Free Hearts Out of Time by Chris Lange Page B

passionate lovemaking. A heart-piercing sensation taking control of her, Tracy remained motionless while she stared at his dark expression.
    “Your father is my mentor as well as my friend,” Garrett said. “I owe him so much, I cannot disrespect his daughter.”
    Speechless, Tracy watched him open the door then shut it soundlessly behind him. She should dismiss the incident and sleep but even the deepest slumber didn’t have the power to mask her feelings for him.
    She had fallen into her own trap.
    She slept ill for the rest of the night, Garrett’s final words reverberating in her head, his smell wafting from the pillow. Making love to her, Garrett had revealed his true, liberated self. Was he ashamed of his actions? Did he view lack of discipline as contemptible? Whatever the reason, she wasn’t about to let go of him.
    A slight tremor running through her limbs, vivid images and sensations burning her mind, she recalled the unbridled passion that had swept over them in the heart of the night. His deep kisses, the feverish feel of his hands on her body, the smell of his glistening skin, the sight of his erection, his compelling need of her. She’d never been loved with such intensity and devotion.
    Despite his idiotic attitude on leaving her room, she’d be a fool to believe he didn’t care about her. An even bigger fool to assume people changed overnight. He was set in his ways, and she needed to respect his education, but that didn’t mean she had to yield to his will and let life pass her by.
    Confronting him about what went on between them would be a bad move. He’d either turn her down or steel himself against any argument she might try. She had to play it smart. She had to play it cool.
    Her prince of a man looked on himself as accountable to her father. Did her dad even know that? To show Garrett she, too, was worthy of his trust, she’d better spend as much time as she could with him.
    If she acted detached and unconcerned, as though last night never occurred, he shouldn’t feel threatened but might actually open up to her. With a little luck, maybe even in broad daylight.
    She’d never been one to conceal her emotions or opinions, and she hated playing that part to the man who was able to set her heart fluttering with a single look. Yet she’d do it. She might have lost a battle, but, whatever the cost, she intended to win the war.
    Her mind made up, she felt composed and hopeful as she stepped into the bathroom. Her reflection in the mirror indicated a lack of sleep but she was ready when breakfast time came, anxious to find out what lay ahead.
    With the assistance of her new allies, she’d do whatever turned out necessary to locate the safety catch in the painting, find her father, deliver him from the loony who kept him prisoner, and show Garrett what life was really about.
    After the maid departed, she stood in front of the full length mirror. A single glance showed her she had nothing to fear. Looking rested and ready to charm her new lover, she descended the stairs.
    Breakfast was laid out in the almost-empty dining room with five plates and cups. Sitting alone at the table, looking cold-blooded and impeccably dressed as usual, Garrett sipped tea while shuffling documents.
    Gosh, wasn’t he the hunkiest guy on the planet, both planets included? Also the most severe one.
    He lifted his gaze when she halted before the threshold as though he sensed her presence in the doorway. “Good morning, Miss Richardson.”
    So, they were back to Miss Richardson , last night’s Tracy and darling having gone down the I-am-a-man-of-principles drain. Well, she knew the encounter was going to be that way. No surprise there.
    “Good morning to you, Garrett.” She replied with a joyful tone while she walked around the table to take the closest seat beside him. “Could you pass me the toast, please?”
    He kept still for a few seconds, a disconcerted glint in his eyes. Then he delivered the small plate.