Chapter 10 – Too Close For Comfort

"The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said."

~ Peter F. Drucker


On the hill above the Duke Farm, Drake sat on the hood of his Scout, listening to the occasional 'low' from the cow as he kept watch. It was an unbelievably muggy night and the haze created a brilliant halo around the porch light as it cast its yellow beacon across the yard.

Like every other night for the past two weeks, Drake was here to protect Daisy and keep her family safe from harm. Normally he would welcome the solitude. His Scout was his second home, giving him full access to nature and allowing him to retreat from the busy world.

He had spent many days and nights sitting on this same hood, looking across various horizons on multiple continents, allowing his cares to drift away. Unfortunately, tonight was not one of those nights. Several pressing issues were heavy on his mind. He contemplated the worst one as the hours slowly ticked by.

Drake was deeply concerned about Jaxon's frame of mind. His little brother had been very temperamental since the meeting with his handler went badly. Drake wanted to know the reason why. Taking a few blows from Travis shouldn't cause the kind of emotional upheaval Jaxon was displaying.

To complicate things, his younger brother refused to discuss whatever it was that kept him upset. Even Jenny couldn't get an explanation for his short temper and moody behavior. That meant they would endure one of his explosive tantrums in the near future, if Drake didn't beat the truth out of Travis first.

It made Drake's blood boil that Travis assaulted his flesh and blood. He never had fully trusted the agent. Granted, Travis was correct about them being too comfortable, but that didn't give him the right to put hands on his kin. Even their father never struck his children in such a manner, regardless of his harsh ways and the cruel indifference that developed after Finn died.

Resting his elbows on his knees, Drake rubbed his palms together and thought about the days of his youth … before the tragedy. They had been comfortable back then, too. When they lost Finn, the peaceful way of life they knew was lost with him.

Drake thought he had finally escaped the past in his adulthood, but tragedy struck again and after losing the woman of his dreams, he learned that being comfortable came with a rather unusual risk.

Now he got nervous when things were going well and with everyone living in Enos's home, there was comfort all around him. He slept in the same bed every night, Jenny was cooking again, and she insisted he break bread with the family at a real dining room table.

Up until two weeks ago, he ate three not-so-square meals a day, right here in his Scout. The wadded up MacDonald's wrappers on the floorboards and the lingering smell of cheeseburgers in the upholstery gave proof of that fact.

Drake couldn't help but enjoy living in Hazzard and it scared him to death. The Circle M Ranch had everything a man could ever want. Enos had given them the run of the place and he had made the most of the offer.

It had been ages since Drake had a horse at his disposal, or acres of forest to ride and hunt at his leisure. Even the hills called to him, especially when the clouds hung low over the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was the closest thing to the MacFarland Estate that he had experienced in fifteen years. Yet, he was lonely.

His reclusive ways no longer provide him comfort. Somewhere along the line, Daisy had wormed her way under his skin. Drake was supposed to be staying away from her, but the memories from the barn were ten times more powerful than the ones from Bear Creek. He should've known it wouldn't be easy to walk away.

Over the last week, he caught himself yearning for Daisy to begin her chores. His heart raced when he caught a glimpse of her hanging the laundry, or carrying that god-forsaken milk bucket back and forth to the barn. Each time he saw her, she was more stunning than the last. As much as he fought it, the fiery beast had forced his grief aside and left him with an empty space in his heart that only she could fill. Did that mean she was actually good for him?

Drake smacked his palm against his forehead and gave his head a good shake. Daisy was not good for him. He mentally listed all the reasons.

1.) Daisy was in just as much trouble with Monroe as he was. 2.) She had a fickle nature. 3.) The girl was still in love with Enos. 4.)She didn't listen to anything she was told, especially if it was for her own good, and...

"I'm a bloody fool. No doubt about it."

Drake was so smitten that one smile from Daisy would make all those issues fade away. Too bad he had walked out on her twice. Daisy wouldn't possibly consider letting him back into his life. Why should she?

The kiss... A voice inside his head whispered. Daisy kissed you. You're different.

"No, I kissed her." Drake argued with himself. He kissed her and he enjoyed it immensely. He gave himself another smack. His reckless thoughts equaled a one-way ticket to trouble and at the very least a thorough arse whooping from Jaxon.

If only Katie wasn't overseas in Italy. Maybe she could straighten Jaxon out. The two were perfect for each other but both were too stubborn to see it.

