by AnnChristine
That's right. I thought he was cute, incredibly smart, and debonair. He was always nice to me. Now that I'm remembering, he was like the old school gentleman, opening doors, pulling out chairs.
Then everything went haywire. Was it my imagination? Did I overreact and not give him a chance to explain?
Lilly giggled and thought he might have even thrown his coat over a mud puddle if she was about to step into one.
Chivalry is not dead. It exists in Bentley. The thought sent crazy, spine tingling shivers down her spine
"You don't have to do anything you don't want to," Bentley said. "You have proven that to me over the last several years. You are strong minded and so very intelligent it boggles my mind."
"He is a friend."
"True enough. Do you want me to go with you?" He asked this time, taking both her hands into his.
She held her breath, thinking about his question. She watched him cock his head to one side and raise one eyebrow as he waited. "I think I do." Lord, but it felt good to have someone care even if it was Bentley. Suddenly she felt supported as if she had someone whom she could count on. She'd never felt that way before, not even with Jacob.
Her world had just turned upside down.
You didn't feel that way with Jacob because… because why? He was always a best friend--the brother you never had.
Looking down at her phone she quickly texted him the location of the restaurant. "He can come here," she said.
"Good, and we can have another glass of wine while we wait. Would you like that? The alcohol might relax some of that tension from your neck and shoulders." His grin spread across his handsome face. "I'd give you a massage but you probably wouldn't appreciate my expertise here in a public place."
"I do believe I would," she said, "like a glass of wine," the smile inside warming her throughout. Bentley was right. One more glass would relax her enough to deal with whatever bad news Jacob was about to bring. But would it be bad news? She didn't think so. If he meant to announce an engagement, she was happy for him. She just prayed he found someone suitable and not a trophy.
"Waiter," he held up two fingers and pointed to her wine glass. The waiter nodded and few minutes later they were sipping Riesling.
"I'm appreciating this moment with you," Bentley said. "It's the first time we have enjoyed conversation." He leaned forward, the lines in his face tense. "I never meant… I…"
"I think I have misunderstood your intentions and I came to conclusions that possibly were not true. I won't apologize for my stubborn behavior just yet. But…" she paused a moment. "I'm not going to jump to conclusions again. I don't know if this is just another pretense to get me…"
"In bed," he finished the sentence for her. "Don't ever believe I don't want a relationship with you of that sort. But I learned a valuable lesson. One, I might add, I've been paying for a very long time. I will savor each moment and I will not ask for anything from you. If and when you are ever ready, then I'll expect you will let me know."
Heat rose to Lilly's cheeks. She put her hands there to cool them and watched his smile. "I'm going to proceed with caution." Her heart fluttered, shocked at what she said and how she felt. "We can begin as friends who might date, but not lovers, not yet."
"And I thank my lucky stars for Rob and being in the right place at the right time. I don't think you would have ever let me into your life without that little situation exploding in your face. You needed me and I intend to be there for you every time you ask." He brushed a piece of hair from her face and tucked it in behind her ear. Sexual desire rose instantly.
~ * ~
Jacob watched the tender scene enfold in front of him. No, it can't be. That's Bentley and he is touching Lilly and--she seems to like it. Has the world just taken a strange upside down twist?
"Hi," Jacob stepped forward. Lilly jumped and stared at him with an expression that seemed to say, I forgot you were coming.
Bentley rose and extended his hand. "I'm Bentley and you are Jacob, I assume," he said, politely and so very charming it gave Lilly a grin from ear to ear the likes of which Jacob had never seen before.
Lord, but his manners were impeccable. He did come from old money. "Yes," Jacob said, still astonished at what he saw in front of him.
Jacob turned his attention to Lilly. "We have to talk," he repeated, wondering once again how such a turn about took place. Bentley, jeez.
"Is it private?" Lilly queried, twisting her hair into a bun then letting it fall back down.
"Yes, no, not exactly." He felt like a school boy at his first recital.
"Then Bentley can stay."
"Of course," Jacob said as he pulled out a chair to sit down. He motioned for a waiter and asked for a beer.
"Well," Lilly said.
"You look as if you have seen a ghost." Jacob waited, his fingers thrumming the tabletop.
"I have had several surprises today. I must admit I'm not sure I am up for another one, but it's apparent from your hasty arrival and the expression on your face, I should brace myself."
"I couldn't tell you this over the phone."
