Loner by Rae Harloe

Loner by Rae Harloe

Author:Rae, Harloe
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: novel
Publisher: Crooked Tree Press
Published: 2020-06-08T16:00:00+00:00


Healing Hug #19: A cure for when the chill is bone-deep.

The crunch of fallen leaves crackles underneath my flimsy flip-flops. Millie tightens her grip on my hand as Crawford guides us deeper into the woods. That’s what I’m assuming, at least. My eyesight is currently compromised by a massive palm. With permission, of course. Even so, this situation is the perfect opening scene for a horror movie. I can picture the photo caption in bold, blazing letters.

A very trusting, albeit idiotic, woman allows a broody guy to steer her and an innocent child into the dark forest. While blindfolded.

Yep, this is stolen straight out of a scary film script.

I take another shaky step forward on wobbling legs. When a twig snaps, I nearly leap out of my skin. The bastard behind me chuckles.

“So jumpy,” he murmurs.

“You would be too if the roles were reversed.”

“The next location is your pick. I’ll follow along blindly, wherever you lead.”

“You say that now.” The possibilities begin to formulate in my jittery brain. Beating this supposed treat should be a cinch.

“I believe you’ll steer me in the right direction.”

“Ah, using the guilt factor. Well done.”

Another raspy noise scrapes out of his throat. “I’ll do whatever it takes to get more days like this.”

I smash my lips together to silence the embarrassing sigh desperate to climb out. The sound dances on my tongue until I gulp the gooey sentiment down. We’re just friends out having fun. Sure, we slept together. Those escapades might as well be ancient history, though. Our connection is fleeting. When it’s time to move on, we’ll go our separate ways. He’ll keep in touch for Millie’s sake, until she abandons the hero worship.

But it’s difficult to remember the arrangement when Crawford dishes out the sweet and swoony. He makes me question the strength of our restrictions. I could easily fall for his charm, but I won’t. A chaste relationship is precisely my speed. My resolve rattles through me with each shallow breath.

Crawford directs us to the left, knocking me from my reverie. “Are your eyes still closed, Peep?”

“Uh-huh,” she squeaks.

He nudges me. “How about you, Kee?”

I roll the sockets behind my sealed lids. “Yes, sir.”

“Oh, I like that.” A rumble rolls off his chest.

I scoff into the blank unknown. “Don’t get used to it.”

“You two are so funny.” Millie giggles, enjoying his little game far more than me. I suppose that makes sense, since this stunt is definitely for her benefit.

Creepy prickling sensation aside, my belly is in a flurry of flutters. Crawford is spending extra energy being creative with his presentation, and those actions are very much noted. He earns brownie points for upping the anticipation factor with each passing moment. My little girl is practically squealing with delight. Millie’s laughter triggers my own, and soon we’re lost in hysterics.

“Not sure we’re that funny,” Crawford mutters.

“We’re wandering in the middle of nowhere with you as our guide. The fact I’m still going along with this strange trust exercise speaks to my dedication for the cause.



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