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

sprinkle parmesan cheese on my pasta, but as Guy Sebastian starts singing, Battle Scars, I nearly burst into tears. I blink them away and offer the bowl to Seal.
    As he spoons the cheese onto his food, he watches me twirling spaghetti around my fork, but when he twirls his, it drops from his fork and plops onto his plate. Scowling, he chops it with his knife and eats it with a spoon.
    Holding my mouth, I chuckle. “Haven't you tried spaghetti before?”
    He smiles. “Well, of course I've seen it, but I never had the inkling to try it.”
    “I can make you something else if you like.”
    “No thanks, it's really delicious, especially with the savoury mince and cheese.” As he sips the sparkling cranberry juice, the flames from the candles reflect in his eyes, making them even more dazzling.
    I sigh with yearning. “Do you like cranberry juice? I can get you some wine if you prefer.”
    He shakes his head. “No, this is fine, Elo … Elle.”
    Holding my crystal glass, I roll my eyes. “It's okay, you can call me Eloise. I'll get over you, don't worry.”
    He raises a brow. “Really? Is that why you're trying to free my inhibitions by offering me alcohol?”
    My face grows hot. “No, I was just being a good host. Anyway, you haven't told me your real name. What is it?”
    “Nathaniel, but you can call me Nathan.”
    I lean on my elbows. “Okay, Nathan, but what's your surname?”
    “Burns.”
    “Hmm, Nathaniel Burns.” I twirl another string of spaghetti and say, “Well, I’m still calling you Seal.”
    He looks at his hands. “Suit yourself, Elle.”
    Ignoring his rebuff, I continue eating my dinner. At least I know his real name. Now I can do a web search, and who knows, I might find out if he's married.
    We finish our food in silence, and I look at the clock. I've only got an hour to get ready for the party. I collect the dirty plates and carry them to the sink.
    “Leave them, I'll wash them. You cooked a wonderful meal, Elle.”
    Leaning on the sink, I stare out the window. If I stay near him much longer, who knows what I'll do. I hand him a tea towel. “Okay, Seal. The dishes are all yours. I'm off to have a shower.”
    He raises a brow. “It's Nathan.”
    Heading out the kitchen, I look over my shoulder. “You're no more Nathan, than I am Elle.” As soon as I'm in the bathroom, I lock the door and let out a long breath. Life is cruel sometimes. I so want Seal, but I know deep down if he does have a faithful wife or girlfriend, she’ll be worried about him. But I wish he'd tell me why he ended up here, and why she's so far away. I know it’s wrong, but I can’t help hoping she has taken off with another guy. My spirit lifts for a moment and I imagine myself back in Seal’s arms, listening to One Direction singing, Over Again .
    With a sigh, I toss my dirty clothes into the linen basket and hop in the shower. After washing my hair, I wrap it in a white fluffy towel and dry myself. I’m not in the mood to go to a party, but if it makes Seal jealous, it’ll be worth it. Maybe when I arrive home tonight, he’ll take me in his arms and kiss me again. Quivering at the thought, I put on my pink terry-towelling robe and moisturise my face. But as I brush my teeth, I can't help worrying what sort of a night I'll have with Tom. What was I thinking? I grab my hairdryer out of the drawer and pad down the hall.
    As I turn the knob to my room, Seal walks passed and looks me up and down. I want to smile at him, but instead, I go into my room and close the door. Feeling guilty about my plan, I turn on my laptop to do a search on Seal. If I find out where he lives, I might be lucky enough to find out who Miss Beautiful is. I type Nathaniel Burns into a search engine, but the guys with that name don’t look anything like Seal. He’s obviously a private person and doesn’t have a web profile, not one that’s visible. What a shame. I close my laptop and blow-dry my hair. Then I pile it on top of my head and