Across the River of Yesterday Read Online Free

would never do anything to hurt anyone.” There was too much pain in the world and not enough laughter. Gideon had said something like that, she remembered vaguely. He had said a great many things tonight. All with a touch as light as a summer breeze, with an underlying salve that had healed before she had even realized any balm had been applied.
    “I just thought I’d drop in a savvy word or two. No offense?” Ross smiled. “Gideon would have a fit if he thought I’d upset you. Don’t worry, he’ll see to it that you’re well taken care of.”
    She smiled back at him. “Like his other ‘strays’?”
    He grimaced. “You caught that? I was hoping I’d covered myself in time. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”
    “You didn’t.” She took another sip of orange juice. “How many strays does Gideon have here?”
    “On the premises? Just one cat and a blind parrot. He usually tries to find homes for them before they become too attached to him. He moves around a lot and he doesn’t think it’s fair to leave them alone.” He stood up. “Now, drink the rest of that down and I’ll take you to your room.”
    The tall glass was still a quarter full. She deliberately pushed the glass away. “I’ve had enough.” She scooted back her chair and rose to her feet. “I’m ready to go.”
    “Are you?” A curious smile touched his lips as his gaze rested on the glass. “Some people justhave to learn for themselves.” He turned away. “I found a clean shirt of Gideon’s for you to wear tonight and I put a pair of my shorts and a T-shirt on the chair in your room for you to wear tomorrow. They’ll be a little big, but I’m smaller than Gideon.”
    “Thank you. I’m sorry to be so much trouble.”
    “No trouble. These little adventures are what make living with Gideon interesting.”
    A glass of orange juice was on the white rattan nightstand beside the double bed when she came into the bedroom after her shower thirty minutes later. The glass was exactly one quarter full.
    Gideon was lounging in the cane-backed chair by the window, one leg over the arm, a booted foot swinging lazily. “Hi, you look better in that shirt than I do. It kinda reminds me of those ads on TV where they have all those luscious ladies wearing their men’s dress shirts.”
    “Does it? I’ve never seen them. They didn’t have a television set at the convent.” She touched the soft blue cotton of the shirt that came almost to her knees. “Thank you for lending it to me. It’s very comfortable.”
    “We aim to please.” He swung his foot to the floor and stood up. He exuded so much power and vitality that Serena suddenly felt very small and helpless.
    “I’m glad you didn’t wash your hair. It must take a long time to dry and I was worried you’d go to bed with it wet.” He crossed the room and drew back the top sheet. “In you go. I’ll tuck you in and turn out the light.”
    She found herself obediently sliding into bed. He drew the sheet up around her shoulders and sat down beside her. “I’ve left the windows open. The screens will keep out the critters and it will be cooler for you. If it starts to rain, you’d better get up and close it.” His gaze was gravely holding her own while his hand stroked the hair back from her temple. “You’ve done just fine so far, but I thought I’d better warn you that sometimes it comes back to you right before you go to sleep. It sort of waits like a bushwhacker until all your defenses are down and then it ambushes you.” He smiled. “You just fool it and start thinking of something else. Frank or Ross or me … anything. Okay?”
    “Okay,” she whispered.
    “And, if you get scared or want company, I’m just across the hall. I’ll leave my door open to hear if you call out.”
    “Thank you.” His hand on her temple held mesmerizing gentleness and his expression was … beautiful. “Gideon, I.…” She trailed off as she felt the tears burn behind her lids.