Heaven's Gift aka Kiss of an Angel
Janelle Denison
Trying to discover the truth about the beautiful woman who had nursed him back to health, J. T. Rafferty doggedly searches for clues to Caitlan Daniel's mysterious and independent ways.
Janelle Denison
Heaven's Gift aka Kiss of an Angel
A book in the Angel's Touch series, 1995
Prologue
Amanda Hamilton slipped into the viewing room and smiled at her angel Superior. "I'm ready to be sent back to earth for my next mission, Mary."
"Good." Mary motioned Amanda to the viewing portal, which enabled the Superiors to observe occurrences on earth. "We seem to be short on guardian angels today, and of course nothing is going as planned. It seems He has made some adjustments in our schedule."
"Where will I go?" Amanda asked.
"You're to become a guardian angel to that little boy."
Before the crisp images could materialize in the portal, Christopher, another Superior, barged into the viewing room. "Excuse me, Mary," he cut in breathlessly, "but an emergency has arisen."
Mary frowned at the interruption. "What is it, Christopher?"
"It's John Thomas Rafferty. His life is in jeopardy."
The familiar name caught Amanda's attention, and she listened to their conversation with sudden interest.
"J.T.? Oh, my, that does present a problem." Mary's delicate brows furrowed in dismay. "Things are progressing with him faster than we expected."
"Yes, and we need to get a guardian to him immediately. Look." With a wave of his hand, a scene appeared in the viewing portal.
A man sat atop his horse, working to extract a bulky pine tree blocking the flow of water down a creek. The rope running between the horn of the man's saddle and the trunk of the tree stretched taut. Grabbing the rope with gloved hands, he spoke a soft command to the horse, urging him forward. The horse snorted and labored against the heavy weight of the timber, dragging the tree parallel to the shore with the help of his rider. The rush of trapped water quickly filled the creek and surged toward the pasture.
Glancing toward the dismal sky, the man scowled at the gray, bloated clouds heading his way, a sure warning of an oncoming storm.
Amanda's breath caught in her throat as she glimpsed the face of her eternal soulmate. Mesmerized, she stepped closer to the portal, cataloguing Johnny's rough-hewn features beneath the brim of his hat. Before he returned his gaze to his chore, she caught the cold remoteness in his green eyes, a loneliness that made her ache for him.
She hadn't seen him in years-sixteen to be exact-but the rapid span of heavenly time made the tragic car accident that had claimed her life seem like only yesterday. He'd been a boy of nineteen then, working on his father's ranch, with the hard-edged promise of becoming a lean and muscular man. They'd been childhood sweethearts, deeply in love and so full of dreams and promises-until fate had interfered and sent her on to the next plateau to wait for him.
Sliding off the horse, he deftly untied the rope from the saddle, then made his way to the base of the tree, half hidden beneath the heavy underbrush lining the creek. Squatting, he loosened the knot he'd made around the trunk.
A gust of wind whipped the hat off his head, sending it tumbling across the meadow. He spared the battered Stetson a quick glance but didn't give chase. Instead, he flipped the collar of his wool coat up around his ears and continued with his task. The breeze tugged through his sable hair, rumpling it around his head.
Behind Johnny, a figure dressed in a large, bulky jacket approached, his face obscured by the hood covering his head. He held a two-by-four in his left hand. At first Amanda thought he was there to help, until he raised the board and slammed it into the back of Johnny's skull with one savage strike.
Amanda sucked in a breath as Johnny crumpled to the ground, his head falling precariously close to the rapidly rising water in the creek. "Johnny!" she gasped, unable to keep the panic from her voice. She looked up at her Superiors. "What's going on?"
"Nothing for you to worry about," Mary assured her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Christopher, send Jay to protect J.T."
Christopher shifted on his feet. "That's the problem. Jay hasn't returned from his last mission yet."
"Then send Corey."
"He, too, is unavailable."
Mary sighed tiredly and rubbed her forehead. "And I suppose Tanner is indisposed as well?"
