Oh, of course,” Richard felt like an idiot. He was certainly making a fool of himself this morning, but thankfully Angelina didn’t seem to care. “I’ll leave you then.” He backed out of the room and down the hall to his bedroom.
* * *
Could that man get any hotter? She hoped she wasn’t making a mistake taking him home with her. What harm could come from letting him see where she lived? She could introduce him to Estella and they could go for lunch at the little seaside restaurant down the road. Nothing romantic, just two friends spending the day together. It would be fine. She quickly donned the pretty black dress and strappy heels she’d worn the night before.
Nick emerged from his room and headed straight into the kitchen.
“Good morning to you, too,” she teased.
“Is it now? I’m surprised to see you here this early, and so dressed up,” Nick teased right back.
“I slept here and you know it.” Being as observant as he was, there wasn’t much Nick didn’t know, and Angelina was certain he would have heard her late arrival.
“And where did Richard sleep?” he asked, obviously working hard not to chuckle.
“In his room,” she responded indignantly.
“I see. And you? Did you sleep in there as well?”
Angelina frowned at him in response. “We’re going to my house for the day. We’ll be back for practice.”
Nick looked surprised and Angelina enjoyed the little victory. “Why aren’t you inviting me to go along?” he demanded.
“You can come if you like,” Angelina made the offer automatically, but she hoped he wouldn’t agree to it.
“I have some things to attend to,” Nick replied. “You two go and have fun. Oh and Angelina, be gentle with him.”
She was about to ask him what he meant by that remark, when Richard returned to the room, “We’re going…”
“Yes. I know. You’re going to Angelina’s house,” Nick said. “Try and be back at the warehouse by six, if you can.”
Angelina headed for the door and Richard fell into step behind her. She glanced back at Nick, as she opened the front door, and caught him as he winked and waved.
“We’re taking Jenna’s car,” she said to Richard. “Every now and again I have to take it, or the truck, so the batteries don’t die.” She led him into the garage where the truck and two cars were parked. Angelina pointed to a silver car and Richard opened the driver’s side door for her to get in. She started the car and he settled into the passenger side. “Seat belt,” she reminded him, when he didn’t put it on right away.
“Right.” He clicked the buckle into the holder.
Angelina backed the car out of the garage and headed off towards Pacifica. It was a beautiful day, sunny and crisp, and the drive down the coast wouldn’t take long. She enjoyed the panorama of the sun glistening on the water as she quietly observed Richard from the corner of her eye. He seemed enthralled by everything they passed, and acted like a man who was experiencing everything for the first time, which seemed strange. There was a great deal she wanted to know about Richard, and Angelina hoped that today she’d get her answers.
Chapter 12
As Angelina pulled onto the gravel drive beside the house, she couldn’t help thinking this might not have been the best idea she’d ever had. Having Richard seated next to her for the entire drive had been torture. In fact, she’d be glad to get out of the car and take a deep breath. It would be the first one since they’d gotten into the car.
“This is it,” Angelina said, as she stepped onto the driveway.
Richard emerged from the p
assenger side with a look of wonder upon his handsome face. He turned a full circle, and stopped again once he was facing her. He nodded his apparent approval. “You live here alone,” he stated.
“I do. Let’s go inside.” She led the way to her front door, aware that Richard was scanning the area as if he were searching for something. “Is everything okay?” she asked.
“Yes. I always like to get the lay of the land when I’m somewhere I’ve never been before.” He smiled that sweet, sexy smile of his and Angelina had to force herself to turn away and concentrate on unlocking the door. As they entered the house, Richard once again seemed as if he was searching for something, or someone.
“What exactly are you looking for?” Angelina asked, her curiosity piqued.
“As I said, I like to familiarize myself with my surroundings.”
Angelina dropped her purse on the kitchen counter and turned to find Richard standing so close she nearly bumped his chest with her nose. She stepped back and found herself up against the counter.
“I’m sorry. I’m crowding you,” Richard said, moving away. Not nearly far enough though, in Angelina’s estimation. She could still feel waves of heat emanating from his body.
“Why don’t you have a seat? Can I get you something to drink? Water? A soda?” She was nervous and hoped it didn’t come across in her voice.
“Water, thank you.” Richard exuded confidence as he wandered through her living room, examining her little knickknacks, photos and mementos. “Your home is much like you,” he observed. “I like it.”
“Here’s your water.” Angelina handed him the glass and said, “Why don’t you sit for a minute while I get changed. Then we can go for a walk along the cliff if you’d like.” She tried to be as nonchalant as possible, but she was suffering a distinctly inherent reaction to his close proximity. Her small cottage had always been plenty large enough for her, but Richard somehow made it feel tiny. As she closed the door to her bedroom she was having second thoughts about the idea to bring him home with her. What was she going to do with him all day? She knew what she’d like to do, but that wasn’t happening. They made a pact to be friends, so she’d stick to that arrangement, no matter how difficult it might be. She grimaced at the prospect. Without conscious thought, she pulled on her sexiest jeans and a t-shirt. Taking a deep breath she walked out of the bedroom and directly into the heated gaze of Richard Jefford.
