Broken Wings (Contemporary Romance) Read Online Free PDF

Angelina studied his face for a few moments. He placed his hand upon hers and she instantly felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.
    Joshua smiled and looked to Angelina with curious eyes. “If you’d rather, we could get out of here. I know a quiet place just a mile down the road where we could talk without prying eyes.” Considering his suggestion for a moment, Angelina looked into his eyes, her heart saying yes and her head saying no. He’s only home for two weeks, you’re setting yourself up for a fall if you say yes. Before she had time to prevent the words from clumsily escaping from her mouth, she smiled, nodding her head. “Yes, I’d like that, but what about your party? After all, this is in your honour!”
    “ Oh never mind that, Richard won’t be offended at all. Quite the opposite in fact!”
    As they stood up to leave, Lucy came rushing over. “Hey, and where do you think you two are scurrying off to?”
    They both looked like children who had just been caught out. “Lucy, we are slipping out for a while. Would you tell Richard I will catch up with him tomorrow?”
    “ I see,” Lucy said, smiling. “Of course, go on, off you go, I am sure no one will notice,” she teased.
    Angelina suddenly felt nervous and self-conscious in a way she hadn’t experienced for many years. She knew this feeling all too well and was well aware how the feeling could consume a person. Joshua was beautiful in a rugged sort of way and she was so attracted to him. He had a way about him that she warmed to instantly from the very first day she had first laid eyes on him. Although, she would not allow herself to admit it at the time! She was scared of how she was feeling; that all-consuming passion for another being could make or break a person and the last time it had all but broken her. She could never forget the love and the passion, followed by the most unbearable pain she was forced to endure following her loss. Shoving her memories to the back of her mind, she looked at Joshua, who was observing her with great concentration.
    “You’re very beautiful, Angelina; I hope you don’t mind me saying so?”
    She tilted her head shyly, not quite sure how to respond to such an unworthy compliment. “You’re not so bad yourself, that’s if you don’t mind me saying so!” she teased.
    “ A woman with a sense of humour, I like it.”
    “ Well, I aim to please…”
    They sat silently for what seemed like an eternity, looking into each other’s eyes, communicating in a way that only they understood.
    “So, tell me something about yourself. How long have you lived in our beautiful town?” enquired Joshua.
    “ Around eight years now. I moved up here straight from college and have remained here ever since. I kind of like to think Kendal found me, if you know what I mean.” She looked down at her empty glass, sweeping the rim with the tip of her finger nervously as if contemplating her next words. “I needed a new beginning, a fresh start, I guess I was escaping my old life.”
    “ I see, sounds quite serious. Did you move up here alone?”
    “ Yes, I applied for a job as far away from my home town as possible. I was fortunate to find the company I am still employed with. I rented a small cottage and practically obliterated all my savings on the first few months’ rent, but it was worth it. To be honest, it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I was seeking my path and my path found me!”
    Joshua was enamoured by this imperfect, clumsy beauty sat before him. He glanced to the faded scar on her eyebrow and pondered his next question with great care.
    “Angelina, do you mind if I ask how you came by your scar; I really wouldn’t blame you if you told me to mind my own business!”
    Her face fell completely, her eyes became tear-filled and she was fidgeting with her fingers. “Look, I’m sorry; I can see my question was far too personal. I really did not mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”
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