Surrender to Love Read Online Free Page A

Markham,” he offered, revealing that dazzling smile of his that send Sabine yearning to melt in his arms.
    “Yes,” she managed to whisper hoarsely, “yes, I know.”
    His gaze discomfited her, and her eyes riveted to the counter before her.
    “I-it’s been a long time since we’ve seen you, Mr. Markham,” she stammered, but her heart sang out as she said his name aloud.  How many times had she repeated that name over and over again?
    “It most certainly has, Miss DuBois,” he agreed as his blue eyes tried to search hers.
    God, she was evasive, he thought impatiently.  Why didn’t she just brazenly reach for him like every other whore on the waterfront?  His glance swept over her shapely form, but she did not seem to notice.  He leaned over the counter and rested his elbows on it.  Casually, deliberately, his hand brushed hers.
    Sabine started, but the shivers he sent through her nearly caused her to be delirious.  He had touched her, and that meant he had definitely taken notice.  He had not kept a cold distance, as he so often had done in the past; and she was positive wonderful things would now be in store for her.  To have finally gained his attentions…
    A rush of emotions flooded Sabine’s center, twisting and burning as Troy’s fingertips lingered against the slender curve of her wrist.  He must truly see her then, she decided her gaze intent on the masculine hand that rested so near to hers.  And she prayed he saw her not as a simple Negro girl who wasn’t worth more than a cursory glance, but instead as a girl who mattered; a girl who was worthy of his notice.
    “George will be bringing everything inside,” Troy said lazily.
    Sabine’s heart quickened as her gaze locked with his and she barely noticed the burly Negro man who passed behind him.  Dampness and cold permeated the shop, and she shivered, though she could not say whether it was due to the rain or the thrill of Troy’s presence.
    Uncomfortable with his piercing stare, she averted her eyes to the worn wood of the counter.  So incredibly masculine he was, and Sabine was unsettled by his forward gestures.  But oh, she could just imagine how grand it would be to be seen promenading down one of the fashionable streets of the city on Troy Markham’s arm.  She would wear a fancy gown and bonnet and be the envy of everyone who passed, because, naturally, she would be with the handsomest man in all of New Orleans.
    “Are you happy here?” Troy probed quietly, hoping to draw her attention s to him completely.
    Sabine drew an astonished breath as she was abruptly brought out of her reverie and flushed hot with embarrassment.
    “Yes,” she stammered, taken aback by his strange questioning.  “Yes, I am.”
    Awkwardly she took the invoice, reluctantly tearing her eyes from the gaze that held her captive.  With a flustered hand she signed the bottom, careful not to muss her signature with stray drops of ink.
    “Have a good afternoon, Miss Sabine DuBois,” he stated with a sink and a smile, and planted his hat firmly on his head.
    He left then, leaving Sabine with only the pattering of raindrops and the solitary retreat of a horse’s hooves.  Her heart raced in the afterglow of their meeting, and it was all she could do not to waltz across the floor, to revel in his words, his touch.
    A few steps escaped her, and she succumbed, allowing herself to glide across the floor with unpracticed steps.
    “Why, yes, Mr. Markham,” she tittered to the broom she held as a dance partner.  “I would love to accompany you to the governor’s ball… .  What?...  Oh, please, sir, you flatter me far too much.  I could not possibly accept such a marriage proposal….  A trip to Europe?...  Why, then, I’ll most certainly reconsider your offer.”
    With a hopeful heart, Sabine collapsed onto the stool behind the counter.  Eyes bright with expectation, she stared out into the grey rain and found it beautiful.
     
    XXX
     
    Troy gritted