Tied With a Bow

travel to the most dangerous places on earth and live in solitary safety because you claim the attention and the protection of an archangel.”
    Her jaw dipped open as her mind reeled. Had Nathaniel been there? It shocked and pleased her to think so. She wished she’d realized . . . had been able to thank him . . . to touch him. “He never spoke to me or made himself known.”
    “He fears it.”
    Why? I’d never have rejected him. I wanted to find him so badly! “Fears it because he’s shy?” she mumbled, confused.
    “No, because he sensed if he got so close, he would not be able to pull back. Angels belong to Heaven. They may not consort with humans.”
    “Never?”
    He shook his head.
    “Then why show us to each other?” she cried, sharp pain piercing her heart. She couldn’t have Nathaniel. “That’s cruel! Why let us meet now when nothing can come of it?”
    He frowned, casting a thousand shadows that chilled her skin. “If you believe it’s a hopeless cause, it will be. I don’t offer a solution. Only a choice. For him and for you.”
    “Why? When there isn’t time enough for us to commit? I’m sure his wings will be finished forming soon. When? How long?”
    “Hours.”
    “Hours?” she snapped. “But we’ve just met. We barely know each other.”
    “I’ve shown you what you needed to see. You’ve felt his pain and know his character. Take action or do not. I only offer a chance. The rest must be chosen.”
     
     
    As Nathaniel used his invitation to enter the hotel, he heard music emanating from the ballroom. B. B. King sang “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Nathaniel smiled. He’d been to a King concert in Philadelphia sometime in the 1970s. He’d listened from the stadium rafters.
    Nathaniel wasn’t sure if he’d loved music when he’d been human, but once he’d become an angel, he couldn’t resist it. The original angels had invented dancing, and a passion for music had been passed to every generation since.
    When Nathaniel spotted Kate, she was laughing, and he thought there might be something he could love as much as music.
    On his way across the ballroom, he encountered Alissa whom he recognized from a picture that Merrick had shown him. Nathaniel wanted to ignore his promise to Merrick because he hated for anything to delay him reaching Kate, but an archangel’s promise had to be honored.
    “Hello,” he said.
    “Hello.” Alissa smiled, and Nathaniel noted that she smelled nice, of fresh and powerful magic and pretty perfume. Still, it didn’t move him the way the scent of Kate’s skin did when they were close.
    Nathaniel removed Merrick’s gift from inside his jacket and passed it to Alissa.
    “A present. How kind of you, but unnecessary, Mr.—?”
    “I’m Nathaniel, and that’s not from me.”
    “Kate’s friend Nathaniel?” she asked, her gaze darting around. “I thought you had a run-in with Director Easton at the gate. How did you get into the party?”
    “I was able to acquire an invitation.”
    “That’s not possible,” she said. “Grant’s here, you know? Why don’t you wait in the lobby, and I’ll send Kate?”
    Nathaniel shook his head. “You have a different appointment. You’re supposed to open that on the balcony of the second floor bar at ten thirty.”
    “According to whom?”
    He leaned forward and whispered, “According to the man who sent it. He couldn’t deliver it himself because he’s infamous.”
    Her cheeks turned the color of pink roses. In a cool voice that didn’t betray the flush, she said, “It was very kind of you to bring me a gift. Come with me.” She took his arm and turned him. “Director Easton is headed this way,” she said. “If you want to talk to Kate, you’d better hurry before he spots you and ES throws you out.”
    Nathaniel smiled. “Forcing me to leave before I’m ready isn’t as easy as it might seem.”
    Alissa tilted her head, causing the jewels dangling from her ears to sway. “You want to make her happy, not cause trouble, don’t you?”
    He felt the persuasive magic in her voice. Magic didn’t affect him, but he understood why humans would be influenced by it. “I don’t want trouble. I just want Kate.”
    “Glad to hear it,” she said, gliding gracefully away.
    Nathaniel glanced at the clock. Ten twenty-five. He hoped she found the balcony in time.
     
     
    Merrick stood at the open window of the suite he’d rented for Nathaniel. Two stories down and across the street,