Destiny's Wish Read Online Free PDF Page A

isn’t I’ll gather in a few minutes. It’s room three.” She nodded to one of the two doors they’d parked in front of.
    He watched her walk to the office before striding toward the door. As he did, he questioned his decision not to go with her. It was his instinct to protect her, make sure that she was safe, but he also wanted to get them out of this area as quickly as possible. He turned the key and stepped inside.
    The room was pretty bare, only two twin beds, a small table by the window, and a television stand pressed up against the wall. Next to the stand were three suitcases, and there were a few boxes closer to the bed. To see Nora’s life packed into those few things tore at his heart.
    He remembered moving around every few years with his family, and so many things got left behind. There was only one cherished belonging he still had from his childhood—a stuffed gorilla. To some it seemed unmanly to keep a stuffed toy, but he could still remember the day his grandfather bought it for him. It had been the only sentimental thing his grandfather had ever done. So, to this day, it sat on the chair in the master bedroom, a daily reminder of why he had chosen medicine as a career.
    He grabbed two of the suitcases and turned to take them out, only to find Nora standing in the doorway. “What is it? Something wrong?”
    “No, you seemed lost in thought and I didn’t want to disturb you.”
    He glanced around the room one last time before turning back to her. “Seeing your belongings all packed up reminded me of my childhood. My father was an Army doctor, but you already know that, moving every few years was a way of life my whole childhood and this reminded me of it. To see your life reduced to what can fit into the back of your car, reminds me of us having to trim down our belongings every move because of the weight limit of household belongings the military would transport. We couldn’t get rid of Mom’s huge box of curtains because we never knew what size windows we’d have at our next place, but toys we hadn’t played with or clothes we didn’t wear were always donated.”
    “I never had to deal with a military move. Jim was killed before we got our next orders.” Her voice hitched.
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t think.” He sat the bags down and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
    “It’s been over six years. I’ve grieved for him and I’m used to being alone. Everything with Destiny…it’s just too much. For the first time, I feel so alone.”
    “You’re not alone.” He pulled her closer, wrapping both arms around her. “I’m here.”
    She looked up at him, her face just inches away from his, and he wanted to close the distance between them and claim her lips.
    What the hell am I thinking? Whether he’s dead or not, this is Jim’s wife.

Chapter Five

     
    Nora looked up at him, their gazes locked, and she wondered what the heck she was doing. There she stood in the arms of her deceased husband’s best friend about to kiss him. This was wrong on so many levels. She felt his warm breath on her skin and her body urged her to lean forward. Over six years was too long to go without the comforting touch of a man; she craved it.
    “We shouldn’t.” The words came out softer and with less authority than she had anticipated.
    “I know.” He agreed but didn’t move away. “Just like I know I shouldn’t do this.” He caressed along her back, drawing her closer to his chest.
    “Brian.”
    “You’re beautiful.” He lowered his head until their foreheads were touching.
    “Please.” She wasn’t sure what she was asking for. For him to please kiss her? Please stop? Nevertheless, the sensation of someone’s arms around her again was like Heaven.
    He leaned back, his arms still around her but not as snuggly as before. “I apologize. This is a difficult enough time for you, you don’t need this as well.” He let his arms fall away from her and picked up the bags.
    She stood there in