Westward Dreams by Linda Bridey Read Free Book Online Page B

move as he dipped his head and lightly kissed her. 
                  Owl considered it a good sign that she didn’t pull away from him.  Her hands made contact with his chest and Owl enjoyed her touch but for a different reason than when she was massaging his back.  She responded to him in kind and Owl was encouraged to deepen the kiss.  Her nurse uniform was crisp under his hands as he took her in his arms. 
    Hannah’s heart beat erratically as he pulled her closer.  She’d never felt anything as intoxicating as his kiss and would have happily stayed in his embrace longer. However, footsteps sounded in the hallway outside the room.  Reluctantly Owl released her and though he smiled at her, Hannah saw the heat in his eyes and knew he must see it in hers, too.
    Owl quickly put on his shirt and got ready to leave.  He didn’t want her to get in trouble for taking too long with him.  There might be another patient who needed help.  “What time you done work?” he asked.
    Hannah had to clear her throat so she could speak.  “Around five.  Why?” 
    “I will see you then,” Owl said.  He placed a brief kiss on her mouth and disappeared out the door. 
    Hannah sat down in the chair before she fell down.  Why had she allowed that to happen?  Never had she kissed a man so soon after meeting.  She had to get herself together so she could do her job.  No man’s kisses had ever made her weak in the knees before, either.  She began laughing at herself for acting like a schoolgirl, but she’d been helpless to stop the reaction he’d inspired.  Once her pulse rate returned to normal, Hannah left the examination room and went out to the waiting room to get the next patient.
     
                  Owl rode to Bradbury’s General Store.  He still hadn’t remembered to get some candy and was intent on buying some.  He went into the store and saw people look at him.  There were a few he knew and spoke to him.  Others just watched him curiously or sent distrustful stares his way.
                  He knew that he had Marcus to thank for the acceptance most people extended towards him.  Marcus’ Lakota heritage was well known now, but he was a respected member of the community and well liked.  So with him vouching for Owl, there’d been very little trouble for him.  Owl ignored the rude stares and walked with his head held high as he went over to the candy counter.  Elliot Bradbury, the son of the owner, stood behind it.  “Hey, Owl.  How goes it?”
                  “Fine.  You?” Owl asked with a smile. 
                  “Good.  Are you back for more candy?” Elliot asked.
                  Owl said, “Yes.  Same as last time, please.”
                  Elliot laughed.  “That’s some sweet tooth you have, Owl.”
                  “It is your fault.  You gave me peppermint candy and now have to have it,” Owl said.
                  “Sure.  Blame the white guy,” Elliot said.  He and Owl laughed together.  It was a standard joke between them.
                  Owl said.  “I will be back.”
                  “Ok,” Elliot replied.
                  Owl liked to look up and down the shelves.  There were things for sale that confused him and then others that he liked.  Going past the section for ladies, something caught his eye.  He backed up and saw a pair of barrettes on a shelf.  They had a butterfly design etched into them and Owl thought they would look nice on Hannah. He smiled and took them with him back to the counter.
                  He paid for his purchases and turned around to see Clive staring at him.  Now that he knew how badly Clive had wronged Hannah, Owl couldn’t stand the sight of the man.  He walked right up to Clive and said, “Leave Hannah be or there be big trouble.”  Owl didn’t wait for a reply.  He