Soldier on Her Doorstep Read Online Free PDF Page A

he took a bullet intended for me. Before he died trying to save me.
    The food was great. He did appreciate it. But she was treating him like the good guy here. What would she think if she could actually see what had happened over there? Could watch it like a movie before her eyes and see William dive into the line of fire to cover him ?
    He forced more food down. Anything to put the memories back on hold.
    â€œWhere’s home, Alex? Where do your family live?” she asked.
    Alex felt a shudder trawl his backbone. He fought the tic in his cheek as he clamped his jaw tightly. He didn’t want to talk about his family. Or lack of. He didn’t want to talk about why he didn’t have a home. “I don’t have a place at the moment,” he bit out tersely.
    â€œBut what about your family? They must be excited to have you back?”
    He shook his head.
    Lisa watched him, her eyes questioning, but to his relief she didn’t ask again. He didn’t want to be rude, but there were some things he just didn’t want to talk about.
    She didn’t need to know he was an orphan. He didn’t need any sympathy, pity. Lisa was best not knowing.
    â€œWell, I’m glad we were able to have you for dinner,” she said after a long pause.
    â€œI promised William I’d find you.” He looked up, braved her gaze. “I set out as soon as I was debriefed.”
    She nodded. “Well, I certainly appreciate you coming here.”
    â€œGreat food, by the way. Really good,” he said stiltedly.
    It didn’t come easy to him. Just chatting. Making small talk. But he didn’t want to get on the topic of family again, and she was making a real effort for him. It wasn’t that hedidn’t appreciate it, he just wanted to keep certain doors firmly closed.
    â€œI’m going to check on Lilly. Help yourself to more,” she offered.
    Â 
    Lisa pulled the door to Lilly’s room almost shut, leaving it so a trickle of light still traced into the room, and wiggled her fingers at her. She’d read her a story, kissed her good-night, then turned the light out.
    She heard Alex down in the kitchen. He might have been in the army for years and be as quiet as a mouse, but he was well trained. He’d cleared the table and started the dishes all before she’d scooted Lilly upstairs to bed.
    â€œYou don’t need to do that.” She swallowed her words as soon as she saw the kitchen. The counter had been wiped down, the dishwasher light was on, and the sink was empty. He’d even fed the dog the leftovers.
    He shrugged. “It’s the least I can do.”
    She didn’t know about that. He’d traipsed from goodness-only-knew-where to get here, brought things to her that meant the world, and started to cheer up a six-year-old who was undergoing serious counseling for trauma. Lilly had been happy and bubbling when Lisa had marched her up to bed.
    â€œAlex—stay the night. Please. It’s too late for you to find somewhere in town,” she said.
    He looked uncomfortable. She wished he didn’t. A frown shadowed his face. Whatever it was that was troubling him was firmly locked away. She’d seen it written on his face tonight at the table.
    â€œI really appreciate the offer, but you’ve already cooked me dinner and…”
    â€œDon’t be silly.”
    The man seemed to have no family. Or none that he wanted to talk about. No place to go nearby anyway. She wasn’t exactly going to turf him out. Not after what he’d done for her. Not when he’d been the man to give William comfort as he died.
    â€œLisa, I didn’t come here expecting accommodation,” he said abruptly.
    She put her hands on her hips. “No, you came from miles away to do something nice for a stranger. It’s me who feels like I owe you.”
    He had that awkward look again. On his face, in the angles of his arms as they hung by his sides.