Gabe felt every wobbling footstep. He’d never felt so clunky, like a baby learning to walk. He was heavier without his wings, something he hadn’t anticipated. He was also off balance, but a few minutes pacing back and forth in his Boston apartment, and he’d mastered walking without wings. He’d even learned how tired his body would be after trying and had promptly passed out, rising with the sun hours later. Yet, each step felt as if he were driving his foot into the earth, trying to smash the concrete street beneath him.

A horn blared, and his skin practically jumped off his bones. Sounds were louder. Angels were aware they existed inside a veil between humans and the ethereal, but he’d never realized how that veil dampened things. Sounds were easily three times louder as a human. The crisp late-fall air was by far colder this way as well. The wind whipped past his face and stung his cheeks and ears. Snow had fallen in the past twenty-four hours, and it crunched beneath his loafers, seeping in over the tops of the dress shoes. “Boots. Buy Boots. Fucking climates.”

With Cassandra having been in the blistering heat of summer when he’d first become her Guardian, he’d forgotten the obvious fact that the United States was in a different hemisphere and therefore in winter. The microscopic apartment he’d been left in thankfully had warm clothes, but nothing for his damned feet.

Another step down the road toward the train system and another rush of frigid ice chunks assaulting him through the thin dress socks.

“Humans have an awful lot to deal with.” The howl of the wind swallowed up the muttered comment.

Gabe needed to get to Cassandra quickly, there was likely a deadline in how long he had to learn more about her and present his case to the council. The pressure of a building war didn’t hold a candle to this to the way he worried now. His position in battle meant he was to fight off the demons leading the humans to war; now he was in charge of saving one life, and the weight of it was miraculously more burdensome to bear.

The sting of frigid air sent his body ramrod straight. “The sooner I get to this fucking train stop, the better.” Lifting his hands to his mouth he blew into them, creating the smallest pocket of warmth ever.

If anyone thought it strange that an abnormally tall man was grumbling to himself as he walked down the street, no one stopped. Not surprising with the technology they have now, actually.

Walking past a Walgreens, he saw a strange modern-art type installation just across the street. Large metal beams crisscrossed at random and clashed with the magnificence of the cathedral that shared the corner with it.

Copley was written in white font on a green background.

Ahh, arrived.

He could only pray Cassandra took the T to the hospital for her treatment consultation. Without his Angel status, he could not influence her in any way nor could he get close to her without her knowing. If she took a car or was silly enough to walk, getting on one stop ahead and putting himself in her path was going to end very badly.

“You don’t have time for a square one.” He slid the paper card through the slot and pushed through the turnstile. Copley Square was one of the main stops on a train line that attached in some way to the other three lines—which meant it was ungodly busy.

People stood or lounged along the wall every five inches, some even sat on the ground. Voices bounced off the tunnel walls, and cell phone alerts sounded nosily in the space. I love how Cassandra can disconnect when she’s overseas. It’s refreshing to see a human not transformed into a living extension of some stupid communications device. The thought surprised him. He’d only thought about Cassandra as living or dead for the most part. Having a personal thought where she was concerned—well, that had to be because he was fundamentally human for the time being.

A banshee-like screech tore through the tunnel, and he fought the urge to slam his hands over his ears. No one else acknowledged the terrible cry or the loud clanking that followed as a huge tin cylinder raced toward them, throwing wind at him and slamming to a halt when the nose of the train was parallel to the turnstile.

“Fucking hell,” he muttered, planting his feet into the ground in order to avoid being knocked over as humans flung themselves toward the opening doors.

When the rush stopped, Gabe had few seconds to leap up the two steps and secure himself into the train car before the doors slide shut. Immediately, he was tossed into the nearest passenger as the vehicle took off.

“Apologies,” he muttered, trying to figure out why he’d been launched sideways.

“First time on the T?” A woman in a gray pantsuit asked without a trace of a smile.

