Free Riley's Journey by P.L. Parker, Sandra Edwards Page B

coat and draped it near the fire, rubbing his hands to warm them.
    “Where’s Demon?”
    “He ran off the minute we went out. Probably a female in heat somewhere. He’ll come back. He always does.” Though his comment sounded relaxed, Nathan looked worried.
    “Well, that little horn dog!” Riley grinned. “Good to hear somebody around here’s getting some.”
    Nathan’s jaw dropped and his face reddened.
    “Wha....what do you mean?” He choked out, perplexed by her comment.
    “I was teasing, silly. Hasn’t anyone ever teased you?” Her smile widened. “Why, I do believe you’re embarrassed!”
    His face flamed even redder. “Sorry,” he growled, “but it’s been so long, I forgot what teasing was.”
    Amused at his discomfort, Riley eased up. “Well, I hope he’s careful and uses the right protection.” She had grown used to the dog’s irritating ways.
    Demon had finally accepted her somewhat. He no longer snarled or bared his teeth at her every move, at least no more than once a day now, and he was always happy to eat whatever she left and share her bed. His share was generally the greater half but no amount of pushing or prodding would gain her more room. Immune to Nathan’s commands that he get down and stay down, the minute the lights went out, he was back on her bed, angling for position. It was a tug-of-war which neither won, but in reality, Riley was comforted by the fact that he was between her and whatever might come through the door, so she grudgingly allowed his intrusion.
    “He’ll be back,” Nathan reiterated, “probably about midnight or shortly thereafter, just about the time I finally get to sleep.” Nathan went into the back room and removed his wet clothes, and returned wearing his robe, which was considerably shorter by now, showing a good portion of his well-shaped male legs. He looked down confused, but shrugged and started dinner.
    Sure enough, long after they had bedded down for the night, Demon was howling outside the cave. Nathan got up and let him in but didn’t allow him in the sleeping area because he was wet. The dog fussed and whined but finally laid down in front of the fire pit and settled down. Riley grinned to herself—score one point for her! She kind of missed his big old stinky dog body though.

CHAPTER ELEVEN
    I n the small confines of the cave, Nathan was forced to become more sociable. There were few times during the day that either was alone, mostly when Nathan left to hunt, fish or take care of his flock. It was as though they were married, but without the physical intimacy. By unspoken agreement, they avoided physical contact and were careful about privacy.
    Though comfortable with this arrangement, on more than one occasion, Riley caught herself staring at him, the way his muscles moved, his expressive face and the efficiency with which he tackled every task. He didn’t shrink from performing any job, no matter how lowly, and didn’t expect her to take over the “womanly” chores just because a female was now in residence, for which Riley was eternally grateful. A chief cook and bottle washer she was not, and never had been. She was more at ease doing the male-oriented duties than the female ones. However, she admitted grudgingly to herself, had she taken a desk job working nine to five in a normal, safe atmosphere, she would most likely not be where she was today.
    Every evening, after the daily chores were completed, they would sit and talk for hours. He was thirsty for information on the modern world, and she was willing to spend whatever time necessary to update him on whatever topic he chose. Nathan’s contribution to these evening sessions was to explain life as it presently existed. Never being a party animal, Riley was not finding it too hard to adjust, but she did miss her books. She still had not fully accepted that she was stuck in this place, but blaming Nathan wasn’t doing any good either. He had accepted wholeheartedly her