Read Online A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano - Free Book Online Page B

“Go.”
    â€œHas anyone ever told you you’re annoyingly bossy?” he mumbled before he set after Felicia, having no idea what he was going to say to her when he caught up with her, but realizing he couldn’t simply let her leave without some words being spoken between them.
    Perhaps he should just be candid and explain that he wouldn’t care to hurt her in the future, but . . . no, that would hardly do.
    Knowing Felicia, she’d take that as a clear indication of his arrogance, and now that he thought about it, it was beyond arrogant to assume she’d develop feelings for him.
    She’d never given him any reason to believe she held him in affection, so perhaps assuming she would develop feelings for him in the future was strictly wishful thinking on his part—and thinking he shouldn’t even be contemplating in the first place.
    He saw the back of her skirt swish through the main doors of the store and increased his stride, nodding his thanks to the doorman before he raised his hand to block the sun that hit him squarely in the eyes. He looked around and felt a moment of panic when he couldn’t locate Felicia.
    â€œYoung lady, have you lost your mind? Let go of my packages.”
    Grayson’s mouth dropped open when his attention settled on an elderly lady engaged in what could only be described as a fierce tug-of-war with none other than Felicia. He forced his mouth shut and moved forward, coming to a stop right beside the struggling ladies.
    â€œMrs. Shaffer, I’m not trying to steal your purchases. I’m simply trying to help you. You were about to lose one of the bags.”
    The lady, apparently one Mrs. Shaffer, abruptly released her hold on all the packages, causing Felicia to stumble backward. He caught her and held her close to him for just a second, but when he began to enjoy the feel of her softness, he quickly set her back on her feet even as he took the bags away from her.
    â€œGood heavens, Miss Murdock, you must forgive me,” Mrs.Shaffer exclaimed, stepping closer to them and squinting at Felicia. “I didn’t recognize you at first. I thought you were one of those thieves who dress up in pretty clothing and try to prey on elderly shoppers.”
    She reached for her reticule, pulled out a pair of spectacles, shoved them over her nose, and proceeded to look Felicia up and down. “May I say you look positively delightful today? I always knew there was an incredibly lovely lady lurking under those voluminous fashions you so oddly embrace. Dare I hope you’ve given those up?”
    Protective instincts he hadn’t realized he possessed caused him to step forward, intent on interceding on Felicia’s behalf, but to his amazement, instead of hurt lurking in her eyes, there was clear amusement.
    â€œI must thank you for your kind words, Mrs. Shaffer, and yes, I have firmly abandoned my wardrobe of old, which is why I was at B. Altman’s today. But enough about me. Whatever possessed you to try and manage all of these packages on your own? I thought you were about to collapse under the weight of them—which is why I rushed over to help you. Although I must apologize if I startled you. That certainly wasn’t my intent. Did you not bring an attendant with you?”
    It took everything Grayson had to not drop the packages he was holding for Mrs. Shaffer and charge immediately in the opposite direction. If there was any question remaining regarding Felicia’s kind heart, that question had just been answered and lent further proof to the idea she was too good to be sullied by his company.
    Few young ladies he knew would rush to the aid of an elderly woman burdened with too many packages. In fact, few ladies would have noticed that assistance was needed in the first place.
    She truly was a compassionate soul, and that meant he wasgoing to have to maintain his distance from her. It would be a true tragedy if his