Her threat reached its mark。 He didn't move a muscle。
Silence hung heavy in the air。 Even the rain had eased to a gentle
patter on the roof。 The storm was ending。 But what was she to do now？ As
the gravity of her predicament settled in； a fit of trembling shook her
with such force that the poker waved precariously。
Appearing to sense her terror； the man rose slowly； palms open and out
from his sides。 〃Take it easy。 I won't hurt you。〃
〃You already have。〃 She raised the poker higher。
〃Put that thing down；〃 he ordered； but gently； all anger gone now。
〃You're apt to hurt yourself〃
She shook her head and held the poker at the ready。
〃Look。〃 He sighed； running his fingers through the damp hair that had
fallen across his forehead。 〃Let me turn on a light。 At least then I can
see what manner of woman has the upper hand on me。〃
She eased up on her stance。 Light would help her； too。
He crossed to the nearest lamp and turned it on。 It bathed the room a
warm yellow。 〃That's better；〃 he said and turned to face her。
Anne took a good look at her would…be assailant。 He was tall and rugged；
thinner than she had first suspected； though the breadth of his chest
and shoulders spoke of strength。 His sweater was black； his jeans faded；
though darkened by rain at the hem； where they fell over sodden brown
leather boots。
She had expected a dark