by Beverly Rae
My Angel
By
Beverly Rae
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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
My Angel
Copyright ã 2008 Beverly Rae
ISBN: 978-1-55487-049-3
Cover art by Martine Jardin
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.
Published by eXtasy Books
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Dedication
To all the “high flyers” out there, enjoy.
Prologue
“I still don’t understand why He allowed Joshua to go to Earth.” Messa wiggled her fingers to change the color of her fingernails for the fifteenth time in the past hour. “I mean, lots of souls die young and never live a full mortal lifetime. What’s so special about this one?”
Her mentor and supervisor, the highest-ranking angel in Angel Recruitment and Training, studied the replay of the football match on the holographic image before him. “Are you daring to question His actions? No!” The-One-Who-Knows-Almost-All jumped to his feet and shouted at the Super Bowl players. “What’re you guys doing down there? Throw the ball. Don’t try to run with it.” He ran a hand through his hair and huffed his frustration. “Don’t they realize they could win with a passing game?”
“No, of course not.”
Her supervisor cocked his head around. “I didn’t know you followed football.”
“Of course not and I don’t. I meant I wasn’t questioning Big G. All I’m doing is trying to understand about Joshua.” Messa leaned forward to peer at the scene. “However, you do know you’re watching last year’s game, right?”
He snarled at her as he nodded. “Sure I know. But it was a great game even if my team lost.”
“Okay.” She would never understand his fascination with mortal games. “Can we get back to Joshua? Obviously, He has His reasons for sending the latest angel recruit to Earth, but I’m thinking you’ve made a mistake in letting him return in the body you gave him.” In fact, she felt confident He would’ve had a problem with the body her supervisor had chosen.
The-One-Who-Knows-Almost-All tucked his head and narrowed his eyes, while sarcasm covered his expression. “You do? Oh, really. Well, do tell. Why is giving him a healthy body a mistake?”
“Healthy? Yeah, it’s healthy, all right. Healthy and so much more.” Messa snapped her fingers and produced an image of Joshua. “You’ve sent a soul to Earth who never grew up. Yet you gave him the form of one hot fully developed male and put the less-than-self-controlled Walter in charge of him. You do remember what sex is, don’t you?” The-One-Who-Knows-Almost-All paused as if reflecting and she almost laughed. Maybe he didn’t remember. After all, she didn’t think her supervisor had had sex in centuries or even millenniums. Still…
“Hey, it may have been a long time since I experienced the act, but my memory of it is even longer. But what does sex have to do with Joshua enjoying the world he never knew? Besides, he won’t be staying long.” He spun away from her in time to see the other team fumble the ball. “Oh, for the love of Him! Can’t you men hold onto a ball? Put some glue on your hands, for His sake.”
Messa snapped her fingers again. This time the scene was of Joshua and Walter standing in a crowd of people. She pointed as another human came running into the picture. “See the woman with the red hair?”
The-One-Who-Knows-Almost-All tried to look at what she’d pointed at while keeping an eye on the game. “Are you talking about the redhead? The fun one?”
Messa swiveled to confront him. “You speak as though you know her.” She narrowed her eyes and prepared for the answer to her next question. He wasn’t telling her everything. “Who is she and what’s her relation to Joshua?”
At last, her mentor turned away from the game and gave her his full attention. With a cat-ate-the-canary grin, he arched one eyebrow. “Her name is Cara and you’ll find out soon enough about the rest of their story.”
“Their story?” She knew she shouldn’t have, but she felt a twinge of jealousy raise a tickle of warning. However, she also knew she wouldn’t get an answer as The-One-Who-Knows-Almost-All fixed his attention on the game.
Chapter One
“Cara, slow down. Are you in a hurry to die?”
Cara stopped, turned and beckoned her best friend to catch up. “Oh, for Pete’s sake, Til, don’t act like a drama queen. We’re going bungee jumping, not to an execution.”
