Heart Appearances (Truly Yours Digital Editions Book 560) by Pamela Griffin Page A

turned in the direction of the kitchen. Surprise shot through her when he grasped her elbow to stop her. He gave a short shake of his head, pulling her awkwardly to stand in front of him. Her shoulder blades brushed his chest.
    “I know it’s wrong to eavesdrop,” he whispered near her ear, “but in this case I’m making an exception. I’ll explain later.”
    Darcy’s heart somersaulted at the feel of his warm breath on her neck, stirring her hair. Afraid to move—even to breathe—for fear he would remove his hand from her arm and step away, she remained as motionless as a wooden hat tree while they peeked around the corner.
    “Who’s there, I said?” Herbert pushed himself to a sitting position on the couch.
    “It’s me. Joel.”
    Herbert didn’t say a word.
    “I, uh, just wanted to see how you’re doing.”
    “Whadda you care?” Herbert sneered.
    Brent tensed and his hold on Darcy’s elbow tightened. He pressed closer to hear, his chest now flat against her back. She swallowed over a dry throat.
    Joel seemed stymied for words. “I. . .uh. . .”
    “Just get out.” Herbert turned his bandaged head away.
    Instead of being cowed by the harsh words, Joel stood taller. “You shoulda never double-crossed me, Herbert. I don’t like squealers. That’s why I painted your face. But I sure never meant to hurt your eyes none. I was just trying to shut up your mouth.” His arms crossed in defiance. “And that’s all I’m ever gonna say about it. So if it ain’t good enough—well, that’s just too bad!”
    Darcy felt Brent’s chest rise and fall and heard a weary sigh escape. Again his warm breath fanned her neck, sending her heart into another spasm. The steady crackle of fire in the grate filled the eternal moment of silence in the room.
    Herbert’s head turned Joel’s way. “Ever read Robinson Crusoe? ”
    “No.” Joel walked the few feet to the chair Darcy had vacated and picked up the book from the table, eyeing the cover. “Is it one of them sissified books of Miss Charleigh’s?”
    “Naw—I wouldn’t have nothin’ to do with them kinds of books—you know that. It’s about a man who gets shipwrecked on a desert island,” Herbert said, excitement tingeing his voice. “Miss Darcy’s reading it to me, though she’s sure takin’ her sweet time about doin’ it!”
    Darcy heard Brent quietly chuckle, his chest vibrating with the motion.
    “No foolin’? A desert island? With pirates and buried treasure and wild animals eating people?”
    “Not exactly. Leastways nothin’ like that’s happened yet. But he’s all alone, and it’s an adventure just the same.”
    Brent moved away, gently pulling Darcy with him. He headed toward the kitchen, and she fell into step beside him. “What was that all about?” Darcy still felt a bit topsy-turvy from his recent closeness, and her voice came out funny.
    “A successful lesson on the importance of contrition and forgiveness. Though the apology left much to be desired,” Brent added wryly. “Still, I think it achieved its purpose.”
    He turned his head, smiling. “This calls for a victory celebration. Assuming they’re still there, would you care to join me in partaking of the last two pieces of blackberry pie and coffee—or tea if you prefer?”
    Darcy nodded, knowing she would join him for a trip around the world in a hot air balloon had he asked.
    “Together, Miss Evans, I think we can do this.” His words came out confident.
    Her breath caught in her throat at the word together . “Do what, Guv’ner?”
    “Steer the boys in Stewart and Charleigh’s absence. I believe we finally have reached an understanding and will begin to see some positive results for all our hard labor.” He paused. “Perhaps the time has come to present the plan.”
    “Plan?”
    “The carnival. It might be just the incentive the boys need to continue along the road to improvement. The outing would be a desirable goal, one that will help them strive to