As for Daisy, it would take every ounce of self-restraint he could muster to keep from starting a fight with her on the trip, just to see where it would lead. It would be worth it to lock horns again, to see her stand up and challenge him to battle. He tamed the beast once and could still remember the feel of her flesh rippling under his fingers.

A powerful wave of lust crashed over him and he groaned when his body pulsed in response. This was not the way to spend a long night of surveillance and if he didn't get a handle on it, the trip would be sheer torture. He shifted to a more comfortable position and contemplated taking a dip in the cool pond for relief.

Maybe all Drake needed was time to purge Daisy from his system. Distance might help, but that wasn't going to happen. He'd just have to suffer through it. When he saw movement at Daisy's window, he grabbed his binoculars for a closer look. A second later, the stubborn wench crawled out of her room and took off into the night.

"Mac an donais, lass! Monroe is dangerous! Have ye no' been listening or are ye determined to meet an early grave!?"

Drake was utterly bewildered by her reckless behavior. He slid off the hood and marched after her, intent on putting her right back where she belonged.


Daisy was oblivious to Drake's presence on the hill as she strolled to the pond. She held out her hands, brushing the tall blades of grass as she moved along the sandy path. She thought of the countless times she had run through this field when she was little. Enos was the center of her world back then. It saddened her how everything had been altered. It took her heart to a very empty place.

She arrived at the pond to find moonbeams shimmering on the water like puddles of silver. The smell of wet soil and damp grass permeated the air and she moved closer to the dock. The water promised blessed relief from the oppressive heat and with a smile on her lips, she grasped the hem of her top.

Daisy was about to pull the material over her head when she was grabbed from behind. She screamed, only to have a massive hand thrust over her mouth.

"Hold yer weesht, darlin' girl," a voice said. "Yer about ta' wake the dead! Why are ye out here alone?"

There was only one man in Hazzard with a husky Scottish brogue. Her fury zoomed off the scale, along with a sense of relief. A second later and she'd have been rather exposed. Why did that make her mouth go dry?

Drake let her go and she went on the assault, angry over her traitorous thoughts. She spun around to slap his face, but he easily caught her wrist and prevented her from hitting her mark. This time, Daisy didn't hesitate in swinging her free hand through the air. She smiled in smug satisfaction when it struck him with dramatic force. The resounding smack sent the birds from the perch in the trees.

"That's for sneaking up on me!" she shouted. She raised her chin in triumph. "See? You're not so tough!"

Daisy's pride was short lived.

Drake had barely reacted. In fact, the only indication that he felt the blow at all was a single raised brow. A satisfied half grin slowly crept across his face and he looked into her eyes with chilling intensity. Her heart shot straight to her throat. He felt it all right. It was the equivalent of poking a grizzly bear with a stick.

His hand firmly held her delicate wrist and Daisy knew he had no intention of letting go. Drake was massive and if he had a mind to, he could do with her as he pleased. The idea stole her breath and she mentally railed against another round of traitorous thoughts.

Drake turned passive. With both brows now high on his handsome face, he spoke dismissively. "What's the problem, lassie? Dinna have yer milk pail handy?"

Daisy gasped. She furrowed her brow and tugged back on her arm, but he didn't budge. His muscles were like steel.

"Just let go of me, Drake! What are you doing here anyway?"

Ignoring her protests he kept his hand manacled around her wrist and said, "I'm keeping ye from getting yerself killed. Most people with a threat against their life dinna take strolls in the middle of the night!"

Daisy gave him a look that would've bore a tractor-size hole through a lesser man. "Nobody asked you to look out for me. Probably because you don't stick around long enough! Just let go of my arm you big bully or I'll slap you again!"

"Is that a promise?" he waggled his brows.

Daisy was speechless and her mouth formed a small 'O'.

Amusement danced in his eyes and that smooth brogue wove an intoxicating spell. "Now, Daisy. If ya want my full attention, ye dinna have to go to all this trouble to get it. I'm here to protect ye from Monroe, like it or no. Making me chase ye in this bloody heat is verra unappreciative."

"You big oaf! I don't want your attention and I can take care of myself! The only protection I need is from you!" she added, clearly offended by his snarky attitude.

"Take care of yerself?!" Drake snorted a laugh. "No' bloody likely! Since I've met ye, I've had to save yer life twice. Are ye trying for a third time by drowning yerself?"