He wasn’t certain what she meant, but he had a feeling if he said no, she would fly off the handle that he’d accidentally bumped into her. “My first day in Boston.” He waited for the burn of fire that should have occurred with the lie, but as he was human, it never came.

Chalk that up as a plus side to this whole venture. He scarcely prevented a smirk from forming on his lips. I wonder what fun I could have with telling lies?

His answer must have been the correct one because the woman he’d collided with merely pressed her lips together and nodded.

“Next stop: Prudential.” A tinny overhead voice chimed.

That was fast—too fast. Gabe looked around the train. Not only was there not a seat for him to casually sit in, he hadn’t thought out the logistics of making certain she got onto the exact car he was in. You could just look for her out the window—watch like the human stalker you’re being. He grimaced at his actions. He was here on a mission, but all he could focus on were the human attributes he’d gained.

“Now arriving at Prudential.” The voice sounded off again.

As with the last time, an inhuman noise emanated from the train. Gabe flinched but managed to snow no reaction. He needed to blend in as much as possible if he was going to pull off getting to know a woman. The only way he could get her to open up was to date her—she would never make the kind of small talk he needed with a stranger. One date and he’d have all the information he needed, the approval for her to live and if he was lucky, his battle wings.

About an eighth of the commuters rapidly filed out, allowing him to shift his position and sit. He might not be an angel at the moment, but he had a feeling one of his brethren was helping because there was a second seat next to him. Without hesitating, he pulled his gloves off and dropped them down, hoping it was a good enough way to show he needed the second seat. Yes, because adults save seats all the time. He rolled his eyes at the thought and turned to see if Cassandra would be getting on.

“My God,” the words fell out as he saw not only his good fortune that she’d somehow selected the correct car, but her beauty through his human eyes.

Cassandra Marks was a spectacle to behold. Even with her eyes downcast and her arms hugging her body - likely for comfort—she was nothing short of amazing. Her black hair shined in the horrid fluorescent lighting, and the curls bounced until she stopped walking to place her hand on the pole nearest his pair of seats.

For a moment. He couldn’t remember to do anything, save for stare at her. The beige coat she wore concealed most of her curves, but he could still tell the way her full breasts pressed against the buttoned coat. Breasts you have no business noticing. Her eyes were such a pale blue they appeared to glow, something he hadn’t detected prior. The small trace of wetness in her eyes snapped him from his appraisal.

Cassandra Marks had been crying.

Of course, she’s been crying, you jackass. She’s about to go on an appointment to learn how to deal with having cancer. A low growl escaped him. Anger bubbled up as he stared on at the beautiful woman facing death. Anger at himself for feeling careless, and then anger over the simple fact he could care at all.

“Miss?” He tapped her gently on the shoulder, ignoring the plush warmth of her coat under his fingertips.

She regarded at him, her glimmering lips parting just slightly. Her eyes traveled over him, taking in his shoulder-length hair, broad shoulders and trailing all the way down to his feet.

Gabe couldn’t resist letting the corners of his mouth lift with a smirk. Cassandra Marks was checking him out as thoroughly as he had just done her. The concept shouldn’t be so satisfying, and yet, he couldn’t stop the smirk. Angels were always beautiful in human form, but since he’d never taken on such a form, he’d never experienced the adoration.

A flush rose on her cheeks, and she tucked her hair behind her ear. “I’m so sorry.”

“What for?”

“Staring.” Despite apologizing for it, she let her eyes gaze into his with all the intensity of a burning sun.

Gabe couldn’t stop the way his body reacted. Blood rushed to his cock, and it stirred with life; with desire. It’s just because you’re human. Roll with it. The simplest thought let his body warm with passion. An image flashed - he and Cassandra tangled in sheets, her hair wrapping over his body as he drove into hers.

He sputtered and chocked as the image burned bright. Gabe blinked, trying to clear the image from his mind, but it didn’t matter, his body remembered it even though the event never occurred.

“I assure you, I admired you as well. All is forgiven.” He was about to offer her the seat beside him when the stupid automated voice rang through the car once again.

