Page 16 of The Sheriff and the Outlaw

Josey recoiled, sliding back away from him until her back hit the headboard. “I can’t.”

Daxton reached out to touch her hand, but she pulled back. “Not now. You can tell me when you’re ready.”

Suddenly, the thought of Austin catching up with her came to mind. If he found her here, not only would he kill her, he’d kill Daxton, too. “I have to get out of here.” She pushed up from the bed on shaky arms, but Daxton gently pushed her back.

Daxton shook his head. “Not until you feel better.” He handed her the plate, and she tried to take it but was too weak.

“Wait a minute.” Josey sat up against the pillows the best she could and then reached for the plate again.

Daxton smirked as a kind look came into his eyes. “Here. Let me help you.” After cutting a piece of the fish, he held it up to her lips.

She was about to protest, but it smelled too good. As she took a bite and chewed, the taste of fresh fish filled her mouth. She moaned involuntarily and swallowed. It had been a while since she had had fish, especially rainbow trout. “This is delicious.” She opened her mouth again and he slid another bite into her mouth.

“Thank you,” Daxton replied, cutting another piece for her.

She was not accustomed to anyone caring for her like this. It had been so long—since she was a child—and here this stranger, who didn’t know her at all, was caring more for her than Logan ever had. Tears came to her eyes as she took another bite.

“Hey, now.” Daxton gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “You’re safe now. No one’s going to hurt you here.”

Tears streamed down her face as her body shook uncontrollably, wracked with sobs. This kind man wouldn’t besaying these nice things and treating her so well if he knew what she had done… what she had become.

Daxton set the plate on his lap. “What happened to you?”

Could she tell him? What would he think of her? No, she knew she couldn’t tell him or anyone for the sake of her child… not now… not ever.

When he saw that she wasn’t going to answer, he looked down at the plate and then back into her eyes. “If you don’t want to talk now, you don’t have to. But you really need to eat something. It’ll make you feel better.”

Without saying another word, she took the plate and began feeding herself.

“I’ll be right back—”

She reached out and grabbed his hand. “No! Don’t leave me.” It was the strangest feeling. Wanting him to go yet wanting him to stay.

A crease formed between his eyes. “I’m only going to get you some more lemonade. I’ll be right back.”

Slowly, Daxton released his hold, and she watched as he walked out. Josey looked over at the window and it was still open. The breeze was cool, feeling good after such a hot summer day. But if Austin knew she was there… if he found her… no, she couldn’t endanger this nice man like this. At that moment, she resolved to eat, get some rest, and then be on her way when she was able.

Josey pulled the plate from the nightstand onto her lap and took another bite. But this time, it went down easier. Her stomach grumbled, wanting more. Not caring how unladylike it was, she picked up the fish with her hands and took big bites. Soon, she licked her fingers, the fish gone.

There was a slight tap on the door, causing her heart to stop. Daxton cracked open the door. “It’s just me.” Then he walkedin, sat down on the edge of the bed again, and held out a glass. “Here’s your lemonade.”

She nodded and then took a sip. The sweet tartness traveled down her parched throat and through her chest, tasting so good that she guzzled the whole glass without stopping.

One corner of Daxton’s lips curled into a smile. “You must have been thirsty.” He studied her for a moment and then asked, “How long have you been traveling on foot?”

She bit her lower lip, willing the tears to stay at bay, but they trickled down her face anyway. Tears of exhaustion, tears of relief mixed with grief. Daxton was the first person that she had talked to since she ran. After enduring so much cruelty at the hands of her late husband, it was hard to believe that she could find such kindness in a total stranger. “What day is it?” Her voice broke.

“Monday.”

She looked down as a fresh wave of tears forced their way to the surface and spilled over. “A week.”

Daxton’s lips parted slightly. “Look.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, his eyes sincere. “I don’t pretend to know what you’ve been through, but you’re safe now.” He looked down at her plate. “Why don’t you finish eating and get some rest? We can talk later.”

“Okay.” If she told him, he wouldn’t understand. He would surely throw her out, or worse, call the sheriff and hand her over. Josey wiped the tears from her cheeks, and then eyed the corn on the cob. It looked and smelled delicious, but in her current state, she just couldn’t manage it.

“Would you like me to cut it off the cob for you?”

She nodded, unable to speak, willing the tears to stay at bay… at least until she was alone and could let it out.

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