Read Online Snowflake Kisses by Marianne Evans - Free Book Online Page B

his soul straight through to the curve of his lips. “You don’t give up, do you?”
    “Never.”
    Her eyes twinkled in the minimalist light. Nothing was meant to detract from the cityscape of London, so Jackson followed that chain of thought to conclusion and lost himself in the view all over again.
    Nothing this special and beautiful—on all counts—should be damaged by anxiety and manipulation.
     
    ****
     
    A double rotation on the Ferris wheel complete, and the party instantly classified a resounding success, Vanessa exited the capsule, following guests onto the pier. Jackson hung back with Peter to handle some final farewells and business chat, so Vanessa pulled her mobile out of her coat pocket and checked e-mail, and texts while strolling toward the peaceful hush of Jubilee Gardens.
    Once curiosity was satisfied with regard to goings on in the cyber world, Vanessa tucked away her phone and looked up. Not far, alone at the edge of the park and nearly hidden in shadow stood Tamara McKenna.
    Crying.
    Though cloaked by a long wool coat, her feet shod in a fabulous pair of leather fashion boots, she seemed to tremble. Her arms were folded against her midsection. There was no choice or debate, really. Human compassion led Vanessa to the woman at once.
    “Hello. Can I help you at all?”
    Tamara gave a jerking start, swiping her eyes free of moisture. “I…I don’t know…I…”
    The woman was distraught. Why? What had happened between an uneventful conclusion to the party and now? Vanessa moved closer, resting an arm against hers. “You attended the Colby Intellilink party, yes? I was there as well. Are you OK?”
    “Yes, I was there. I’m so sorry for making a spectacle of myself.”
    “You’re perfectly fine. Is there anything I can do for you?”
    Tamara’s features were troubled and beseeching in a way even the quasi-darkness couldn’t hide. “You might rent me a new life for the next several years.”
    Vanessa laughed, wanting to engage her while at the same time remain extremely cautious. “There are days I wish I had that power, for myself and for others. What happened?”
    “Nothing in particular and everything in general, I suppose. I’m miserable, and I’m ruining everything by being a fool, by being so consumed by hurt that I’ve become desperate.” Tamara sniffled, offered a watery smile. “Quite an answer, eh?”
    “It’s a good start. Care to have a chat?”
    Tamara shivered and looked around. “Are you seriously tempted to initiate a drama session in the midst of a snowfall?”
    “Why not? Perhaps you can abridge things here and there.” Vanessa walked them toward a group of benches facing the Thames, choosing one that rested just beyond the line of the paved walkway. The seat was covered by a light, glittery layer of snow which she dispatched with a few swipes of her gloved hand. “Let’s sit a moment.” She didn’t have long; Peter and Jackson would soon emerge from the reception office. After that, she and Jackson had agreed to a concluding snack and beverage at St. Stephen’s Tavern just across the river. “I’m Vanessa Colby. You are?”
    “Tamara McKenna.” Her eyes reflected surprise once Vanessa’s name registered. “You’re a Colby. Related to the family. I noticed you greeting people at the start of the party.”
    Vanessa nodded, watching and praying that Tamara McKenna might redeem herself in some small way.
    “I never had a chance to meet you formally, and I apologize for that.”
    “Quite all right. Parties like this seem to pass before you have a chance to breathe, let alone connect with everyone in attendance. I’m Peter’s sister and the daughter of the owner.”
    “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
    “Likewise.” A long, bitter wind cut through barren, chattering tree branches, causing snow to dance and drift. “And, you might be right about weather conditions not being conducive to getting acquainted.” Vanessa clicked open her jeweled