Unsure by Ashe Barker Read Free Book Online Page B

stands there, on my doorstep, a puzzled expression on his face. His very pretty face, I now idly note. It was dark when I last saw him and he was covered in mud. And his eye was swollen and pretty much closed, none of which enhanced his appearance. But now he looks fine, better than fine, he’s stunning. He’s absolutely beautiful in that male way that some men can manage and seem to find so effortless. Men who are perfect.
    Tall, solid, golden—Tom Shore is without any doubt at all the most gorgeous specimen of masculinity I have ever come across. Not that I’m a connoisseur exactly, but still, even I notice these things. He’s also big. Huge, in fact, towering over me despite standing on the step below me. And the last time he saw me he promised faithfully to wring my neck if he ever got his hands on me. Well, now’s his chance. This won’t take long.
    “Are you okay, Miss McAllister? You don’t look well…”
    Still I stare, desperately searching for something, anything, to say. Anything to get rid of him.
    He’s obviously baffled by my bizarre behavior, but valiantly hanging onto his good manners. All very commendable really, which is more than could be said for me as I make no attempt to either ask him to come back later, or invite him in. I’m just rooted to the spot, and speechless with fear.
    Clearly at something of a loss, he tries once more. “Look, I can tell it’s not a great time. I’ve got some papers for you, and I need to take a quick reading from the electricity meter if that’s okay. Then I’ll get off and leave you to it. Okay?”
    Still I stand in the doorway. Still I make no response. And now he’s beginning to lose his patience—there’s a distinct edge to his voice, of what I’m not sure, but it unnerves me even more.
    “Are you sure you’re okay, Miss McAllister? Look, I’m sorry to disturb you, but I do need to just come in for a moment…?” He’s looking at me, and makes to step forward.
    That’s all it takes, and I lose it. “Get out! Get back and leave me alone!” I try to slam the door in his face, but it’s already much too late.
    The door bounces off his shoulder and I scramble frantically back into my little sitting room, clutching my terry robe to my chest as I try to run for the stairs. I trip over the hem of my bathrobe and find myself on my knees behind my fireside chair. I hear his footsteps, heavy on the solid wooden floor, as he quickly skirts the cluttered furniture to reach me. I’m desperately scuttling across the floor as he looms over me, his shadow blocking out the light from my small window. He crouches in front of me, trapping me between the chair and the wall.
    “Whoa, Miss McAllister. I only want to drop off your lease contract and read your meter. I’m a farmer, not a bloody ax murderer. Here, let me help you up.” He holds out his hand, and I cower away from him, covering my head with my arms. Perplexed, and no doubt by now convinced he’s got a total nutcase for a tenant, he drops his outstretched hand, stands, backs away.
    “I’ve upset you, obviously. I don’t know how, but I’m sorry. I’ll leave the contract on the table. And I’ll just check the meter then I’m gone, okay?” He strides away from me into my tiny kitchenette, crouches in front of the cupboard under my little sink, then he’s back, passing me on his way out.
    “There, done.” He turns, and I peep up at him in time to catch him looking longingly at the door, still swinging open. Seems he can’t wait to get out of here and away from his crazy new tenant. But he stops. He keeps his distance but still he’s here, dominating my tiny home.
    “You sure you’re okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” He’s making no move toward me, but looking at me very carefully now.
    Still totally unable to function normally, I shiver and try to curl myself into a tinier ball. And that’s my undoing. Maybe if I’d been able to keep my nerve, act more naturally, brazen