Free A Code of the Heart (The Code Breakers Series Book 3) by Jacki Delecki

focused on Edward, looked up at him and beamed. Her radiant face jolted his heart into a frantic race. He cleared his throat, trying to look away.
    “I think you need to slow down your pitch. Let’s work on accuracy today and not speed. Miss Amelia, can you take your position again?”
    She nodded and resumed her spot. The sunlight reflected the shades of red—glimpses of molten fire in her hair. He tracked every one of her movements as if mesmerized.
    She turned back and spoke over her shoulder. “Edward, remember to release your breath as you release the ball. It really helps.”
    “What excellent advice.” His voice must have sounded incredulous.
    She laughed as she bent to retrieve the bat. “You needn’t act so shocked.”
    He smiled at her, caught in her magic. He felt like a young boy himself. He hadn’t felt this young and alive since before the whole disaster with his brother.
    Edward stood tense, fingering the ball in his hand.
    “Let me watch you slowly go through your entire bowl.”
    Edward nodded. “I’ll try.”
    Edward lunged too far forward for his size, probably mimicking the throw of a larger man.
    “Let’s have you take a smaller step before you throw the ball. Can you try it?”
    “Alright.” Edward took a smaller step, but his timing was still off, with is attempt to throw the ball hard and fast, his release was too late. The ball bounced on the ground and rolled.
    “Give me another one, Edward. Keeping trying,” Amelia chimed.
    Edward was a fine athlete with a great focus and in no time would progress rapidly, but still a young boy. He was too self-conscious for this kind of close scrutiny.
    “Keep bowling to Miss Amelia. I’ll play the wicket keeper.”
    Amelia, sensing Edward’s nervousness, spoke to him in a chipper voice. “Come on, Edward, let’s show Lord Brinsley how we plan to beat those lazybones who aren’t out here yet.”
    Edward smiled, his first since he had started his demonstration.
    Brinsley moved behind Amelia and took position as wicket keeper.
    Amelia whispered, “Thank you for taking the time to practice with him.” She looked into his eyes with appreciation. Her admiring look coiled his guts in painful pleasure.
    He couldn’t stop looking at her bright eyes and flushed cheeks. He hadn’t been close to goodness in a very long time. A warmness enveloped his heart, making him feel young and hopeful. “I’m more impressed that a lady with so many responsibilities for the wedding is taking time to play with a young boy.”
    “With four brothers, I understand boys. And Henrietta isn’t feeling well enough to give Edward the attention he needs.”
    “Are you ready to play?” Edward asked impatiently.
    Brinsley squatted into his wicket keeper position behind Amelia.
    “Yes, of course.” Amelia got into her batting stance, her sweet derriere pointed right at his face.
    He tried to focus on Edward, but he couldn’t stop looking at the view. “My God.” He swore under his breath and moaned.
    Amelia turned toward him. “Pardon me?”
    Amelia never saw the ball coming at her. Edward had finally coordinated his bowl, making his pitch more accurate and much faster. Of all the times for him to finally get it right. The heavy ball hit Amelia squarely on the side of her head. She gasped and fell sprawling to the ground.
    Brinsley dropped to his knees beside her. Blood trickled from the wound on the side of her head. How could he have allowed injury to come to this lovable woman? Agony crushed the air from his lungs.
    Edward ran toward them. “Amelia. I didn’t mean to hit you.”
    Gus, who had been under a tree chewing on a stick, jumped up and ran to Amelia. He lay next to her, licking her hand.
    “Edward, go into the house and tell Lady Gwyneth that Amelia is hurt.” Panic laced Brinsley’s voice.
    “But, but…I didn’t mean to hurt her. She never gets hit. She is so fast.”
    “It wasn’t your fault. I distracted her.”
    Relief washed across