Devil's Lake (Bittersweet Hollow Book 1) Read Online Free

Needy.
    I want my parents.
    My parents.
    My mom.
    My mother has cancer.
    A wave of fear and worry burbled into her throat, and a raw sob escaped her just as Boone stuck his head in the doorway.
    She tried to bite back the cry, but it didn’t work, spewing forth in a harsh wave.
    Boone hurried to her side, but he didn’t speak. Instead, he sat on the chair he pulled up to the bed, one hand on the bedspread beside her—near—but not touching her hand.
    “I’m…I’m sorry,” she said, wailing. “It just hit me. My mom…has cancer?” Guilt slid through her. She should have escaped sooner. She should have—
    “Portia, listen. She’s coming home tonight. They’re on a plane. Your dad called an hour ago. They’re coming home.”
    He reached out to pat her hand, but she shrank back from him.
    He tried again, his voice even gentler now. “Your folks are coming home, Peaches. Home. And your mom’s doing better. The new meds are helping.”
    Peaches? Why is this stranger using my childhood nickname?
    She sat and rocked, heart pounding, trying to figure it out.
    Stop it!
    It’s just Boone, all grown up. No need to be scared.
    But she couldn’t push the raw fear from her chest, or open her arms for the hug she needed so desperately. She shifted back against the pillows and tried to force a smile, stuttering her words. “She’s…she’s coming home?”
    “They’re on their way now.” With a sigh of relief, the big man hoisted himself to his feet and grinned, standing over her. “Well, then. Things are looking up, right?”
    Inside, she trembled. His shadow fell over her, and this presence, this monstrous big form near her made her want to scream.
    She could scream now.
    Yes.
    Her mouth was free.
    She let it out.
    ***
    Boone watched the girl shy away from him, like a skittish filly, unused to human hands stroking her fur. Her eyes had grown wide, as if he’d pointed his rifle at her and threatened to shoot. But he’d just delivered good news. Great news. Daisy’s getting better, and—
    When she opened her mouth and let out the scream, his jaw dropped.
    “Portia. It’s okay. It’s just me, Boone.”
    The sound pierced his soul, sounding almost feral, like a coyote in pain. But this poor young woman who lay before him was quite human.
    She pulled back again and buried her head under the covers, sobbing uncontrollably.
    “Listen, Peaches.” He stepped back. “I’m not going to hurt you. Please. Don’t be afraid. It’s just me. Your riding buddy. Remember?”
    The weeping slowed a bit.
    “Remember when we used to ride up to the gully? When Monty threw you and I had to bind your ankle with my shirt? Remember that?”
    She slowed. Sniffled. And peeked out of the covers. “Boone?” The name came out in a child’s voice. Uncertain. Shy. Soft.
    “Yes, hon. It’s me. Now don’t you worry. We’re gonna take good care of you. Doc’s on the way. He just had to close his clinic and finish up. Should be here soon to take a look at you. That okay with you?”
    Fear stamped her face, but she seemed to pull together and gave a quick nod, answering in a small voice. “I guess so.”

Chapter 5
     
    D oc Hardy looked into the trembling girl’s eyes with his penlight. He’d approached her very carefully. She’d been crying, and according to Boone, she’d let out a huge scream when he stood over her bed. Portia was in advanced trauma, nearing psychosis, if his analysis was correct. She needed serious help, and he prayed for wisdom while pulling up a chair beside her.
    “Honey, do you remember when I used to be your doc? When you were little?”
    She nodded, still not speaking.
    “Well, good. We had some pretty exciting times, especially with all your broken bones. You were a real daredevil, I must say.” He chuckled, trying to get a response.
    There it was. A tiny flickering at the edges of her mouth. An almost-smile.
    “I remember,” she said in a hoarse whisper.
    “You’re thin, dear. You haven’t