The Admirer's Secret Read Online Free PDF Page A

ruined.
    Lucky for him, pop culture news managed to skirt around the remote town of Westfield.
    No, he wouldn’t tell them the truth. Instead he would tell them what they wanted to hear. That the fame and fortune was gratifying, but it also required hard work and creativity. That it’s a tough market, but worth the blood, sweat, and tears. And boy were there a lot of tears.
    Settling on the first words that took form, he answered, “It’s everything everyone wants, but only a few are cut out for it. And it’s all about who you know. I’ve spent the last thirty years networking and building a name for myself. So before any of you think you can waltz in and make a name, you need to refine your craft. That is what I’m here to do for you. And perhaps one day I’ll be your ticket to success.”
    Like golden honey dripping from his lips, he knew they’d eat everything he fed them. He gave a satisfied smirk at his own cleverness.
    “Moving on… I’m passing out your syllabus.” A couple of papers fluttered to the floor as he shuffled them from his desk into his hands. He clumsily bent to pick them up, only to lose several more in the exchange. An overeager student… the woman from the front row … beat him to the loose papers on the floor, and he let her. Watching her tend to his mess, Allen almost caught his breath when she looked up at him from her crouched position.
    She has the face of an angel . She had captivated him when she first walked in, but up close she was even more beautiful.
    When she had collected the last of the papers, the fresh scent of her hair lured him closer. His gaze fell upon the attractive curve of her body, moving upward to the most innocent green eyes he had ever seen.
    “Why thank you… what’s your name, young lady?”
    “Haley Montgomery, sir,” she replied with a shy grin. Her voice was sweet and tender.
    Haley Montgomery… what a beautiful name. “Thank you, Haley. And please call me Allen.”
    She retrieved the last of the fallen pages and shoveled them into his arms. They momentarily stood eye-to-eye while he absorbed her glowing radiance. Dark hair complemented her emerald eyes. Based on her appearance, she looked to be half his age, but this woman gleamed with childlike playfulness, while at the same time expressing deep maturity—the type of maturity that would appreciate someone with his life experience.
    Gently brushing past him, she headed back to her seat. When they bumped arms in passing, she flashed him an apologetic smile. A warm sensation spread through his body. A peace seemed to surround her; somehow her presence made him feel secure.
    He had to admit, her magnetism caught him off-guard. Though he came to this town defensive and elusive, this woman’s genuine kindness crumbled his wall with one momentary grin. Was there something else behind that smile? It was subtle, yet inviting.
    His ice blue eyes followed her as she passed out the papers… her body movement was graceful and fluid. Soft curls fell into her face and she pulled the strands away with manicured fingers. How he wished he could be those fingertips caressing that cheek! Shakespearean poetry cascaded through his thoughts. Everything about her intrigued him, but something specifically beckoned him to approach her… something that he couldn’t quite put his finger on.
    For the next few moments she unknowingly held his intent gaze. He watched her read the syllabus, wondering if her thoughts clung to him as his did to her. Did she imagine tenderly tracing the outline of his face? Or running her fingers through his hair? The thought splashed over him that perhaps she noticed him as more than a teacher.
    The moment ended all too soon as his query was interrupted by a cleared throat from the back row. There was no time for contemplation as several blank expressions waited for further instruction.
    “Oh, um, sorry about that. A story can rouse you at any time. Well, I guess inspiration comes uninvited,