Two Books in One - Ominous Love and Paradox - The Angels Are Here by Patricia Puddle Read Free Book Online Page B

Then there'll be no temptation for either of us.”
    “No!” I grab his sleeve. “I don't think that's a very good idea. Where would you go?”
    His lips press into a grim line. “Don't worry. I'll find somewhere.”
    “You can't. You have no money, credit card, or even a wallet. Have you forgotten, I found you on the beach stark naked?”
    He smirks for a second. “How can I ever forget that—to wake on a beach with a beautiful girl kissing me? You have no idea what that felt like, Eloise. I didn’t know who I was, but I was hoping you were mine.”
    “Really?” I swallow hard. My heart is breaking. I want to tell him how I fell in love with him the moment I saw him, but the words won’t come out. Instead I say, “I’ll be yours if you’ll let me.”
    “We’ll have to wait until I get my memory back before we can talk about this, Eloise. It’s not helping either of us.” He rubs his chin as if deep in thought. “It might be best if I just take off and look for work—maybe I could get a job on a farm with lodgings.”
    I shake my head. “No. What if someone recognises you and they want to harm you? You don't know if someone threw you from a ship or boat.”
    He sighs. “I know you're trying to help me, but staying here isn't an option.”
    “Why not?” I fold my arms. “If you leave, I’ll be here all alone, and according to you I won’t be safe. You keep telling me that someone might break in. Now I’m scared.”
    The corner of his mouth curves into a delicious smile. “Eloise, now that is emotional blackmail.”
    I pout. “No, it isn’t. I really am scared.”
    “Okay, you win. I'll stay until your folks get back. At least I can be here to protect you from Tom, but first thing in the morning I'm going job hunting. I'll need money so I can rent a place.”
    I hug him around the waist. “You'll get your memory back soon, and if you’re single and free we can be together.” I stare up expectantly.
    He lifts my chin with his hand. “Don't get your hopes up, Eloise. It could lead to heartbreak.”
    Frowning, I push him away. “You're just a big tease, and I asked you not to say my name.”
    “Sorry.” He holds his palms up. “How would you like to be addressed, young lady?”
    I squint at him. “You can call me Elle 'cause I hate that name.”
    He walks over to the door and holds it open. “Okay, Miss Elle. I'm now officially your body guard, and if this is to be my room for the next two weeks, I would like some privacy.”
    Grunting under my breath, I stomp out of the room, but as he closes the door behind me, I'm sure I hear him laugh. The nerve of him, and not even a sympathy kiss for my broken heart.
    The sun is starting to set behind the hills, making the house darker. I switch on the kitchen light and start to prepare dinner—not that I'm hungry, but I have to feed Seal. After all, he might need nourishment to get his memory back.
    I hear the window creak open in his room and I wonder what he's thinking. I know I'm acting like a lovesick fool, but I can't seem to help it. I slam around in the kitchen, looking for something healthy to cook. Seal must be starving by now. I grin to myself. My mother always says that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Huh, he's no man, he's just a boy—a boy too chicken to kiss a girl. I sigh. And I thought it would be wonderful to be in love, but this sucks. I don't have an appetite and I've been light-headed since the moment I laid eyes on him. I can't concentrate on anything but him. Jeez, I don't even want to chat online with my friends.
    After opening the fridge, I take out the packet of minced beef I'd left to defrost and toss it into a pot with some olive oil and herbs. As it sizzles on the stove, I wash my hands and start chopping some vegetables. Why did I go and make the first move? I don't know what came over me. I've never done anything like that before, ever. How embarrassing. No wonder Seal rejected me. He probably thinks