“Next stop. Hynes Convention Center.”

Damn it. Focus. What else can you do?

The universe, or likely Carlyle with Gabe’s luck, was looking out for him. As the train pulled into the station, the man behind them stumbled, launching his drink on Cassandra.

“Shit!” She hissed and patted at her coat.

Watching at the steam rising off the now empty cup he realized good luck could have been very dangerous. “Are you alright?” He reached out, offering to help her tug off the coat but she was not trying to slip out of it.

“Good thing about winter coats—they protect you from hot coffee spills.” Her tone wasn’t nearly as angry as the curse she’d uttered a moment ago.

“I’m sorry, Ma’am. I don’t know how I did that. Please, let me pay for the dry cleaning.”

Cassandra turned toward the young man and paused as if momentarily considering the offer. “No, don’t be silly. A casualty of public transportation and light-colored clothing.” She flashed a smile at the man that Gabe couldn’t help but see out of the corner of his eye. “Please, don’t trouble yourself over this.”

The train doors opened with a whoosh and Cassandra didn’t so much as look back at him.

Go!

“Miss,” he touched her on the shoulder as he launched himself out of his seat. As he stepped off the train right behind her he started tugging at his own jacket. As the coat swung down off his arm, he doubled his pace in hopes to catch up to her as before she walked through the glass doors. “Please, take my coat.”

She turned, momentarily gazing into his eyes. “That’s awfully kind of you, but not necessary.”

“Please. I insist. I’m going no further than this building and if you’re to go outside, a wet jacket won’t pleasant.” She’d declined the other man’s monetary offer, but he had a feeling given her situation, she wouldn’t take any risks with her health.

“However will I return the coat?” Her smile was coy; the first hint of the brightness returned to her eyes he witnessed her playing with children in Uganda.

She’s flirting with you. If Gabe had been a bird, his feathers would have puffed up with the realization.

“I suppose you’ll have to take my number and call me to return it.” Charm had never been an issue amongst angels.

Her face dropped into sadness the moment he’d spoken. “I’m sorry. I’m not in a place where I can date right now.”

Doing his best to remain calm, he thought through his next move. She needed comfort, she needed a friend first it would seem. “I’m offended you think I would make a move hidden behind getting my covering returned.” He feigned a frown.

That brought the smile back to her lips. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to assume.” She continued walking, though backward, still looking at him as she made her way through the convention center.

Gabe assumed she would take the street over and down to the hospital, and he wanted to chastise her for not taking the shorter walk to the red line and then over to the hospital—but she hadn’t yesterday so he’d known she wouldn’t today.

Dangling the coat at her, he nodded when she took it. “Don’t be silly. That might have been next, once you called me, but I assure you, I’m very direct when it comes to asking women on dates.”

Her cheeks turned pinker than on the train when he’d complimented. “It is very kind of you.” Cautiously, she pulled her pea coat off and accepted his—her fingers brushing gently over his when she did.

“Thank you,” she awkwardly slipped her hands into the large sleeves coat. It was warm and smelled of the strangest combination—like laundry detergent and mothballs—as if the man hadn’t worn it in some time until today.

She couldn’t remember being the presence of anyone so attractive unless they were ten feet tall on a movie screen. Removing his coat made his impossibly good looks more apparent. Tawny golden hair dusted over his shoulders, a slight wave preventing it from being stick straight. The golden highlights almost seemed unnatural, but she doubted the man dyed his hair. His face was all cheekbones, strong and masculine sort of how she pictured Greek men to be back in the days of myths. Sinewy muscle was everywhere, evident in the taut way his shirt and pants clung to his body. His arms were nearly as wide as her head, and his broad chest made her mind twirl with desire, the muscle almost ripping through the dark sweater he wore. She knew from the moment she lay her eyes on him she’d be dreaming about him tonight. Now it was even more of an issue. Yet, despite the way his body rippled with power and his classical good looks, it was his eyes to draw her attention most.

