Night Angel Read Online Free PDF Page B

curious… She hesitated, stealing a glance at him. With a sigh, she put the pen back to paper. Why did you ask Bartley about me and my shop? If tonight is out of pity for the deaf pianist, we can call it a night right now and save us both some time.

 
     
     
    Pity? Colin stared at her words before meeting her eyes. Did this beautiful, resilient woman truly believe he was only here out of pity?
    He shook his head. “I asked Bartley about you because I admired your spirit. You continue to play piano even when you can no longer enjoy the music.”
    She sized him up for a moment. I may not “hear” it the same way I used to, but I can feel the vibrations of the chords, and that “sound” brings me joy.
    He nodded and cleared his throat as the waitress came over. He ordered food he wouldn’t eat and a Guinness he wouldn’t be able to finish. After the she hurried off, he rested his forearms on the table, leaning closer to her. “You intrigue me.”
    One side of her full lips turned up. How so?
    “It would be justified for you to be bitter and angry. Yet you choose to keep moving forward in spite of the fate you were handed.”
    I was angry. Very angry. She took a sip of her drink and crossed out the last sentence on her pad. Let’s talk about something else. Tell me about your family. Do they live nearby?
    He had no idea the lies would need to start so quickly. Another reason it didn’t make sense to forge a relationship with a mortal. But there was no other way to discover her secret, and if his suspicion about the roses was right, Benedict could be one of her customers.
    Lying was a necessary evil. If he confessed that he was the Mayan God of the South and even more immortal than her paper flowers, she’d run from the restaurant.
    “My three brothers are all I have left in the world.”
    Do you see them often?
    “No.” He wanted to explain he could reach out to them mentally anytime, but he held the words back. “One of my brothers is in Egypt, one in Paris, and the other is…” In utero. He cleared his throat again. “In San Diego.”
    That’s too bad. She glanced his way before writing again. You’re not from Ireland then?
    “Not originally.”
    Her face brightened as she waved at someone he couldn’t see. Frowning, Colin turned to find Bartley approaching the table. “Sorry to interrupt, but I need to talk to you.” He looked at Colin as he spoke the words.
    “Is something wrong at the farm?”
    “The farm is fine.” His gaze tracked over to Juliana. “It’s the Bridled Pony I’m worried about.”
    Colin tried to keep his expression blank, but only two words came to mind.
    The aughisky.
     

     
    Juliana shot out of her chair, pen in hand. Is Muriel all right? What happened?
    Bartley shrugged. “Maybe nothin’?” Worry was plain in his eyes, though. “I got there about five tonight an’ the only person in was old Darby sittin’ at the bar.”
    Darby was a regular at her cousin’s pub. His wife had passed away last year after a long battle with cancer. He came to Muriel’s place for the company as much as the alcohol.
    She flipped to a clean page on her notepad. Muriel wouldn’t leave the Pony unattended.
    Bartley nodded as Colin got to his feet, blocking her view of Bartley’s lips. She groaned and muscled her way between the two tall men. Did she say anything to Darby?
    Colin’s arm moved around her, his hand at the small of her back. “I will walk you home. Bartley and I will look for her.”
    She stepped away from him, barely noticing the loss of physical contact. Barely. She’s my cousin. I won’t sit at home and wait. Not for either of you.
    Colin’s gaze locked on hers, and for just a moment, it was like a fog clouded her mind and all she wanted to do was strike out her refusal and go home like he’d suggested. She glanced down at her notepad, and her head cleared. What was that? Frowning, she rubbed her forehead, welcoming her Irish temper to come roaring forward.
    She