The Fisher Men of Antioch by Marianne Evans

Author:Marianne Evans [Evans, Marianne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Fiction, inspirational fiction, Clean and Wholesome Novels, Religion and Spirituality
ISBN: 9781522302735
Publisher: Pelican Book Group
Published: 2020-01-20T00:00:00+00:00

9

“Hey…Emma?”

Aaron’s quiet summons drew Emma towards him.

“Hi there.” She would have bet her smile spoke volumes. So much for being subtle.

“I was wondering if you’d like to dance.”

Emma nodded, magnetized by the idea of being held in Aaron’s strong arms, his large, work-roughened hand sliding against hers and holding snug while they moved together.

He tucked an arm around her waist and drew her against the solid contours of his chest. He laced his fingers through hers and they moved in a slow, steady rhythm across aged planks of wood that creaked and sang, offering a testimony to the couples and loves that had crossed its surface through the passing years and decades.

“You’re a good dancer.” Emma’s compliment was sincere, just this side of flirtatious. A curious lack of forethought and hesitation in speaking was a highly unusual development for her. Best to think about that later.

“Thank you, but don’t sound so surprised.” A teasing glint lit his eyes. “Mom insisted on her boys becoming well-turned gentlemen.”

“Then I’ll be sure to tell her she succeeded.”

“I’d appreciate that. Sometimes she needs reminding since we’ve definitely put her through her paces over the years.”

“I have no doubt.”

Smiles bloomed between them, a tender exchange as a beat of silence went by.

Emma leaned into his embrace and allowed herself the luxury of pure enjoyment.

“Would you allow me an observation of my own? About you?”

Emma’s sense of ease vanished beneath the swell of a big, silent ‘Uh-oh.’ “Not at all. What is it?”

He no longer swept her into the motions of a dance. Rather, he held her close, and they continued to sway, but he focused on her eyes. She focused on his full, long lips, her imaginings going wild.

“Every time I look at you, I sense something.”

Double uh-oh—and his voice? Softest velvet. “Yes?”

“Like you’re searching. Seeking something. When I’m around you, I pick up on a longing for peace, for rest. Am I anywhere close to the mark?”

Emma nearly stumbled. Only with a bullseye, buddy. “Ah…I mean…I guess we’re all looking for…”

“No, Emma.” He stroked her cheek. His tone was so loving—so rich and smooth. He didn’t want to push, but rather seemed to want to know her.

Her lashes fluttered; she sighed, captured by his lingering touch against her skin, the steadiness and warmth of him. Which scared away any sense of logic.

Unaware of her turmoil, Aaron continued. “I don’t want some ready-made answer you’d deliver to an acquaintance or a patient you’re dealing with. Please. Talk to me.”

Once again, his gentle patience took her by storm. Aaron’s refinement touched her, because she knew he didn’t come by the trait with ease. Rather, he moved forward carefully, and questioned her out of genuine affection, not aggressiveness. The recognition left her unable to reply right away; she needed to catch her breath.

“So, you’d like to talk?”

Aaron nodded.

Emma teased him with a smirk. “How long have you got?”

“I’ve got a long time. How about you?”

Emma’s heart stuttered. So, he didn’t buy her show of humor. He didn’t flinch or hesitate.

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