“Have I told you how beautiful you are?” The words came out and he meant every one of them.
“Thank you.” She beamed up, her face tilted to his.
Desire rocketed through him, drawing him closer so that he forgot the two hundred people around him. Closing the space between them he knew Rachelle was aware of what was happening. She leaned into him.
“Britt, there you are?” The voice came from behind her.
Britt jerked up. “Tiffany.” He greeted his step-sister and her best friend. “Where’s Carlton?”
“Oh, around somewhere, he had people he wanted to talk to. We were looking for you. We thought that it was a shame you couldn’t dance. So we came up with an idea. I can play hostess for Rachelle, so you and Maureen can dance.”
“You were always so good,” Maureen spoke up.
“Thanks, but I was just about to take Rachelle out dancing.”
“Oh, I could go with you. I wouldn’t want to see you embarrassed.”
Britt felt his temper flare. “I’m never embarrassed around Rachelle. Rachelle, are you ready?”
Rachelle only nodded, too shocked to speak. She didn’t need to see to know all eyes were on her as they moved out on the dance floor, but the moment Britt took her in his arms the whole world fell away and it was only them. No one else mattered.
By instinct, her body moved with his. Only Britt and the music existed in her magical world. She could see them in her mind. It was her little girl’s dream, her woman’s fantasy, and it was real. She felt his lips touch her temple, and she pressed closer to him. “Britt,” she didn’t mean to say his name aloud, but it came out a whisper only for him to hear.
“Yes, this is nice. We need to do this more often, but,” he paused, “without the other people around. I want to be alone with you.” There was no mistaking the huskiness in his voice or the pressure of his body against hers. They danced three more dances until they both couldn’t stand the hum of desire any longer.
Britt played host with Rachelle on his arm the rest of the night. He introduced her to his friend, Steve, who remodeled the building where he lived, and his wife, Cassie. Rachelle started to get the feeling that Britt’s friends accepted her as part of him. She’d never felt so happy. It was all so unreal, like a Cinderella fairy-tale that she was afraid would disappear at the stroke of midnight. It was the vibration of Britt’s cell-phone that broke the spell.
“Sorry, it’s my private line only for emergencies.” He slid the phone from his pocket. “It’s a security line.” He guided her out of the crowd to where it was quieter before connecting the call. “Clairbourne.”
“Do you feel safe? Tell Angel Voice I will see her. You can’t be with her forever, except maybe in death.” The muffled voice cut off.
Britt’s body felt like he had turned to stone under her hand. The waves of silent tension buffed her, but instead of pulling back, she reached for him, tracing her fingertips along his cheek. He came alive at her touch, pulling her tight to him as if he was sheltering her with his body.
“Britt?”
“It was nothing,” he said the words, but didn’t relax his hold.
“It was him.” It wasn’t a question. She knew he wanted to deny, but he didn’t.
“Yes, he just wanted to let me to know he hadn’t forgotten me.”
“Is he going to do something tonight?” Fear rang through her voice.
“I don’t know, he didn’t say.” He brushed his hand over her cheek to calm her.
“He’s building up to something big.”
“Possibly, Rachelle, I want you to stay very close to me. I’ve tried keeping you away from me but that doesn’t work.” He dropped his hand sliding it around her to edge her closer.
“I think I can handle being around you.” She forced lightness in her voice.
“I’m serious. I don’t want anything happening to you. I couldn’t live with it.”
Rachelle wished she could see him then more than anything in her life. She also wished they were alone, so she could tell him how much she loved him. Unfortunately, there were too many people milling around for that kind of declaration. Then again, he probably knew because the way she felt surely must show.
****
Britt sat back in the chair in his room and stared out at the dark night. It was a relief to have the party over, and all the guests home safely. Since the phone call he’d been worried. At least his concern hadn’t been obvious, not like his feeling for Rachelle. He was certain there wasn’t a person there that hadn’t chatted or wagered about what was happening with his love life. Not that he minded. He wondered what the odds were for his getting married and how soon. If he had any say, the payout would be soon.
His thoughts drifted to the room just down the hall. Was Rachelle dreaming of him, or was she wide awake thinking of him? He wanted her to be thinking of him. She had been tired when he walked her to her door, and his desire for her was so strong he hadn’t dared to give her more than a single kiss. Was it enough to leave her wanting him like he did her?
Tomorrow he would talk to her about a life together. Rising from the chair he moved to the bed and stretched out. Forgetting the madman after him, he contemplated a future with Rachelle and let the thoughts take him into sleep.
****
The morning air smelled heavenly as Rachelle stepped out on the balcony. The sun warmed her face. She couldn’t help but smile. For the first time in a year, she felt like she was greeting the day full and content. Too happy to even let the loss of her sight shadow the day. She had learned to be happy, but this was a leap above.
Figuring Britt was already up, she followed the railing down the stairs having discovered that was the easiest way to make it to the patio where she guessed they’d meet for breakfast. She wondered what their plans were for the day and hoped they’d have time for another horse ride.
