Snowflake Kisses Read Online Free PDF

and direct. A straightforward offering. Nothing more, nothing less. “I give her tremendous credit because she reached out.”
    “Weren’t you afraid of being taken advantage of?”
    Vanessa’s attitude sharpened. “If she tried, she’d fail.”
    Jackson lifted his chin in visible surprise but he then delivered a respectful nod of acceptance.
    “I had paused, and watched. I was taken in by the sight of a soul in need. I took enough time to recognize her very real sense of desperation. Since I was able, I dropped my business card and a few pounds into her hand. She wrote me a thank you note. She hand delivered it to the store manager. I treasure her words, and have that card to this day.”
    Jackson listened intently. Vanessa could have sworn a sense of respect layered his mood and reaction to the story. “But she keeps coming back?”
    “We touch base every once in a while. She tries hard. She does her very best, and for the most part she’s succeeded in moving past being destitute. She humbles herself enough to ask for help from someone she feels won’t judge, sneer or shove her life aside—her words, not mine. What she was telling me today is that she’s lined up a job as a clerk at a perfume boutique not far from here. To celebrate, and to honor the season of Christmas, I wanted to help her get some decent clothes and see her way through to a first paycheck. That’s all.”
    Silence filled the room in a swirl. “You’re amazing.”
    “I don’t see it that way. I have means. Within sound reason, why not help her land on her feet?”
    That’s when the shutters fell across his eyes—much the same way as when he had come to her rescue after the attempted mugging. Vanessa was going to call him out on the reaction until he straightened and leaned his elbows on the armrests of his chair.
    “So—I believe you proposed an outing. Where exactly do you intend to take me?”
    Questions and conjecture vanished in a pulse beat. She could feel her body, her face, light with pleasure. “We should definitely go to Kellinger’s restaurant for lunch or dinner; there’s a window view of Big Ben and Parliament that’s absolutely spectacular.” Eager as could be, Vanessa launched right into an itinerary. “After that, I’d suggest a city stroll ending along Westminster Bridge, because truly, that’s the height of lovely. However, no matter what, I refuse to let you leave the UK until you’ve experienced Evensong at Westminster Abbey.”
    “Evensong?”
    The name alone filled her chest with warmth, her heart with expectation. “Evensong is a form of evening prayer that’s sung. It’s absolutely beautiful.”
    “You’re a Christian.”
    “I am. And you?”
    “I am. Was. Am. Yeah, I am.”
    His stuttered response both startled and intrigued her. “What do you mean by—” Vanessa’s intention to question him hit the skids when her mobile, which always seemed to be clutched in her hand, began to vibrate. Matters went to worse when she read the text from Mallory Kincaid, her boss. Vanessa was needed at The Penthouse, ASAP. Something about a socialite on the hunt for a designer gown with absolutely no time to spare. Translation? A typical kick-off to her day. “Blast. Work calls.”
    Was she imagining things or did he seem a bit relieved by the interruption? For certain she would broach the topic at a later point. She lifted from her desktop perch and addressed him once more. “To be continued, yes? Are we on for Saturday?”
    To Vanessa’s delight, he delivered an agreeing nod. “How can I refuse the generosity of a native? I’m all yours. Show me Vanessa Colby’s London.”
    “Doing so will most definitely be my pleasure.”
    His answer lifted her high. Acceptance was all she needed for the moment. Answers would come in time; she had no doubt of it.
     
     
     
     

4
     
    Triumphal strains of music resounded from a pipe organ, filling the air of Westminster Abbey, sending a thrill down Jackson’s