Chaste Kiss by Jo Barrett Read Free Book Online

her eyes and watched the man who had become her favorite companion over the last several days scan the text before him. Seated by the chamber bed, William didn't know she was awake and watching him. She admired his strong features in soft repose as he read, unlike the scowl he usually wore when she moved about the room and did things for herself. Or the roguish smile that played along his lips when she beat him at chess.
    He filled an empty spot in her life with his caring nature and charming wit. Simply put, he was her best friend, but he wasn't real in the true sense of the word. He was a ghost. A fact she had a terrible time remembering. He had no idea that a simple glance in her direction kicked her pulse rate up several notches, or put unrealistic ideas into her sexually frustrated head.
    All that aside, Isabel enjoyed his company and felt happier than she had in years. Her life was changing, and her dreams were finally coming true. All save one. But lately her desire for a husband and family wasn't as mountainous as before.
    The only dark shadow in her world other than never knowing what William's touch would be like, was the unknown man who had tried to kill her. She prayed constantly that the police would catch him before he found her.
    "You are awake, poppet. Why did you not speak?” William rose from his chair and came to the side of the bed.
    "You seemed content to read, and I didn't want to bother you."
    "You are never a bother. I value your company more than these meager words.” He smiled as he held up the book.
    "Meager? What are you reading?"
    "Shakespeare."
    She laughed then quickly gripped her side. The pain wasn't as acute, but still more than bothersome.
    "You should not laugh so, sweeting. ‘Tis not good for you."
    "Ah, but laughter is good for the soul. Just like you. You're very good for my soul."
    "I thank thee, mistress.” He presented her with his familiar courtly bow. “Are you ready for our nightly game of chess?"
    "Absolutely."
    He went to the small table across the room to retrieve the board and playing pieces, while she propped up against the pillows and smoothed out the bedspread. After carefully arranging the board atop the bed, he pulled up a chair, and they began their game. This was their time. Her uncle and Constance both assumed she slept and wouldn't check on her again until morning. By then, William would've disappeared leaving her alone again. Something she found not at all to her liking. Since her Renaissance ghost had re-entered her life, she discovered she never wanted to be without him.
    An hour later, after being sorely beaten at chess, she laid back against the pillows, her mind drifting from one place to another.
    "You did not play well this e'en. Are you feeling poorly, Isabel?"
    "No. I feel all right. I guess my mind's on other things."
    "You refer to your business venture."
    She gave half a nod. Her mind was on the stalker, but she didn't want to mention it.
    William returned the chessboard to the table. “You do not lie well, sweeting. Tell me what troubles you."
    Tears teased the corners of her eyes. Her business was a wonderful dream come true, but she was too terrified to leave Derrington Manor. How could she run a business if she couldn't even leave the house?
    Biting back the tears, she turned her face away. She despised crying, and even more so in front of William.
    He moved to the side of the bed and leaned over her. “You are upset, little one. I beg of thee, tell me what troubles you. I cannot bear to see you cry."
    "I'm afraid.” She sniffled as a lone tear tumbled over the rim of her eye.
    His hand came close to her cheek, stopping several inches from her face. She pressed her head deeper into the pillow, as far away from him as she could.
    With a sigh he pulled back. “I wish I could console you."
    "You do console me. I'll be all right.” She swiped her hands across her bandaged face and plastered on a bright smile. If he'd moved any closer, she would