Doubting Thomas (Tarnished Saints Series) by Elizabeth Rose Read Free Book Online Page A

felt cramped in the small tree house cabin. His large body filled most of it. His presence was powerful and domineering.
    “Hunting season for dogs isn’t until next month.” He sounded so serious that for a moment she almost believed him.
    “Mr. Taylor, I’m sorry we got off to such a bad start. I’d like to start over if we can.”
    “Wouldn’t we all?” he mumbled, and she had a feeling his words weren’t talking about their meeting, but another part of his life.
    “I apologize for using your road last night. I was lost. And I really want to apologize for almost hitting your son.”
    He didn’t say anything, so she continued.
    “It was dark, and he was in the middle of the road. I didn’t expect to see a seven-year-old in the middle of the road at midnight and - ”
    “Six.”
    She stopped and looked up at him quizzically. “Pardon me?”
    “Elijah’s six, not seven.”
    “I see.”
    He’d gone to extremes to correct her, but never even acknowledged her apology. Before she could continue, he was heading down the wooden ladder nailed to the tree. She scrambled after him.
    “I’d like to make it up to you.”
    “That’s not necessary.”
    “No, really, I insist.” In her hurry, her foot slipped on a rung. He was there to steady her and help her to the ground. His hands lingered on her waist. Or was it only her imagination? Her eyes traveled up his arms and settled on the Celtic cross on a chain around his neck. She hadn’t even noticed it before. Her eyes met his, and in their dark depths she could see hope, fear, determination and care. Also, something else she couldn’t quite decipher.
    She studied his face for a second, and noticed he was doing the same to her. His features were hard, his mouth set firm. His nose was straight, his brows thick. Thick stubble shaped his lower face, and his dark hair was unkempt, shooting out in several directions, and falling nearly to the neckline of his white tee-shirt. And to her surprise, he had a small gold hoop earring hanging from one ear.
    He was rugged, but handsome. He emitted a sense of danger and pride, yet a hint of gentle sadness reflected within his eyes. His hands were large, his arms muscled and sturdy. She was sure he did some sort of manual labor, and quite often, to be so physically fit.
    A small rush of heat from his hands on her waist traveled all the way to her face. Something flashed in those dark eyes of his, and for a moment, she’d almost thought he’d felt the same attraction she’d felt. Then, he removed his hands from her waist, and stuck them in the front pockets of his jeans. That soft caring look she’d glimpsed in his eyes was gone, and the hard, cool edge returned.
    “You really shouldn’t be traipsing around these woods alone. No telling what could happen.”
    She wondered if he meant she should fear the dogs or him? In a way she did fear him, but since he’d helped her, she also felt a strange sense of security while being in his presence.
    “Thank you for saving me from the dogs.”
    No response.
    “Aren’t you afraid your children will be harmed by them?”
    “My boys know how to take care of themselves. I don’t have to worry about them.”
    “Even the six-year-old? It seems to me he shouldn’t be allowed to wander about.”
    “Head to your right and you’ll find the Ainsley’s road,” he answered, totally ignoring her comment. “I suggest you head on back to the Bed and Breakfast quickly.”
    He was gone before she had the chance to ask him anything about his family. Somehow, she’d scared him off, and she wasn’t sure why. She was getting the distinct feeling he was hiding something. She’d have to try to see him again later.
     
    Thomas stood behind a bush to assure himself Angeline made it to the road safely. Then he followed quite a distance behind her until she got back to the Ainsleys, making sure the dogs didn’t bother her again.
    She didn’t belong out here in the woods. She belonged in a