Daisy glared at him for what seemed like a very long time. "I thought I corrected the notion of you being a guardian angel a few weeks ago! Have ya' checked for horns lately? What about a pointed little tail? Well guess what? You can take that trident and stick it right up-"

"Och, girl," he winced. "That's a wicked tongue ye have!" His eyes glittered and he leaned close. "Perhaps ye should put that mouth to better use."

Daisy would've kicked him, but she didn't get the chance.

"Off we go now." Drake spun around, pulling her behind him as he stepped off the dock to solid ground. "No swimming for ye tonight."

"Stop!" Daisy said. "I'm not leaving with you!"

"Yes, you are," he argued. "Ye get a wiggle on now. I will no' allow Monroe's men to catch ye here alone. Ye can no' be taking such risks, Daisy. Tomorrow is a long day and I want ye in yer bed. Now."

Drake swore under his breath at his poor choice of words. With a flustered sigh, he pulled her up from the dock. He was putting a wall between him and this fiery beast, even if he had to drag her all the way back to the house.

Baffled by his commanding behavior Daisy dug in her heels and again yanked on her arm. "You are out of your mind! I'm not going anywhere! You aren't the boss of me!" Daisy complained. "I came out here to be alone and I'm staying!"

"If ye think I will allow ye to stay here alone yer out of your bloody mind! Yer defenseless without the milking pail."

"Look, I'll never be able to sleep unless I do what I came here to do! It ain't open for negotiation! I'm getting in that pond and swimming until I'm worn out!" Daisy took a breath and added, "And that's final!"

"Och! Okay then!" Drake freed her arm and threw up his hands. "Fine. Go ahead. It's a verra good night for a swim." He smirked and added, "I'll join ye."

When he reached for his belt, Daisy's mouth gaped in shock. It took a second to realize exactly where her eyes landed. Her breath hitched and she quickly averted her gaze, forcing her eyes to look at a high branch instead of the perfect male specimen standing in front of her. Good grief what was wrong with her? Was that panic she felt!?

If it were any other man, she would wait until he was stark naked, take his clothes and run for the hills. But the idea of seeing Drake in the buff sent her heart thumping so hard she thought it might dislocate a rib.

He dispensed with the buckle and was reaching for his zipper when she suddenly shouted, "Stop it, Drake!"

"Why? I thought ye wanted to go for a swim."

"I don't want to swim. Not anymore."

Drake visibly preened and fastened his belt. "Good. Now that ye made up your mind, let's go."

He again grasped her hand and took off at a fast pace, pulling her along the trail.

"B-b-but wait a minute!" Daisy protested as she stumbled behind him. "Would you stop already?! I mean it! I'll scream if ya' don't stop pushing me around!"

Without ceasing his forward movement, he flicked a haughty glance over his shoulder. "You're already screaming like a bloody banshee and I'm not pushing ye lass. I'm pulling. Now be quiet or the whole County will hear ye carrying on."

"Drake MacFarland!"

He released her hand, abruptly turned to face her and roared, "What!?"

Daisy smacked right into him and her hands ended up plastered across that chiseled chest of muscle. She pulled away like he was on fire and took a healthy step back.

"Um…"

"Um?" Drake pretended not to notice the way her body had fit so perfectly against his. He eased back on his snarky tone. "Daisy. Darlin' girl, I'm trying to keep ye safe. This is serious. Ye cannae be running around alone with Monroe after ye. I will no' have it. From now on, your safety is my responsibility."

Drake took a step forward and snaked his arm around her waist. He looked deep into her eyes and amended, "You are my responsibility. I willnae allow Monroe or his men to harm ye ever again. Please dinna take such chances."

"But..." Daisy scrambled for a response. "I'm on my own land!"

"That will no' stop Monroe or his men. Trust me. We all know from experience. Do as I ask of ye and I will keep ye safe."

When his eyes locked onto hers, Daisy's knees went weak at the depth in his gaze. She was nearly moved to tears at the immense sadness his eyes carried, but she couldn't turn away. She searched deeper, past the sorrow and pain, beyond the haughty facade.

Looking into his eyes was like being drawn into his spirit. His powerful essence welcomed her, wrapping around her like a long lost love. She could feel his strength. Daisy saw mystery and intelligence, yearning and passion, a portrait of intense emotions all swirled together in a turbulent sea of dark green. There was something else, something very prevalent and ancient.

Honor.

