Read To Love a Stranger for Free Online Page B

satisfactory.”
    â€œGood.” Christopher set the bag down on the edge of the bed.
    The brightness of his 100-Watt smile had remained intense throughout the busy night. Russell wondered if the thing was permanently chiseled on his face. “Well, I, um, better get some sleep,” he said when Christopher made no move toward the door.
    â€œOh, yeah. Right.” Christopher walked backward to the door. “I’m sure you’re pretty exhausted and, well, I should let you get some rest.”
    Russell nodded, but Christopher stopped short from backing out the door.
    â€œIt’s really good…having you home again,” Christopher said.
    â€œIt’s good to be back,” he said more out of politeness. “And don’t worry,” he added, reading Christopher’s fear. “I’ll be here when you wake up.”
    Christopher laughed. “I’m gonna hold you to that. Good night.”
    â€œâ€™Night.”
    However, his brother stopped one last time at the door threshold, his smile finally dimmed. “About Madeline…”
    Russell glanced up.
    â€œShe’s just…Well, we can talk about it tomorrow.”
    Intrigued, Russell asked the question he’d been dying to know. “How did we meet?”
    â€œWhat—you and Madeline?” Christopher’s smile returned.
    â€œYes.” Russell slipped his hands into his pants pockets. “I tried asking Shaw, but he didn’t know. Just gave me the date of our wedding.”
    Christopher drew a deep breath. “I guess you could say I introduced you two.”
    â€œOh?”
    He nodded and rubbed at his neck. The smile was gone. “I guess you could also say you sort of stole her right from under my nose.”
    â€œI see.” Russell’s gaze plunged to the hardwood floor. Talk about cramming his foot into his mouth. “We don’t have to talk about this now.”
    â€œNo. It’s okay.” Christopher’s laugh sounded more like a misfired engine. “I probably should be thanking you.”
    That comment successfully drew Russell’s gaze back to his brother. “Why do you say that?”
    A shrug and another misfired laugh. “Madeline is…beautiful no doubt. Grade ‘A’ quality, but, uh…a little hard to manage, if you know what I mean.”
    â€œNo. I don’t think I do,” Russell admitted.
    â€œShe’s sort of a pistol. Strong willed, overly opinionated and just flat out hard to please.” Christopher snickered. “And I believe those were your words.”
    Russell flinched not just because of the cruelty of the words, but because he’s supposedly shared such thoughts with his brother. “She said something about…another woman.”
    â€œLola Crowne.” Christopher drew a deep breath. “She went down with you…and the plane. You were both presumed dead.” He eyed Russell. “You really can’t remember anything?”
    How many times tonight had he been asked that very question and how many times had he said, “I’m sorry”?
    â€œDon’t worry about it,” Christopher said, patting Russell’s back in an awkward attempt to cheer him up. “I’m sure it’ll all come back to you in time.” Christopher headed toward the door.
    â€œWe were in love though, right? Madeline and I…at least once upon a time?”
    This time, Christopher couldn’t manage a smile. “I’ll see you in the morning.” With that, he left the room and closed the door behind him.
    For a long while, Russell stood in the middle of the room, staring at the door while a great emptiness engulfed him. He was home, but he felt more lost than ever. At last, he turned and headed to the adjoining bathroom. It was just as lush and extravagant as the bedroom.
    Glancing at his reflection was no different than staring into the numerous faces he’d met tonight.