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 Sure, I ll send them right out. Saul smiled at Jenny.  You
come back again soon.
 That s up to Daniel. Stealing a glimpse of him, she noted the
firm clasp of his hands, the darkness cloaking his eyes. He had no
intention of bringing her back, unless it was to escort her to the ferry
that would carry her out of his life.
Jenny had never much believed in prophecies, but that moment
she had a vision. She saw herself standing on the deck of an open
ferry, staring at the fading silhouette of a dark-haired man, feeling
her heart break with each new wave that crashed against the hull as
she floated further and further away. Floated back to Prospect
Valley, to Leo, to self-effacement. If she went back there, the glitter
inside her that made her the person she was would dim and die.
She d become a robot wearing human flesh, a programmed
machine, with all emotion banned from her life.
Perhaps she would have been able to live that way before, but
not now. Not after tasting peace, security. Not after savoring the
warmth of Daniel s kindness. She d never thought a man s presence
could be so comforting. Before Daniel, Jenny had believed men
inspired only fear, submission. But Daniel made her feel protected,
cared for. He gave her hope, and she hadn t had that in a very long
time.
As they stepped outside, she eyed the numerous restaurants and
cafés dotting the waterfront, all outfitted with glimmering lights.
Although the small town wasn t crowded, the sight of bikers and
pedestrians filling the quaint streets was a welcome change from
Daniel s secluded cottage.  Can we stay and walk around town?
 No. Daniel s reply was curt and dry, almost frantic. He
seemed out of his element here amidst society tense, uneasy.  We
have a deadline to meet.
Jenny understood. She caught the real reason in the way he
averted his eyes. He wore the unworthiness he felt the same way he
wore his scars. As much as he tried to conceal it, it was a part of
him and it refused to stay hidden.
In a few minutes they d boarded his boat and pulled away from
the dock, Daniel skillfully bypassing the parade. Jenny leaned back
against the railing. He seemed anxious to get away, eager to drift
onto the wide, flowing ocean.
 Why are you staring at me? He hadn t as much as slanted a
glance her way and yet he d sensed her gaze.
 Just wondering why you feel so uncomfortable around
people.
He looked at her then, taken aback.  I don t. I told you we have
work to do.
She placed her hand on his shoulder.  You don t have to
pretend with me. I understand how you feel. I just don t understand
why.
He stared at the rippling water, his expression unreadable.
 Please don t touch me. His voice was gruff, strained.
 Why not? Don t you like being touched? Boldly, she ran the
back of her index finger across his right cheek. He jerked away as if
she d grazed him with a burning flame.
Compassion squeezed her heart.  What happened to you,
Daniel?
A light drizzle began to fall, but the sun continued to shine. Up
ahead on the distant horizon a rainbow glowed. She d never seen
anything so magnificent a prism of sparkling color diving into the
boiling waves.
 Maybe you should go below deck.
She shook her head.  No, I don t mind the rain. I don t get to
see a view like this everyday. Isn t it incredible? How two total
opposites can form something so breathtaking?
Daniel didn t reply. He just continued staring blankly ahead.
Moving to his left, she did something terribly brazen. She touched
the hair that veiled his cheek, brushing it aside. In an instant his
fingers clenched hers.  What the hell are you doing? Panic flared
in his voice.
 I just I wanted to see your face.
Realizing how tightly he clasped her hand, he loosened his
grip, releasing her.  Don t ever do that again. His clipped, non-
negotiable tone delivered the message loud and clear.
In the past, Jenny would have backed off, retreated into silence,
but not now.  Why not? What are you so afraid of? she asked.
Then, unable to stop herself, she added,  You re the most beautiful [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]