Lucy Red Riding Hood and Wolf: A Sweet Fairy Tale Romance by Hughes Raine

Author:Hughes, Raine
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lorraine Feldberg
Published: 2023-11-25T00:00:00+00:00

It was late and nearly dark by the time Wolf returned to the house. Not wanting to appear to be watching for him, Lucy waited in the darkened room she shared with Grandma, her gaze roving over the yard in front of the house. The others had retired for the night, most likely sound asleep.

From the upstairs window, she saw him emerge from the dark forest, could tell by his flagging footsteps that he had spent himself thoroughly. Still, his head was up as he slowly made his way to the house. About halfway across the open space, he redirected his steps to trudge around to the backside.

Lucy raced down the stairs, avoided the creaking step, and let herself onto the wide back porch. She’d barely flung herself into the plastic garden chair before Wolf came around the corner and stopped dead at the sight of her.

Lucy took a breath to settle her rapid heart beat. “Lovely night for a walk, isn’t it? I’ve been wandering about in the trees myself”—she fluttered her hand in that direction—“remembering how Grandma and I used to say a final goodnight to the birds sleepily chirping in their nests.” He wouldn’t guess that she’d been waiting for him, though she couldn’t say why she was acting out this pretense. He remained stock-still.

She laughed lightly before continuing. “I was always afraid to go into the Forest Reserve after dark. Being a normal kid, I think I enhanced all those fairy tales Grandma and I read together. I thought the big bad wolf—or something—would snatch me up.” She laughed again, inwardly groaning over her use of the analogy. “Silly, of course, but that’s kids for you. I’m over my fright now.”

“You shouldn’t be. The predator of today is a far different sort of animal, much more dangerous.”

Wolf’s words were jarring. Was he referring to himself? She wasn’t afraid of him in that way. Actually, she wasn’t afraid of him in any way after she’d glimpsed his vulnerability. She wouldn’t feel sorry for him. He’d hate that.

Lucy rose from her chair and shook her hair out. “You’re right, of course.” She paused as if speaking without a preplanned agenda. “I’m not ready to go to sleep yet. Should I make us both a cup of hot chocolate? Always good for relaxing.”

She dropped her focus to the floor, hoping that might put him more at ease than having her stare him in the eyes as if challenging him. That’s when she discovered she wasn’t wearing shoes. A quick glance up revealed that Wolf’s gaze had followed hers. She obviously hadn’t been out wandering over twigs and sharp pebbles in her bare feet. Oh, Lord, You know how my mouth sometimes runs amuck.

“Yes, I’d like a cup of hot chocolate. Thank you.”

Lucy met his knowing gaze with a rueful grin. She bobbed her head and turned to go inside, leaving him to come up onto the porch. She wondered if he’d come in or if she’d be taking the drinks outside where they could take up the verbal sparring with greater distance between them.

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