The Halo Effect (Cupid Chronicles) by Shauna Allen Read Free Book Online

truly overwhelmed. The streetlight cast an eerie shadow in the twilight, making him appear even more menacing as he studied her eyes.
    She nodded. “My car died.” She stepped away from the bumper. “It’s been acting up today. I’m sorry I’m in your way.”
    The way his eyes took her in—almost as if he knew her intimately—made heat begin to rise in her body and she was thankful for the cloaking semi-darkness. Then, in one smooth, subtle movement, he checked the large, leather-banded watch on his wrist.
    “I’ve got to get to work,” he said. “Get in.”
    “Excuse me?”
    He tilted his head toward her car. “Get in and steer.” He stepped off the curb until he was mere inches from her. He looked down into her eyes and she could feel the heat radiating off of him. “I’ll push.”
    She sucked in a breath and nodded. “Okay.” She slid out from between him and the car and ducked into the driver’s seat. She shifted to neutral, gripped the steering wheel with shaking hands, and peeked up into the rearview mirror. She caught a glimpse of him as he adjusted his grip and prepared to push her and all she could think about was how he smelled like he’d just showered.
    “Ready?” he called.
    “Ready.”
    “One. Two. Three,” he counted off before he gave the car a giant shove like it was nothing out of the ordinary for him. Slowly, she began moving until he had her pushed out of the way of his driveway.
    She applied the brakes once he got her in front of her house and jumped out. “Thank you so much!” she called out, but he was already halfway back to his truck. She ran to catch up to him. “Wait!”
    He turned around and she was caught off guard with the instant fantasy of running her fingers through that mane of hair. She really needed to get a grip. She smiled at him. “Wait. I’m sorry. I don’t want to make you late for work, but I just wanted to thank you. We haven’t met under the best of circumstances. Let me introduce myself officially.” She held out her hand. “I’m your grateful neighbor, Braelyn Campbell. And you’ve already met my son, Tristan.” She gave a small, nervous laugh remembering the night he’d come over to try and save her from a would-be burglar. She chose to ignore the near miss in the driveway.
    He stood there for a moment and she felt like a fool. It wasn’t like she was asking him on a date or anything. Why wouldn’t he take her hand? Finally, he accepted her handshake, his huge, warm hand engulfing hers. Tingles raced up and down her body at the contact.
    His black eyes were like pools of liquid mystery as he studied her. Finally, he spoke. “I’m Noble. Noble Blackfeather.”
    “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Mr. Noble Blackfeather. Have a good night at work.”
    He nodded once before climbing up into his truck. She watched him drive away and wondered what had just happened, because she was sure something had.
    Michael sat next to Ariel in the Old Tabernacle Church basement at their AA, or Angels Anonymous, meeting and grinned like a fool. This was a day that Father had made and, quite simply, he was thrilled to be on Love Detail. Of all the tasks angels could be given—Prophecy, Messaging, Crossovers, Healing, Travel Mercies . . . the list was endless—Love was, by far, the most rewarding. It was timeless.
    Their fearless leader, Gabriel, took his place at the podium once the doors had been sealed with light to begin their weekly meeting. His ancient golden eyes scanned the crowd of his brother and sister angels. “Good evening, everyone,” he said with the soothing melodious tone that always calmed the room. “Let’s get started.” He consulted the long sheet of notes before him. “Uriel.” He looked up to the thin angel with long, blond hair and wire-rimmed glasses. “How are your humans faring? Jennifer and Alan? I expect you’ve learned some lessons from your first assignment?” Gabriel smiled kindly.
    Uriel shifted uncomfortably in his