Tilly’s limp brown hair hung in her face as she struggled to keep up with Cara’s long stride. “I am not being dramatic. I’m trying to make you realize life is worth living.”
Cara gripped Tilly by the hand, dragging her friend along with her, and laughed. “Funny. I’m trying to make you realize the same thing. Live a little. Have an adventure. Get a thrill while your blood’s still pumping through your veins.”
Tilly blew a strand of hair out of her eyes. “Exactly. It’s pumping through my veins right now and I plan on keeping it there.”
Skidding to a stop, Cara wrapped an arm around her mousy friend’s shoulder, gave her a quick hug and pushed her forward. “You’re always such a worrier. Have I ever gotten hurt?” When Tilly started to nod, she hastily added, “I mean, other than a couple of broken bones, a mild concussion and a few scrapes.” Her friend stopped nodding, but she knew she wouldn’t give up. “Well, have I?”
“No, you haven’t. Not yet anyway. Other than those times which, by the way, should serve as a warning.”
“And have you ever gotten hurt? Other than a few of the same little injuries?”
“Little?” Tilly snorted her derision. “But that’s only because I don’t usually go along with your wild schemes. Still, Cara, you only die once, you know. It’s not like you get a do-over in life with your life.”
“Tilly, you went through the training session with me. Didn’t you hear how safe this is? As long as you jump with a professional, credible outfit like these guys, you won’t have a problem.” She kept her palms on her friend’s shoulders, urging her on.
“Oh, yeah. Sure. But I figure anytime someone makes you sign an indemnity form, what you’re about to do is dangerous. Maybe life-threatening.” She kept moving even as she tried to turn around and talk. “Unlike you, I don’t like placing my life on the line. Doing so is definitely a killjoy for those of us who like sucking in one breath after the other.”
Cara laughed again, happy to have Tilly and her quick wit along for the fun. “No one’s forcing you to do this, you know. I never force you to do what I do.”
“I know. Like no one forced me to get weighed in front of a stranger either. Funny how you failed to warn me about that bit of fun. But getting weighed wasn’t bad enough, was it? To hurt me more, they had to write my weight on my hand. I mean, why not plaster a sign on my back saying Fat Jumper? Talk about outing me.”
Although Cara knew the answer, she had to ask the question. “Why did you insist on comi
ng along if you didn’t plan on actually jumping?” Yet Tilly always came along, as though her mere presence could keep anything bad from happening to Cara. She shook off the unspoken answer and pointed at the group on the bridge that overlooked the lake spreading out a mile below them. “Dammit, Til, we’re late. They’re waiting for us. Come on and move your butt.” Cara let go of her friend and sprinted toward the people getting ready to test their nerve by flying through the air.
As she grew nearer, she scanned the odd assortment of would-be daredevils. Among them was a young couple kissing and fondling each other.
Eck. Lovebirds.
Next, her gaze fell on an older man biting his fingernails. When he noticed her looking at him, he yanked his fingers from his mouth and stuck both hands in his pants’ pockets. His nervous smile morphed into the oh-so-familiar man-on-the-prowl leer.
Oh, crap, midlife crisis in progress. Cara cringed, having dealt with his type before. Unfortunately for Midlife, a lay was nowhere in his future. At least, not with her. She averted her eyes from the older gentleman and moved to the man standing with his back to her. When he pivoted around, her breath caught in her throat, plugged by the drench of saliva in her mouth. If she wasn’t careful, she’d drool on herself and, worse, in front of all the people staring at her.
Wow, oh, wow. An angel has landed. She frowned, wondering where such an odd thought had come from before letting her mind move on to the study of him. Not being the religious type, she never talked about angels, or God, or anything spiritual. She puffed out a scoff. Yeah, right. Like angels exist. And even if they did, they certainly wouldn’t give her a flash of hot throbbing desire. After all, angels were supposed to wear long, flowing white robes, right? Not a tight t-shirt and perfectly-made-for-him jeans.
