Games (Timeless Series) Read Online Free Page B

know.”
    Caroline watched the gentleman wind his way through the crowded room, wondering why he seemed so amused. Then turning her attention back to Simon Harrington, she smiled wistfully, thinking it a shame he was leaving so soon. How she would love to have the man within her grasp, especially considering all her attempts to lure Colin Thorpe into her web had failed miserably.

     

Chapter 3
    “What a beautiful day,” Libby said, drawing Giselle’s attention the next afternoon.
    “It is perfect,” Giselle murmured, sitting on a blanket with Libby and Colin, enjoying the rare cool July breeze and waiting for hot air balloons to take off. She put up a hand to block the sun. Her focus landed on the happy couple as a bit of envy rose up.
    Music drifted from the bandstand.
    Colin stood. “Shall we dance,” he asked Libby.
    They headed for the bandstand. Giselle smiled dreamily, thinking Libby lucky to have such a man’s devotion. She sighed and let her gaze wander. Just because she didn’t think she’d ever succumb to love, didn’t mean she didn’t recognize the emotion in others . And just because she would never see the man who wouldn’t leave her thoughts didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy what fate had made available. While not the fancy soiree of the previous evening, plenty of debonair men she’d danced with had stopped to sit and chat.
    “May I have this dance?”
    Giselle looked up to see Bradford Tyler offering his hand.
    “ Oui, monsieur ,” she said, allowing him to help her stand. As he swept her into a glorious waltz, she felt like the belle of the ball again.
    When the dance ended he escorted her back to the blanket.
    Colin, who’d just helped Libby sit, held out his hand. “It’s good to see you, Bradford. Would you care to join us?”
    “For a bit,” he said, taking his outstretched hand, then sitting beside Giselle.
    They chatted until someone called, “There you are, Bradford.” An older woman marched toward their group. “I’m ready to leave. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
    Bradford stood to introduce his mother to them, then turned to Libby and bowed. “I enjoyed our talk.”
    As Giselle offered her brightest smile, disappointment welled in her tummy. “I did, too. It was nice meeting you, Madame Tyler.” She watched them go, wishing he could have stayed longer. Bradford, a breeder who owned a small stud farm in the area, seemed attractive enough. Hopefully she’d see him again.
    She leaned her head back to capture more of the cool breeze and closed her eyes. Maybe he’d be someone who could make her forget Simon Harrington.
    As if her thoughts had conjured him up, she couldn’t believe her ears when his familiar voice floated through the air.
    “Hello, Giselle.”
    She opened her eyes and stared in stunned fascination as he sat down next to her.
    “Is this seat taken? May I sit here?”
    “ Non . You can sit wherever you like, monsieur .”
    “Thank you. But it’s Simon, remember?”
    “ Excusez-moi ?” Confusion clouded her eyes.
    “My name. I want to hear it on your lips,” he said, leaning close so only she could hear.
    His whispered voice sent chills up and down her spine. As she straightened, her laughter erupted. He was a bold man and she had to laugh at his audacity. Her laughter brought the attention of Colin and Libby.
    “Introduce us to your friend, Giselle.” Libby put out her hand. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Libby. Won’t you join us?”
    Simon stood and bowed. “Allow me, ma’am.” He took Libby’s hand in his and brought it to his lips. “Simon Harrington, at your service.” After letting go of her hand, he turned and nodded. “Hello, Colin. It’s nice to see you again. How is it you’ve captured two beautiful women while the rest of us are empty-handed?”
    “Just lucky, I guess,” Colin said, giving a jovial grunt. “It’s good to see you again, too. Libby’s right. Why don’t you sit back down and join us ? I