Read Online Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato - Free Book Online Page B

gentlemen’s black with knee breeches and white silk stockings. As Brogan approached, he watched with particular interest. The fellow whispered in Lorena’s ear. She shook her head in response. He reached for her hand. She snatched it away before he could touch her. He grew annoyed. She looked embarrassed. Neither spoke. They stood glaring at each other, oblivious to the assembly around them, and in their obstinate expressions, Brogan detected a silent battle of wills.
    “Captain, you remember George, don’t you?” Huntley asked.
    Brogan observed the young man’s lanky build, his chestnut locks and beak of a nose, and recognition came. “It’s not likely I’d forget the shipwright responsible for the Yankee Heart ’s design. We met yesterday in the carpentry shop. How fare you, Mr. Louder?”
    George Louder lifted his dark brown eyes to regard Brogan with ill-concealed disdain. His narrowed gaze met Brogan’s unwavering stare, issuing a warning. Brogan failed to comprehend the reason. He found the shipwright’s cockiness startling, but then it vanished to be replaced by a cold smile. Louder assumed an air of politeness, muttered a hasty greeting and excused himself, moving away as though to take a seat elsewhere in the church.
    Huntley stepped into the architect’s path. “Not joining us today, George? We might be entertaining a guest, but you are always welcome to sit in the family pew.”
    Louder stole a sidelong glance at Lorena, his look one of frustrated love. In that unguarded moment he appeared to Brogan to be immobilized by her elegance and beauty. Then he straightened and nodded courteously to his employer, saying, “Thank you, sir, but I promised Edward Hicks and his wife I would join them.”
    “Very well then, George. Enjoy the services and a good day to you.”
    “Good day, sir.”
    Looking thoughtful, Huntley watched as Louder departed, then turned to kiss his daughter’s smooth cheek. “Is something troubling George, dear?” He lowered his voice and added, “He cares deeply for you, you know.”
    To Brogan’s dismay, Miss Huntley responded with a becoming blush. “Papa . . . please.”
    Ah , he thought. A rival for the lady’s affections. But where Louder’s romantic attentions had been spurned this morning, Brogan was determined his would not be. The smile he bestowed on Lorena left no doubt to anyone watching ’twas meant for her and her alone.
    She regarded him warily from beneath a bonnet of bright yellow satin, its brim so wide it created a funnel around her face. A puffy bow dangled from one side of her chin.
    Louder had obviously said something to upset her, but what? And why had Brogan gotten the impression there was a more personal slight behind Louder’s haughty stare than any annoyance he might have felt over Lorena’s rejection?
    Questions for another time perhaps.
    “A pleasant morning to you, Miss Huntley,” he greeted.
    Her cautious expression faded, replaced by a welcoming smile. “And to you, Captain.”
    “George drove us here in the chaise!” Drew popped his head out from under the pew, eliciting a laugh from both of them, and in that spontaneous and unguarded moment, their eyes met once again. They smiled at each other, faces aglow as their innocent gaze deepened to a lingering stare, a stare so arresting Brogan found himself noticing each fleck of gold in Lorena’s warm brown eyes.
    Excitement shivered through his person, and then he caught himself and thought, What am I doing mooning over this girl’s eyes when my son is claiming my attention? Self-consciousness overcame him, and it must have showed, for Lorena dipped her poke bonnet to shade her eyes with its oversized brim.
    Brogan feigned indifference and turned to Drew, thinking the lad was either jealous to see Lorena’s attention elsewhere engaged or simply wanted to be included in their conversation.
    “The chaise, you say, Drew? That’s fine. I hope it was an enjoyable ride for you.”
    The