The Violet Hour (The Violet Hour Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

two boys that remained in the room.
    My face felt like it was on fire and I knew my embarrassment still showed, but the anxiousness from earlier also returned.  Luke’s brothers both greeted me with a wave, before stepping outside to retrieve their brother.  My father stood, keeping his eyes locked with Kate’s, but quickly sat back down just as the door opened again and all three boys reappeared.  I watched Luke quietly apologize to Kate before heading our direction.
    “Sorry about that,” he mumbled. 
    He was a vision – more than I’d realized when I first met him.  He moved with a clear purpose that his voice and eyes kept secret.  He didn’t seem angry but I could tell he wasn’t happy.  I swallowed a short, quick breath as he ran his hand through his now dry, messy hair and let a slight smile escape the corners of his lips pointed in my direction.
    “The boys got the trailer unpacked, dear,” my Dad said, interrupting my stare. “Luke can show you where everything is in your room and the spare bedroom so you can work on getting settled,” he added.
    The four of us headed toward the front door where a large, log stair case spiraled up to the second floor.  As we made our way upstairs, Jack and Jesse parted ways with us, letting out loud bursts of laughter as they headed outside.  Awkward as I felt heading to my bedroom alone with Luke, I was intrigued enough to keep moving my feet forward.
    My bedroom wasn’t the large bedroom I was used to, but still a good size.  The best part of the entire space was the large window seat centered on the opposite wall.  Plush with pillows, blankets and a cushioned bench; I was certain I’d be spending a lot of my time there.  It made the entire room feel comfortable and inviting.  Nestled in the corner was a full-size bed covered with a large quilt – probably handmade and older than I could ever guess.  The walls were neutral, as if painted to compliment the quilt. 
    “I wasn’t sure about these couple of boxes.  Where would you like them?” Luke asked as he stepped gracefully into the room. 
    My heartbeat picked up when he spoke. 
    “You can put them on the bed,” I mumbled.  I couldn’t help but stare at his arm muscles and chiseled face as he carried the boxes to my bed and set them down effortlessly.  He hesitated in front of the window gazing for a moment into the near darkness. Then he pulled the curtains shut without bothering to ask me if I wanted them that way.  I gasped as my fingers began to tingle due to lack of oxygen.  I looked away quickly while I shook my hands back to life.  What was I getting myself into, I thought.  I felt spellbound but also on edge.  
    “How was the trip getting here?” he asked trying to strike up conversation while I simply watched his lips move.  I wondered in that moment what his mouth might taste like and if his breath was as cool and sweet as I was imagining it to be. 
    “It was good,” was all I could muster, trying not to stare. 
    “Well, that’s good,” he offered in return.
    He was making his way across the room toward the door when he stopped short of the hallway, abruptly turning to face me.  My heart came to a screeching halt.  I wasn’t sure if it was because I wanted him to leave… or stay.  A wild, devilish grin smeared across his face creating slight dimples in the corners of each cheek.  He fidgeted for something in his pocket and I noticed he was wearing a ring on his thumb.  He took a deep awkward breath and seemed to be debating whether to speak whatever seemed to trouble his mind.
    “So, you thought I was your brother?” he asked.  My face flushed again.
    “Sorry about that, no one told me any differently.”
    “It’s okay.  I won’t hold it against you,” he laughed. 
    The sudden warmth in his voice forced me to look at him.  His eyes reminded me of the calm blue of the ocean.  This time of the year, as autumn approached, I loved sitting outside in a