A Subtle Tenderness Read Online Free PDF Page A

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.
    B ack 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.  He ath 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.   Flower s 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