A Subtle Tenderness (3 page)

Handcrafted book shelves and tables that doubled as storage, everything had a purpose.  The furniture was large and comfortable but there was minimal clutter
.  Looking around Ophelia saw the small staircase that led to a large loft that was attached to or supported by the centerpiece of the dwelling.  A massive stone double sided fireplace that separated the kitchen from the living area. 

She walked around Heath’s home and marveled at how simple and beautiful
it was.  Ophelia stopped at the window and watched him at a distance as he cleaned out the back of his truck pumping water from a hand well.  Heath had divested himself of his shirt and Lord was that man built.  Just like his home he was full of surprises. 

Ophelia
watched him for a few more moments realizing she had begun to fantasize about the reclusive man.  His home smelled of wood and man.  She had been a witness to just how strong and kind that man was.  Fresh out of a bad break up that had her moving to the opposite side of the country.  She definitely did not need to be mooning over Grizzly Adams even if he did have a hell of a body. 

Heath liked the monotony of hard work, especially when it was used to divert his thoughts from what was really on his mind…Ophelia.  The woman made him curious to know more about her.  She made him hungry to find out intimate baser things about her.  The ride to and from her car had been torture.  Ophelia smelled so good and feminine.  It had been a long time since he had even felt like being with a woman. To have it hit him with a full impact like this was disconcerting to say the least. 

He liked her smile and the way she handled herself with the buck.  He
ath felt his dick harden when she licked her lips after tasting the stew.  He had never been attracted to any certain type of woman. Having traveled to many countries during his years of service he had experienced sexual joy with women of many cultures.  Ophelia was a fine looking woman and he had to admit the womanly curves of her hips and backside made him long to experience the secrets she held between her thighs. 

He
ath immediately felt chagrined at the direction his thoughts were taking.  Ophelia had trusted him and he could just imagine what an intimidating figure he presented when they first met.  She wasn’t a tiny thing but she barely came to the top of his chest and her complexion was the dreamiest shade of milk chocolate that he had ever seen.  Heath had seen her studying him in the car and he felt better that he gave her time to see that he posed no threat to her safety. He prepared the deer by removing the entrails, cutting portions to be smoked, sections for steaks and parts that would be used later to make sausage or burger meat.

One hour turned into two and it was well past dark before he came into the cabin.  He
ath found Ophelia asleep in one of his living room chairs.  Not wanting to wake her he went to his bedroom stripped and showered taking pains to shave and make himself presentable.  Heath dressed in sweats and a worn cotton t-shirt, changed the sheets and started a load of laundry.  

He had a guest bed in the loft but
Heath wanted Ophelia to sleep in his bed.  The image of plump, soft curves in his bed gave him some predatory satisfaction.  Heath had gone through too much in his short life for him to deny that he not only was attracted to Ophelia but he wanted her.  Amazed that he could be pulled into her spell so quickly, he had spoken less than fifty words to her and what happened to her mattered to him. 

He
ath stood in the kitchen beer in hand and watched her sleep in his oversized sofa chair.  There was something universally sexy about a woman with curves.  It wasn’t late but he wanted her to get situated so he spoke her name softly several times before she woke slightly disoriented. 

“I hope I didn’t startle you.  I wanted to show
you to the bedroom you will use tonight.”  Heath took her duffle into his bedroom.  “Let me know if there is anything I can get you.” He said as he took his leave.  Heath made a small fire and took a seat in front of it and nursed the flames to life.  He was infinitely aware of every sound Ophelia made while she was in his domain.  It pleased him when Ophelia reappeared from his bedroom. 

“I know you told me to make myself at home but I would feel awkward if I didn’t ask for something
to drink.”  Before Heath could move to get her a beverage Ophelia stopped him by going into the kitchen.  “Please don’t trouble yourself, I can get it. You’ve done so very much for me today.  I can’t thank you enough.” 

He
ath joined her in the kitchen and watched her pour a glass of lemonade. Sitting at his bar facing her he studied Ophelia’s movements.

“I hope you don’t mind, I made lemonade earlier.”

“I don’t mind Ophelia.  I love lemonade.”  He smiled and took a swig of his beer.  Ophelia leaned against the counter and looked about his kitchen.

