Free The Lady Who Lived Again by Thomasine Rappold

literally earning my supper, but I appreciate compensation in all forms.” He maneuvered through the clutter. “Once you’re done shelving the books, you can start unpacking the trunks.” He pointed to a pile of items on the floor. “Put those things in one of the empty crates, and I’ll donate them to the clinic in Troy.” He turned back to the task of dragging a crate of books across the floor.
    It was as if their kiss had never happened. She didn’t know what she’d expected, but he didn’t seem the least bit awkward in her presence. He didn’t seem anything at all. She knew she should feel relieved, but his indifference bothered her. A lot.
    Her attraction to him was not so easy to dismiss. Neither was her urge to explore it. Everything she’d missed during the past three years of her stalled life—all her buried passion for living—was now bubbling to the surface. She could practically feel her desire for this man escaping through her pores.
    From the corner of her eye she watched as he searched through the crate. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, exposing his forearms. His hair hung over his face. Maddie wasn’t sure which aspect of him she preferred—the rugged, disheveled man with the flexing muscles she saw now, or the distinguished, finely attired gentleman who’d visited over tea at the house. He was two opposing sides of a coin with no losing toss.
    Less than ten minutes alone with him and all she could think of was his lips on hers. Pathetic. Well, she’d made her own bed, she supposed.
    Carrying a pile of books, he gestured with his chin toward the tall bookcase.
    “I’ll relocate those books to a lower shelf so you can arrange them with these.” He set the books on the desk.
    The cramped corner allowed her little space for maneuvering and even less space for two. From behind her, he reached for the hefty volumes on the shelf above. Her senses peaked. His chest brushed her shoulder, sending a rush of heat through her veins. Her body all but crackled with the tension of his nearness, the delicious smell of his neck. He glanced downward, acknowledging the contact. His eyes met hers in a flash of awareness that stilled her breath.
    He felt it, too.
    His gaze dropped to her mouth, and her lips parted in response as she waited, urging him with her eyes to move closer, to touch her, to forget about these dusty books and simply kiss her. Please.
    As if hearing her silent appeal, he shifted toward her. Her heart pounded. He licked his lips, his blue eyes darkening in the way they had before. She hung suspended on the edge of that look—that look that told her something wonderful was about to happen. He drew in a long breath. Grumbling a curse, he pulled the books from the shelf, then sidled in the opposite direction. The books landed with a thud on the desk he passed as he strode away. She stared after him, perplexed and disappointed. Closing her eyes, she released a frustrated sigh.
    She’d missed her chance with Daniel. Back then, she’d assumed she had all the time in the world to explore physical desire. To discover what all the fuss was about. The accident changed everything. She knew now that there were no certainties in life, no guaranties or promises of tomorrow. There was only today, and she’d lost so much already. The secret ability she’d acquired in the aftermath would cost her more still. Truth and honesty, the bonds of trust that formed true love, an enduring marriage. These sacred things were forever out of her reach, so why not snatch up what passion she could?
    Plus, it was clear that the girlish curiosity she’d felt for Daniel was a pale, paltry shadow when held against the powerful attraction she felt for Jace. Perhaps it was the force of her loneliness that drew her toward a man from whom she should be running. Or maybe the danger was part of the appeal. Either way, she might never have another chance to experience the bliss of so deep a craving. And if anyone