Blind Witness (17 page)

When Britt’s arm came around her back, it had been the most natural thing to cuddle back into him.

“Comfortable?” His lips brushed her temple.

“Umm, very. This is nice.” She turned into him, letting her head rest against his chest. His arm tightened.

“I wish it was going to be just us the rest of the weekend.”

“You’d get bored,” she countered.

“Not with you.” He kissed her temple again. “When I’m with you, I find I don’t need anyone else.”

“That’s such a nice thing to say.” She tilted her head to give him a kiss, getting his cheek.

“It’s the truth. We’re going to have to work on your aim.” He slid his fingers in her hair to hold her in position while he continued the kiss. The growl that escaped his throat was echoed by one from her. Her arms came up around his neck, aligning her body to his as his hands ran over her back, in long caressing movements that molded her to him.

When the kiss ended, she felt as if her very soul had been branded by the essence of him. He was in every one of her senses.

Britt felt like he couldn’t get enough of her. It was like his soul thirsted for her, and the more he drank, the more he yearned. It had never been so for him. She was desire. She was passion, ambrosia just for him. He knew she could never be this way for another man, just as he knew there was not another woman for him. With this kiss, Rachelle was his and he was one more step to winning her forever.

“I think our movie ended,” he whispered in her ear.

“Oh, I think I missed part of it.”

“That’s okay. We can listen to it again. I think it’s becoming my favorite movie.” The huskiness in his voice had her knowing what they were doing during the end of the movie was his favorite part.

“I think we’d better go to bed.” It was after the words came out, and he groaned, she realized how it sounded. “I mean, I to, you to,” she fumbled with the words.

He stopped her with a hand over her mouth. “I know what you mean and you’re correct. We both should go to our separate beds. Though, I’m not likely to get much sleep.” Even with a cold shower. He let the thought cross his mind.

He stood, pulling her up to him, his arm sliding naturally around her. “Let’s go.”

****

Rachelle found it surprisingly easy to go to sleep, even as worked up as she had been. She could honestly say she slept fine. She just hoped no one asked about her dreams, they would make her blush. She definitely had to get her thoughts away from kissing Britt.

When she stepped from her room, she heard no noise to indicate that anyone was around. From the earlier chime of the grandfather clock at the bottom of the stairs, she knew it was a little after seven. From the time she had spent around Britt, she knew he was usually up and busy long before this. So instead of trying to make her way downstairs on her own and risk breakables on the way, she decided to knock on his door and hope he wasn’t still asleep or just out of the shower.

“Britt,” she called. When he still didn’t answer, she decided he must be downstairs already.

Maneuvering the stairs was easy, but once at the bottom, she was unsure which way to head to find Britt. The path toward the kitchen was the most familiar so she opted for that one. Rachelle moved forward counting the steps in her mind. She stopped two thirds of the way catching the sound of Britt’s voice. She changed directions, unable to make out what he was saying, but as she drew closer, it became clear he was talking about security and the recent attacks.

Her foot caught a chair leg. She cried out, and almost went down. Only good balance and her quick grab on the chair saved her. Tears filled her eyes as she sank into the seat. She counted to ten, holding her breath waiting for the pain to stop. “One of these days I’m going to get steel-toed shoes then just you beware.”

“Threatening my chairs are you?” She heard Britt just a couple feet away from her.

“They started it.”

He laughed, “I knew you had to have a mean streak somewhere.” His voice was directly in front of her, and Rachelle realized he had knelt down.

“You don’t know how many times I’ve about broken a toe.”

“Well, we can’t have that.”

A shiver ran through her when she felt his hand on her ankle. His fingers caressed their way over her arch as he slid off her shoe. “Ohhh,” she gasped in pleasure.

“You like that?”

“Yes, I’ve never had anyone touch my feet like that. When I was little, my brother used to tickle them.”

“Were you close?”

“Pretty much for a brother and sister, meaning we got on each other’s nerves, but no one else better threaten us. That’s the problem, now he’s really overprotective. He’s the worst of my family. That reminds me, I’ll need to call them this morning.”

“How about right after breakfast, then I thought that maybe we’d take another ride. We’ll have to do it early because of the preparations for the party.”

