A Feeling of Home by Susan Anne Mason

Author:Susan Anne Mason
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Fiction;Romance fiction;Christian fiction;Novels;FIC042110;FIC042030;FIC027200
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2022-04-26T00:00:00+00:00

Isabelle’s heart thudded against her ribs. She could barely comprehend what was happening as Mark’s mouth moved gently over hers. When he pulled her even closer, tingles of electricity shot through her, igniting every cell in her body.

Before she realized it, she’d wrapped her arms around him and was kissing him back. The soft bristles of his beard brushed her skin, and the scent of clean soap and coffee filled her senses.

Home. The word drifted through her mind as she reached up to cup his jaw. Warmth filled her chest. She’d never felt so connected to anyone before, as though their very souls had come together. She’d certainly never experienced a kiss like this before.

When they finally drew apart, he rested his forehead against hers. “I’ve dreamed of doing that for a long time.”

“You have?” She blinked. For someone normally poised in all situations, she now found herself completely out of her depth, her mind racing with too many thoughts to process. “Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

“The truth is, your father intimidated me.”

My father? Mark had been attracted to her for that long? “How so?”

He gave a rueful shrug. “He would never have considered me good enough for you. I’d hoped in time he’d come to see me as an honorable man, one worthy to court his daughter. But in the end, it didn’t matter. Everything changed the night your mother passed away.”

She swallowed. Humiliation burned deep as dreaded memories surfaced. Oh, how she must have hurt him with her callous words. Her heart continued to beat too fast as she waited for him to say something more.

He ran a finger down her cheek, an apologetic expression on his face. “As much as I enjoyed kissing you, it probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do. The timing doesn’t seem right for us to . . . get involved.”

Looking into his hazel eyes, she gave a sad smile. “I know. We have to focus on Josh and Marissa right now and do whatever we can to help them.”

Yet a wave of disappointment rushed through her. She should definitely not be thinking about kissing him again, which would only serve to confuse matters even more. As he said, the timing simply wasn’t right.

“I agree. They have to be our priority now.” A determined light glowed in his eyes. “Hopefully, between the four of us, we can come up with a solution that will work for everyone.”

She nodded. “Thank you, Mark. I feel better knowing we’re in this together.”

He laid a tentative hand on her shoulder. “Are we all right, Isabelle? I don’t want there to be any awkwardness between us.” His anxious eyes searched hers.

Warmth spread across her chest. He was always so kind, so solicitous of her feelings. She managed a smile. “We’re fine.”

The lines in his forehead visibly relaxed. “I’m glad. If you need me for anything—”

“I know. I have your telephone number.” She laughed.

“Have I said that too often?”

“Not at all. I don’t mind hearing it.” In fact, knowing he was only a phone call away was a huge reassurance in her life.

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