They were green, but not something as ordinary as that. When they’d been on the train, she’d sworn different shades of the hue had swirled within his irises, and standing so close to the street doors, she could tell that was absolutely true with streaks of something close to gold too. Vibrantly dark greens seemed to dance amongst ribbons of seafoam green, the color a mesmerizing jade where the two met.

Bundling the coat against her chin, she inhaled the funny scent and found it oddly comforting. “Thank you for this.” She wanted to add that in her condition he’d offered her the greatest kindness, but he had no need of such information.

“It really is my pleasure. I help when I can.” He reached out to take her coat. “Why don’t you let me walk with you? I could get to know the woman who’s commandeering my coat.”

Her chuckle slipped out. Laughter filled her, brightening her day for a fraction of a moment. She’d known her life was in danger for less than twenty-four hours and already it seemed as if all the joy from her world had been taken, and it part it had. She couldn’t do missions while undergoing treatment, and the kids were what made her life worthwhile.

“I must warn you, aside from wet coats I come with a boring life but a handful of baggage.”

His grin was dazzling. Cassandra was made for modeling, and not for the likes of talking with her.

He pushed the door open. “I like boring.” With a wink, he gestured for her to head out. “After you, I don’t know where I’m going after all.”

Again, she laughed, thoroughly enjoying the simple act of conversing with someone. Someone who is downright lickable and made for lonely nights. Cassandra hadn’t indulged in her fantasies since before Uganda, preferring not to mix business with pleasure when she was away, and it was clearly seeping into her good thoughts. Cass, he just told you he’s not interested. Snorting at herself she stepped out, hardly noticing the chill in the air as she did thanks to the enormity of the jacket that enveloped her like a blanket. No, he said that after you told him you weren’t interested.

“So, where are you off too on such a miserable morning?”

She hadn’t said anything about her being miserable, and for a moment, she thought he was a psychic. The weather you moron, it’s bitter cold out. Blowing out a breath, she couldn’t help but wonder if her silly behavior was thanks to her mind wandering, or if the comment had been so strange.

“Unfortunately, I’m heading to an appointment at Mass General.” She looked at him as they walked on the sidewalk, waiting for a reaction to cross his face.

It never did.

“Only good things I hope. You’re far too young and beautiful to have anything to worry about.”

The words sliced through her heart. He had no idea the weight of the phrase, or the turmoil created. Her nose burned as her eyes began to fill with tears. Stop it, Cass. Stop it right now. Again, she pushed out a breath, watching as it formed in the air and seemed to freeze before her.

“Did I say something wrong?” The man’s voice held all the appropriate concern, but it felt strange coming from someone who had literally given her the clothing off his back but hadn’t told her his name.

“Can I ask you something?” A homeless person huddled in blankets caused her to step away from the stranger as they turned onto Commonwealth.

“I think that’s fair. We are getting to know one another.”

“What’s your name?”

His laughter rang out, seeming to shake leaves off the trees as they walked. “That, is not what I was expecting.” He stopped walking and offered her his hand. “My name is Gabriel Landon, I like Gabe though.”

She noticed his hands were bare, but she’d some next to him on the train and felt guilty. He’d likely jumped to come to her rescue and forgotten about them. Forcing back the annoyance she felt at herself, she extended her hand and placed it in his.

It took everything from her. There was no longer any emotion racing through her. No anger, no fear, not even the desire that had taken hold of her the minute she’d seen him on the train. The sting of the wind against her skin vanished as his hand covered around hers.

The emptiness retreated, leaving a pleasant warmth behind. Heat from his hand and an absolute calmness that settled over her. For the first time since she’d walked into the doctor’s yesterday, all she felt peace. Her eyes slid from his to the snow. It was impossible, and yet, she felt as if she was meant to be standing here with him.

“Cassandra Marks.”

His lips pressed against the top of her glove. “Pleasure to meet you.”