The stranger’s short hair sparkled with the afternoon sun picking out the golden highlights weaved through the russet strands. Compelling eyes captured hers, holding her to him while a hint of stubble along his jaw enticed her to reach out and touch. He held his body, an athlete’s body, in a carefree stance, while he pulled his t-shirt out of his jeans. When he did, Cara caught a glimpse of stunning abs and a trail of dark hair calling her name. Follow me, Cara. Follow the trail to my heavenly delights.
Again with the religious reference? “Hell, yes, I’ll follow you.” Could this be a spiritual awakening? Yet who knew an awakening could feel so good?
“I’m sorry?”
Cara forced her gaze away from Ab Man to face the speaker. “What? Oh, did I say something out loud?”
An Asian gentleman wearing a shirt emblazoned with the company name, Flying Jumpers, raised his eyebrows and checked his clipboard. “Are you Cara Williams?”
Don’t look at Mr. Honey-Be-Mine. Keep your eyes on the Jumper guy. “Uh, yeah. I am.” Hearing Tilly’s ragged breath as her friend trudged up behind her, Cara swiveled to take her hand and tugged her to her side. “And this slowpoke is my best friend, Tilly Sherwood.”
Jumper Guy made another check on his list. “Great. I’m your Jump Master, Jack.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
His arched eyebrow told her he wasn’t.
But no way could she let this one slide. “So, Jumping Jack, do you jump in a flash?”
Jack dropped his arms along with his jaw, and feigned a surprised expression. “Oh, wow. I get it. Jumping Jack Flash. Like the movie, huh?” The fake expression died as a bored, yet exasperated look took its place. “Like I haven’t heard that pitiful joke a thousand times.”
Oh, shit. I’ve pissed off the instructor. Probably not the smartest move I’ve ever made. Cara grinned sheepishly. “Sorry.”
“Please try and remember I am your master out here. Your jump master.” Jack didn’t wait for a response as he dismissed her with a flick of his hand.
Ha, Jackie, you are so not my master. But I know who I’d like to have as my master. Cara focused her gaze on Jack, but her mind stayed on the hunk watching her. Just like I know who’d I’d like to jump me, too.
“Okay, now if everyone’s ready,” Jumping Jack shot a look at her. “Let’s get started. If you’ll please pay close attention, I’ll run down some reminders.” Jack reached out to check the weights written on Tilly’s and Cara’s right hands. He shot Tilly a questioning glance, rechecked her hand, and scribbled something on his notepad. Turning to the group, he started repeating the safety measures already discussed in their initial training session.
Tilly, however, ignored the lecture, preferring to criticize. “Terrific. He thinks I’m too fat to jump, doesn’t he? I don’t want to anyway, but I’d hate to be told I’m too fat for the rope to hold. Geez, this whole thing just keeps getting better and better. What’s next for a fun day—joining the army?”
Cara kept her voice low and tossed her hair behind her shoulders. “Will you give yourself a break? I think they’re actually surprised at the number because you don’t look like you weigh what you weigh.” She could feel Tilly’s body tense up and knew she’d made a blunder. “Because you’re not fat. You’re solid. You know, like a gymnast or an athlete.” She swallowed, trying to stop herself from telling any more fibs. Yet what was a little white lie between friends?
Tilly started to object, but Cara, wanting to change the subject, pulled her closer to whisper in her ear. “Will you check out Heavenly-Bod?” Again with the spiritual? Is it because I watched a rerun of Touched by an Angel last night?
“What? Who cares? Cara, I’m not jumping. I came here to stop you and, if I can’t, I’ll help recover your body. I’ll do the best friend thing and wait for the authorities so I can officially identify your remains. But will you give this some additional thought? Pulease. Come on, Cara, save me the hassle of doing all the paperwork, not to mention handling the funeral arrangements.”
