1
His intense blue gaze held hers, willing her to believe. She pulled in a shaky breath. Each second, he’d said. This second, then another, then another, until she believed all the time. She closed her eyes. She wanted to trust in him, in them. Why did it have to be so darn hard? Using his hold on her wrist, he drew her closer, leaned down to rest his cheek against hers. “I’m yours, ” he murmured near her ear. “You have me. Believe that, baby.” She nodded and slipped her arms about his neck, holding on hard. “I’m trying.”“ I know.” He rested a hand against her spine, dropped a kiss on the curve of her shoulder. “One second at a time, Angel. We have all the time you need. .Linda Winfree
2
Angel blinked hard and bit her lip, trying to stop the quivering of her chin. “I feel like I’ve waited my whole life for him, waited to get to this point where I could appreciate and value him most.Linda Winfree
3
She paused and met his gaze straight on. “You should be seeing someone your own age, Troy Lee.”“Please don’t start that bullshit again. It’s not the issue and you know it.”“ Really. What, pray tell, is the issue?”“ We’ve been out one time and already you’re looking for me to cut and run." He shook his head. “You’re doing it again. Speeding ahead, looking for where you think you’re going, instead of seeing what’s along the way. You gotta learn to slow down and enjoy the ride, Angel. .Linda Winfree
4
When he lifted his head, she clung to his shoulders, both of them breathing hard. He cradled her cheek in one palm. “I’m not asking you to believe now. I know it’s too soon for that, after…well, after everything. If you can believe just for this second, then for the one after that, and after that, soon you’re believing in me, in us, all the while. Think you can handle that? This second?” She smiled, desire pulling at her again. “I can do that.” An answering smile flirted with his mouth. He kissed her. “What about this one?”“ I can do that too.” He lowered his mouth to hers again. “How about this one?.Linda Winfree
5
Are you still running that bar?” Maureen’s voice dropped to a shocked whisper on the last word and Hope rolled her eyes, working the pick through Maureen’s thick hair.“ The Cue Club? Yes, ma’am, I am.” Angel leaned forward with her best devilish wink. “But I’m thinking of changing the name to the Den of Iniquity and getting some exotic dancers. You know, strippers.” Miss Maureen’s eyes widened, pencil-thin brows nearly reaching the salt and pepper curls falling onto her forehead.Linda Winfree