“I’d love to.”

“Good, let’s eat before I start nibbling on your toes.”

“Yeah, right,” she laughed not realizing how serious he was.

“How’s Darrell?” She knew he would have already checked.

“He’s doing fine. They’re letting him go home this morning.” He slipped her shoe back on her foot.

“That’s wonderful.”

They moved to the patio where breakfast was waiting. “Are you sure we’ll have time to go for a ride?” she asked, spearing a piece of melon.

“Sure, we won’t have to worry about getting ready until about five. This is one of those parties that all I have to do is show up. So, after the ride, I thought we could relax around the pool again for a while. I’ll even rub plenty of sunscreen on you so you don’t get sunburned.”

“Oh, so sacrificing of you.” She returned hearing the drudgery tone he put in his voice.

“What can I say, a man’s got to do, what a man’s got to do. We wouldn’t want you looking like an overcooked lobster at the party.”

“Perish the thought. Like, I’ll be comfortable anyway,” she added under her breath but he was close enough to hear.

“You’re still not worried, are you?” He reached for her hand, interlocking her fingers, seeing the answer on her face, he leaned over and kissed her. “You have nothing to worry about. You’re poised enough to handle yourself anywhere.”

“I’m …” she tried to cut in but he wouldn’t let her.

“Beautiful, so beautiful and sexy. You’ll make both the men and women jealous. The women will want to look like you and the men will want to have you on their arm, but they can’t, because I won’t give them a chance.” This time when she started to shake her head, he stopped her by raising a hand to her chin, cupping it.

“Yes.” His lips brushed her. “Yes!” he said firmly. “Please, you can do this. Sometimes I have to attend things like this. It’s not often, but I really would like you with me.”

He waited but not long, the answer came after a shaky breath. “I’ll be with you.”

“Thank you.” His answer was almost a whisper of relief. His mouth brushed hers again.
“By the way, good morning.”

“Good morning.”

“Did you sleep well?”

“Yes, thank you.
How about you?”

“I kept dreaming of a certain lady sleeping down the hall from me.”

Her blush deepened and her lips formed a sweet little ‘O’, that he couldn’t help taking one more time.

She was so sweet, so perfect for him that he couldn’t believe he’d lived without her. It hit him that he couldn’t live without her now that he had found her. With all the madness going on in his life, nothing was more important than the woman in his arms. The words of love were on his lips when he heard voices coming from the formal dining room. He barely pulled back from Rachelle before his stepsister, her husband and her best friend stepped out on the patio.

“Oh, Britt, there you are. We missed you last night.”

“Hello, Tiffany, Carlton, Maureen. We hid out in the game room, ate and watched a movie.”

“You watched a movie?” His stepsister’s gaze went to Rachelle, and he knew Melissa had told them about her. He didn’t like the look of amusement Carlton gave Rachelle.

“Yes, it’s been a long time since I sat down and watched a movie. We watched one of Rachelle’s favorites. Carlton, you’ve met Rachelle but Tiffany you haven’t.” He caught
Rachelle’s hand in his own. “Rachelle Harris, this is my sister, Tiffany.” He waited for Tiffany to say hello, “and her best friend, Maureen.”

“You’re the woman he was with in the newspaper.” The voice was sweet and harsh at the same time.

“Newspaper?”

“Surely someone told you, you were in the newspaper.”

Rachelle shook her head and looked to Britt.

“Someone caught a picture of you getting into my car.”

“Getting in.” The woman laughed. “It looked more like Britton was going to devour you. Then again, he really is a very passionate kisser, so that makes sense.”

Rachelle didn’t need to see the catty gleam in the woman’s eyes to know it was there. Maureen was used to getting what she wanted, and she wanted Britt. Rachelle felt Britt stiffen beside her and without thought raised her hand to his chest. “I would have to agree with that,” she said, feeling the need to stand for herself. “If you’ll excuse us, we’re going to go out riding.”

“You can ride a horse?” Maureen wasn’t ready to back down her attack.

“Rachelle is an excellent rider. I’ll talk to you later.”

“I think excellent is stretching it,” Rachelle commented as they walked away.

