Heart's Desire Read Online Free PDF Page B

from ever pursuing her. He would believe that he had nothing to offer a young woman in her position. What he didn’t realize was that he was everything she’d ever wanted. Surely Hayley wouldn’t begrudge her the man she loved — provided that man loved her in return. And since Callie knew William wouldn’t make the first move , that meant she had to.
    The sound of a footfall overhead pulled her from her thoughts. William would be down soon.
    He’d accompany her to Albright C ottage for dinner.
    And by the end of the evening , she’d know what it felt like to be kissed by the man she loved.
    And from that kiss , she’d know if there was any chance he could love her in return.
    Her gaze returned to the beautiful mirror pendant. There was no sign of the image she’d seen earlier. Perhaps she’d imagined it.
    Or perhaps it was a sign that her heart’s desire wasn’t as far out of reach as she’d thought.

CHAPTER THREE
     
    “I must say, you’re looking extremely well, William,” shouted Aunt Olivia, eyeing him over a spoonful of the strawberry tarts they were enjoying for dessert after a savory meal of roasted chicken, mashed turnips, and buttery green beans. “Very fit and robust.”
    William smiled across the dinner table at the cherub-faced matron. From the moment he’d become a frequent visitor to Albright C ottage, she’d insisted he call her Aunt Olivia as he was “part of the family.” Her presence in his life had helped fill the gaping void left by his mother’s death.
    “Thank you, Aunt Olivia. You’re looking very well yourself.”
    She frowned and scooped up another spoonful of tart. “Oh, yes, I had a will drawn up years ago. It’s kept at my solicitor’s office. No need to look for it.”
    William and Callie exchanged a quick look, one filled with deep fondness for Aunt Olivia. Then his heart ridiculously skipped a beat when Callie shot him the conspiratorial wink they’d always shared when Aunt Olivia’s conversation went astray because of her hearing affliction. When he returned the gesture, Callie’s smile widened.
    T he ease with which they’d fallen into their old camaraderie shouldn’t have surprised him , as it had always been that way between him and Callie. The meal had proven both fun and bittersweet , as the three of them had relived fond memories of times spent together. Callie and Aunt Olivia had regaled him with tales of their travels , and he’d caught them up on the local happenings. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d enjoyed a meal more.
    Yet that enjoyment was marred by the knot of tension inside him. The ache that urged him to consign convention to the devil. To push back his chair, snatch Callie into his arms , and simply carry her off. Lock them both in a room where nothing and no one, no social conventions or expectations or members of Society , could ever come between them. A place where he could tell her and show her how much he wanted her. Needed her. Loved her.
    Unfortunately , such a place did not exist.
    With each laugh they’d shared, with each bite of food, the imaginary clock in his head ticked down, erasing another precious second of their time together. Time that was simultaneously far too much and not nearly enough.
    “He said well , Aunt Olivia, not will,” Callie shouted.
    Aunt Olivia’s expression cleared and a pink flush stained her cheeks. “Thank you, dear boy. A result of all the marvelous sea air Callie and I enjoyed during our travels. Now tell us, how is it such a healthy specimen as yourself remains unmarried?”
    William’s fingers tightened on his spoon. Because your niece is the only woman I’ve ever wanted , and she’s beyond my reach. He arranged his features in a sheepish expression and heaved an exaggerated sigh. “Alas, I fear no fair maiden will have me. Must be all my chatter about antiques and the dust I’m forever dragging around behind me.”
    “Or perhaps you simply haven’t given them the proper