Heart's Desire Read Online Free PDF Page A

cried out for, was William. William, whose dark eyes she never tired of looking into. Whose crooked smile set her heart fluttering. She loved the look of him — tall and broad - shouldered and muscular. The way his large, strong hands could gently cradle the most delicate porcelain. The hint of sandalwood that clung to his skin. Even the dust that so frequently streaked his clothes.
    But mostly she loved the way he made her feel — free. From the confines of Society that she so often found suffocating. She could be herself with him, utterly and completely. She loved the way he listened to her, as if what she said truly mattered. Loved the way he teased and challenged her. She loved his kindness and generosity toward the villagers and the loving way in which he’d cared for his father as his health declined. She felt connected to him in a way she’d never experienced with any other man. It was as if he were her other half.
    And never had she been so aware of another man as she was of William. Her heart pounded just thinking about him. His smile turned her knees to porridge. She often found herself trying to amuse him just so she could hear his deep, rich laugh. Her pulse raced whenever their hands accidental ly brushed.
    In spite of the luxurious townhome in London and various country estates where she resided with Hayley and Stephen for eleven months of the year, her favorite month had always been July , as that was when she’d visit Pamela and Marshall in Halstead. For thirty glorious days , she roamed the village where she’d lived year-round as a child. And as the years pas sed , she realized that , while she enjoyed traveling and was grateful for the opportunity to experience other places, Halstead was home. And the place she loved best.
    Just as while she enjoyed meeting the dozens of young men Hayley and Stephen tossed in her path and was grateful for the care and concern her sister and brother-in-law gave her, William remained her heart’s desire.
    She’d purposely not visited Halstead for two years, forcing herself instead to travel, all in an effort to forget William. Surely if she didn’t see him every summer , he’d fade from her memory and leave her heart free to give to another. A man who would love her with the sort of passion she craved. Who didn’t look upon her as a younger sister.
    But her plan had failed miserably. In spite of the fact that she and Aunt Olivia, who’d accompanied her abroad as her chaperone, had shared many fine adventures, extensively exploring France and Italy, Callie’s heart had stubbornly remained in Halstead. With the village she loved. And the man no time or distance could erase from her soul.
    The man who didn’t love her in return. At least not in the way she wanted him to.
    Or did he?
    There had been a few times over the years when she’d caught him lo oking at her in a certain way… with an intensity that had shivered heated anticipation down her spine. Made her wonder if h e were going to kiss her. Much to her disappointment , he never had.
    But that was going to change.
    She intended to see to it.
    See to it that William kissed her.
    For surely if he did , she’d know if there w ere any chance his affection could grow into something deeper.
    Her determination all stemmed from something Aunt Olivia had said yesterday in the carriage. Callie hadn’t planned that they’d stop in Halstead this year, reasoning there was no point , as Pamela and Marshall were already in London.
    “Don’t you wish to visit William?” Aunt Olivia had asked in the loud voice that was a result of her poor hearing.
    Callie wanted to visit him more than she desired her next breath. But what was the point? How many times could her heart break? Seeing William would accomplish nothing save to torture her.
    “I’m certain he’s very busy with the shop, Aunt Olivia. Besides, we’d only be able to stay one night —”
    “Oh, one night is ample enough time, my dear.”
    “Enough time