Read Ribbon of Steele: A Romance of Suspense for Free Online Page A

plume of water high into the air. Perfectly kept gardens flanked the car on both sides as it rumbled confidently up the driveway.
     
    As the car rolled towards the massive front entrance, Lizzie felt another pang of anxiety.
    Its ok Lizzie. Relax. Deep breaths.
     
    James opened her door, and she exited the car. She felt small as she entered the house through two large oak doors. James took her shawl, and she looked up at the ceiling of the great room just beyond the large stone entryway. The ceiling was breathtakingly painted with mythological scenes. The waning light of the day shone in from the front windows, and the ceiling looked almost alive. She took two steps forward and strained her neck upward.
     
    "It's Roman," she heard a voice say as she moved her gaze from the ceiling.
    "Roman mythology," Mackenzie said taking a quick glance at the ceiling before smiling at her. He took two strides towards her, and held out his hand. She took it, and he raised it slowly to his lips. Locking eyes, he kissed her hand.
     
    "Thank you for coming," he said. "I'm sorry I was detained, but I..."
     
    "You were cooking," finished Lizzie smiling.
     
    Mackenzie turned his gaze towards James who was staring directly ahead without showing expression.
     
    "I'll bring Dizzy back to the garage, sir," said James cracking a small smile.
     
    "I'm sure dinner will be wonderful," Lizzie said to Mackenzie as she wondered who James was referring to.
     
    He smiled and looked deep into her eyes. He was dressed in a starched white dress shirt and neatly pressed navy wool pants . God he's sexy . Her insides stirred . Easy Lizzie, easy.
     
    "Shall we?", Mackenzie asked as he motioned to a doorway far down the massive great room.
     
    As they walked through the great room, Lizzie could see a double staircase at the opposite end and four large doors on each corner of the room. She wanted to stop and marvel at the intricate stone carvings and rich mahogany that adorned the room, but there was too much to take in.
     
    Good lord this place is amazing. You could spend a month here and not see it all.
     
    As Mackenzie led her through the archway of the door, she realized she was now in a sitting room. Several comfortable chairs were placed around the room, and the tapestries, drapes, and large woven carpets gave the room a cozy feel in spite of its size. On the far end of the room, a large fireplace was glowing, and produced a loud crackling that could be heard from across the room. Two leather chairs with a small table between them were placed in front of the fire.
     
    "I must admit Lizzie, I am bit embarrassed," said Mackenzie. "You're an interior designer and I don't think we've had anything done here since the 80s."
     
    "The 1880's?", Lizzie quickly quipped without thinking.
    Mackenzie looked at her for a moment, and broke into a laugh.
     
    "You know, you might be right," he said pretending to ponder.
     
    "Mackenzie, this place is breathtaking," she said.
     
    He escorted her to her seat, and James entered with a silver tray and two glasses.
     
    "Wine, Miss. Fox?", he asked.
     
    Lizzie hesitated for a moment to give James a small nod.
     
    "Thank you," Lizzie said as she removed a glass from the tray.
     
    "Thank you James," Mackenzie said removing the second glass.
     
    He sat forward in his chair, and raised his glass towards her.
     
    "To new and unexpected friendships," he said with a boyish grin.
     
    She raised her glass slightly, and took a small sip. The dryness of the Cabernet bit her tongue as she swallowed, and she wondered if he had chosen the wine based on their first conversation. She watched as Mackenzie also took a sip without removing his gaze.
     
    "Thank you for agreeing to meet me again Lizzie," he said smiling. "To be honest, I really wanted to see you again."
     
    "Me too," Lizzie said.
     
    They sat for a moment in silence, both gazing into the fire.
     
    "And what has the chef prepared us for dinner this evening Mr.