“Your home is beautiful, Heath.  The furnishings
, the style, everything is warm, unfettered and comfortable.  How did you find all of this? Most of this furniture looks handcrafted just for this cabin.”

“It was
. My mother and dad did most of the handcrafted items. It took me years to build this cabin to the specifications that I desired. We did the majority of the work ourselves.”

“You and your dad buil
t cabins.  You are a pretty useful guy to know.”

“I notice
d you don’t have a television, what do you do for entertainment?”

“Read, listen to music.  I can watch movies on my laptop but generally I sit by the fire at the end of the day and fall asleep.”

“You have some really good classics.  I read a lot also; it’s sort of my profession.”

“Really, what do you do for a living Ophelia?”
  Heath learned forward as he gave her his attention.

“I’m a book editor.”  Taking a sip of her
lemonade Ophelia moved to sit on the stool next to him. “I read a lot of romance novels.”

“Sorry
, just the classics here, there might be a copy of War and Peace or Jane Eyre, but nothing current.”  Ophelia smiled and played with her glass for a moment.  Her scent was cloying with him.  He was encouraged that she felt at ease in his presence.   He liked a woman with a direct gaze.  Ophelia was not a shy girl but a woman with presence.

“It’s quiet here.  I can see why you love it.  No car horns or people yelling in the street.  Don’t you get lonely living up here by yourself?” 

Heath fixed her with a direct gaze that Ophelia must have interpreted negatively because she immediately apologized. “That was… I’m sorry for asking such a personal question.   I don’t mean to be rude.” 

“Yes, sometimes I get lonely here but you can feel lonely in a crowd.  Now let me ask you a personal question.
”

Now
Ophelia fixed him with a direct gaze giving him her full attention. “Okay.”

“Weren’t you just a tad bit afraid of coming up this mountain today?  You had no idea who or what you would encounter.”

Ophelia searched his eyes and found no mockery in them and then she answered.  “I was apprehensive, even when I met you.  You’re kind of larger than life and you looked a little feral earlier.”  Ophelia laughed as she said the last part.

“Feral?”  Heath repeated and grinned as he let the word roll off his tongue.

“Woodsy then,” she amended.

“That’s worse.” He
ath chuckled.  “That sounds like a cartoon character.” He liked the ease of their conversation.  “How long are you going to be staying at your aunt’s place?”

“Indefinitely, if everything works out it will become my main residence.” Ophelia toyed with her glass while she answered.

“Is it a place on the mountain?”

“Yes,” she gazed back up at him
, “but not so far up as this.”

“
Does she have neighbors?”

“Yes I remember she has one close neighbor.  Why do you ask?”

“You will be living alone outside Notch, just like me.”

“Yes, it appears I will.”

“Do you think you will get lonely?”

“Yes, I am certain I will, but you can be lonely while you’re with someone.  I think that’s far worse.”  She said earnestly.

“Then we have this in common,” Heath said his gaze never leaving hers.

“To peace and solitude,” she held her glass up to his for a toast.

“To peace and solitude,” Heath repeated.

Ophelia
flashed him a mega-watt smile and his heart nearly stopped.  Heath heard and felt the blood rushing to his dick when his eyes settled on her lips.  He warred with his self-control.  Heath wanted to taste her lips to and essence.  There was an awkward silence for a moment and then she stood up to leave as he turned toward her and she stumbled forward into his embrace.  Ophelia felt good in his arms, she was soft in all the places he was hard. 

Ophelia
held his shoulders trying to get her balance, Heath enjoyed her touch.  He nuzzled the side of her face for the briefest of moments before she began to untangle herself from his embrace.  When Ophelia looked up their faces were mere inches apart and he breathed in her fragrance as their eyes met.

“Thanks, I must be more tired than I realized.  Goodnight Heath.”

Heath released his hold on her slowly and nodded but didn’t speak. Ophelia walked quickly to his bedroom and turned back once to give him a shaky smile.  He heard the shower start and he began to think about Ophelia all soapy and wet in his shower.  Heath stepped outside briefly and took a breath of fresh night air and wondered how he would make it through the night without relieving himself. 

