When the Heart Lies Read Free

at times. He wouldn’t have to get over her if he’d wake up and think of anyone but himself for a change. She might’ve never left if he did.”
    She hunched over the table and spoke in a whisper through clenched teeth. “Things have been hard on him this year.”
    He darted his head from behind the paper. “He’s had things too damn easy lately if you ask me.”
    “I didn’t ask you.” She sighed heavily and went back to her planner. “We’re having dinner tonight with the Ericsons at the club, and we’re attending a benefit at the hospital tomorrow evening.”
    He stood to leave, but paused and turned to her, annoyed. “Wonderful. I know how important maintaining our social obligations is to you. I’ll be at the office until seven.” He folded his paper, tossed it in front of her, and left. 
    ~ ~ ~
    Kinsley stripped off her gown and headed into the shower. After a superfast one, she hurried from the bathroom, grabbed her purse, and dumped what little make-up it contained onto the dresser. Good. Her perfume was here. She pulled on a sky blue tank top and tugged on her favorite worn-out jeans, jumping up and down as she wiggled into the perfect fit. After towel-drying her hair, the natural waves fell into place, ending inches below her breast. The sunlight streaming through the small opening in the drapes highlighted the dark chestnut color, revealing an array of rich, red undertones. She spread her lips taut, covering her teeth, to create a smooth canvas to apply the rose blush lipstick and then followed with a light overlay of mascara to the lashes of her cobalt blue eyes. Once she finished preening, she slipped her feet into the comfortable leather flip-flops she tossed into her bag when she left the house. Out of habit, she peeked into the mirror and pouted her full lips. Not bad at all.
    The heavy wooden door to her room pulled open easier than expected, slamming against the wall. She stepped out smiling at random strangers and pretending the loud bang came from somewhere else. The dining and social areas were only a few feet in front of her. Breakfast was still being served. Rich aromas of coffee and baked goods filled the large room where casual guest and staff conversations lingered just below a tranquil, piped-in melody. That, and the tasteful decor, made the place resemble an upscale private club.
    She passed up everything from freshly baked croissants to made-to-order omelets. Instead, she scooped up some scrambled eggs, grabbed some toast and coffee, and looked around for a place to sit. In the far corner, she spotted an empty table for two. As she slid into her seat, a man, not too much older than she was, settled into the seat opposite her. They glanced at each other, lowered their heads, and started eating. The awkward silence was uncomfortable.
    “Kinsley,” she said, expecting him to respond with his name.
    No acknowledgement came, only the blank gaze of his compelling brown eyes with golden, starburst-patterned irises that stared from beneath fallen strands of sun-streaked hair. As far as she could tell, nothing was registering. Yet, he continued to stare. They were the type of eyes you’d want to take a second peek at. She didn’t and turned away, but not before noticing his near perfect build. A few minutes went by before he spoke and interrupted her short infatuation.
    “Jackson.” His voice was authoritative. Yet, his response was long and drawn-out as if he were distracted. Possibly, her silky, dark curls falling beneath her full breasts sidetracked him. His eyes lingered smack dab on them as he said his name. She wouldn’t be surprised if he pulled out a post-coital cigarette. If he did, he had better make it a chocolate one. His long silence and spacey introduction got to her, and she responded with an annoyed half-hearted smile. Yet, she didn’t look away. She kept willing herself to, but she never did.
    His head tilted in a pleading way, and he met her gaze.