Cara watched the sexiest man she’d ever seen nod at the Jump Master’s directions. He grinned a melt-your-knees-to-make-you-kneel-at-my-feet smile as a pudgy slightly older man joined him. Towering well over six feet in height, his friend’s midriff wasn’t the only big thing about him. Turn your sexy smile on me, honey buns. Don’t waste it on the Michelin Man.
“Hey, check it out, Tilly. If the rope can hold Big Belly Big Foot over there, it’ll hold you with no problem.”
“Oh, gee, thanks.”
“Aw, hell, Til, you know what I mean.” Shaking her head, she decided to give up trying to make her friend feel better and concentrate on the pleasurable distraction in front of her. “Isn’t he amazing? Not Big Foot, his gorgeous friend. I’m telling you, girlfriend, I need him in my bed.”
“What you need is your head examined.”
The Jumper Guy shot them an oh, crap, I’ve got troublemakers glare at Tilly’s outburst and shook his head. “I hope you paid attention. What I said may save you from injury—or worse.”
“Or worse?” The squeak in Tilly’s voice drew nervous titters from the other jumpers.
Sexy Man’s gigantic friend wiggled his fingers at Tilly. “Well, hello. Name’s Walter. This here is Joshua. Don’t worry. Nothing bad’s going to happen. Trust me. I know it for a fact.”
Tilly blushed under the group’s perusal and offered the chubby giant a timid smile. “From your mouth to God’s ears.”
God’s ears? Okay, this is getting weird. Tilly never says religious things, either. Should I take this as an omen? Cara frowned and attempted to shrug off the twinge of anxiety tickling the nape of her neck.
Walter cocked his head at her as if Tilly’d said something unusual. “Well, of course. How else?”
However, Cara didn’t hesitate to grab at the opening. “Hi. Nice to meet you. I’m Cara Williams and this adorable wimp beside me is my friend, Tilly. Tilly, this is Walter.” She gave his hand one quick shake and moved over in front of the hunk to shake his hand. “Hi, Josh. Can I call you Josh? Or can I just call you?” Cara raised an eyebrow, acknowledging the blatant come-on line. “Have you jumped before?” As she matched his gaze, she felt a calmness, a fa
miliarity she’d never experienced. Who was this guy?
His large puppy dog eyes twinkled at her. “Nope. Never done anything.”
“Like this. He means he’s never done anything like this.” Walter slipped his hand over Cara’s, breaking her hold on Josh and the connection she sensed between them. “Never.”
“Me, either. I think this is gonna be fun.” Was Walter trying to keep them apart or was it her imagination setting up roadblocks? Either way, she wouldn’t let anything get between her and her future sex slave. No. He’ll mean more than sex to me.
Jack, however, didn’t give her time to figure out the answer. “Let’s get started. Who wants to go first?”
Cara turned to the group, surprised when no one offered to take the first dive. She nudged Tilly and nodded toward the harness he held in his hands. “How about you, Tilly? Be the first and get it over with?”
Tilly stepped back and right on top of Walter’s toe. She yelped, hopped upward instead of away, stumbled and landed in Walter’s arms.
“Ow.”
“Oops. I’m sorry. I’m kind of clumsy.”
Walter steadied Tilly and forgave her with a sloppy smile. “Hey, no problem. Getting stepped on by a pretty woman is worth the pain.”
Cara fought to keep from rolling her eyes, especially when she saw his sloppy smile returned with one of Tilly’s sappy grins. Was their connection lasting a bit too long? Cara shot Tilly a questioning look, but her buddy missed it as she and Walter kept gazing into each other’s eyes.
“For Pete’s sake. I’ll go first.” She’d do anything to get away from the disturbing sight of Tilly and Walter copping mental feels.
“How about we go together?” Josh winked and moved closer to her.
Pleased with his apparent interest, Cara fluttered her eyelashes as a zing of excitement raced through her. Jumping with Jammin’ Josh would be nothing short of terrific.