Fallen for Her Read Online Free Page B

you, Mr. Adriano.” She whispered, “Chivalry is not dead.”
    “Please, call me Ray,” he was so close to her he could whisper in her ear. 
    He jumped into the front seat and they drove to the first commercial property.  While in the car, he thought it might be a good time to get some general information from Ella.  He asked her what she planned to do with the buildings and explained that he was a licensed appraiser in all of the New England states.  For once he was glad that he had obtained the license for Maine; his hard work would pay off.  If he hadn’t been licensed they would have had to bring another person along.  He wanted Ella all to himself today.
    The first property was an enormous five-story historical brick building on the street that ran parallel to Portland’s scenic waterfront.  At one time it was a molasses house and dated back to the early 1800’s.  Now renovated as a tavern with unique office space above, Ray held the door for Ella as they entered the place.  The aroma of cheeseburgers and the smell of beer hung in the air.  People bustled in and out of the doorway as they sat in a booth.  Ray got out his iPad, but kept watching Ella.  He was trying to read her thoughts as she gazed through the large plate glass window watching people passing by on the sidewalk.  Her beautiful eyes had a faraway look and he knew she was lost in thought.
    “It seems like life just carries on even though you’ve lost someone very dear to you…” she turned to him.  “I’m sorry.  This place reminds me so much of my father.” 
    “I understand.”  Ray tapped the iPad and brought up the specs for the building.  He had done his homework.   “Do you want to walk me through?” 
    Ella led him to the office in the back and they took an elevator to the top floor.  He sensed the sorrow that was engulfing her.  As they stepped to an enormous ornate window on the top floor overlooking the harbor, he saw a tear slide down her cheek.  Without thinking he pulled Ella into him.  He couldn’t seem to stop himself.  Her response was melting softness.  She allowed him to hold her and he ceased breathing for that moment.  His face was next to hers, her head fell upon his shoulder.  The leather bag slung across his body acted as a buffer between them and he suddenly wished it could have disappeared. 
    “I’m sorry, Ray.  This place brings back so many memories.” Ella murmured. “Happy ones.”
    His arm reached around her shoulders moving in an instinctive gesture of comfort.  Her tears were silent but she was breathing erratically.  His fingers touched the soft nape of her neck and were immersed in her dark hair.  He could sense the feelings rushing through her and wanted so much to offer her tenderness and compassion.  The moment was interrupted as Ella pulled away to find a tissue in her purse. 
    “I’m sorry, Ray.  I didn’t think that would happen.” She apologized.
    “It’s all right, Ella. I understand.” He wanted so much to drop his bag on the floor and enfold her into his arms, but he fought the urge.  Instead, he politely looked at the view as she collected herself.  She blew her nose and heaved a sigh.
    “Let’s walk through the place.”  Ella started.  Ray followed her, chastising himself for watching her perfectly feminine form as she walked ahead of him.  He wasn’t paying any attention to the building.  He already knew the features and what it was worth.  A few times Ella turned to look at him as she explained an interesting feature.  But, he couldn’t take his eyes off her interesting features.  His eyes focused on her shapely rear while she was ahead of him. 
    The next two buildings were easier and they walked through quickly with Ray taking notes on the iPad, following Ella with his eyes.  Damn fine, he thought .  His head wasn’t into real estate at the moment.  His eyes were on Ella and he was appraising her .  He’d do his job but was