Read Online An Unlikely Hero (1) by Tierney James - Free Book Online Page B

became worried, frightened or confused. The world thought she was a rock. Robert knew, however, his Tessa was the best con artist in the west. Just now Heather showed signs of that determination to overcome the situation with bravery and strength. He was glad Tessa had passed that trait on to his precious daughter.
    “Us girls are a lot tougher than men realize.” The voice of the ranger carried a slight Irish accent adding to her comforting appeal. “Can I see your injury?”
    Heather cocked her head slightly. “What’s injury?” She said batting her eyes and unconsciously lifting her fingers to the spot where the rock had connected.
    The ranger smiled, revealing teeth that had been whitened. She pointed to the spot on Heather’s forehead. A small round bump had begun to rise. “There. Can I see? Looks like these guys don’t have a clue on how we girls need to be treated.”
    Heather took a hesitant step toward the ranger. “Okay,” she said softly.
    The ranger noticed a tiny cut. She stood and went to her backpack where she retrieved a first aid kit. “This might sting just a bit but at least you won’t get an infection and have to go to the doctor. I think if I do this you won’t have to get a shot.” Heather’s eyes widened at the word “shot” and nodded enthusiastically. The ranger gently cleaned the area and applied some antibiotic cream. “It just so happens I have some pretty cool bandages too. Would you like one to wear? That will remind your brothers to be more careful.” Heather nodded again, this time with a wide smile. The bandages had Disney princesses on them.
    “That didn’t hurt a bit!”
    “You see! Us girls are tough!” the ranger laughed as she stood. Her hazel eyes went to Robert. “She’ll be fine.”
    Robert removed his hat and wiped his brow as if by doing so would remove the fright he’d suffered in the last ten minutes. “Thanks.” He stuck out his hand. “I’m Robert Scott. This is our first day of vacation. Wouldn’t you know there’d be an accident right off the bat?”
    His smile, the ranger noticed, was a little flirtatious. She didn’t mind. After all, Robert Scott was a very good looking man. Nearly six foot, Robert’s lean body looked like a tennis player. Although not muscular, he was in great shape. Neatly shaven, Robert’s skin looked tan and healthy. The narrow nose where his sunglasses rested gave his face an angular shape that spoke of masculinity. The hand that gripped hers was strong, accustomed to physical work. Her father had always said you could tell a lot about a man by his handshake. If this were true, Robert Scott might just turn out to be an interesting visitor to Lake Tahoe.
    “I’m Ranger Lynch. Honey Lynch.” she said holding onto his hand a little longer than considered proper. “No Mrs. Scott?” she inquired looking back at the cabin.
    Robert suddenly felt a little nervous. “No Mrs. Scott.” He smiled again looking down into the pretty face of the ranger. “I mean my wife may come later,” he stammered a little too quickly. “I insisted she take a few days for herself. You know, let me take care of the kids. I thought she’d appreciate the time off. She certainly deserves it,” he laughed as he glanced toward the kids watching with curiosity at the scene unfolding.
    “Mom is eating lunch with friends and getting her nails done,” Daniel offered up the information with sarcasm.
    “Really,” Honey said smiling down at the little boy then back at Robert.
    “This is a test to see how Dad does with us,” Sean Patrick interjected.
    “How’s he doing?” Honey asked with amused interest.
    The kids looked at each other as if to confer. They all nodded. “So far so good,” Sean Patrick offered offhandedly as if his father wasn’t standing there.
    “Go play, guys. Get some ice out of the cooler for Heather’s bump too! And watch out this time!” Robert warned as they ran back to the water’s edge.
    Robert turned his