"Whatever it is I suppose you couldn't." Lilly's voice sounded stilted and insincere. Something Jacob had rarely heard from his honest friend. Of course he'd never given her reason to sound that way.
"You had to disrupt her life and come to Paris," Bentley said with a protective gesture, his hand clenching.
Jacob's gaze studied Lilly then Bentley.
They are a couple, but I don't think they even know it yet. Do I feel happy for her? Of course I do. Amanda always told you Bentley was no real risk and that Lilly had been infatuated with him the moment she set eyes on him in Davis. They just had a rocky start. Warmth grew inside Jacob. He didn't think he needed to feel guilty about abandoning Lilly. She had someone who loved her enough to never give up on her.
"Lilly," Jacob began. "I have asked Sara to marry me."
Chapter Six
April 1, 2012
"OMG, it's a beautiful day," Lilly said, looking skyward at the Eiffel Tower.
"You are more beautiful than I could ever say." Bentley bussed a light kiss on Lilly's forehead before shielding his eyes to stare at what had caught Lilly's attention.
"It's been one year."
"One glorious year."
Lilly's heart beat erratically. She didn't understand how she had never seen this loving and so very caring side to Bentley. A week ago they had spontaneously decided to return to Paris. Lilly had eagerly jumped on the idea. Paris was her favorite place, and she thought of it as the most romantic city in the world.
"You have been terribly secretive. Just what are you up to?" Lilly asked, snuggling close to Bentley who had a protective arm around her.
"Time will tell the entire story. For now, I just want you to relax and take a very much needed vacation."
"Enjoy and relax. Hmmm… that shouldn't be too hard," Lilly said.
"Yup."
"I think I can do that."
They strolled down the street with Lilly wondering every step of the way what Bentley had up his proverbial sleeve. Yet she did feel carefree and she wanted to enjoy everything this week. They were going to catch the train and go to Versailles. She loved the romanticism and the notion this was the Queen's country home.
They ended their trip in the small town outside the castle where the train stopped and bought an umbrella then strolled toward the castle.
"When did you decide I was okay?" Bentley asked taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Hmmm…" Lilly put one finger to her lips as if thinking.
I'm falling in love.
The year without sex had been harder on Lilly than Bentley. She'd almost given in to her resolution several times. At first she had been sure Bentley wanted the relationship for sex and she was doubly sure he would leave her heartbroken after they tumbled into bed together. Wow, so she'd persevered hoping beyond hope he wanted her because of who she was not what he could
get out of the relationship.
He had been so patient. She would tell him today that she wanted the relationship to change from platonic to lovers.
The grandeur of the place was incredible, gorgeous and drop dead opulent. No wonder the starving people rebelled.
"Lilly…"
"Hmm…"
"Are you hungry?" Bentley asked with a smile.
Hungry for you.
"Ravenous."
"Let's find a romantic little café in town." Bentley steered her to an arch that was decorated with pictures and gold. "But first," he said as he began to kneel.
"What are you doing?"
He placed one of her hands in his and reached inside his coat then brought out a small velvet covered box. Her heart skipped a beat and she swallowed hard. Lilly had a sudden need for air.
He looked up at her, a curious expression on his face. "Lilly, will you do me the great honor of marrying me?"
She felt the world tilt and spin crazily. It was, after, all April first. No, he would do this to me. Insecurities popped into her head. "A-April Fools?" she queried softly. Please don't let this be a joke.
"What? God, no! Why would you think?"
A crowd began to gather. Tears threatened to spill. "It's just, Jacob and I always played jokes on each other today."
"I'm not Jacob. Lilly, will you marry me?" he asked again.
"Yes, oh yes."
A cheer rose up behind her and Bentley slipped the ring on her finger.
"It has taken so long to reach this point but today, Lilly, you made me the happiest man alive. I love so very much."
"I love you more."
About the Author
Christine Young
[email protected]
Born in Medford, Oregon, novelist Christine Young has lived in Oregon all of her life. After graduating from Oregon State University with a BS in science, she spent another year at Southern Oregon State University working on her teaching certificate, and a few years later received her Master's degree in secondary education and counseling. Now the long, hot days of summer provide the perfect setting for creating romance. She sold her first book, Dakota's Bride, the summer of 1998 and her second book, My Angel to Kensington. Her teaching and writing careers have intertwined with raising three children. Christine's newest venture is the creation of Rogue Phoenix Press. Christine is the founder, editor and co-owner with her husband. They live in Salem, Oregon.
