Guarding the Socialite by Kimberly Van Meter

pray that the Lord delivers swift and terrible justice to the wicked who have perpetrated these crimes,” he said solemnly and Emma nodded in agreement. He gazed at her expectantly as he said, “Ms. Vale would you like to join us in our prayer circle today?”
    She might’ve heard Chick smother a laugh but when she turned to glare at the woman, she was gone. Emma offered Father Andre an apologetic smile as she declined. “Too much to do, but I appreciate the offer. Please, stay as long as you like,” she said, eager to leave but Cari stopped her.
    â€œFather Andre offered to set up a Bible study if that’s all right with you,” she said, her brown eyes pleading, as she clasped her hands beneath the bulge of her rounded belly.
    Emma withheld a sigh. She appreciated that Cari had found God with Father Andre’s assistance and that Olivia—though she struggled with her vices—enjoyed the Catholic priest’s visits, but she knew she’d have a riot on her hands with the other boarders if she allowed a Bible study in the house. “I’m sorry, Cari. You know I can’t do that,” she said, noting the thin line of disapproval forming on Father Andre’s mouth. “Father Andre is always welcome to visit but I can’t sanction a Bible study. You know not everyone is comfortable with organized religion and I won’t willingly cause dissension in the house.” She offered an apologetic look Father Andre’s way but added, “Of course, Cari you are free to come and go as you please and if you would like to go to Bible study, then by all means, do.”
    Cari nodded, shooting an uncertain glance at FatherAndre as if she feared his reaction, and Emma took quiet note. Perhaps there was a reason she didn’t quite care for the older gentleman that went beyond the clammy feel of his hands when he shook hers. She resolved to talk with Chick about her concerns. “Well, I just thought it would be nice to offer….” Cari’s voice trailed off with a small shrug.
    Emma smiled just as a knock at the front door sounded and she hastened to answer it. “That’s very sweet of you, Cari. Now, if you’ll excuse me…”
    She knew it was Agent McIntyre on the other side of that door and the knowledge caused her heart rate to flutter in an odd show of nerves. Oh, honestly! She chastised herself before taking a deep breath and opening the door with the same sort of smile she’d offer a perfect stranger. This wasn’t a social visit and she’d do well to remember that simple fact so as not to make a total fool of herself. She ushered him inside with a light chagrined laugh. “Thank you for coming, Agent McIntyre. I feel a bit silly but Chick insisted that I call…just in case…” She lifted her shoulders, not quite able to finish. Saying it out loud did in fact make her feel as if they’d overreacted, but on the off chance that someone truly meant them harm, she couldn’t overlook it.
    She met the agent’s gaze and heat rose in her cheeks. Today, he seemed far more attractive than he had yesterday. How was that possible? There was something about him that made her think of things that she had no business entertaining, particularly under the circumstances. Yet, her stubborn mind refused to stop throwing her imagination into overdrive, wondering what she’d find under that jacket and shirt. She suspected her fingers might slide across a smooth, firm chest with very little hair to play with under her fingertips….
    She hitched a short breath and her cheeks burned brighter as Agent McIntyre’s eyebrows climbed slowly in response.
    â€œAre you all right?” he asked.
    â€œYes. Of course.” She forced a bright smile but her quivering insides told a different story. It was the extreme stress she was under, she rationalized. Easy enough to understand and even forgive. Feeling somewhat