"Yes. We can always send Jeff, but you know how he tends to get on one's nerves with his knowledge of chemistry. He's hardly fit for this mission."
As her Superiors argued over who they should send, Amanda stepped closer to the portal, her heart thudding with uncharacteristic heaviness in her chest. She watched the unidentified man administer a sharp slap to the rump of the untethered horse with the board, spooking the animal into galloping away. Then he hoisted himself up on his own chestnut, and with a vicious kick to the horse's sides he bolted away.
The cruel man intended to leave Johnny, she realized-leave him to die in the sleet storm just beginning to break. Icy rain swirled in the wind and settled over his limp body, blanketing him in a deep chill that would eventually kill him, if the water from the creek didn't rise over his head and drown him first. A weak puff of condensation from his parted lips indicated the swift drop in temperature. His breathing slowed to an alarming, comatose state. The urgent need to save Johnny swelled within Amanda.
Making a split-second decision, she whirled to face her Superiors. "Send me."
They both stared at her incredulously. Then Mary smiled softly. "That's impossible."
"You know I'll protect him well."
"Amanda," Mary said slowly, "sending you to protect your childhood sweetheart, the man you're waiting to be joined with, is a conflict of interest."
Christopher leaned close to Mary and whispered out of the corner of his mouth, "We have no one else to send and this is an emergency."
Amanda knew Mary was right. She had no business meddling in her soulmate's life, but she couldn't help wanting to be with Johnny again, if only for a little while. She'd left her mortal life so suddenly, there had been no opportunity to say good-bye to him, and it would be years yet before they were joined again. The thought of being with him, touching him, overwhelmed her. "Please assign me this mission," she pleaded.
Mary's lips pursed in disapproval. "It's too risky," she said to Christopher. "J.T. is still deeply in love with Amanda. You know his soul and Amanda's are matched for eternity and that they will be reunited after he passes from earth." She gave him a pointed look. "He's not due to join us for another fifty-two years. If Amanda botched this mission because of her feelings for J.T., we'd have to answer to our Superior. I don't think He'd be too happy to find out we've broken the heavenly law."
"In this case I would think He'd understand," Christopher countered, exasperated. "J.T. Rafferty must notdie, and without a guardian angel he will surely do just that, lying in freezing temperatures with a bleeding head wound and a concussion!"
Mary hesitated, glancing from J.T. to Amanda.
"We can suppress her memory of everything she knows of her past with him," Christopher suggested.
"I don't like this one bit. Suppressing her memory is too risky."
"We don't have a choice. We must act immediately, and Amanda is the only one available."
"Very well," Mary said on a reluctant sigh. "But she must remember nothing about her past with J.T., only that she must protect him."
Amanda listened to her Superiors, holding back the urge to object to their plan to suppress her memory. The thought of the treasured memories she'd shared with J.T. being erased, ev
en if only for a short time, alarmed her.
"It's only temporary, Amanda, until the mission is complete," Mary said, as if reading her thoughts. "Come here so we can block your memory and properly equip you for this assignment."
Amanda took a deep breath, reassuring herself that even without the recollection of her time on earth with J.T., in her heart she would always love him. He was, after all, her soulmate.
Obeying her Superior, she stood in front of Mary and closed her eyes.
The heavy weight of Mary's hand settled on her shoulder and her body tingled from head to toe, as she was supplied with the background and identity of Caitlan Daniels for her new mission.
"Hurry along," Mary said after the moment had passed. "J.T. doesn't have much time. Oh, and here is your medallion." She produced a gold chain with a shiny gold piece attached and dropped it onto Caitlan's palm. "Use it sparingly. Only in dire emergencies. You know the rules."
Caitlan nodded and slipped the chain around her neck, the warmth of the medallion nestling just above her breasts. In the next instant she was gone.
Mary looked at Christopher. "I hope we don't come to regret this decision."
"We really had no choice."