She felt the heat of a blush rising in her cheeks. He was handsome, had good taste in clothing and was polite. She was certainly going to be thinking about him tonight to drown out the other thoughts.

“I have cancer.” The words blurted out, almost as she’d been compelled to tell him the truth of her trip to the hospital. “I just found out.”

His face morphed into something she could only feel was pure sadness. The swirls of color in his eyes seemed to stop and darken his eyes to a deep hunter green. His lips were so far down turned she was amazed at the way it changed the shape of his face.

“I am sorry to hear that.” He began to walk again, and she understood he must be uncomfortable now, though she did move quicker to catch up with the handsome stranger.

The words were soft, and she knew he was regretting ever speaking to her.

“I appreciate you walking with me, but as you might have guessed, I’m not interested in anything further.”

He smiled at her though it was unlike the first time when he’d been playful. “As I mentioned, you assume a lot. Please, for now, wear it to the hospital, I’ll put my number in your phone. You can even give me yours so I can call to ensure I get it back.”

She knew the flush in her cheeks would be a crimson red, and she stuck her hand into her bag and passing him her phone.

“Glitter?” he asked, taking the phone and shifting the golden case around as if mesmerized by it.

“I find it uplifting. A good dose of glitter can go a long way when someone is having a bad day.”

His fingers moved skillfully over the device, and he passed it back to her. “I will have to take note of that. In my line of work, it may come in handy.”

She resisted the urge to ask him what he did for a living. They were not on a first date, they were making small talk because he was a polite gentleman in a world full of toads and had offered to walk her to her destination.

“I think that’s not a half bad idea. I work with children, and I’ve learned whenever they are sad, a dusting of glitter brings a smile to their face.”

“You teach?”

She shook her head and smiled. “That requires a great deal more patience than I believe I was gifted with when I was born.” The hospital loomed ahead of them, an imposing structure of brick and glass that had never bothered her previously. “I work with orphanages.” There’s no need to deliver a sob story, you’ve already dumped you have cancer on the man.

“Rather extraordinary.” He nodded at the building. “I believe this is your stop.” He passed her his simple black phone. “Number?”

Not looking up, she put her digits in and passed it back.

“Not going in?”

Sucking in a deep breath, she wondered if deep breathing in such cold weather was dangerous for someone with cancer. Just another detail to ask on the ever-growing list of concerns.

She shrugged. “I suppose I have too.” A sign carried on the air, but she still did not move. “Thank you, Gabe. Your kindness is appreciated more than you can realize. I promise I’ll get you your coat soon.”

“About that, I was lying. There was never a chance I was going to let a beautiful woman out of my sight without asking you out on a date.”

She chuckled, shaking her head. “I told you, I’m not in a place where I am looking to date.”

“Then you must certainly be looking for a friend? Someone to lean on when your treatment gets tough?”

If most men pushed their way into her life, she would have not so politely turned them down. Yet, with Gabe, it seemed genuine, as if he honestly would be interested in just being a companion.

“That’s not the best idea—though I appreciate the offer. I have people to lean on, I won’t go through this alone.” A slight lie because she had no intention of telling anyone else unless it became necessary.

“Very well then. Only a fool wouldn’t try. I’ll call for the coat tomorrow, I imagine you’ll need a spot of time to yourself after an appointment.” With a smile, he turned back the direction they had come and peered over his shoulder. “It was my pleasure to walk with you.”

You’re going to let a great catch vanish into the air as easily as he’d appeared. Don’t be stupid. “Gabe, wait!” She walked the few steps to close the space between them on the sidewalk.

He turned, his swirling green eyes mesmerizing her for a moment. “Yes?”

“When I return your coat, maybe we can spend some time together. One can never have too many people in their life, especially during a trying time.”

His grin was warm, like the rays of the sun were touching her. “You bet. Good luck today, Cassandra Marks.”

With one last smile, she turned and went to walk up the steps. Her world was falling apart, and she found time to flirt with a perfect stranger. Maybe I can hold on to normal?