Page 60 of Unforgiven

“I’m rattled.”

“I’m not surprised. You’ve had quite a day.”

“I almost wish Leon had been lurking near the house. Then maybe Deputy Ernst would have gotten him and it would be all over.”

“Yeah.” Still gazing at her intently, Seth added, “Tab, I only refused Junior’s offer because I thought he’d make me sit in the back seat of his cruiser. No way am I ever going to do that again.”

That made sense. “I understand.”

He looked down at their linked fingers. She did too. She’d never had delicate-looking hands. They were capable and strong. She kept her nails trimmed short, but that was the extent of care—beyond a dab of lotion every now and then—they ever received. But her hands looked small and feminine nestled in Seth’s.

After a squeeze, he released hers and clasped his behind his back. “It’s getting late.”

“I know. I understand.”

Seth looked torn. “Would you like me to stay? I’d be happy to sleep on the couch. No one will be able to get inside without going through me.”

The idea of not worrying about every creak and groan in the old house was tempting. Tabitha knew she’d be able to sleep better than she had in days, as well. She trusted Seth completely. If he said he’d stay on the couch, then that’s where he would be.

But if anyone found out that Seth had spent the night, her life would get even more complicated. Besides, what would she do the following night?

“I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

“You didn’t ask me, Tab. I offered.” He released his hands and used one to pat her shoulder. “I hope you know that you’re safe with me. I would never do anything to hurt or scare you.”

“I know.”

But not only was she concerned about her reputation, she was worried about Leon. If he discovered Seth had been in her house overnight, he would react violently. Leon was possessive of her, and he hated the fact that she was living in his family’s house. After taking out his anger on her, he’d find a way to hurt Seth. And as much as she feared seeing Leon again, she dreaded the idea of Seth getting hurt because of her even more.

With regret, she stepped away from him. She needed the distance to force herself to do what was right and not what all her mixed-up emotions were screaming at her to do. “Thank you for the offer, but I think it’s time you went home.”

He didn’t budge an inch. “You look scared.”

“I am scared. I mean I am a little bit.”

“Tabitha, what are you worried about? Do you care so much about your reputation that you’re willing to put your safety at risk?”

“It’s not just my reputation. Though, that is part of it.”

“Why? A lot of the people you’re so worried about turned their backs on you when you filed for divorce. You’ve been living here all alone. No one but me has been coming to check on you.”

“That’s not true.”

“You’re counting your sister? Mary has only visited one day a month.”

“She didn’t have a choice. Her husband—”

“I know. I know. Roy has decided that it’s okay to practically ignore his sister-in-law. I guess that’s fine with him and he has no problem sleeping at night. But leaving you to fend for yourself hasn’t been right.”

“I’m not saying it was right.”

“But you’ve accepted everyone’s distance?”

Feeling more frustrated by the second, she raised her voice. “This isn’t about Roy or Mary or even having to leave the Amish. It’s about me, and I’m telling you that I don’t have a choice.”

“But you do.”

“Seth, do you hear yourself? You’re acting as if I don’t know my own mind. As if you don’t value my opinion.”

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