Angel of Smoky Hollow Read Online Free Page B

motorcycle?” Webb Francis asked Angelica.
    She nodded. “First time I’ve ever been on one,” she confided.
    Kirk grinned. “Best way to see Kentucky,” he said.
    It must be a private joke because Webb Francis laughed at Kirk’s comment. “You take care of my guest until I get there, you heah? Show her around. Make sure she has everything she needs.”
    â€œI hear. I’ll make sure she gets the royal treatment.” He looked at her while he said it.
    Angelica felt every cell in her body come to attention. She wasn’t sure she liked that idea. She’d rather not spend a lot of time around this disturbing man. How was she to get anything done? She’d never felt this strong attraction before. Most of her dates had been with men more interested in being seen with a rising star than in developing deep personal relationships. Not that she dated much. Schooling and then practice had taken a huge priority in her life. She wasn’t comfortable about her reaction to Kirk. Hopefully it would fade in the next ten minutes—or sooner.
    The two men chatted for a few minutes. She stepped back and watched, fascinated by the peek into their lives through their conversation about people they both knew. Most of herfriends were musicians. From the comments made, Webb Francis and Kirk had a wide assortment of friends. She listened wistfully, fascinated.
    â€œWhat about the music festival?” Webb Francis asked at one point.
    â€œIt’ll all come together,” Kirk said.
    The topic piqued Angelica’s interest. “What music festival?” she asked.
    â€œThe last weekend of August we have a big musical festival with folks coming from all over the state. We play, sing, dance. That’s one event you don’t want to miss,” Webb Francis said. “There’ll be a couple of impromptu gatherings before then, I expect. Rehearsals, sort of. Usually happens throughout the summer. Kirk, see what you can get going. Then Angelica can play for us.”
    Kirk nodded, looking at her. “Play that fiddle you carry around, huh?”
    â€œIt’s a violin. A very old and valuable one,” she said with some asperity. A fiddle indeed.
    â€œSame thing,” Webb Francis said. “I’ve got some sheet music in the little room off the living room. Find you some music so you can play at the festival,” he suggested.
    She nodded, annoyed Kirk seemed amused at her defense of her violin. Obviously once away from the music world she was used to, she shouldn’t expect the same reverence she received in New York. Well, that’s what she wanted, more anonymity and less pressure. She couldn’t have it both ways.
    In only a few moments, Kirk suggested they leave. Angelica could see Webb Francis was growing tired. Would he truly be up to returning home in a few days? She hoped so, but doubts began to grow.
    As they walked out of the hospital, several people greeted Kirk—mostly women, Angelica noticed. Not that she blamed them. He looked even better today than when she’d first met him. The jeans were newer and fit like a glove. The shirt withthe sleeves rolled back wasn’t as fitted as the T-shirt had been, but still showed off the perfect physique. His dark eyes seemed to notice everything, and the smile he gave when greeting people sent her heat index spiking.
    â€œNeed anything here before we return to Smoky Hollow?” he asked when they approached the motorcycle.
    â€œHow would I carry it if I did?” she asked.
    â€œWe’d manage.” He was looking at her with the same intensity. Those dark eyes seem to see right down into her soul.
    She felt light-headed. Looking at the motorcycle, she drew in a breath.
    â€œI’ll wait until I get to Smoky Hollow. If I’m really going to stay in Webb Francis’s house, I’ll need some food and things. The store there sells everything I’d need,