Stranger in my Arms Read Online Free PDF Page A

reins of ColeDiz to his son the day he celebrated his sixtieth birthday. And that would become a reality in another four months.
    â€œAnd it’s not going to happen for me until I complete my graduate studies.”
    Diego gave her a sidelong glance. “Does this mean I can expect to see my little cousin married in the very near future?”
    Alex rolled her eyes at him. “You wish.”
    â€œNo, Alex. Your parents wish.”
    â€œCareful. Don’t go there, Diego,” she warned quietly in defense of David and Serena Cole.
    Diego knew he’d struck a nerve with Alex. She was fiercely loyal and supportive of her free-spirited parents who’d raised their four children in an environment reminiscent of the seventies hippie culture. Gabriel, Alexandra, Jason and Ana Cole had grown up independent, headstrong, tolerant, secure, artistically gifted, while marching to the beat of their individual drums.
    He stole a quick glance at his petite cousin. Men were drawn to her because of her beauty and carefree attitude yet none were able to tame the wildness that surfaced when least expected. And, if one did, then he would be deemed more than special; he would be exceptional.

Chapter 3
    A loud hiss preceded the explosion of color in the nighttime sky as pyrotechnics spelled out HAPPY NEW YEAR! to the surprise and joy of those gathered outside the large tent. Amid cheering, applause, hugs and kisses, Merrick watched the faces of those closest to him. Dressed in their evening finery, many who’d had more than a few predinner cocktails, they were enjoying themselves.
    â€œHappy New Year,” a woman whispered close to his ear before planting a kiss on his unsmiling mouth.
    He went completely still as he stared at the stranger. The tall model-like woman smiled, flashing her porcelain veneers. Although beautiful, in typically plastic Hollywood fashion, she definitely wasn’t his type.
    â€œSame to you,” he mumbled, reaching into the pocket of his trousers for a handkerchief. Moving into the tent, he wiped the bloodred lipstick off his mouth. He wasn’t one for public displays of affection, especially when unsolicited.
    He wouldn’t have been as repulsed if Alexandra Cole had kissed him; however, he doubted whether she would’ve kissed him even if it was under the pretense that the holiday called for the ritual of exchanging kisses.
    The pyrotechnics went on for another ten minutes much to the delight of the young children whose oohs and aahs turned to protests as they were led back to the house. Those sixteen and over were permitted to join their adult relatives in the frivolity that would go on for hours.
    Merrick was directed to his table under the enormous tent set up with seating for two hundred; he and Alex weren’t seated at the same table but she sat close enough for him to take furtive glances at her; he’d lost his chatty hanger-on who, to his relief, was seated at the opposite end of the tent. Even if he’d wanted to reply to the psychologist, she hadn’t let him get a word in edgewise, and he wondered whether her clients were given the opportunity to talk in their sessions.
    And if he hadn’t been so taken with Alexandra Cole’s natural beauty he would’ve taken notice of the exquisite centerpiece of white roses, hydrangea, paperwhites, poinsettias and dusty miller spilling over crystal vases, the flickering pillars under glass chimneys and the exquisite place settings with Royal Crown china in a Derby Panel Green pattern and Vera Wang sterling and crystal.
    Prerecorded music featuring the works of Gershwin and Ellington provided a soothing background to muted conversations as silent, efficient waitstaff filled wine and water glasses. They served course after course of endive with crème fraîche and caviar, bowls of delicious oyster soup, Caesar salad with crisp pancetta and garlicky croutons, wild-mushroom lasagna, grilled salmon, filet