A Subtle Tenderness Read online

  Going back inside he locked up his home and turned out most of the lights not ready to go up to the loft he sat in front of the fire. Steam scented air escaped his bath and Heath caught the sweet floral scent of her soap wafting in from her shower. He laughed and leaned his head back and closed his eyes knowing sleep would elude him tonight.

  Chapter Four

  Ophelia lay quietly in bed the next morning listening to the calming morning sounds of nature. She was surprised that she slept so well in a strange home and bed, alone in the woods with a stranger on the side of a mountain in Georgia. She had to be out of her mind, but here she was alone with a strange man with whom she felt uncharacteristically safe. Ophelia thought back to last night while she was in Heath’s shower, she could smell his scent, clean and fresh like his soap.

  It felt like Ophelia had lain there for hours when she heard the soft tap on the bedroom door and Heath speaking her name. Ophelia could smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and bacon. Heath was announcing breakfast. Ophelia covered her pajamas with a silk wrap after freshening up in the bathroom.

  She was greeted by warm sun light streaming in from the ceiling and windows. Once again Ophelia was in awe at how beautiful and welcoming Heath’s home felt. She watched him silently as Heath prepared their meal. His attractiveness had an elusive quality that revealed itself in layers. Heath turned and smiled at her. Her heart stopped at how handsome he was and how much she ached in that moment to make him hers.

  “Good Morning Ophelia. I hope you slept well.”

  “Yes, I did. Thank you for loaning me your bed.” Ophelia walked farther into the kitchen and couldn’t take her eyes off him. She prayed her expression didn’t betray her thoughts. “Can I help you with something Heath?”

  “You can get the juice and pour us some. I’m almost finished with our breakfast.”

  Ophelia dutifully did as she was instructed watching Heath from the corner of her eyes. She longed to touch the muscles of his neck and back. Enjoying the way they bunched as he moved about the kitchen. Even the way Heath stood gave him a commanding presence. Ophelia could sense Heath was a man who was capable of protecting what was his and also capable of giving some lucky woman immeasurable pleasure. From the way the kitchen smelled he was also capable of preparing a delicious meal.

  “We’ll go into town later and get your vehicle towed to the local shop. Do you want me to take you to your aunt’s place or would you prefer to stay here until your car is repaired?”

  Ophelia looked into questioning dark blue eyes as she quickly weighed her options. It would make perfect sense for her to be at her new home but she didn’t want to be there stranded, without a car. The truth was she just wasn’t ready to be alone. Ophelia was enjoying Heath’s company. She realized several seconds had passed since he asked her what she wanted to do. Ophelia decided on the truth.

  “I’d like to stay here with you until my car is ready, if that’s not too much trouble for you.” Heath gave her a smile that warmed her soul and placed a plate of food before her.

  “No trouble at all Ophelia. I enjoy your company.” Heath sat beside her at the bar and began to eat. “If you feel up to it after we get back from town, I’d like to show you my land and take you to my parent’s home. It still needs some work but it’s a mile walk farther up the mountain.”

  “I’d like that.” She smiled at him and began to eat the breakfast he prepared. “This tastes really good,” she said indicating the breakfast. “So what are you doing to your parent’s home?”

  “My father wanted to expand the house for my mother. Before my mother passed, we started the expansion. After she passed, he just wasn’t interested in completing it. So, I’ve taken it upon myself to finish it with some minor upgrades.”

  Ophelia smiled at him and wondered about a man who would carry out his parents last wishes for a home they would never see again. She thought it was a noble thing to do. Ophelia helped him clean up after breakfast and hurriedly got ready to leave for town.

  The drive to town took just over an hour and was filled with Heath telling her about his military career and the surroundings of Notch, Ga. Ophelia listened intently grateful for the opportunity to study and understand him a little more. Heath had one dimple on the right side of his face and his mannerisms were confident and sure.

