Free Red Roses Mean Love by Jacquie D'Alessandro Page B

stand perfectly still while Hayley bent down to examine his foreleg. "As I've no fear that he'll harm her, she has my blessing to care for him."
    A slow smile lit Justin's face as Hayley led the huge stallion toward a grassy field. "That is a most unusual woman, Stephen."
    "Yes, I suppose she is."
    "I cannot wait to see what you're going to do about it."
    Stephen's back stiffened at the words. "I have no intention of doing anything about it, I assure you," he said in a clipped tone.
    "We shall see," said Justin with a chuckle. "We shall see."

 

    Chapter 6
    « ^ »
    W hen the two men arrived back at the house, Hayley served refreshments to Mr. Mallory while Stephen excused himself to change into a set of his own clothing.
    While pouring tea, Hayley covertly studied Stephen's friend and had to admit she liked what she saw. Not only was Justin Mallory pleasing to the eye, but he also possessed an easy and friendly manner. His light brown hair fell over his brow, lending him a boyish air, and his hazel eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. Indeed, he was almost as handsome as Mr. Barrettson. Almost.
    "Here you are, Mr. Mallory," she said, handing him a saucer and cup. "Did you enjoy your walk in the gardens?"
    "Very much. I must say, Miss Albright, I owe you a deep debt of gratitude for everything you've done for Stephen. You saved his life."
    She waved aside his thanks. "I did nothing more than anyone else would have. I'm just relieved Mr. Barrettson survived. I had my doubts for a while."
    "How are his injuries?"
    "They're healing nicely. I changed his bandages this morning. He was very lucky he sustained only flesh wounds."
    "Indeed. Tell me, Miss Albright, do you recall the exact location where you found Stephen?"
    "Of course." She described the location in minute detail while Mr. Mallory listened attentively.
    After passing him a plateful of tiny cakes she remarked, "Mallory is a very interesting surname. The German meaning is 'war counselor,' but the Latin translation is 'ill-fated.'"
    Justin raised his eyebrows. "Really? I had no idea." A smile touched his lips. "I much prefer the German translation."
    She smiled. "I don't blame you."
    "You study name origins?"
    "Yes. It's a hobby of mine."
    "What does my given name mean?" he asked, his eyes warm with curiosity.
    "Justin means 'judicious.'"
    "Thank goodness. With a surname like 'ill-fated,' I need as much good news as I can get."
    "Indeed," Hayley agreed, and they both laughed.
    "Tell me, Miss Albright," Justin said when their merriment faded, "was your father by any chance Tripp Albright, the sea captain?"
    Surprised pleasure suffused her. "Yes, he was. Did you know my father, Mr. Mallory?"
    "No, but I knew of him. I understand he was a very fine man."
    "He was indeed," she replied around the sudden lump in her throat. "The finest. We all miss him … very much."
    "Miss who?" Stephen asked, joining the pair. "Surely not me. Why, I've been gone only several minutes."
    "We were speaking of my father…" Hayley began, but her voice, along with her smile, faded when she looked up. Clad in a bright white shirt and buff breeches, both of which fit him to perfection and accentuated his powerful build, Stephen stole the breath from her lungs. He no longer resembled a sick man—rather, with his bandages and beard lending him a rakish air, he reminded her of a dark, dangerously handsome pirate.
    Her gaze traveled up and down his entire length several times. During those seconds, tingling awareness seeped over her. Good heavens, the man was gorgeous. When she finally raised her eyes to his, she found him watching her, an amused smile quirking his lips. Fire burned her cheeks and she jerked her attention back to her teacup. No doubt the man thought she was a blithering dolt, staring at him like he was a feast and she was starving.
    Remembering her duty as hostess, she opened her mouth to offer Stephen a cup of tea, but before she could utter a single word, a series of loud