Bella's Choice Read Free Page B

them to break the gaze they had been sharing for a few minutes, though they were still very much aware of each other.
    “Something to drink, Aldrich? Here is your orange juice, Anabella.”
    Both reached out, Anabella taking the orange juice, and Aldrich the drink offered to him.
    “Thanks, sir. Can I help with the tray?” Aldrich offered.
    “It’s fine,” he replied, placing the tray in the hands of his son who had just joined them.
    “This is a girl to watch on TV tomorrow, Aldrich,” Mr. Richter said proudly.
    Anabella couldn’t help but blush; she was never one for much attention.
    “Tomorrow, she will bring a gold medal or two back for swimming. As a community, we are very proud of her accomplishments.” Admiration was evident on Mr. Richter’s face when he looked at her.
    For a moment, Anabella thought about her parents, who didn’t care or ever speak to her in the same manner as Mr. Richter. They never gave her any attention. As parents, they missed it completely. For a fleeting moment, a sad look appeared in her eyes, a look that Aldrich didn’t miss before the sparkle returned.
    Aldrich wondered what could have upset this vibrant girl. The air around her was filled with energy and excitement; so why then the brief sadness? He knew very little about her, but he wanted to be the one who could wipe that sadness away. He wanted to know more.
    “Thanks, Mr. Richter, you are very kind. Now I know I have to bring back the gold medal,” Anabella replied softly, the blush still on her cheeks. She could feel Aldrich’s gaze and looked away, hoping to find Monica somewhere in the room. However, she was nowhere to be seen.
    “I only say it because it is true, Anabella. You have worked hard.”
    “Thank you, sir.” She accepted the praise, taking a sip of her orange juice in an attempt to swallow past the lump in her throat.
    “It is a lovely evening, spring is in the air; I can smell it. Let’s go outdoors, tables and chairs have already been put outside. Make yourselves comfortable and enjoy the evening,” Mr. Richter said to the group.
    “I know I will enjoy the evening,” said Aldrich, and he looked down at Anabella.
    A pleased look appeared in those big, blue eyes as she spoke to Mr. Richter. “Thanks again, sir.”
    Anabella looked up to find Aldrich’s gaze on her. A delighted chill ran down her spine. His words had sounded like a promise of enjoyment―only meant for her.
    Mr. Richter chuckled, adding playfully, “Enjoy, you two.”
    Aldrich grinned with delight, taking a sip of his drink.
    The blush on her fa ce said it all.
     

Chapter Two
     
    E veryone turned and made their way out to the patio. Aldrich and Anabella found themselves at the back of the group, waiting patiently for them to go through the patio doors. He moved forward, pressing against her. His body heat surrounded her and Anabella could pick up his cologne; spicy with a hint of sea breeze. She inhaled with pleasure, fully aware of the man directly behind her.
    Aldrich himself found it hard to think of anything else for some reason. He was attracted to the young girl. It was just not his style to be interested in a mere child, but she intrigued him. Her innocence was a thing of beauty. There was also something else, a sadness she carefully hid from everyone, but it drew him to her.
    He wanted to shield her, his hands almost reaching to touch her and hold her safe. The last time he felt this kind of protectiveness was when he’d been married all those years ago. Since then, he hadn’t felt it with any other woman. She was a young girl trapped in a woman’s body, with no idea of where she belonged.
    Instead of giving in to the need to touch her, he bent over and asked in a low voice, “How old are you?”
    “Eighteen.” She was self-assured but careful. She turned and saw his lips up close and wondered how they would taste. As he talked, a mere thought flashed through her mind, images of other lips throwing kisses her way