“Not much, you handled yourself brilliantly back there. I don’t think you have anything to worry about at the party tonight. And, just so you know, I’ve never kissed Maureen, passionately or otherwise. I have no desire to kiss her in the future. In fact, I think all my kisses are going to be reserved for you.”

A flush colored her face so fast, he chuckled, stopped, and pulled her to him. He kissed her temple. “Oh, Rachelle, I can’t believe how I love you.”

She pulled back, looking up as if trying to see him. She raised her hand to cradle his cheek. Her finger brushed his lips feeling them for the truth. “Britt.”

He kissed her palm.

“I can’t believe you could really care for me.”

“I don’t only care for you. I love you.”

“Britt,” she gasped out again.

“I know it’s sudden, but believe it. I’ve never felt the way I do about you.”

“I thought it was only me.”

“No, but I’m glad to know it’s not one sided.”

“It’s not. I’ve been fighting it since I first touched you.”

“Britt. It looks like what I’ve been seeing in the papers is true. Since this is the lovely woman that was pictured with you. She must agree with you.”

“She does. Rachelle, I’d like you to meet Judge Conrad
Kincade. Judge, Rachelle Harris.”

“Miss Harris,” he took the hand she offered.

“Rachelle, please. It’s a pleasure, your honor.”

“Looks like you’re making this man happy.”

“Thank you. I hope I do.”

“You do,” Britt said beside her before pressing a kiss to her cheek, making her blush at the open show of affection.

The judge laughed heartily. “Good for you. Leave them no doubt she’s yours.”

“You make it sound like.” She paused, searching for the word she wanted. But the judge didn’t need it finished.

“It is,” he laughed. “I’ll talk to you later.” He walked away.

“It’s good I’m not the jealous type. I’m afraid what they’d give me for challenging a judge.” Britt mumbled in her ear, tightening his hold.

It was Rachelle’s turn to laugh not realizing how serious he was. She had made many conquests today, and she wasn’t even aware of it. She was so beautiful with her hair styled up in an artful twist, he longed to rip out. Her make-up was kept light with just touches to accent her already fine features. She was gorgeous tonight, but that wasn’t what won people. It was her inner-warmth. At first she had clung to his side, but once she relaxed, she had loosened her death grip. After that, the contact she kept was natural loving touches. She’d grown confident until she radiated pleasure at his side.

“Have I told you how beautiful you are?” The words came out and he meant every one of them.

“Thank you.” She beamed up, her face tilted to his.

Desire rocketed through him, drawing him closer so that he forgot the two hundred people around him. Closing the space between them he knew Rachelle was aware of what was happening. She leaned into him.

“Britt, there you are?” The voice came from behind her.

Britt jerked up. “Tiffany.” He greeted his step-sister and her best friend. “Where’s Carlton?”

“Oh, around somewhere, he had people he wanted to talk to. We were looking for you. We thought that it was a shame you couldn’t dance. So we came up with an idea. I can play hostess for Rachelle, so you and Maureen can dance.”

“You were always so good,” Maureen spoke up.

“Thanks, but I was just about to take Rachelle out dancing.”

“Oh, I could go with you. I wouldn’t want to see you embarrassed.”

Britt felt his temper flare. “I’m never embarrassed around Rachelle. Rachelle, are you ready?”

Rachelle only nodded, too shocked to speak. She didn’t need to see to know all eyes were on her as they moved out on the dance floor, but the moment Britt took her in his arms the whole world fell away and it was only them. No one else mattered.

By instinct, her body moved with his. Only Britt and the music existed in her magical world. She could see them in her mind. It was her little girl’s dream, her woman’s fantasy, and it was real. She felt his lips touch her temple, and she pressed closer to him. “Britt,” she didn’t mean to say his name aloud, but it came out a whisper only for him to hear.

“Yes, this is nice. We need to do this more often, but,” he paused, “without the other people around. I want to be alone with you.” There was no mistaking the huskiness in his voice or the pressure of his body against hers. They danced three more dances until they both couldn’t stand the hum of desire any longer.

Britt played host with Rachelle on his arm the rest of the night. He introduced her to his friend, Steve, who remodeled the building where he lived, and his wife, Cassie. Rachelle started to get the feeling that Britt’s friends accepted her as part of him. She’d never felt so happy. It was all so unreal, like a Cinderella fairy-tale that she was afraid would disappear at the stroke of midnight. It was the vibration of Britt’s cell-phone that broke the spell.

