Out of Exile Read Free Page A

hair and twirled it around her finger. “To be honest I didn’t know what to expect. We haven’t exactly stayed in touch, and I wasn’t sure how you might react.”
    She was right. Many years had passed sincethey’d spoken or had any contact. She had no idea what kind of man he’d become, just as he had little idea of the woman she’d become.
    â€œHow long are you going to be here?” he asked. “Hasn’t school started in Dallas?” The last thing he’d heard was that she was a high school counselor.
    â€œYes, but I decided to take a year off.” Her gaze slid away from his.
    â€œReally? Why?”
    She shrugged. “I just decided I needed a little break.”
    She walked over to one of the other stalls and reached out to pet the mare confined there.
    Matthew watched her. He had a feeling there was more to the story, but told himself it was none of his business. She was none of his business.
    Still, he had to admit to himself that she was as pretty as she’d been at sixteen…even prettier. She was still slender, but with curves in the right places. Her hair wasn’t as long as it had been years ago, but it still framed her face with glossy darkness, a perfect foil for her startling blue eyes.
    â€œYou never married.” It was a statement, not a question.
    She turned to look at him once again. “Neither have you,” she countered.
    â€œThat’s right. And I never intend to marry.” Matthew knew well the reasons why he would never bind himself to a woman. “I like living my life alone. What about you?”
    She gave the horse a final pat. “For the most part I’m comfortable alone. I’ve never felt the need formarriage. I think there are just some people who aren’t cut out for the institution.” She grinned. “And no, I’m not gay.”
    He blinked in surprise. “That didn’t even cross my mind.”
    â€œYou’d be surprised how many men discover I’m thirty-five and never been married and just assume it must be because I’m gay, or at the very least highly dysfunctional in some way or another. There are times it gets quite irritating.”
    He felt a grudging grin curve his mouth. Even as a young woman she’d been in touch with her emotions and had no problems verbalizing them. He’d always admired that about her.
    â€œSo how long are you planning on staying?” he repeated as they headed for the stable door.
    â€œA week, maybe two if that’s all right with you. I’d like to see Aunt Clara settled in.” She grinned, the infectious smile he remembered from their youth. “But don’t worry, Matthew. I’m a big girl now. I don’t expect you to squire me around on this visit. I’m perfectly capable of entertaining myself.”
    They both halted as the door to the stables opened and Jacob Tilley walked in. “Jacob!” Matthew said in surprise.
    He hadn’t seen Jacob since six months ago when Jacob’s father, Walter Tilley had been sent away to prison.
    â€œI’m sorry to interrupt, Matthew,” Jacob said. “One of your men told me you were out here and I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time.”
    Matthew turned to Lilly. “Jacob, this is Lilliana Winstead.”
    â€œYes, I remember you,” Jacob said and held his hand out to her. “You used to visit in the summers.”
    â€œThat’s right,” Lilly replied. “And you used to come with your father when he’d have a meeting with Adam.” She shook his hand, then stepped back from them. “I’ll just get out of here and give you two some privacy.” Without a backward glance she left the stables.
    â€œPretty, isn’t she?” Jacob observed when she had gone.
    â€œShe’s all right. What can I do for you, Jacob?” Matthew asked, curious as to why this man would show his face around