  Heath gave the wrecker’s truck driver directions to her vehicle. Then they went to the local store so she could get any personal items she might need. Ophelia was able to call her parents and explain what had happened and why she was unable to call them last night. Wisely, she omitted any reference to her spending the night with a strange man. She assured them of her safety and promised to call them in a couple of days. Ophelia insisted in treating Heath to lunch at a nearby diner he liked. The food was simple and good. Heath entertained her with stories of his youth. He made her laugh and as far removed as his upbringing was from hers they shared similar commonalities.

  They each shared a love for their family and tradition. They were both reared to earn their way in life based on a strong work ethic and they had general hopefulness in a sense of fairness for everyone. Heath was also raised to be a gentleman. Heath opened the door for her always walking on the outside of the sidewalk. He ignored the awkward looks and long glances they received when they sat down for lunch. Ophelia felt protected by Heath, his manner and stance was unassuming but he was focused on her, aware of her every movement. She knew he was just as aware of their immediate surroundings.

  She liked how he made her feel that sense of security. Ophelia could count on two fingers of the men in her life that made her feel that safe and they were both family. She remembered one young man she dated who her dad had called a ‘pansy ass’. He was always cold and Ophelia thought if they were ever in a jam she would tell him to go run for help and she would fight off their attackers. That wouldn’t be the case with Heath, even though he no longer resembled grizzly Adams. He’d changed his look to modern, stark and capable. They made it back to the shop just in time to see her car arrive. The shop would radio Heath once they know more about the damage on Monday.

  Back at his cabin, Heath handed her a wicker basket before they headed up the mountain. He took his time pointing out interesting fauna and animals; sharing something interesting and factual about them. She was impressed with his general knowledge about the wild life and nature. Not quite sure if it was for their protection or hunting, Ophelia was fascinated with the simple bow and arrows he had slung across his shoulder. Heath reminded her of an early American settler as he moved with ease through the thicket of his mountain.

  The climb was gradual but taxing for her. Heath stopped periodically to give her a breather. Always making certain that where Ophelia walked was safe as she didn’t have shoes that were best for hiking up a mountain. He stayed beside her or just behind her, occasionally helping her across rocky or rough terrain.

  The path became more discernible the farther up they’d walked. The trees thinned out and they stepped into a front yard space that was overly large and filled with flowers. Several carved wooden benches landscaped the area so creatively it looked like the home of wood nymph or one of the forest elves from lord of the rings. The front yard was spacious. There appeared to be a perimeter of trees surrounding the large log dwelling but far enough away to create a natural fire break.

  The cleared space existed in cohesion with the surrounding woods. Everything was wooden or created out of thicket and rock. Flowers and local shrubbery landscaped near a water pump, seating made of fallen logs, woven wooden benches and tables all leading to a massive log cabin at least two and a half stories tall. This cabin also had a wrap-around porch with seating and tables of different shapes and sizes giving the impression of many evenings spent on the porch. It was a welcoming sight.

  Heath took her on a tour of the property. Showing Ophelia his mother’s herb and vegetable garden, he maintained and the additions he had made to the house. Although still unfinished she could te
ll the house was going to look amazing once it was completed. Ophelia noticed the same attention to detail in this house as she had in Heath’s cabin. Everything had a purpose. Functionality was the key to this style of living. The style of the cabin was spacious yet serviceable and there was no clutter yet there was just the right amount of furniture.

  Light streamed in through large windows and ceiling sky lights. The flour plan was also open but the fireplace was on the side of the house rather than in the middle. The large eat-in kitchen was a focal point. Heath described his ideas for the property touching on the difficulties he was having in trying to preserve most of the original structure. Ophelia tried to imagine him as young boy growing up here. She smiled thinking about how much mischief Heath might have been in with such wild open spaces to roam.

  “What will you do with the property once you are done?” Heath hesitated briefly when asked that question then continued to prepare their food.

