More Than Scars (8 page)

“Hi Daddy,” the girls chorused, their eyes never leaving the screen.

I held back my smile, even if he could not see me.

“Does it displease you?” He did sound concerned over this.

I turned slightly, not quite looking at him, but there was his silhouette. “Quite the opposite,” I murmured, and then settled in to watch.

As I had expected, Amelia crawled into my lap when the stepmother made her appearance.

“She’s scary Rissa. Make her go away!”

I cuddled her close, happy for the warmth, since the room was rather cool. “She can’t hurt you,” I said softly, and brushed back brown curls.

In that same moment a warm blanket covered the two of us from above. One corner was gently tucked behind one of my shoulders, the other smoothed around Amelia by a scarred hand. He too brushed curls from the girls forehead, and I sensed him move away. From my peripheral vision I saw him do the same for Brianne.

“Thank you Daddy,” she sighed, cuddling in to its softness.

He leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

I assumed he was going to retreat to the back of the room again. Instead, he sat down behind us. I heard him settle in. I heard the sound of silk against silk, as he undid his tie. Apparently he had rushed from his meeting, not even stopping to make himself 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 hear him breathing, and tried to keep my breathing steady.

“See me out?”

I followed him to the door. He stood at the doorway, his back to the light of the hall. His face was in shadows. I stared straight forward, where I knew his chest would be. I also knew he had the benefit of seeing me. I worked hard to control the emotion on my face.

“Maybe I will be able to provide you a little fun outside of the child’s play.”

I blushed.

“I heard you like to ride?”

I blushed again, and nodded.

”My groomsman is amazing at matching up rider and horse. Tomorrow, Mary will care for the girl’s breakfast. I want you to go to the stable and meet with Jack.”

I leaned toward him without thought, waiting for his next words.

“Jack said you were able to win Zosimo over?”

I smiled. “Yes, he took to me.”

Liam laughed. “That is amazing!”

I gave a shrug.

“Do you wish to ride him?”

My mouth dropped open. “I would love that!”

I sensed his smile. “Only one person has been able to do so….me. In fact, I feed him, exercise him, clean him…Jack can only get within feet! “He rested a hand on my shoulder. “I trust he will allow you the same,” he whispered. “He knows.”

I bit the inside of my cheek. “Knows what?”

His hand squeezed gently. “That we have been through much of the same. He can trust you…as he trusts me.”

My heart pounded harder.

He chuckled again. “Yes, I will give Jack permission to allow you with him. You can saddle a horse?”

“Most definitely,” I breathed.

“You will have to…Jack won’t be able too.”

I smiled. “
Zosimo will be putty in my hands.”

The warm hand on my shoulder trailed the length of my arm, and as it reached my hand, he squeezed my fingers. “You will do well. Goodnight Miss Meadows.”

I nodded. “Goodnight Mr Byrne.”

I felt him near me. His warm breath brushed my hair. “Thank you for caring for me tonight. Forgive my slip of the tongue.” His fingers tensed over mine again, and then were lifted to his lips. “I will not make that mistake again.” His warm mouth pressed to the back of my fingers, and he was gone. He left me thoughtless, breathless, and wanting.

Chapter 5 Brotherly Love

The next morning I nearly skipped to the stables. I was truly excited about getting up on a horse again. It was chilly, but the warm coat about me kept out most of it.

I offered Jack a smile, when I entered, and he returned one.

             
“First time it’s not the Boss I’m greeting straight away in the morning!”

             
I beamed. “And I get to ride Zosimo?”

             
Jack hesitated. “Well, there has been a change in the plans.”

             
I frowned.

             
“Yes, you will ride today, just not Zosimo.”

             
My brow furrowed. “But Mr Byrne said…”

             
“I changed his mind for him.”

             
I spun about at the unfamiliar voice.

             
“I’ll excuse myself,” Jack muttered, backing away.

             
“Hello Miss Meadows. It’s nice we finally meet! I’ve heard much about you.”

             
I tilted my head at the new comer. He was dressed in riding gear. He was tall, not nearly as tall as Liam, but definitely imposing. He had dark hair, stunning blue eyes, and a face that should be in a magazine. I knew in an instant who this was when he smiled. It was a smile I’d seen before, on an un-marred Liam Byrne. This would be Ian.

             
“Hello Ian.”

             
His eyes registered shock. “How did you…”

             
“Same way you knew me. I’ve heard about you too. It’s nice to meet you.” I stepped forward, offering my hand.

             
He took it in his in a warm squeeze. The beautiful smile reappeared. It was quite a smile.

             
“No wonder my brother has kept you from me!” His voice dipped low with appreciation.

             
I blushed, and turned about, deciding to ignore the compliment. I began walking toward where I knew Zosimo to be. I felt acute disappointment that I would not be riding him. “What did you mean when you said you changed his mind for him?” I threw this over my shoulder when I sensed Ian was following.

             
“We spoke last night. I may have said a few things that gave him second thoughts.”

             
“Such as?”

             
“Well, like, Zosimo is a man’s horse! Just look at you…all of five foot naught, and you expect to handle a horse over sixteen hands tall?”

             
I rolled my eyes. “It’s not the size of the rider, it’s the trust between man and beast,” I argued.

             
Ian chuckled, shaking his head. “Yes, Ian said much the same. So I may have said something else to sway him.”

             
I reached Zosimo who whickered out a greeting, and dipped his head at me. I rubbed the great face, buried my own against the muscular neck. “Morning Lamb,” I whispered. I noted that Ian kept his distance. I could not see how anyone could fear this beautiful creature. “So what did you say to ruin my ride?” I turned accusing green eyes to Ian, who was simply staring in amazement, as the horse nuzzled at my coat.

             
He smiled. “Simply that Zosimo is a one person horse. If he allows you to ride he will lose him.”

             
It was my turn to smile. “You have a point. I’d steal you in an instant, “I whispered, teasingly.

             
“It looks like he would go willingly. Honestly, Nerissa Meadows you being near him is nothing short of a miracle.”

             
I laughed at this silly comment. “What does that mean? I really can’t believe this gentle giant could harm a soul.”

             
Ian’s blues danced a bit. “Oh really?” He took a purposeful step toward me, and to my amazement, Zosimo turned toward him, and barred his teeth, clipping them in his direction.

             
The horse turned back to me, swiping his massive head up against me, as if to push me away from the encroacher. I laughed in shock.

             
Ian took another step and Zosimo vocalized deep in his throat and stamped a hoof in warning.

             
“Okay,” I laughed. “Okay I get it!” I patted the horse’s neck. “So, what are you doing here this morning?”

             
Ian leaned against a stall, far enough away to suit Zosimo’s temperament. “Liam never allows anyone to ride alone,” he began. “He called me last night and asked if I would ride with you.”