"What if she remembers him?"
Christopher gave Mary a confident look. "As long as she wears the medallion her memory will be protected. She knows better than to take off the medallion."
Mary nodded but wasn't totally convinced. A second later she let out a soft gasp, her eyes widening. "Oh, my goodness. We forgot to tell her who is trying to harm J.T.!"
Christopher smiled. "She's a smart angel. She'll figure it out."
Chapter One
"Can I take this silly blindfold off yet?"
"In a minute." Grinning at Amanda's impatience, J.T. Rafferty guided her into the line shack situated on the west end of his father's ranch property, three miles from the Circle R's main house. Wanting complete privacy for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion, he'd waited until he knew for certain the ranch hands had retired for the evening before bringing Amanda here.
She fidgeted anxiously on her sandaled feet and pleated her fingers in the pink dress she wore. Pearl buttons down the bodice added a simple elegance to the plain country dress. "Where are we, Johnny?"
"Hold your horses, Mandy, "he drawled, lighting the oil lamp by the door. Leaving her for a moment, he walked to the scarred wooden table in the middle of the small room. Holding back a chuckle at the sight of the lopsided birthday cake he'd conned his sister into making for him, he set it in the center of the table. "I know the ride out was bumpy, and this place is musty, but it'll be worth it."
"You're worth anything I have to endure," she said softly.
God, he loved her, he thought, glancing over his shoulder. His chest expanded with a sense of awe. Beautiful, spirited Amanda Hamilton was all his. From her crown of long glorious blond hair to the tips of her pink-painted toenails. From the dimple in her right cheek to the birthmark behind her left knee.
He stared at the delicate features of her face, her soft skin, and those full lips he loved to kiss. Desire stirred within him, warming his blood, and he returned his attention to the cake before he forgot the real purpose for bringing her here. Striking a match, he lit all eighteen candles, casting a soft glow about the cabin.
Stepping behind her, he slipped off the blindfold. "Happy birthday, Amanda," he whispered into her ear.
Unable to miss the blazing cake on the table, she let out a sentimental sigh. "Oh, Johnny, this is so sweet."
Turning her in his arms, he swept his hands down her back to rest at the base of her spine. "Iwanted tonight to be special."
Her deep blue eyes sparkled with adoration, and a sweet smile brushed her mouth. "It is. I have you."
He grinned. "That you do." After dropping a light kiss on her lips, he ushered her toward the table. "Make a wish, sweetheart."
She laughed, the sound light and melodious. "What do I have to wish for when I have everything I could ever want?"
Not yet, but soon, he thought. "I'm sure you can think of something."
She closed her eyes, a frown of concentration creasing her brow. A moment later a brilliant smile lit her face, dimpling her cheek. She released a deep breath of air, her lashes fluttering open. The candles sputtered and went out. "I hope my wish comes true."
"I hope so too." He placed a small square velvet box in her palm. "This is for you, Amanda. May all your dreams come true."
She looked up at him, her gaze curious.
"Go on," he urged, wishing he could calm the anxiety clenching his belly. What if this wasn't what Amanda wanted?
His heart thundered in anticipation as tentatively she opened the box and peeked inside. A diamond engagement ring, nestled within the folds of black satin, winked up at her. Her breath caught and she glanced at him, her eyes shimmering. "It's beautiful," she breathed.
Bending on one knee, he grasped her left hand. Taking the modest ring from the box and bringing it to her finger, he met her bluer-than-blue gaze and asked, "Will you marry me, Amanda Hamilton?"
Her hand trembled in his. "Are you sure?" she whispered.
"Absolutely." He knew what she was asking. They were young, had never dated anyone except each other. Lately his friends had been badgering him to break things off with Amanda so he could sow his oats before he shackled himself to just one woman. But J.T. didn't want anyone but Amanda.
"You've always been mine, Amanda, ever since you were seven and fell into the creek and I saved you from drowning."
