Pioneer Delight by Ramona Flightner

Author:Ramona Flightner [Flightner, Ramona]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Grizzly Damsel Publishing

Unable to sleep, with her thoughts racing, Hettie slipped from her bed and walked soundlessly downstairs. She knew Mary swore by a cold glass of milk in the middle of the night when she suffered from insomnia, and Hettie wondered if it would help her. Opening the icebox, she removed the jar of milk and poured herself a glass.

Sitting at the table, she stared into space, as she took small sips of milk, her mind racing as she remained uncertain what she should do. Niall pulled at her in a way she had never imagined she’d feel. He made her want to be brave. To believe the disappointments of the past wouldn’t repeat themselves.

Closing her eyes, she tried to silence her memories. Instead she saw herself as a girl, barely ten years old, crying out in confusion and desperation. Alone. Terrified. Desperate. Learning too early the meaning of betrayal.

She took a deep breath and froze, smelling the faint scent of cologne, sweat, and whiskey all mixed together. Niall was here. Opening her eyes, she saw him watching her, as he stood in the kitchen shadows. “Niall,” she whispered.

“Hello, love,” he murmured. “I’m sorry I disturbed you from your waking dream.”

Shaking her head, she huffed out an incredulous breath. “I’m not. You saved me from remembering a nightmare.” Flushing, she ducked her head, closing her eyes in shame, as she admitted too much.

“Hett,” he breathed, taking a step toward her, before stilling. “Forgive me. I’m intruding again where you don’t want me.”

Gazing at him with confusion, she tilted her head to one side. “Again?”

“Last night. I, … I should have left you alone at the stream. I ruined everything, and I’m sorry, Hett.”

She bit her lip and remained silent, as he clung to the shadows. Niall was meant to be in the light. He was a man who brought joy and was full of life. He’d brought her to life after, … after … Her mind shied away from thinking about those years she’d rather forget. “Niall,” she whispered, her voice shaking, “you didn’t ruin everything.” Swallowing, she gathered her courage and whispered, “I fear I can never be who you really need.”

Groaning, he strode to her and sat beside her, straddling the bench so he faced her. Lowering his head, his forehead brushed against hers. “You’ve always been what I needed. I wish I’d realized it sooner. Give me a chance, Hett. Please.”

“Shh, no begging,” she whispered, moving so she could rest in his arms. She shivered as he wrapped her close, his warm breath on her neck evoking shivers of delight. “I’m so scared.”

His fingers caressing up and down her back now froze. “Of me?”

“Never,” she breathed. “Of me. Of making the wrong choice.”

He gripped her closer, and she snuggled in even more, feeling like she was precious and cherished. She never wanted this moment to end. “Only you can decide, Hett.” He eased away, his eyes laced with pain and longing, as he brushed a fingertip over her cheek.

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