Page 22 of Forever Found

Lyndsey felt the blood drain from her face. With every word he spoke, her guilt dug deeper. If it hadn’t been for her, he would have lived. What kind of life would he have had? A wife? Children? Grandchildren?

The muscles in her face tightened as her mouth turned down.

“Hey. Hey.” He cupped her cheek in his large hand. “It’s okay. I would do it again. And I’d do it for anyone else, too, because that’s who I am.”

She nodded slowly. It was the man—correction,angel—she was growing to like a lot.

She enjoyed being with him. Was it possible to love an angel? Whoa, where did that come from? She was jumping way ahead of herself. But was it possible for someone to have a life with one? He seemed so human. She could touch him, hold him, and kiss him. Her tummy did a delightful jump, her emotions being tugged in different directions.

And gawd, was he a great kisser.

“Go get ready, and we’ll head to dinner,” he said.

“Help yourself to something to drink while you wait. I won’t be long.” She turned, then strolled into the bedroom. Lyndsey selected black jeans, a peach sweater, and soft leather boots with a slight heel. She carried everything, along with her toiletries, into the shared bathroom.

Twenty minutes later, she emerged, refreshed, ready to forget about demons and have some fun.

“You look fantastic,” he said, his voice warm and appreciative.

“Thanks.”

At the door, he helped her into her coat. “Hey, how about if we change the plan and eat at my place?”

“At the mansion?” Not that they’d had any definite plans, to begin with.

“Yes. My butler, Grady, is a terrific cook.”

“That’s fine. A little more peace and quiet will be nice. We’ve been with the townsfolk all day.”

“Excellent. I’ll call ahead to give Grady a heads-up. You’re in for a treat. He’s a fabulous cook. We can eat dinner, and then, if you still want to go into town, we can meet with a group for drinks. I can invite Justin, too, if you want.”

“That sounds perfect.”

* * *

David escorted her through the massive entry and central hall of the mansion. She took in the place as she went.

“The house is even more beautiful on the inside than on the outside. And great taste in art, by the way,” she said, indicating the series of abstracts spaced out along the hallway.

“Thanks.”

She paused, turning in a circle, taking in the three-story ceiling and the huge, open spiral staircase. “This is a lot of house for one man,” she said.

“I’m not the only one who lives here. Thurston Manor belongs to the Angel Alliance. Five of us live here.”

She whipped around, her eyes boring into him. “There are more of you?”

A rumble rolled through his chest. “There is only one ofme. But four other angels, yes.” He didn’t think it was a good idea to mention that a dragon shifter, Trevor Kirk, also lived here in the west wing. Val used to hang here, but since his relationship with Twyla, he’d been staying at her place.

“Is Grady an angel?” she asked as the thought seemed to come to her.

“No.” He extended his hand, directing her to the back of the house and the kitchen.

Grady was at the stove, fussing over the meal he was preparing.

“What would you like to drink? Wine?” David asked.

Her face lit. “Wine sounds wonderful.”