Secrets Read Online Free PDF

into the night and the animal was gone.
    Back inside her house, Michelle ran her fingers through her hair, trying to wrap her brain around what just happened. She’d lived here all of her childhood. She’d roamed the fields that surrounded the house. The fields and the forest were her playground. Never once had she come across a large animal like she’d seen tonight. If she was right and it was a lynx, it surely was a predator of some sort, but it had made no attempt to make her its dinner.
    Michelle parted her kitchen curtains and scanned the backyard. In the darkness she saw a mother cat and her kittens approach the food bucket.
Cool.
The feeling of giving these cats, who probably were homeless, a meal and a drink of water was a familiar and pleasant feeling. It was funny that the mother didn’t feel protective with her kittens in an area where a big predator had just stood. She let the curtains fall back in place and turned to lean against the counter.
    What an exciting first night in my new home.
She checked the perky clock on the wall again to see the evening was still young, and contemplated her day. Before her thoughts got off to much of a start, a knock at her front door pulled them to an abrupt halt.
    She walked into her living room to the front door and peered through the peek hole. A smile from Casey greeted her, and she opened the door to let him in.
    He bowed like a goofball and presented her with a basket of fruit. “My lady, a bit of fruit?”
    “You nut. Thank you, kind sir.” She curtsied, laughing. “What brings you to my part of Laurelwood?”
    “I’ll be honest. You. Besides, I was in the area, and I wanted to make sure you’re settled in and feeling secure.” He cast an inquisitive glance around the living room, then headed through the hall to the kitchen.
    “Go ahead, make yourself at home.” She spread her arms wide and followed him. He didn’t appear at all aware that he was making himself at home without asking for her consent. “I appreciate you checking, but I’m fine.”
    “Good.” He stopped by the refrigerator. “Got anything to drink?”
    “Water.”
    “That’s not what I was thinking of, but thanks.” He continued to stand in place, and she couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking. She didn’t want to feel anything but her own emotions, so she closed herself to what he might bring to her. “I saw a mother cat with three kittens walking across the street. Did they find you already?”
    Despite her efforts, she felt questions roll off him, and a genuine feeling of concern. “Yes. I’m glad. There is no shortage of homeless cats in need of food and water.” She pursed her lips. What did he want to know, really?
    He shot a direct gaze at her, making her squirm. What was that in his eyes?
    “I don’t want to overstep, Michelle, I know you need your space.” His eyes pinned her, asking her for something. “But I’m always going to be looking after you. I hope that is comforting to you, not threatening. I mean you no harm.”
    The words, words she’d just used, held so much unspoken meaning. She shifted on her feet. “You’re not a stalker?”
    Casey unleashed one of his amazing smiles, and it washed over her like a gentle swell in Lake Michigan. “No, not a stalker.”
    “Good. Because I’ve had one of those already.” Instantly she regretted letting that piece of information escape.
    “What? When? Who?” His brown eyes darkened.
    “Oh, it was a long time ago. Just some guy.” Michelle wrapped her arms around herself and tried to look deadpan.
    Casey’s smile turned sad. He rubbed his chin with his thumb, drawing her attention to his face. How could she push him away? Underneath his shirt his taut chest muscles strained the fabric, enticing her to touch. She knew from experience that delicious smooth skin the color of rich coffee wore beautifully over his firm six-pack. But despite his physical appeal, Casey’s soul stood as his finest