Promises by Jo Barrett

  “Coward.”  
    Well, until then, whenever then happened to be, she had a project to work on.   With a smile, she crept quietly out of the bedroom and outside to the shop.
     
    Several hours later, she rubbed the back of her neck, easing the stiffness brought on by leaning over her workbench too long and straining her eyes in the limited amount of light.   Shame there wasn’t any way to hook the generator to the workshop lights, and it was way too big for her to move.
    “Almost done, Rock.”   Her companion sniffed where he lay on the shop floor next to her feet.   “I think he’ll like it, although I don’t know why I care.   What do you think, boy?”  
    She showed the freshly carved cane to Rocky.   He responded with a low grumble as he dropped his head back to the floor with a soft thud.  
    “Critic.   Well, I like it.   As a matter of fact, I think it’s one of my favorite pieces.”  
    The dragon was more than half-done due to the fact she’d started on it the week before with no owner intended, but somehow the mystical beast seemed to suit Travis.   Its strong claws and large teeth combined with hardened scales displayed strength, but the facial expression held gentleness.   All of which reminded her of how she’d found him on the floor that first day in front of the fire.  
    Was that only two days ago?   Funny, she felt like they’d been together a lot longer.   She could probably thank those stupid fantasies of hers for that.
    Looking back at her work, she felt sure she’d be done in a day or so.   Okay, so she was pushing herself to make it for him, but the man needed a cane until his leg healed.   That was the only reason she was doing it.   Honestly.
    Not completely convinced of her motives, she rose from the stool with a long stretch.   “It must be way past lunchtime, Rocky.   I’m starved.   What say we go in and get something to eat?   I imagine our guest is pretty hungry by now, too.   If he’s awake, that is.”
    The image of Travis sleeping on her bed warmed her blood.   The many ways she’d like to wake her sleeping prince turned the corners of her mouth up into a deliciously sinful grin.   A little fantasy now and then couldn’t hurt.  
    Unless that fantasy became reality.   Oh, but what a wonderful reality it would be.  
    Her thoughts pleasantly lingering on her guest, with a few addendums that they would remain pure fiction, she made her way to the door.  
    The sound of a car in the driveway halted her steps.   Peering through the small window, she let out a puff of air, stirring her bangs.   So much for harmless fantasies.   The world had intruded once again.  
    Doctor Stamens stepped out of his car and walked toward the front porch.   Bobbi hurried out of the shop to catch him, not wanting him to wake Travis.   Nor did the good doctor need to get another look at him.  
    “Hi, Ted,” she called out as she crossed the driveway.   “What brings you here?”
    He stopped on the bottom step and turned toward her.   Rocky grumbled and trotted past him to lie on the porch.
    Ted shoved his hands into the pockets of his khaki pants.   “I was worried about you after that storm went through last night.   I thought I’d come see if you were all right.”   Hesitantly stepping down, he entered what Bobbi considered her personal space.
    “I’m fine.”   She backed up against the railing, regaining some distance.   “The power went out, but I’ve got a generator.   No real damage.   Just a busted window.”
    “I’m glad to hear it.   How’s your friend?”
    “Oh, he’s fine.”   He’s more than fine, she thought as the memory of him sleeping beside her, touching her, holding her, flickered through her mind.  
    She suppressed a shiver as delicious tingles ran through her body.   “He’s almost recovered.   Something I really want to thank you for.   I’m sure he’d like to thank you too, but I think he’s still taking a