Free Two Books in One - Ominous Love and Paradox - The Angels Are Here by Patricia Puddle

stream down my face and I angrily swipe them away. “Are you going home tonight?”
    He shrugs. “I don't think that's possible. I live a long way from here and I have no money. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but I'll have to get a job.”
    “You can stay here until you find work. No strings attached, I promise.” I'm mad at him, but I can't leave him out in the cold. I care for him too much. I touch his hand, and as usual, a thrill runs up my arm and into my heart.
    “Thanks,” he says, looking at his fingers. “I appreciate it. And I'll still take care of you while your folks are away.”
    Blinking away a tear, I suck in a deep breath and ask the dreaded question. “Are you married?”
    He shakes his head. “I can't talk about it right now.”
    “Does that mean yes ?” My face crumbles. “Who is she? I bet she's beautiful.”
    H e closes his eyes for a moment. “Oh, she's beautiful, Eloise.”
    My blood boils. How can he be so cruel? He could have lied or ignored me. Pressing my lips together, I glare at him. “Why did you have to say my name just then? Now, I know why you wouldn’t make that promise. You knew you had someone else, didn’t you?”
    His lips twitch with amusement. “Fiery little thing, aren’t you.”
    My jaw drops. “Fiery? You make think this is all a joke, but I don't. How long have you known who you are?”
    His face drops and he looks sad again. “Since tonight's storm—just little glimpses at first. It confused me, so I ran outside to think.”
    I frown. “So you knew before you went outside?”
    “No, but when I carried you to your bedroom, I started to feel guilty. You’re only sixteen and I was trying so hard to resist you, then when that almighty boom hit, it triggered my brain and I started to get my memory back. You see, there was a storm when I lost it.”
    I hold my hands out. “But where were you? I found you on the beach stark naked …. Crap. Who were you with? Her?”
    The smirk returns to his face. “I'm not discussing my love life with you.”
    That's it. I stamp on his foot. “No? But, you didn't mind letting me fall in love with you, did you?”
    He runs his hands through his hair . “Please don’t say that, Eloise.”
    I squint at him. “Okay, I take it back. I hate you. And stop calling me Eloise.” Turning on my heels, I run down the hall to my bedroom and slam the door. And to think I was so happy an hour ago. Now, I just want to die. With tears in my eyes, I throw myself on my bed and punch my pillow as hard as I can. Beautiful is she? Well, I don't believe he's married. He's much too young. She’s probably some bimbo that will break his heart anyway.
    I press my lips together. Well I'm not giving Seal up without a fight, not after the way he kissed me. And I already have a great weapon. Sniffing, I blow my nose into a tissue, then grab my cell phone and dial Tom's number. He doesn't answer so I leave a message. “Hi, Tom, it's Eloise. I've changed my mind and I'd love to go to the party with you. Pick me up in a couple of hours. Bye.”
    I punch the air with my fist. That'll give Seal something to think about. But now it's dinner time. Smiling, I hop off my bed and march into to the hall. Seal isn't in the kitchen or the lounge room, so I tap on his bedroom door.
    “Come in,” he hollers.
    Turning the handle, I peek in. He's sitting on his bed, resting his elbows on his knees. He's changed into my father's pyjamas, but his eyelids are swollen as if he's been crying. Maybe he's worried what ‘Miss Beautiful’ will say when he goes back to her, especially if she’s found someone else. Yeah, in my dreams. I give him a half smile. “Dinner's ready, you must be hungry.”
    He shrugs. “I guess so.”
    “Okay, come and sit at the table.” I walk back to the kitchen and take the plates out of the oven. As I place them on the mats, Seal sits down and stares at the flickering candles. After selecting a song on my iPad, I sit opposite him and