Snowflake Kisses by Marianne Evans Read Free Book Online

Don’t you dare hide behind that as a means by which to avoid the issue of your heart.”
    Fast as it rose to the surface, her desire to challenge and battle ebbed. She leaned forward against the table. “Let me assure you of something. Tamara didn’t taint you. Not in the least. If anything your experience with her helped you grow into a remarkable man. After what you went through, it sounds to me like you’ve emerged into someone even more mature and caring than before. Tamara what’s-her-name might have learnt a thing or two from your example.”
    “I wish I could see it that way. I feel like I was easily manipulated and a bit daft, as you Brits might say.”
    Vanessa chuckled. “Well give yourself a gift this Christmas and let go of that idea. I promise you it’s absurd. She lied, not you. She led you on, not the other way around. Ergo, she’s the dolt. Not you.” Her hand slid softly against his once again; she happily absorbed the slightly roughened texture of his skin. There came to life a sizzle of awareness and longing at being the center of Jackson’s unwavering attention.
    “Perhaps you can come to understand something else, too,” she said. “You were governed by the very best of intentions, and you believed her worthy of your love. I say, shame on her for the way she betrayed your trust and affection.”
     
    ****
     
    The memory of Evensong services and the dinner he shared with Vanessa at Kellinger’s lingered in Jackson’s mind.
    In the days that followed, thoughts of her trailed him in an enticing, rosy mist; however, so did doubts about the wisdom of allowing himself to fall headlong into a romance so soon after being burned. Certainly the differences between Vanessa and Tamara were stark and telling, but all the same, emotion threatened to overrule sound logic.
    Gone was the level of confidence, the kind of faithful trust that would have otherwise enabled him to move freely ahead. Was that part of God’s learning curve? Part of His teaching?
    When those doubts crept in, Jackson recalled the way her eyes sparkled in a perfect reflection of her natural effervescence and spirited verve.
    Presently ensconced in a small, temporary office at the headquarters of Colby Intellilink, Jackson decided to let that image form the conclusion of his muddled thoughts for the time being. Giving full focus to the design schematic on the computer screen before him, Jackson returned to work, intending to spend a few hours working on infrastructure for the security system layout at Harrods.
    “Hello, Jax.”
    The two-word greeting blew his freshly ordered mind to smithereens. A chill coated his spine, and the blood drained from his face. How he refrained from a startled jump was beyond Jackson’s comprehension.
    Thankful that his back was turned, he schooled his features before turning to greet this thoroughly unexpected, and unwelcomed, arrival in London. He couldn’t even bring himself to stand. Rather, he swiveled his chair and acknowledged his guest with a hot, unwavering stare.
    “Tamara.”
    Her lips wavered, but she smiled. “It’s so good to see you.” She whispered the words; longing was clear in her hazel eyes—eyes that had once transfixed him. Long hair of light brown had been fashioned into a sleek braid; her ensemble was professional and stylish—a skirt, blouse, and jacket.
    At length, he had no choice but to stand and more formally acknowledge her presence. When she stepped forward, Jackson took two deliberate steps back. “Tamara, what on earth are you doing in London? Why are you here unannounced and most assuredly uninvited?”
    “I would think the answer to that question is obvious. I know you read my e-mail. I was notified when you opened it.”
    Feeling stalked, Jackson folded his arms across his chest and arched a brow, waiting in silence. She moved close once again. When her hands made contact with his chest, when she tried to slide her arms around his neck, Jackson took prompt