Read Online More Than Scars by Sarah Brocious - Free Book Online Page A

comfortable. He popped open the buttons of his vest, and rested it with the tie on the seat beside him.
    I tried to remain obtuse, and watch the movie, but everything about him drew my attention. I heard his contented sigh, as he leaned back. I could smell the lovely fragrance he always wore, and I swore I could feel his eyes on me, but that was just fantasy. Minutes later I heard his soft even breathing, and was certain he had fallen asleep. He worked too hard.
    I gently moved Amelia from my lap, and tucked the blanket around her. I set my finger to my lips to hush their questions. Making my way to the back of the room, I searched the shadows, and saw what I was looking for. Gathering it, I entered the row behind Liam Byrne. I stopped just above him, looking down at the top of his head, covered in his beautiful hair. My smile couldn’t be helped, as I settled the warm blanket over him. I tucked it gently around his broad shoulders. He smelled so good as I leaned in to be sure he was fully covered. I couldn’t resist taking a sniff. I would have to find out the brand he wore. My eyes hungrily looked over the dark locks, and I had to touch, just this once. It may be my only chance. My fingers trembled, as I brushed them through the silken hair. It felt sinful and it felt wonderful.
    I jumped when long fingers closed about mine. I had no strength to tug them back. I had no resistance, as my hand was pulled down, and warm lips feathered the back of it. My heart stopped! Literally, it stopped. His mouth was hot, and his lips soft. I felt shock, and I felt excitement. My euphoria plummeted though when words followed his action.
    “Thank you Jade.” Then his hand dropped from mine.
    I bit back a protest. Jade? My mind tried to compute what that meant. I should not have searched so readily for the truth because when it came to me, so did tears. Jade was his wife. My action and his fatigue recreated a memory. A memory of something she had probably done for him many times over. I was not in the habit of jealousy, especially jealousy over someone who had passed. But I felt jealousy over Jade Byrne. And I was a silly girl for it!
    I gathered together my wits, and returned to my seat with Amelia. Suddenly, the movie didn’t mean that much to me. His kind act seemed void. It was simply that, a kind act, and not a romantic gesture, as my fantasy addled brain had made it out to be. I really could be a school girl at times!
    By the end of the movie, Amelia had grown heavy in my arms. She was fast asleep. I glanced over at Brianne, and she was snoring softly.
    I jumped when a hand rested on my shoulder.
    “I’ll carry Brianne. Can you manage Amie?”
    It was the first time I’d heard that nickname for Amelia. I nodded, not looking up. The three year old barely weighed a thing.
    Slowly I got to my feet, and led the way out. I could feel him behind me, but in light of what I just experienced, it wasn’t quite as exciting. We entered the darkened room, and I did not pause for the light. I knew perfectly where the bed was, and I also knew Liam would be more comfortable in the dark.
    I laid Amelia gently down, and sensed Liam doing the same.
    He cleared his throat, as I straightened up.
    “I hope you enjoyed your evening.”
    “Yes, I did,” I said softly. “Thank you.”
    “I’m glad. I hope you are liking it here Miss Meadows. The girls certainly love you.”
    “I am Mr Byrne, and I’m pretty wrapped in them too. You have the loveliest children.”
    He chuckled softly. “They are my pride and joy.”
    “That’s obvious.” I bit my lip. “I really want to thank you for hiring me. I couldn’t have picked a better position.”
    “Even with your oddball employer?”
    I laughed, and then covered my mouth, scared I would wake the girls. “You are not odd Mr. Byrne. You’re just careful. I can respect that. I do respect that.” I stared down at my feet.
    “I really like you,” he whispered.
    Silence hung between us.
    I could