Free Heart's Reward by Donna Hill Page A

said softly. His hand covered hers and gently squeezed it.
    She blinked several times and willed the air to move through her lungs. All of her emotions seemed to have risen to the surface these past few days. It left her feeling vulnerable and not in control of her life, a place that she didn’t want to be in. After losing Steven she’d vowed that she wouldn’t allow herself to ever be the victim of anything she didn’t have a hand in. So far she’d won. Until recently. Her outlook when it came to the couples they matched was one thing—her personal life was different. At least that’s what she told herself.
    â€œNo need to apologize,” she said, finding her voice. She forced a smile. “We didn’t get much of a chance to talk after your interview,” she said, switching the topic from her to him. “I hope it wasn’t too awful.”
    He laughed and she enjoyed the sound.
    â€œIt was definitely thorough. I think that they found out things about me that I didn’t know myself.”
    â€œWhat did you discover?”
    He leaned back against the frame of the window and angled his head slightly to the side. “Hmm, well for all the public work that I do and interacting with countless people, I’m really a bit of a homebody.” He chuckled. “Seems like my perfect evening is a night at home in front of some roaring fire, with my soul mate resting across my lap while I read to her from her favorite novel.”
    Melanie saw her head resting on his lap as he stroked her hair and his deep, smooth voice brought the pages of Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises to life. Dream on girl. “I think that’s a great image.”
    â€œDo you?”
    His gaze was so personal that it took the simple question to that place in her soul she didn’t want to address. Especially not with him.
    â€œAunt Mel.”
    Vincent’s approach saved her from making a fool of herself. She turned toward him.
    â€œI checked out the generator. Looks like a bad fuse. We won’t be getting any power from it any time soon.”
    â€œThank for checking, sweetie. We’ll have to call the company in the morning.”
    â€œI already called. Left a message, so hopefully we’ll get a call back first thing in the morning.”
    â€œNothing we can do about it until then except get comfortable for the night. Thanks,” she said again.Vincent nodded and returned to the buffet. She blew out a breath of frustration before turning to Claude. “Looks like you’ll be spending the night.”
    â€œIt’s getting to be a better idea every minute.”
    A flutter like butterfly wings stirred her deep and low. Her ears burned. “Whenever you’re ready I can…get someone to show you your room. It will be at the top of the stairs to your left. And—”
    â€œWhat do you like to read?” he asked, effectively throwing her off balance.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œThere are books everywhere in the house, at least the parts that I’ve seen. So, what are your favorites?”
    She lowered her head and laughed lightly before daring to look back at him. “I have quite a few actually, depending on my mood. I helped my mother and grandmother build the library, so the collection is quite eclectic.”
    â€œI can tell that from what I’ve seen. But you didn’t really answer my question.”
    â€œHmm, well, I love the pace of a good mystery. James Patterson and Patricia Cornwell. I’ve finally been able to get my head wrapped around Toni Morrison and I will always love work from the masters, Hemingway, Baldwin, Marquez, Ellison, Dumas.” She shrugged lightly. “And of course, beinga provocateur of romance, a steamy romance novel is always nearby.”
    â€œOf course. Can I refill your drink?”
    â€œI should be asking you that. I’m being a terrible hostess.” She hopped down from the sill.