Going back inside he locked up his home and turned out most of the lights not ready to go up to the loft he sat in front of the fire.  Steam scent
ed air escaped his bath and Heath caught the sweet floral scent of her soap wafting in from her shower.  He laughed and leaned his head back and closed his eyes knowing sleep would elude him tonight.

Ophelia lay quietly in bed the next morning listening to the calming morning sounds of nature.  She was surprised that she slept so well in a strange home and bed, alone in the woods with a stranger on the side of a mountain in Georgia.  She had to be out of her mind, but here she was alone with a strange man with whom she felt uncharacteristically safe.  Ophelia thought back to last night while she was in Heath’s shower, she could smell his scent, clean and fresh like his soap.  

It felt like
Ophelia had lain there for hours when she heard the soft tap on the bedroom door and Heath speaking her name.   Ophelia could smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and bacon.  Heath was announcing breakfast.  Ophelia covered her pajamas with a silk wrap after freshening up in the bathroom. 

She was greeted by warm sun
light streaming in from the ceiling and windows.  Once again Ophelia was in awe at how beautiful and welcoming Heath’s home felt.  She watched him silently as Heath prepared their meal.  His attractiveness had an elusive quality that revealed itself in layers.  Heath turned and smiled at her.  Her heart stopped at how handsome he was and how much she ached in that moment to make him hers.

“Good Morning Ophelia.  I hope you slept well.”

“Yes, I did.  Thank you for loaning me your bed.”  Ophelia walked farther into the kitchen and couldn’t take her eyes off him.  She prayed her expression didn’t betray her thoughts.  “Can I help you with something Heath?”

“You can get the juice and pour us some.  I’m almost finished with our breakfast.” 

Ophelia dutifully did as she was instructed watching Heath from the corner of her eyes.  She longed to touch the muscles of his neck and back. Enjoying the way they bunched as he moved about the kitchen.  Even the way Heath stood gave him a commanding presence.  Ophelia could sense Heath was a man who was capable of protecting what was his and also capable of giving some lucky woman immeasurable pleasure.  From the way the kitchen smelled he was also capable of preparing a delicious meal. 

“We’ll go into town later and get your vehicle towed to the local shop.  Do you want me to take you to your aunt’s place or would you prefer to stay here until your car is repaired?”

Ophelia looked into questioning dark blue eyes as she quickly weighed her options.  It would make perfect sense for her to be at her new home but she didn’t want to be there stranded, without a car.  The truth was she just wasn’t ready to be alone.  Ophelia was enjoying Heath’s company.  She realized several seconds had passed since he asked her what she wanted to do.  Ophelia decided on the truth.

“I’d like to stay here with you until my car is ready, if that’s not too much
trouble for you.”  Heath gave her a smile that warmed her soul and placed a plate of food before her.

“N
o trouble at all Ophelia.   I enjoy your company.”  Heath sat beside her at the bar and began to eat.  “If you feel up to it after we get back from town, I’d like to show you my land and take you to my parent’s home.  It still needs some work but it’s a mile walk farther up the mountain.”

“I’d like that.”  She smiled at him and began to eat the breakfast he prepared.  “
This tastes really good,” she said indicating the breakfast.    “So what are you doing to your parent’s home?”

“My father wanted to expand the house for my mother
.  Before my mother passed, we started the expansion.  After she passed, he just wasn’t interested in completing it.  So, I’ve taken it upon myself to finish it with some minor upgrades.”

Ophelia smiled at him and wondered about a man who would carry out his parents last wishes for a home they would never see again.  She thought it
was a noble thing to do.   Ophelia helped him clean up after breakfast and hurriedly got ready to leave for town.  

The drive to town took just
over an hour and was filled with Heath telling her about his military career and the surroundings of Notch, Ga.  Ophelia listened intently grateful for the opportunity to study and understand him a little more.  Heath had one dimple on the right side of his face and his mannerisms were confident and sure. 

He
ath gave the 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 house.   Although still unfinished she could tell the house was going to look amazing once it was completed.   Ophelia noticed the same attention to detail in this house as she had in Heath’s cabin.  Everything had a purpose. Functionality was the key to this style of living.  The style of the cabin was spacious yet serviceable and there was no clutter yet there was just the right amount of furniture.

