Blood of the Rainbow by Shelia Chapman Read Free Book Online

I was going to say?”
    Sara swallowed the lump in her throat. “That… that you… don’t want… that you’ve had time to think and…” This isn’t getting me anywhere. She couldn’t hold the tears back, or keep the quaver from her voice. “That you don’t want to see me anymore!” she blurted out.
    Jared smiled into her eyes. “I was going to say, your song was beautiful, but I hope it isn’t about me. If it is, then I haven’t made my feelings clear. Sara… I can’t bear to leave you.”
    Sara didn’t know what to say. She didn’t know what to do, or how to feel. She stared into his eyes, hoping some moment of inspiration would come out of the blue, and eliminate her doubts. How was she supposed to behave? How was she supposed to feel? Should she thrust herself into his arms, and kiss him? Where was her silent muse when she needed her?
    There was a long pause, while Jared patiently waited for Sara to find her voice. When she did, it was a loud whisper. She kept her head lowered, and wouldn’t make eye contact with him. “I’m scared Jared….”
    Putting his index finger under her chin, Jared slowly lifted it until their eyes met again. It wasn’t easy for Sara to hide her feelings from Jared. It was as if he was already a part of her. His penetrating gaze saw right through to her heart.
    He was surprised and hurt. “Scared? Of what - me? Of what I just said?”
    Sara sighed and sniffed. “I’m a little confused, and overwhelmed. I don’t think I’m in control of my feelings anymore. I’m starting to think I’m part of some elaborate plan that’s been weaving my life, and pushing me in this direction – pushing me closer… to you. I’m not sure I know how to take this.” She sighed. Sara desperately wanted to look away. She needed to focus. She needed to find clarity.
    Jared wouldn’t let her look away. He kept staring into her eyes, waiting, giving her his undivided attention. Reluctantly, Sara continued. “I’ve lived my life, mostly on absolutions, and logic. What’s been going on between us, well… it doesn’t fall under any of those categories.”
    Jared’s eyes went dark, serious, filled with sorrow. “Am I… moving too fast for you Sara? Do you want me… to back off?”
    “No!” Sara almost shouted. “I don’t want you to back off, and that’s what scares me. I’m afraid I’ve reached a point of no return, and if this ends… if we end, I’m headed for one hell of a fall. If I’ve been living in a fantasy world… I’m afraid it won’t end like Cinderella.”
    Jared smiled, and his mood changed. “It’s not a fantasy Sara – it’s real. I spent the last two hours, cleaning my office. My desk is spotless. My office is spotless, and my secretary has nothing to do. She thinks I’ve gone mad. It isn’t normal for me to clean my desk or my office, but I had to find something to do. Then, about half an hour ago, I started feeling so lost and empty. If I’d given in to that feeling, I would have started crying. I could think of only one thing, that would make me feel that way, and it was you. I had to know you were all right.”
    Jared stroked her hair, and then continued. “I left the office, and I couldn’t get home fast enough. I showered and dressed so fast, I’m not even sure if my socks match. All I was thinking about was getting to you… holding you in my arms, and scaring away whatever it was that had made you feel this way. I jumped on my bike and rushed straight over here. I know I’m early, but I just couldn’t stand being away from you another second.”
    He brushed the back of his fingers across her cheek. “What do I find when I get here?” He took her hands, lifting her to her feet. “Come here,” he said, drawing her to him, and holding her. He kissed her neck and buried his head in her hair. “I’ve missed you Sara. I know it’s only been hours since we were together, but I’ve missed you!”
    “I’ve missed you too, and I