Read Online Hidden in a Whisper by Tracie Peterson - Free Book Online

make this arrangement less consuming.
    But consuming was the only word for it. She had consumed his thoughts and dreams for the last six years, and now that he was here, sitting not two feet away, Braeden longed to take her in his arms. She hadn’t changed much, he decided. Her ruddy complexion and auburn hair stood out in contrast against her high-collared white blouse. She had fashioned her hair in a popular style of the day, with the bulk of her dark red curls pulled back and rolled into a knot atop her head.
    Wisps of hair curled down gently, softening the effect and framing her face. She was just as lovely and enchanting as Braeden had remembered. “It seems we are in a bit of a fix here,” Braeden said softly.
    â€œI suppose that’s putting it mildly,” Rachel said, folding her hands on top of the desk.
    â€œLook, I don’t want to spend the next months snapping at each other and creating scenes.”
    â€œI have no intention of creating a scene with you, Mr. Parker,” Rachel said stiffly. She pushed back her shoulders and lifted her chin ever so slightly.
    â€œI think the folks in the dining room would tell it another way.”
    Rachel narrowed her eyes once again. “I was shocked by your sudden appearance. I feel my actions were justified.”
    â€œYou’ve always felt your actions were justified.”
    â€œI try to base my actions on the facts at hand.”
    â€œWe’re playing games here, Rachel,” he said, leaning toward her.
    He hadn’t intended to use her first name, but it had come out without hesitation, as if their separation had never occurred.
    â€œI’m not playing at anything, Mr. Parker.”
    â€œDon’t!” he said, getting to his feet. “Don’t try to pretend with me. I know you too well.”
    â€œYou don’t know me at all!” Rachel retorted and jumped to her feet. “If you knew me as you suppose you do, you would understand why I’ve reacted the way I have today.”
    â€œAs well as how you reacted six years ago?” Braeden questioned, putting his hands on her desk. Leaning forward, ever closer to those wonderful red lips, he pressed his point home. “You acted out of mistrust then … just as you are now.”
    â€œI have no reason to trust you,” she said rather lamely. Her bravado was fading as fast as it had come.
    He thought she looked rather lost and vulnerable. Like a child who had turned down the wrong street and found himself separated from all that was familiar. He wanted to comfort her—wanted to tell her that the past didn’t matter. But pride stood in his way. He would not yield on this matter. He could not.
    â€œI have never lied to you,” he said simply. “Trust is earned through actions, that much we agree upon. My actions were never out of line, but your trust was fleeting and given only on whim.”
    â€œYou’re wrong about that,” she replied, her voice barely a whisper. “My …” She halted awkwardly.
    Braeden wanted her to continue. In fact, his desire was so great that he felt something akin to rage when she refused. He had never been able to justify himself to her—had never been allowed to explain his actions at the hotel the day her mother’s friends had witnessed him there. And he had never, ever gotten over her walking away from him. Ending their engagement. Destroying his dreams.
    â€œI suppose it might be better if we saved this for another day,” he said, trying hard to keep his temper under control. “Mr. O’Donnell expects you to tour me around the grounds, and it might be wise to do that before the sun sets and we have to go about in lantern light.”
    Rachel took her cue from him and drew a deep breath. “I have to take care of my girls and tend to their needs first. If I had my way about it, I wouldn’t have to deal with you at all.”
    â€œWell, that is too