  “Maybe I will live in it one day, or loan it to friends as a vacation home. I haven’t decided yet.” She watched as he added sugar and lemon slices to a pitcher of tea. “My goal right now it to see it completed.”

  They sat on the back porch shaded by the sun and ate ham sandwiches with pear and apple wedges. They conversed about a variety of topics until he excused himself and began to pick vegetables for their supper. Offering her assistance, Ophelia enjoyed pulling up fresh herbs and digging up field greens and vegetable all of which were placed in the wicker basket. Once that task was completed, Ophelia sat on a comfortable bench drinking tea and watching Heath complete some needed repairs.

  Heath was a curiosity to her, fascinating and in some ways familiar. She was enjoying his company. She was relishing in a man cooking for her and seeing after her needs. Ophelia was enjoying her time in his space. She felt at peace near him. Then it dawned on her; she had not thought about Darnell or Sonja at all today nor did the pair cross her mind last night.

  The realization of that fact lifted her spirit. This move was already showing promise minus the car accident and killing a deer. She looked up when Heath’s shadow fell over her. She handed him his tea and smiled as he emptied the glass.

  “What’s the smile for?”

  “The fresh air is good for me.”

  “I’m done for the day. I’ll lock up and we’ll head back to my cabin.”

  The trek back down the mountain was not so cumbersome. Ophelia could sense Heath’s closeness leading the way through his land. She was surprised he hadn’t used his bow and arrow on their little sojourn. There didn’t seem to be one thing this man couldn’t do.

  “You didn’t get to use you bow today.”

  “We scared the animals away on the way up.” He turned and ushered her forward into the clearing that was his yard.

  “You mean I scared them away,” she amended.

  “Let’s just say they heard us coming.” Heath supplied.

  Dinner was exceptional. Heath prepared seasoned deer steaks, summer squash with a salad of field greens and thick slices of tomato from his garden. Everything was seasoned with fresh herbs that they picked including a salad dressing which he made from scratch.

  “Heath is there anything you can’t do. This meal was truly amazing.”

  “I’m glad you liked it. There’s more if you’re still hungry.”

  “I enjoyed it so much. I hope I didn’t embarrass you while I was shoveling food down my gullet. You are an amazing cook,” Ophelia praised.

  “You have to let me clean up. No way, you’re going to do all the work. I have to show my appreciation for your culinary skills.”

  “How about we do it together,” Heath suggested.

  They cleared the table and cleaned up the kitchen. Then played a game of checkers in which Heath won two out of three games. Heath had set a small fire and put on some instrumental music before promptly losing a game of scrabble to her. Ophelia had warned him that scrabble was her game before she properly trounced him.

  They joked and teased with each other throughout the games. Then something changed in the atmosphere between them. Perhaps her guard was down, or she just needed to laugh, but she was having fun. That awful tightening around her heart that she had harbored since her breakup was lifted. Ophelia felt free and for the moment content.

  Sitting at the table facing each other, they both howled with laughter at something Heath said and then it happened. Heath leaned in and kissed her. Timidly at first, then again more aggressively and she wantonly kissed him back. The kiss lingered and then ignited into passionate groping while Heath assaulted the tender recesses of her mouth.

  It wasn’t until she heard herself moan with such desperate need and longing that she pulled away from him shocked. Ophelia looked into uncertain eyes and she knew if he kissed her again she wouldn’t stop him. She wanted him. Her mind was asserting that she shouldn’t and all the hurt and disappointment that had clouded her heart for the last few months rushed back in.

  “I can’t …. I …can’t do.. this.” Ophelia stood up and moved to leave and he stopped her.

  “Ophelia, don’t go, let’s discuss this, I’m sorry I just…” Heath pleaded.

  Shaking her head no she rushed into his bedroom and closed the door. Ophelia remembered how good it felt to lay in his bed with his male scent surrounding her. She thought of him just a few feet away. Heath was a fine specimen of a man. He felt so solid and strong when she fell into his embrace.

