Radiance Read Online Free PDF Page B

couple of years ago, my cousin Eira talked about you when she returned to school after her summer internship.  She suggested I ask you to dinner.  I didn’t make the connection when I heard your full name.  She always called you Brie.”  She nodded.  “Would you have said yes if I asked you to dinner?” 
    “Honestly, I don’t know.  I was self-conscious.”  He tilted his head.  “I looked…different then, Elijah.  I felt bad about myself.  I still do but the reasons are different now.” 
    He stood up and removed his t-shirt.  Her eyes widened at the scars all over him but she was amazed at the unbelievable fitness level of his body. 
    “Do my scars bother you?”  She shook her head and he turned to show her his back.  “Mine are very old.” 
    Reaching out, she placed her palm flat on his skin.  His back was covered in overlapping marks that she recognized from her night spent with her best friends.  Hudson had barely reddened her skin. 
    The lashes delivered to Elijah had broken skin repeatedly. 
    She couldn’t imagine the pain he’d been in and didn’t realize she was crying until he knelt at her feet. 
    “Don’t cry, Brie.  It was a long time ago.” 
    Pulling him close, she wrapped him in a hug.  He was careful about how hard he hugged her back. 
    “I hate that someone put you through such pain.  I hate it.” 
    “I showed you because you shouldn’t be self-conscious about your body, Brie.  You’re beautiful.”
    His skin was warm and she rested her cheek on his shoulder, happy when he rested his large palm on the back of her head.  Taking her with him, he continued to hug her as he sat on the couch and settled her on his lap. 
    Sitting back, Elijah held her firmly.  “I imagine a gentle person like you needs regular hugs.  Do you get lonely?” 
    “More than I like to admit.”
    “Me, too.  Let’s stay like this and be less lonely together.” 
    The words made her tighten her arms.  He kissed the top of her head and she listened to the slow beat of his heart. 
    It lulled her to sleep. 
    * * *
    Opening her eyes to sunlight, Brie was immediately confused.  She was in her bed, covered in her blanket, the walker nearby. 
    She wondered if she dreamed Elijah’s visit but then noticed a piece of paper on her bedside table. 
    Thank you, Brie.  I’ll play for you next time.  E
    To the quiet room, she murmured, “It’s your innocent heart that will trap me in the end.” 

Chapter Four
     
    Elijah stood at the window while Harper poured himself coffee.  He thought about the taste of Brie’s and smiled. 
    “She’s a good person, Harper.” 
    “I realize.  I’m not an ogre.”
    Turning, Elijah placed his hands on the back of one of the dining chairs.  “The night of the building commemoration, I didn’t recognize her name.  She stayed in the background at the winery.  I only ever heard her referred to as Brie.”
    “She looks nothing like she did when I glimpsed her several years ago.”  Harper shrugged.  “Isabella attended public events with her parents.  Gabriella did not.” 
    “She was embarrassed.  Shy but…something else.”  Gripping the heavy wood, he added, “She’s still embarrassed.”  He didn’t look away from gray eyes that knew him well. 
    “You talked to her.” 
    “I couldn’t sleep.” 
    Harper walked out of the kitchen and paused in front of him.  “You went to see her.”  Elijah didn’t respond.  “Tell me.”
    “She fed me tamales and let me taste her coffee.”  A frown formed between his oldest friend’s eyes.  “I showed her my scars.”
    “Why?”
    “She told me she was self-conscious for different reasons than she used to be.  I assumed it was the accident.”  He shrugged.  “She could have no scars worse than mine.  I wanted to put her at ease.” 
    Turning back to the window, he crossed his arms at his back.  “When I followed them from the party, I realized she hadn’t