“Sorry, it’s my private line only for emergencies.” He slid the phone from his pocket. “It’s a security line.” He guided her out of the crowd to where it was quieter before connecting the call.
“Clairbourne.”

“Do you feel safe? Tell Angel Voice I will see her. You can’t be with her forever, except maybe in death.” The muffled voice cut off.

Britt’s body felt like he had turned to stone under her hand. The waves of silent tension buffed her, but instead of pulling back, she reached for him, tracing her fingertips along his cheek. He came alive at her touch, pulling her tight to him as if he was sheltering her with his body.

“Britt?”

“It was nothing,” he said the words, but didn’t relax his hold.

“It was him.” It wasn’t a question. She knew he wanted to deny, but he didn’t.

“Yes, he just wanted to let me to know he hadn’t forgotten me.”

“Is he going to do something tonight?” Fear rang through her voice.

“I don’t know, he didn’t say.” He brushed his hand over her cheek to calm her.

“He’s building up to something big.”

“Possibly, Rachelle, I want you to stay very close to me. I’ve tried keeping you away from me but that doesn’t work.” He dropped his hand sliding it around her to edge her closer.

“I think I can handle being around you.” She forced lightness in her voice.

“I’m serious. I don’t want anything happening to you. I couldn’t live with it.”

Rachelle wished she could see him then more than anything in her life. She also wished they were alone, so she could tell him how much she loved him. Unfortunately, there were too many people milling around for that kind of declaration. Then again, he probably knew because the way she felt surely must show.

****

Britt sat back in the chair in his room and stared out at the dark night. It was a relief to have the party over, and all the
guests home safely. Since the phone call he’d been worried. At least his concern hadn’t been obvious, not like his feeling for Rachelle. He was certain there wasn’t a person there that hadn’t chatted or wagered about what was happening with his love life. Not that he minded. He wondered what the odds were for his getting married and how soon. If he had any say, the payout would be soon.

His thoughts drifted to the room just down the hall. Was Rachelle dreaming of him, or was she wide awake thinking of him? He wanted her to be thinking of him. She had been tired when
he walked her to her door, and his desire for her was so strong he hadn’t dared to give her more than a single kiss. Was it enough to leave her wanting him like he did her?

Tomorrow he would talk to her about a life together. Rising from the chair he moved to the bed and stretched out. Forgetting the madman after him, he contemplated a future with Rachelle and let the thoughts take him into sleep.

****

The morning air smelled heavenly as Rachelle stepped out on the balcony. The sun warmed her face. She couldn’t help but smile. For the first time in a year, she felt like she was greeting the day full and content. Too happy to even let the loss of her sight shadow the day. She had learned to be happy, but this was a leap above.

Figuring Britt was already up, she followed the railing down the stairs having discovered that was the easiest way to make it to the patio where she guessed they’d meet for breakfast. She wondered what their plans were for the day and hoped they’d have time for another horse ride.

Rachelle knew she was getting close when she could hear the hum of voices, but it was another ten steps before she could make out the words.

“Britt, she’s hardly suitable. What you’re doing is kind. Showing her so much attention. But last night people thought you were actually serious about her. You wouldn’t believe the speculation running around the room,” his sister ranted. “Poor Maureen was mortified at the way you cast her aside. I don’t know how you could treat her so after all this time.”

“All this time.
There’s never been anything between Maureen and me. She’s your friend and that is it.” Britt’s voice cut back. “And I happen to be very serious about Rachelle.”

“Heavens, Britt, really, you’re a powerful, prominent man. You need a woman who will be a good hostess, an asset to you with the proper breeding.”

“If I want breeding and bloodlines, I’ll buy another horse. And I can hire someone to plan parties for me. What I want is a woman who loves me.”

“Then have her.”

Rachelle picked up the wheeze in his brother-in-law’s voice.

“After all, I’m sure she’s very good in the dark.”

The wave of pain that ripped through Rachelle almost took her knees. She couldn’t believe that anyone would talk like that.

