Hailey's Hero

He figured sleep would be a long time coming, but he slipped out of his pants and draped them over the easy chair in the corner.

Usually, he slept in the raw, but tonight, as he settled onto the sofa, he figured it best to wear his briefs.

Hours later the flame in the fireplace had dwindled down to a soft red glow, and although he was tired, sleep evaded him. He stared at the ceiling and continued to contemplate the woman who slept down the hall.

When a scream sounded from behind the closed bedroom door, he jumped from the sofa.

“No!” Hailey shrieked.

A nightmare or an intruder?

He flung off the blanket and rushed down the hall, ready to battle whoever or whatever had frightened her.

Chapter Four

Nick threw open the bedroom door, only to find Hailey sitting upright in bed.

Alone.

No intruder.

A candle flickered on the dresser, bathing the room in soft, muted light. And the scent of lilac and lavender filled the air.

She wore a white satin nightgown with tiny straps that outlined near-perfect breasts. Her hair, rumpled from sleep, tumbled over her shoulders and down her back. She looked ready to cry.

And in need of comfort.

Don’t get too close, the rebel in him warned. What the hell do you know about comforting women? Turn around and go back into the living room.

But the decent side of him stepped forward, leading him closer to the bed. “Are you okay?”

“I guess so.” A tear welled in her eye, then ran down her cheek. She swiped it away. “Did I scream?”