Earthbound Angels Part 1 Read Free Page A

the eye, and did not think that what was inside could be interesting too. Such women lost his interest immediately; he could not brush them off soon enough. But there was something else about her, something uncontrollable, uncontained; it was like she had so much potential for rebellion bubbling up on the inside that it could become unrestrainable once it had a chance to break free. Her feelings and thoughts registered on her lovely face like ripples on the surface of a calm lake; they emerged through her actions, in the way her hands moved, even the way she walked and carried herself. He had never seen a woman whose entire body seemed at one with her soul.
    He actually smiled when he thought of the way she'd protested when talking with Jackson. She was someone who would not take no for an answer, and had really been giving the poor man hell.
    It was a good thing he had sworn Jackson to silence regarding their agreement. He really didn't want Hollianne to direct her irritation toward him, or beg him to give in to something she wanted to happen.
    Angel or not, he knew he would have a very hard time refusing her, even as the thought crossed his mind. For some reason, he felt he would enjoy it, too. He remembered the look of sadness on her face as she sat across the road from him.
    She looked so alone, even when she was in the middle of all the chaos. He knew it was so because that was what she thought. It was what she believed.
    He wanted to protest that no one was truly alone. He was there, with her. He was there, feeling what she was feeling even when he knew nothing about her. He felt a need, a deep-seated need, to indulge her, to let her make demands on him, to make him keep giving way until all his defenses were gone.
    How could this human being make him feel this way?
    Suddenly, for the first time in years, he was looking forward to having dinner with someone. Actually, not just with someone, but with this very unusual woman. Truth be told, his usual practice was to make excuses, pretending that he had some urgent business out of town; the idea of three hours coming up with polite banalities and insincere flattery was a source of horror to him. This time, however, he knew that no pretense would be necessary.
Chapter Four
    At precisely seven, Hollianne entered The Moon Bay lobby.
    She thought that she should have confirmed where they were to meet. It had not occurred to her just how many places to eat there might be in this hotel; so far, she had found two dining rooms and a breakfast room, besides smaller suites on the first and second floors for those who wished a more exclusive and intimate setting.
    Just as she was wondering what to do next, her cell phone rang.
    “Hello.”
    “Hello, Ms. Talbot!” Erick enthusiastically greeted her. “I just realized that we neglected to settle on a place to eat.”
    Hollianne laughed.
    “Yes. I'm in the lobby now and I just realized that same thing.”
    “Great minds think alike. Look, I'm staying in the penthouse suite and I've taken the liberty of ordering room service for us. I thought that it would be easier to talk without lots of interruptions and distractions. Would you be comfortable dining in my suite?”
    Hollianne honestly wasn't sure she was comfortable with that at all. She had had enough near disasters in her life to know better than to agree to a date alone with someone. But she really did need the job and her stomach was currently reminding her that she hadn't eaten since last night.
    Well, what if he was a pervert wanting to draw you in?
    His voice did not sound like that of a pervert.
    How do you know?
    Her stomach growled.
    What choice do I really have?
    “Sure, Mr. Angell, that sounds fine. I'll be right up,” she said as she forced a smile on her face with an effort that was positively painful, while at the same time she gripped the small container inside her bag with her other hand.
    Oh well, there's always Mr. Pepper.
Chapter Five
    As Hollianne passed