She smiled at the memory, but he still saw the doubts lingering in her eyes. "Your cousin Randal told me you weren't ready to settle down yet."
Anger gripped him in a cold, hard fist. He hated that the rivalry between himself and Randal had touched Amanda. "He lied, Mandy. I want my future with you, "he continued, his hold on her hand tightening. "I'm not rich, you know that, but Dad gave me a raise, so you won't have to get a job. We can live at the ranch house until we can afford a place of our own. I want babies with you, and the whole works. Amanda, please," he implored. "I love you."
She touched the tips of her fingers to his jaw and slowly nodded. "Yes, John Thomas Rafferty, I'll marry you. I've loved you forever…"
His body shuddered with relief and he secured the ring on her left hand before she could change her mind. Standing, he dropped his mouth over hers, officially sealing their engagement with a deep kiss that quickly turned hot and urgent.
Lips fused, tongues mating, his hands sought the curves of her waist and hips, then moved upward, cupping the weight of her breasts. Moaning softly, she moved closer, pressing her petite form to his tall, muscular frame. The top of her head barely reached his shoulder, but what she lacked in height she more than made up for in feminine contours. And his mouth and hands knew every one of them intimately, knew just how to touch and caress her to make her melt in his arms.
J.T. grew hard against her belly, his body tingling in a familiar way that told him he wasn't far from losing his sanity and embarrassing himself. Tearing his mouth from hers, he drew in a steadying breath. "Amanda, we have to stop."
She gave him a seductive smile that did nothing to ease his predicament. "No, Johnny."
Gritting his teeth, he caught the hand skimming down his chest to the leather belt cinching his waist. "I don't know if I'll be able to hold back tonight."
"What if I don't want you to?"
He stared at her, smoothing the silky strands of hair away from her face with his free hand. Her words inflamed and aroused him; the sultry look in her eyes caused havoc with his libido. They'd fondled and petted and knew every creative approach to foreplay, but they'd never made love.
They were both virgins.
He swallowed the thickness gathering in his throat. "Mandy, we've both waited so long. Are you sure?"
She nodded, and with a shy innocence more provocative than that of a more experienced woman, she slowly slipped the pearl buttons on her bodice
through their holes. Fascinated, he watched the ever-widening gap of material reveal a cotton bra and the smooth, apricot-hued flesh of her stomach. Blood surged to his groin, straining his arousal against the fly of his jeans.
"Amanda-"
"If I'm going to marry you, there's no reason why we can't make love now," she said, her voice husky. "I've wanted you for so long. I want more than caresses and kisses." Giving her shoulders a delicate shrug, the dress slipped down her arms, over her hips, and down her legs to pool at her feet. She unhooked her bra and added it to the pile. She stood before him in nothing more than wispy panties and the moonlight from the window streaming across her skin. "I want to feel you inside me. Please, Johnny."
His mouth went dry as dust and a shudder ran the length of his body. Any good intentions he might have had to discourage her from this seduction vanished, along with his self-control. He'd seen her naked before, but the perfection of herlithe and supple body, the fullness of her breasts, the gentle flare of her hips, and the shadowed secrets between her thighs, never ceased to take his breath away.
Lifting her into his arms, he carried her to the twin bed in the corner of the shack. He took off her sandals and removed her panties. She reached for the buttons on his shirt, but he pushed her hands away, too impatient to feel skin against skin, softness against hardness, to let her help. A minute later he was as naked as she, and so powerfully aroused, he thought he'd burst before he had the luxury of being sheathed inside her.
He didn't want to hurt her, and even though his body demanded he ease his smoldering need, he took the time to prime her for his entry. Pushing her to the absolute brink of pleasure, he widened her thighs and settled his hips in that natural cove. He met immediate resistance, a blunt pressure, and she gasped, her fingers gripping his arms. Through the hazy fog enveloping his mind and the thundering pulse in his veins, he managed to murmur, "Sorry."
Heaven's Gift aka Kiss of an Angel Page 1
