Forbidden Angel by Sandra Lea Rice Page B

us.”
    “There’s anything left to say.”
    “There is.” He pulled a chair close to hers and sat, taking her hand in his. He ran his thumb lightly over her wrist and palm.
    “Yes, Adrian asked me to assure your safe passage from England to Houston, but I didn’t plan to hide my identity from you. I was late coming aboard, and you arrived early. Each time I tried to tell you and failed, it became more and more difficult. I regret more than you know that I didn’t. You’re bright, intelligent and beautiful, and I wanted your company more than I should have. Everything, except my initial omission for being there, has been honest between us.”
    Angeline wanted to believe him.
    He lifted her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing first her wrist and then her fingertips. “Those things you told me in private have remained between us. I did not betray your confidence.”
    As her eyes filled with tears, she nodded and wrapped her fingers around his.
    “One of my men is to marry and I must return to Houston. There is so much more I would like to say, but it must wait. I know you plan to attend the party, may we talk then?”
    “I’ll look forward to it,” she answered honestly.
    Michael kissed her hand again and stood. “Until then.” He turned and strode toward the barns.
    Virginia stepped onto the veranda and took a seat across from her. “Joel told me what happened. He is very distraught at the thought of upsetting you. He has come to care deeply for you, as have I. There was no intent to mislead you, I’m certain of it.”
    “Perhaps not, but it changes nothing. I’ll still leave in a few months.” Angeline hated seeing the look of distress on Virginia’s face, but there was no reason not to be honest.
    “Please say that’s not true. We’ve had so little time together.” Virginia gestured toward her husband who waited patiently nearby. “Joel is hoping to have a word with you.” She addressed her husband. “Would you prefer I leave?”
    “No, my dear, please stay.” Joel pulled up another chair and sat down. “I offer you my most humble apologies, Angeline. Until I saw Michael in Houston, I had no idea things had gone awry and you didn’t know he was the one sent to escort you.”
    “I see. All those men, was that for protection? And when Adrian told me not to ride alone, was that also out of concern for my safety?”
    “Yes. The ranch hands and soldiers were all for your protection. As far as you riding alone, I should have thought of it myself.” Joel cleared his throat. “We meant no disrespect, Angeline. We are men who protect our women. That is all we intended.”
    Angeline sighed. “Thank you for telling me. These last months have been very difficult.”
    Still, nothing had really changed.
    Adrian should have walked away from the open window when he realized Angeline and Michael were having a private conversation, but he hadn’t. Now he suspected Michael planned to ask for her hand.
    He should allow it. Michael was a good man with much to offer any woman. But, Angeline? His Angeline? The thought made his blood run cold.
    Adrian could no longer deny he wanted her.
    Angeline stared from the coach window as they pulled into Houston. Gaslights cast a yellow glow over the storefronts and large, stately homes. The white paint and multi-paned windows of the hotel glistened, while its wide, oak door spread welcoming light onto the steps and portico through leaded glass.
    Lowering the coach window as it came to a halt, Angeline murmured, “How stunning.”
    Adrian’s gaze met hers before he opened the door and let down the steps. Unbelievably, she felt his fingers tremble as they curled around hers. As soon as her feet were safely on the ground, he released her hand and stepped back.
    “This is so lovely.” Virginia gazed around happily from the coach door. “Where is Joel?” She offered her hand to her brother, who helped her alight.
    “He’s inside making arrangements for our