Rachelle knew she was getting close when she could hear the hum of voices, but it was another ten steps before she could make out the words.
“Britt, she’s hardly suitable. What you’re doing is kind. Showing her so much attention. But last night people thought you were actually serious about her. You wouldn’t believe the speculation running around the room,” his sister ranted. “Poor Maureen was mortified at the way you cast her aside. I don’t know how you could treat her so after all this time.”
“All this time. There’s never been anything between Maureen and me. She’s your friend and that is it.” Britt’s voice cut back. “And I happen to be very serious about Rachelle.”
“Heavens, Britt, really, you’re a powerful, prominent man. You need a woman who will be a good hostess, an asset to you with the proper breeding.”
“If I want breeding and bloodlines, I’ll buy another horse. And I can hire someone to plan parties for me. What I want is a woman who loves me.”
“Then have her.”
Rachelle picked up the wheeze in his brother-in-law’s voice.
“After all, I’m sure she’s very good in the dark.”
The wave of pain that ripped through Rachelle almost took her knees. She couldn’t believe that anyone would talk like that.
“You better not finish that if you want to have any teeth left in your mouth.” Britt’s voice never sounded so icy. “And you will never talk about Rachelle like that again.”
“Really, Carlton,” Britt’s stepmother gasped. “I must agree that was extremely crude. Rachelle is a very nice young woman. We all can agree on that. I like her very much. But Britt, Tiffany does have a point. She would hardly make a suitable wife for you. You need someone with grace and refinement. Last night people were kind to her, but you can’t expect that all the time.”
“She really doesn’t fit here.” Tiffany started up again. “You saw how uncomfortable everyone was around her, and it wasn’t just her blindness.”
“I saw nothing of the kind.”
“They were embarrassed. They felt sorry for you. You can only expect the
ir acceptance so far.”
“Acceptance, Rachelle is charming, intelligent, and beautiful. She only sees the good in people.”
“She doesn’t see anything. That’s the point, how will you feel when you’re at a formal dinner, and she spills food all over herself or she walks into a display and destroys the thing. She’s an accident waiting to happen, numerous accidents. If she pleases you, that’s fine, enjoy her.”
“Enough.” Britt’s voice raised in anger. “If you want to remain in this house you will stop this. Who I spend my time with is my business alone. And you will not refer to Rachelle as a plaything.”
“That’s all she’s good for.” Carlton’s voice was cut off with the sound of flesh hitting flesh and Tiffany’s scream.
“Britton!” Melissa yelled.
Rachelle didn’t think to try to keep in her gasp.
“Rachelle.”
She heard Britt say her name. He’d seen her on the edge of the patio, but it was too late. The dream she was living in popped. His family was being torn apart because of her. It was all make- believe and lies that she could fit in here.
She heard footsteps coming toward her and backed away.
“Rachelle,” Britt said her name.
“No,” she turned away. Losing her point of reference, she tripped over the railing, and tumbled down three steps to the grass.
“Rachelle,” Britt called her name again. This time his voice was laced with something that might have been fear, but she didn’t stop to think about it.
She had to get away. Stumbling to her feet, she ran, not caring the direction, just away. Tears burned her eyes. She heard footsteps closing in, could feel them pound the ground behind her and she pushed for more speed.
“Rachelle, stop. There’s a tree.” His words penetrated her pain, but she refused to stop, only changed directions to stay away from him. “Rachelle.” He was gaining on her. She had no idea where she was. She had to get away. She didn’t belong here. The thought rang over and over again in her mind. She couldn’t get between him and his family. She couldn’t hurt him.
Tears streaked down her face. Her heart ripped apart. She ran deeper and deeper into the blackness hoping it would swallow her. She felt a stab of pain as her toe hit something then she was falling. The breath left her body as she hit the ground hard and rolled over and over. She finally came to a stop face down with no more strength to run. Britt yelled her name, but she was too dazed to answer as pain and tears washed over her.
****
Pain knifed into Britt as he watched Rachelle go down. Her mad dash was terrifying to watch. Her head had missed the large tree branch by inches. She had been moving fairly close to the stream then with a scream she went down. He felt his world stop when she fell. Please, let her be okay.
He slid to the ground by her side, relieved when her shoulders shook with sobs. “Oh, sweetheart,” he slid his hand up her back, over her shoulder. A gasp burst from her, and she tried to pull away. “Easy, are you all right?” He pulled her to him and thought he better rephrase that. She wasn’t all right.
“Let me go.” Pain filled her voice, but he didn’t think it was physical.
“No. Quit fighting me.”
She started to shake her head. Words tumble out amidst her sobs. “No, I want to leave. I want to go home.”
“Shh, sweetheart, it’ll be okay.”
“No, I’m causing trouble … hurting your family. I didn’t mean to.”
“You are not hurting my family. Tiffany’s just mad because I didn’t let her friend get her claws into me. Maureen’s got her all stirred up. She does that. And as for Carlton, well, I’ve wanted to do that for a long time. The guy bugs me. I don’t know how Tiffany ended up with him. But Rachelle, it doesn’t matter, not a word they said. I love you. It’s my choice. No one else’s and you are my choice. And as for the party, no one was uncomfortable around you, but it wouldn’t have mattered. I love you.”
