Eden's Dream Read Online Free Page A

man I loved several months ago, just weeks before we were—supposed to be married. Since then, I’ve taken time off to regroup and reevaluate my life so to speak.”
    â€œI’m sorry.”
    Eden heard compassion in his voice; he seemed to sense her pain. A muscle in his jaw worked overtime, and his green eyes were hooded.
    Noel’s voice invaded her thoughts. “How did you lose him? Something tells me he didn’t just walk out on a beautiful woman like you. He’d have to be crazy.”
    Eden attempted to ignore the compliment. Noel Robinson had a silver tongue. She’d have to remember that. “He didn’t walk away.” But in a sense he had. “He was killed.” There, she’d said it.
    Something in Noel’s eyes sparked. He covered the space between them. “Killed?” He repeated, taking her hand. “Killed, as in intentionally done away with? I’m so sorry, Eden.”
    â€œI think he was murdered,” Eden said quietly.
    â€œCome.” Noel had tucked her hand in his. He tugged her along. “Let’s go sit on the sun porch where it’s more comfortable.”
    The room ran the length of the house and was aptly named. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls permitted the morning sun to shine in, and at the same time gave an unobstructed view of Lake Washington. Eden sat on an elaborately carved wooden bench next to Noel. He’d replenished their coffee, and both held mugs. “So tell me,” he began, “how was your fiancé murdered?”
    Eden mumbled her words, refusing to look at him. “Rod was killed in a plane crash.”
    â€œI’d hardly call that murder.”
    â€œI do.” The words rushed out, toppling over each other. “What if that plane wasn’t serviced properly? What if it had a history of mechanical problems that never quite got fixed? What if senior management knew it should be sitting in a hangar somewhere being repaired, yet they made him take that plane out with eighty innocent people on it?” She began to cry.
    â€œThat’s a pretty serious accusation,” Noel said softly. One hand began a slow massage of her back and neck. His other hand tucked wisps of hair from her face. She sobbed uncontrollably now, and Noel pulled her into his arms, offering his wide chest for comfort.
    Eden found a haven in his strong arms. Her face pressed against a T-shirt smelling like Tide. Underneath her cheek was pure, sinewy muscle, and with every heave, she felt those muscles ripple. “You have no idea how I hate to cry,” she murmured. “What you must think of me.”
    Noel tilted her chin up till she looked at him. His eyes were equally misty, though no tears fell. “Know what I think?” he paused, waiting for Eden to ask, then continued. “You’re a beautiful woman who just happens to be vulnerable right now. That’s what I think.” Impulsively he brushed her lips with his.
    Oh God, she wasn’t ready for this. She had to get her composure back. She hardly knew the man. Even worse, she didn’t trust him. She inhaled a mouthful of air and rested her head against his chest. “Sorry. Now I’ve ruined your shirt.”
    â€œNo, I’m the one who’s sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
    His apology surprised her. Drug dealer or not, he was Mr. Gallant.
    Eden shifted safely away from Noel. “Thanks for the coffee and comfort, but I’ve got to get going. I’ve taken too much of your time already.”
    Noel just nodded. “I’ll see you home,” he offered.
    Panic built in Eden. The tightening in her chest heralded the arrival of another attack. She couldn’t let him see her in that state. Not again. “Oh that’s not necessary,” she jabbered, racing from the room before Noel could protest. She almost tripped over her feet getting away from him.
    â€œYou forgot something,” Noel called from