  She had been in a drought for affection and being in his arms last night had awakened a need in her she thought Darnell had destroyed. Best to keep her distance from Heath less chance she’d do something foolish.

  Ophelia was scared, confused and lord help her but she was aroused. She could feel her sex weeping for the type of male attention Heath could provide. Ophelia had never felt this magnitude of passion for Darnell.

  Chapter Five

  Deciding to let Ophelia run away had been difficult. He needed a second to think and sort out his own feelings. Heath wanted her, needed to feel the warmth of her touch. The sweet scent that he’d begun to recognize as her special fragrance surrounded him while they played chess and may have clouded his judgment.

  He wanted to taste her lips and when the opportunity presented itself he did. He couldn’t fight his feelings. Heath had been trying most of the day to get to know her and for her to learn more about him. He wanted to impress her with his cooking and building skills and for the most part he felt he succeeded.

  It had been years since he tried to court a woman. Most of the women he met were willing offerings to a man in uniform. Ophelia was different, he wanted the sex with her but he felt an emotional connection to her. Heath enjoyed talking with her, she was a very bright woman and she read him well. More importantly he was interested in getting to know her. She was more to him than just a woman that would satisfy his manly needs.

  Heath heard the shower start which did not bode well for his imagination. He could literally picture Ophelia sliding her soapy hands up and down her plump thighs. He wanted those hands to be his; he wanted it bad. Heath walked to the kitchen and leaned against the fridge knowing it wasn’t a drink he wanted. It was who he wanted that mattered. The scent hit him as she opened both doors to the bathroom releasing the steam that was laden with her scent. The gentle aroma of her scented soap called to him.

  Heath had missed the subtle tenderness of a woman but he was not hardened to it. Heath had spent numerous nights in caves, trenches and unimaginable situations had robbed him of sleep. He would have this night with her. Before Heath realized it he had walked to the bedroom door. Inhaling deeply to take in the fragrant air; he knew he would have her this night.

  Heath would relish each moment he had pleasuring her, devouring every scent and sound that escaped this woman. He wanted Ophelia more than he wanted to breathe. Heath would bare his soul to her and to convince her that if she would honor him with this night she would never regret it.

  He stood for long moment
s determined and certain that he would not only pursue her but he would claim his prize. Heath whispered her name softly and then much louder in a voice filled with need and purpose.

  “Ophelia”

  “Yes, Heath,” she said with a tremulous voice. “You can come in, I’m dressed.”

  Heath opened the door and the air was pungent with the sweet scent of this woman. He looked at her sitting in the middle of his bed. Heath went to her and sat on the edge not daring to touch her. She looked at him with an apprehensive expression.

  “This isn’t going to work.”

  “What isn’t going to work Heath?”

  “Me pretending that I don’t want you Ophelia.” Heath watched her eyes widen in surprise. “I have never wanted or desired a woman as much as I want you now.”

  Not liking the clip in her hair, he reached up and removed the offending article. Tossing it away as her hair fell silently to her shoulders. He took the liberty of smoothing her ebony silken strands. Then he gently caressed her chin forcing her to meet his eyes. If he was fortunate he would take many liberties with her this night. Ophelia moved slightly and a rush of aromatic air surrounded and toyed with him.

  Years of being in close quarters, dank caves or underbrush, smelling of gunpowder, filth or worse, made him appreciate the natural scent of a woman. Heath could smell the clean scent of her shampoo, the citrus scent of her lotion and underneath that her personal scent which was more indefinable. He moved in close as he leisurely perused her face and caught the headier scent of her sex pregnant with the sweetness of her nectar.

  It beckoned him to taste it, to devour her succulent bounty. An increasing urge to drink his fill of her set in and he would savor every drop. His eyes settled on her lips and he wanted to drink from them as well. Heath needed to taste the sweetness that was Ophelia.