“No.” Great pain burned in her voice, she fought to push away.
“Yes, I love you.” He stressed each syllable, pulling her back to him. “Rachelle, I love you. I want to marry you.”
She went limp, tears streaming down her cheek. “I don’t want to hurt your family.”
“You won’t, they’ll accept you. Tiffany just got everyone thinking I’d marry Maureen. They’ll come around, but even if they don’t, having you in my life is what’s important. You make me happy. I have felt more joy in the last couple days than I have my whole life. I want that. I want you forever.”
Rachelle calmed and leaned lax against him. “How can you say that?” She took a deep breath. “We’ve only known each other a couple of weeks.”
“And I could have said it a couple days ago, because it’s true. I love you. And I know you love me. Will you deny it?”
She shook her head. “I can’t. It hurt so much when I thought you didn’t want me and now, when I thought I couldn’t ever be with you.” She tightened her hold on him.
For a full minute Britt held her to him, sitting in the grass, and then he pressed her back enough to frame her face with his hands. He tilted her face up as though she could see him. “Then say you’ll marry me.”
“Britt.”
He watched her eyes try to move over him. Knowing she was trying to see the certainty in his face.
“Are you certain?” She was hesitant with the question, but there was such hope on her face he felt it to his soul.
“I’m certain. Will you marry me?”
Her countenance glowed with light. “Yes.” She threw her arms around his neck. Her lips found his with ease, and Britt found himself bursting with joy at the passionate woman who would be his wife. She tasted sweet and smelled like the little flowers he had given her. She was nectar to him, and he started to drink but only allowed himself a minute, knowing full well if he didn’t, it would kill him to stop.
He held her tight trying to get himself under control. Her breathing was heavy. “Are you all right?” He pressed a kiss to her temple, feeling her nod slightly. “Let’s go back and make the announcement.”
“Britt, no, please, can we leave now?” She forced in a deep breath. “I know you probably think this is like riding a horse. That when you fall off you should get back on. But I think everyone needs some time to cool off, calm down and it will be better. As you said, Tiffany counted on you marrying Maureen. We have to give her time, give them all time to come to terms, or there’s no telling what might be said and not meant, but can’t be taken back. And I don’t want you to hit Carlton again.
“How do you know it was me that hit him?” His lips twitched into a smile.
“Please, he doesn’t strike me as the type that would strike someone head on. Like what he said in there, it was when he didn’t know I could hear. He’s been very charming toward me in person. Besides, he’s forever whining to you, instead of taking care of things.”
“Good points. I didn’t hit him half as hard as I wanted to. It was just enough to get his attention and make him shut up.”
“My protector,” she leaned forward and kissed his cheek.
“You missed.” He teased though he figured that was where she aimed.
She smiled. “I’ll have to work on that. I’ll get better with practice.” She kissed him again.
“Oh, practice. We’ll have to do that a lot.”
“What if I’m a quick study?”
“No, I think we’ll need to take our time to make sure you get it right.”
“That sounds like a lot of practicing.”
“All good things have their sacrifices. I’m willing to make this one.”
Laughter bubbled out of her, and she leaned into him again.
****
Britt had been quiet since they left the house. Rachelle knew he was thinking of something. She hoped he didn’t regret his proposal. Ten minutes later, she was relaxed back in the seat when he spoke. “What kind of wedding do you want?”
Sur
prised, she paused and thought. “I don’t know. When I was little, I wanted the big wedding with all the fancy dresses, flowers, cake. You know − everything. That’s what I was planning with Richard, and then the guest list started to sound like a client social for him. Everything was for show. When my accident happened and he broke off our engagement, I realized the big wedding wasn’t necessary and that I’d forgotten what was important.”
“What was that?”
“A man that loved me.”
Britt dreaded to ask the question but couldn’t stop himself. “Did you love him a lot?”
“At the time, I thought maybe I did, but then I realized I was in love with the idea of being in love. I wanted to have my perfect little life, with children, a successful husband and a white picket fence. When he left, I felt no loss. In fact, I felt at peace, or as peaceful as my life was at the time being. Walking across the room was traumatic.” Rachelle paused before continuing. “I think now, looking back, that I wouldn’t have made it to the wedding. It wasn’t right. I knew it. Something was missing.”
“Do you know what it was?”
“I do now. When you get near me, I don’t have to see you. I feel like another part of me is present, like I never was even when I could see. I guess a lot of women would disagree about needing a man that way.” Then she looked worried. “I hope that doesn’t sound scary to you.” She felt the car pull over to the side of the road and he shifted to her. His hands came up to frame her face.
“It doesn’t. I know the feeling. When I sent you away, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I wanted you with me so much. It was like a piece of me was cut out and missing. I thought I was doing what was best for you. Then, when I thought I wouldn’t get to you, nothing else mattered. Without you, part of me would be gone forever. I need you with me.”
Blind Witness Page 16