Wings of the Morning (Kensington Chronicles) by Lori Wick Read Free Book Online

holding the history book, she took it
    down and turned to the first chapter.
    "What every young lady should know concerning afternoon
    tea."
    "What was that, Smokey?" Jenny asked from across the
    room. Smokey realized she had spoken aloud
    "I was just looking at this book." She nearly stuttered at
    being discovered, but Buck rescued her.
    "Take it with you. Here," he approached and without
    seeming to notice the titles, swept both books from her hands.
    "I'll put them here under your sweater where you won't
    forget them. And here," Buck stopped and selected one more
    book. "This is a classic, lots of adventure on the high seas. I
    know you'll love it."
    Something in Buck's voice made Smokey's eyes fly to his
    face, but she saw nothing to hint at his knowing about her
    sailing. The urge to tell Jenny and Buck all about herself
    pressed in strongly upon her at that point, but she didn't know
    how to begin, and it wouldn't have mattered anyway. Buck no
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    51
    more set the books with her sweater than one of his servants
    announced that lunch was waiting^
    Smokey asked herself how many times she was going to
    make a fool of herself in front of this family. The meal had
    been a disaster. Buck had bowed his head to thank God for
    their meal, but before he could pray, Dallas walked in. Suddenly
    Smokey's mouth went completely dry as he sat opposite
    her and bowed his head for the prayer. Smokey didn't hear a
    word of it. She stared at the top of Dallas' head like a woman
    who'd taken leave of her senses. And that was only the beginning.
    She spilled her water twice, once into her lap and once
    across the table. She poked herself in the cheek with her fork
    when Dallas was talking because she was giving more attention
    to his wonderful smile than to what she was doing.
    Questions were directed to her throughout the meal as
    the family attempted to include her, but beyond monosyllabic
    replies, accompanied by a rather bewildered expression, she
    was mute. The meal seemed to last forever.
    Over dessert Smokey berated herself without mercy. Why
    in the world did it never occur to you that Dallas would be
    here today? He probably lives here when he's in port. He also
    probably thinks you belong in an asylum.
    "Well, I've got to be off," Dallas suddenly spoke into
    Smokey's riotous thoughts. "Thanks for lunch, Buck I'll see
    you tonight." Dallas bid everyone goodbye, but beyond a
    strange little smile, Smokey didn't seem to notice.
    Dallas made his way out of the house and shut the door,
    but paused on the front step and looked back at the closed
    portal.
    ^fcwiy's new friend is certainly an odd little thing, he
    ~ ". in confusion. His mind moved backward over lunch,
    checking to see if he had said or done anything that might
    have explained her nervousness. He couldn't think of a thing.
    As he walked up the street, his mind lingered on Smokey
    for just an instant more. She wasn't like any of Jenny's other
    friends, but Dallas mistakenly thought he understood the
    attraction. Smokey Simmons was a rather pathetic woman,
    and his entire family had always had a soft spot for abandoned
    pets.
    "Do you really have to leave?"
    "It's been wonderful, Jenny, but I need to get home. I can't
    thank you enough for the lovely time I've had, and please
    thank Buck too."
    It was the afternoon of the next day and Smokey knew she
    had been rather abrupt.
    "You'll come again, won't you, Smokey?" Tate put in when
    he saw his wife's crestfallen look. Smokey had announced at
    lunch that she would be leaving that day, and even though Tate
    was very busy, he knew that Jenny would need his support.
    "Of course I will," Smokey said with a chuckle. "I'll be
    back so often that you'll be sick of the sight of me."
    Jenny's hands came to Smokey's upper arms in a gesture
    that was almost fierce. "That's not going to happen, Smokey,"
    she told her seriously. "I wish you could stay for the rest of the
    summer."
    "Oh, Jenny, thank you." Smokey spoke with her heart