Page 3 (2/2)

“I know, it’s just…” His voice trailed off and he sed dohat seeet lonely sometimes?”

She stared up at hi in her own throat She opened her mouth to speak but didn’t know the appropriate words to say The attraction between theree But circumstances beyond their control had torn them apart once and Jade had not been inclined to have her heart broken again Nor had Michael, it seemed

But perhaps he’d changed his mind about them

Finally, she said, “Of course I do Especially this ti and all I can think of is snuggling in front of a cozy fire with someone”

He leaned toward her and his head dipped “Maybe we should try again”

His lips were just about to touch hers when a sharp snort cut the quiet air and Michael’s head snapped up

Jade ju heard the noise behind her “A horse?”

The s of hoofs echoed os in the heart of the village too dense and the de But she knew her stalker had come back for her, on horseback To take her aith him?

A chilling sensation slithered down her spine

Turning back to Michael, she said, “You go home and secure your door”

He glared at her, incredulous “Me? What about you? You think I’ht when there was clearly so us?”

“Not us Me He’s been following me for a while”

Michael gripped her shoulders “Who?” he demanded

“I don’t know, exactly But I intend to find out” Her heart pounded erratically, yet she ed to speak calmly, for Michael’s benefit “It’d be a whole lot easier if I didn’t have to worry about hi it would be if she inadvertently put hier

He appeared stumped by what course of action he should take