Light streamed in through
large windows and ceiling sky lights. The flour plan was also open but the fireplace was on the side of the house rather than in the middle. The large eat-in kitchen was a focal point.  Heath described his ideas for the property touching on the difficulties he was having in trying to preserve most of the original structure.  Ophelia tried to imagine him as young boy growing up here.  She smiled thinking about how much mischief Heath might have been in with such wild open spaces to roam.

“What will you do with the property once you are done?”  Heath hesitated briefly
when asked that question then continued to prepare their food.  

“Maybe I will live in it one day, or loan it to friends as a vacation home.  I haven’t decided yet.”  She watched as he added sugar and lemon slices to a pitcher of tea.  “My goal right now it to see it completed.”

They sat on the back porch shaded by the sun and ate ham sandwiches with pear and apple wedges.  They conversed about a variety of topics until he excused himself and began to pick vegetables for their supper.  Offering her assistance, Ophelia enjoyed pulling up fresh herbs and digging up field greens and vegetable all of which were placed in the wicker basket.  Once that task was completed, Ophelia sat on a comfortable bench drinking tea and watching Heath complete some needed repairs. 

He
ath was a curiosity to her, fascinating and in some ways familiar.  She was enjoying his company.  She was relishing in a man cooking for her and seeing after her needs. Ophelia was enjoying her time in his space.  She felt at peace near him. Then it dawned on her; she had not thought about Darnell or Sonja at all today nor did the pair cross her mind last night.

The realization of that fact
lifted her spirit.   This move was already showing promise minus the car accident and killing a deer. She looked up when Heath’s shadow fell over her.  She handed him his tea and smiled as he emptied the glass.

“What’s the smile for?”

“The fresh air is good for me.”

“I’m done for the day
. I’ll lock up and we’ll head back to my cabin.”

The
trek back down the mountain was not so cumbersome.  Ophelia could sense Heath’s closeness leading the way through his land.  She was surprised he hadn’t used his bow and arrow on their little sojourn.  There didn’t seem to be one thing this man couldn’t do. 

“You didn’t get to use you bow today.” 

“We scared the animals away on the way up.”  He turned and ushered her forward into the clearing that was his yard.

“You mean I scared them away,” she amended.

“Let’s just say they heard us coming.”  Heath supplied.

Dinner was exceptional
. Heath prepared seasoned deer steaks, summer squash with a salad of field greens and thick slices of tomato from his garden.  Everything was seasoned with fresh herbs that they picked including a salad dressing which he made from scratch.

“Heath is there anything you can’t do.  This meal was truly amazing.”

“I’m glad you liked it.  There’s more if you’re still hungry.”

“I
enjoyed it so much.  I hope I didn’t embarrass you while I was shoveling food down my gullet.  You are an amazing cook,” Ophelia praised. 

“You have to let me clean up
. No way, you’re going to do all the work.  I have to show my appreciation for your culinary skills.”

“How about we do it together,” Heath suggested.

They cleared the table and cleaned up the kitchen. Then played a game of checkers in which Heath won two out of three games.  Heath had set a small fire and put on some instrumental music before promptly losing a game of scrabble to her.  Ophelia had warned him that scrabble was her game before she properly trounced him. 

They joked and teased with each other throughout the games
. Then something changed in the atmosphere between them.   Perhaps her guard was down, or she just needed to laugh, but she was having fun.  That awful tightening around her heart that she had harbored since her breakup was lifted.   Ophelia felt free and for the moment content.

Sitting at the table facing each other, they both howled with laughter at something Heath said and
then it happened.   Heath leaned in and kissed her.  Timidly at first, then again more aggressively and she wantonly kissed him back.  The kiss lingered and then ignited into passionate groping while Heath assaulted the tender recesses of her mouth. 

It wasn’t until she heard herself moan with such desperate need and longing that she pulled away from him shocked. 
Ophelia looked into uncertain eyes and she knew if he kissed her again she wouldn’t stop him.  She wanted him.  Her mind was asserting that she shouldn’t and all the hurt and disappointment that had clouded her heart for the last few months rushed back in. 

“I can’t …. I …can’t do
.. this.”  Ophelia stood up and moved to leave and he stopped her.