“You better not finish that if you want to have any teeth left in your mouth.” Britt’s voice never sounded so icy. “And you will never talk about Rachelle like that again.”

“Really, Carlton,” Britt’s stepmother gasped. “I must agree that was extremely crude. Rachelle is a very nice young woman. We all can agree on that. I like her very much. But Britt, Tiffany does have a point. She would hardly make a suitable wife for you. You need someone with grace and refinement. Last night people were kind to her, but you can’t expect that all the time.”

“She really doesn’t fit here.” Tiffany started up again. “You saw how uncomfortable everyone was around her, and it wasn’t just her blindness.”

“I saw nothing of the kind.”

“They were embarrassed. They felt sorry for you. You can only expect their acceptance so far.”

“Acceptance, Rachelle is charming, intelligent, and beautiful. She only sees the good in people.”

“She doesn’t see anything. That’s the point, how will you feel when you’re at a formal dinner, and she spills food all over herself or she walks into a display and destroys the thing.
She’s an accident waiting to happen, numerous accidents. If she pleases you, that’s fine, enjoy her.”

“Enough.”
Britt’s voice raised in anger. “If you want to remain in this house you will stop this. Who I spend my time with is my business alone. And you will not refer to Rachelle as a plaything.”

“That’s all she’s good for.” Carlton’s voice was cut off with the sound of flesh hitting flesh and Tiffany’s scream.

“Britton!” Melissa yelled.

Rachelle didn’t think to try to keep in her gasp.

“Rachelle.”

She heard Britt say her name. He’d seen her on the edge of the patio, but it was too late. The dream she was living in popped. His family was being torn apart because of her. It was
all make- believe and lies that she could fit in here.

She heard footsteps coming toward her and backed away.

“Rachelle,” Britt said her name.

“No,” she turned away. Losing her point of reference, she tripped over the railing, and tumbled down three steps to the grass.

“Rachelle,” Britt called her name again. This time his voice was laced with something that might have been fear, but she didn’t stop to think about it.

She had to get away. Stumbling to her feet, she ran, not caring the direction, just away. Tears burned her eyes. She heard footsteps closing in, could feel them pound the ground behind her and she pushed for more speed.

“Rachelle, stop. There’s a tree.” His words penetrated her pain, but she refused to stop, only changed directions to stay away from him. “Rachelle.” He was gaining on her. She had no idea where she was. She had to get away. She didn’t belong here. The thought rang over and over again in her mind. She couldn’t get between him and his family. She couldn’t hurt him.

Tears streaked down her face. Her heart ripped apart. She ran deeper and deeper into the blackness hoping it would swallow her. She felt a stab of pain as her toe hit something then she was falling. The breath left her body as she hit the ground hard and rolled over and over. She finally came to a stop face down with no more strength to run. Britt yelled her name, but she was too dazed to answer as pain and tears washed over her.

****

Pain knifed into Britt as he watched Rachelle go down. Her mad dash was terrifying to watch. Her head had missed the large tree branch by inches. She had been moving fairly close to the stream then with a scream she went down. He felt his world stop when she fell.
Please, let her be okay.

He slid to the ground by her side, relieved when her shoulders shook with sobs. “Oh, sweetheart,” he slid his hand up her back, over her shoulder. A gasp burst from her, and she tried to pull away. “Easy, are you all right?” He pulled her to him and thought he better rephrase that. She wasn’t all right.

“Let me go.” Pain filled her voice, but he didn’t think it was physical.

“No. Quit fighting me.”

She started to shake her head. Words tumble out amidst her sobs. “No, I want to leave. I want to go home.”

“
Shh, sweetheart, it’ll be okay.”

“No, I’m causing trouble … hurting your family. I didn’t mean to.”

“You are not hurting my family. Tiffany’s just mad because I didn’t let her friend get her claws into me. Maureen’s got her all stirred up. She does that. And as for Carlton, well, I’ve wanted to do that for a long time. The guy bugs me. I don’t know how Tiffany ended up with him. But Rachelle, it doesn’t matter, not a word they said. I love you. It’s my choice. No one else’s and you are my choice. And as for the party, no one was uncomfortable around you, but it wouldn’t have mattered. I love you.”