Deception of the Heart (27 page)

She was silent, too stunned to say anything. All she could do was
listen, taking in his words, and let the tiny tendrils of hope in her heart unfurl just enough to make sure they were still alive.

‘
But I can’t say I am not glad we met the way we did,’ he continued, his voice stronger. ‘It was better than not meeting you at all. It was a beginning, though not a perfect one.’ He lifted his fingers and stroked her hair, his hand shaking ever so slightly. ‘You have every right to reject me; don’t think I don’t know that. I betrayed you and what we had, even though it was the last thing I wanted to do. After we made love, I wanted to sweep you off your feet and take you somewhere far away from this mess. I didn’t want you to be involved, let alone know what I did. But I couldn’t do that because of Daniel…’

She had to say something,
or she would start crying. She felt the stubborn tears in her throat, forcing their way to her eyes and blinding her.

‘I am getting tired of what I do for my living
.’ Jon shook his head, still refusing to let her go. ‘I can’t spend the rest of my life regretting what happened in these last few days. I know if I let you disappear, that is what will happen. So I have to try to make you understand, even though it’s a long shot.’

‘You barely know me,’ she whispered, unable to
stay silent any longer. ‘Maybe we are meant to just pass each other, Jon. Maybe this is the only way.’

‘I don’t think so
.’ He looked at her with such tenderness she fell silent, not trusting her voice not to give her away. ‘And deep down, I am pretty sure you know that too. As corny as it will sound, from the moment I saw your picture, I knew you were meant to be in my life, Melanie. I wasn’t sure how and why, but I knew I was looking at the love of my life.’

‘
We’ve spent only a few days together. That hardly counts as a lifetime.’ She tried to be practical, resisting the urge to fall into his arms and let things happen. ‘We might positively hate each other after a while, who knows?’

‘Hardly possible
.’ He laughed, gathering her even closer and kissing the top of her head. ‘But if needed, I can give you a written declaration I’d stop pestering you if you had enough of me. All I ask for is a second chance to start it properly. I know that’s asking for a lot.’ He grew serious, his eyes insistent. ‘Let me show you what I mean. Just a shot at happiness with you, that is all. We can take it as slow as you want, Melanie. Our relationship started at what should have been the long awaited point, I admit. Let’s try doing it right this time, step after step.’

He didn’t wait for her answer.
He kissed her, his lips soft and lingering against her mouth.

‘Just a chance,’ he whispered
when he finally lifted his head, his eyes pleading. ‘I promise to do my best to live up to your wish at the fountain.’

He remembered. And so did she. In what seemed like another lifetime, she
had made her wish to get closer to him. Now she had the chance. He’d caused her pain, and he’d lied to her. But he didn’t do it for his own gain. His reasons were as noble as they could get, given the circumstances.

There was no need to torture
herself. She decided to allow herself to believe that her wish could come true, that they could go back to that sun-filled moment where everything was possible. She let herself think that all the misery and horror of the last twenty-four hours could be wiped away, making space for the future. Not forgotten or ignored, but forgiven and put aside as they tried again. It would not be an easy path. Problems needed to be sorted out and questions answered. Still, she wanted to try. Her heart had already been lost to this tall, mysterious man with onyx eyes.

And if they were lucky
, they might one day send their grandchildren to throw a penny into the same fountain that brought them together.

So she looked at him, the first proper smile since last night finding its way to her lips. She didn’t have to speak. He understood, his own eyes glowin
g with an intense joy that mirrored her feelings.

‘Thank you,’ he said simply, kissing her again, his lips reverent against her skin. ‘
Thank you for letting me be whole again.’

‘You’re welcome,’ she murmured before she kissed him back, his low laughter the last sound until their lips met again.

She was ready to take this chance. Her hands found their way into his hair, and she enjoyed the silky sensation. Ready as she would ever be. And she couldn’t wait to start.

                                                ……………………………
………

If you enjoyed ‘Deception of the Heart’ you might also like other books by Ellen:

‘Close Your Eyes’

‘Italian Charade’

‘Working Arrangements’

‘Net of Lies’

‘Under Cover of Love’

‘The Next Step’

‘A Second Chance’

‘Tomorrow Will Be Too Late’

‘Shadow of Love’ 

James McMaster knows exactly what he wants.

His mentor and best friend, Steve
Masden, died twelve years ago, his suicide shocking and unexpected.

Now James has been given the opportunity to avenge his friend’s death, a twist of fate putting into his path those responsible for the tragedy. Determined, powerful, and unwavering in his quest for justice, James has no doubts about his course of action. The three women who betrayed Steve and brought him to his knees will pay for his death in the only currency they understand.

James’s cold-blooded plan is working well until the moment he meets Emily Beggins, Steve’s stepdaughter. Could this dark-haired, brown-eyed girl with the sad smile manage the impossible and jeopardize his infallible plan for her family?

Emily’s life hasn’t been the same since her stepfather passed away. Running a successful restaurant business with her stepmom and stepsister can’t silence her conscience. The ugly secret haunts her each and every day.

Her fatal attraction to James McMaster is just the beginning of her problems. He’s engaged to her stepsister, and deep down, Emily knows that something hides behind his cool, impeccable façade. Something that will change her family’s life forever…

Available in Kindle Store
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