The Gift is part of
A Valentine's Anthology
Sharks
byAnnChristine
Will Lily and Jacob, best friends forever, find love or will they discover friendship is not enough for a relationship to take the final step into marriage.
The House on Berkley Street
by K. J. Dahlen
When Serenity is asked to find the truth in a forty-year old tragedy, someone in the town of White Oak, Texas doesn’t want the truth told. Can they stop her before she finds out what they have kept hidden for so long?
The Placebo Effect
by Solstice Stevens
First, there was the poison. Then, there was a four story jump and the basketball hoop. Jessamyn Hamhill’s life has been one validation attempt after another . . . until now.
Available at Rogue Phoenix Press
www.roguephoenixpress.com
Other books by Christine Young
Available at Rogue Phoenix Press
Highland Honor
The first book in the Highland Series
Willfully stubborn, innocently courageous, Callie Whitcomb braves a journey through the treacherous highlands to the Macpherson castle. Callie flees from an unwanted marriage as well as her ruthless half brother. Naively she believes Colin MacPherson, the head of the clan, is loyal to her father and will give her sanctuary, protecting her from the vile plans that have been made for her.
As hard and as unyielding as the winter storms that sweep through the countryside, Colin is irresistibly drawn to the impetuous beauty who has magically appeared on his doorsteps. Despite his vows of revenge against her father, she stirs his passion as well as his sense of justice...but to love her would violate all his vows of revenge.
Highland Magic
The second book in the Highland Series
Throughout the Highlands she is known as Keely, the witch woman. She is a great healer-a woman whose dreams come true. Ian MacPherson is a man who puts honor, loyalty and duty above everything. Their lives are entwined when Ian is sent by the Scottish King to bring Keely to trial for witchcraft. He is attacked and left for dead, but Keely rescues him. When he wakes, he discovers he has no memory. As he remembers his lost past, Ian finds that his need to protect the woman who has saved his life eclipses his duty to his king and country., He is a man torn between honor and duty to his country and the woman he loves.
Highland Song
The third book in the Highland Series
With her white-gold hair and azure eyes, Lainie MacPherson is as wild and untamed as the rugged Scottish Highlands where she was raised. Lainie vowed to avenge her rape. Recklessly, she defies English laws and the man who raped her puts a bounty on her head. The man who is sent to bring her to Edinburgh sets a dangerous trap. With nothing left to live for the beautiful Scottish spy steals the sealed documents the English soldier has tempted her with.
When the exquisite temptress takes the bait and runs off with not only the forged documents but the purses of the men in the tavern, Aaron Slade vows to hunt her down and bring her to justice, never dreaming she will tame his jaded soul. When Aaron discovers the truth about the tempestuous woman who stirs his passion to the point of madness, he dares not love her, but desires her with all his soul.
Dakota's Bride
When Emma St. John received her brother's letter imploring her to escape her stepfather's vengeful scheme and to trust Dakota Barringer with her life, she was willing to chance it. But the handsome, brooding riverboat owner Emma found in Natchez a danger of another kind. For Emma soon found herself surrendering to an unrelenting desire.
Raised by the Sioux when his parents were killed, Dakota had been betrayed once before by a white woman. He wasn't about to trust another, especially one claiming that her stepfather, a powerful U.S. senator, had framed her as a murderess. But he couldn't let Emma's intoxicating effect on him. Now Dakota would risk his very life to protect the innocent beauty who had seduced him with her tender love.
My Angel
A BEAUTY IN BUCKSKINS
When her father decided to send her to a finishing school back East, Angela Chamberlain refused to be confined to stuffy drawing rooms. Instead, the daring spitfire who could shoot like a man and ride like the wind longed for a life of adventure and romance—and she knew exactly who could give it to her. Devil Blackmoor was a hired gun with a dangerous reputation. But Angela was willing to go to the ends of the earth to capture the handsome devil's heart.
A DEVIL IN DISGUISE
He'd come to America looking for excitement, but Devil Blackmoor got more than he bargained for when he encountered a beautiful rebel who answered his kisses with a wild innocence that touched his very soul. Yet standing between them were more obstacles than either ever dreamed. For Devil had strapped on a gun for the wrong man. And that made Angela his enemy. Now he'll have to choose between his duty and the woman he loves more than life.