Daisy let out the breath she didn't know she was holding. In that incredibly miraculous moment, she could've sworn their souls touched. All her doubts evaporated. Drake's kiss had been real. He had kissed her because he wanted to.

When Drake inclined his head, Daisy did the same, helpless to resist this unexplainable connection. His strapping muscles pressed against her, she lowered her lashes and her lips parted ever so slightly. She could feel the heat on her palms as they pressed against his back. She craved the very thing she shouldn't want him to do.

Drake lowered his head slowly, building the anticipation in a pleasure-pain mix. When he gently pressed his lips to hers, it was the most tender, yet passionate kiss Daisy had ever known.

If Drake could've stopped time, he would've. He treasured every moment, drawing out the tender kiss, memorizing the softness of her lips and the warmth of her touch. Her body was crushed against him from knee to chest, setting his skin ablaze. He had to break away before he lost complete control and peeled off the layers to reach her bare skin.

Daisy returned his kiss with a gentle motion of her own. She wanted to touch him, run her fingers through that thick chestnut hair, trace that strong jaw and explore every tawny muscle. Everything about Drake was rugged. He smelled like the forest after a heavy rain, freshly cut timber, leather, and...

What was that? Cheeseburgers?

Afraid he would bolt and run, she fisted her hands in his shirt and limited her movement to her lips. Just as she worked up the courage to explore, he growled deeply. Drake slowly backed away, hovering above her lips as his eyes danced over her features. That predatory gaze returned and he stepped back to devour her body with his eyes.

Daisy felt naked by the time his seductive gaze returned to her face. He carried a look that was downright possessive and she shivered in response.

In a breathy whisper, she said, "Sugar, are ya' gonna walk out on me again?"

"No, darlin' girl. I dinna mean to upset ye." He caressed her cheek with his fingers and murmured, "You are so verra lovely."

Daisy checks flushed at the romantic gesture.

"Why did you leave like that? I don't know what to think." The moment she said it, she saw his defenses go up and he went right back to snarky.

"I take my job seriously. I'll be here to protect ye." Drake dropped his hand and gestured to the house. "We have to go now. Ye need to rest before the trip or you'll be fair puggled by morn. I'm taking ye back to yer room and I'll be right outside. Be ready by six and I'll drive ye to the ranch with Luke. Let's go. Time for bed."

Daisy communicated her displeasure by crossing her arms and crinkling her brow. She was firmly planted. They just shared another earth shattering kiss and he was talking about her being his job.

"Bloody hell. Now what is it?"

"Your job?"

Drake looked baffled. "Aye, it's my job to keep ye safe. Don't fight me, lass. I can see that yer tired. Ye need the rest."

Daisy pursed her lips. Wasn't his answer good enough? Especially since she didn't know what she expected to hear. Those feelings of confusion came rushing back and it chapped her hide. She didn't like unknowns and felt like she was barreling down the highway in a car without brakes.

Drake sighed dramatically and offered his hand. "Daisy, may I take ye back to the house?" Clearing his throat, he added, "Please."

Please? Now that was monumental! Daisy bit her lip and made her request before she lost the nerve.

"I need to ask a favor. It's hotter in the house than it is out here and I can't sleep." Daisy tucked her hair behind her ear and said, "I'm scared. Everything is all messed up and I'm spending the next three days on the road with my ex-fiancé and his new girlfriend. Enos was my best friend, but he hasn't talked to me in two weeks. Seeing them together... I mean, it's gonna be difficult."

Drake stood quietly and waited until she was ready to go on. She could've hugged him for that.

"I could really use a friend," she said. "Since I'm your responsibility, can I sit out here with you for awhile and talk?"

Daisy dropped her eyes to the ground. For a second, Drake thought she was going to cry, but she pulled herself together. She looked so vulnerable standing there, chewing on that full bottom lip and drawing circles in the dirt with the toe of her shoe.

When she chanced a look, he gazed into eyes as blue as the North Sea. He saw a sadness that matched a bit of his own. She was scared and lonely. How many times had he been there? Part of him screamed not to do it, to keep her on the outside. Daisy might still be in love with Enos, but she had lost him to Jenny and taken a significant blow to her self-esteem in the process.

Daisy needed someone to care and was being incredibly brave. She was just asking him to be a friend. For some reason the idea of her turning to anyone else, especially his brother, caused his heart to twist. Would it be that risky to spend a little time talking with her? He wouldn't have to sit alone and think of his own painful memories. They would make a perfectly miserable pair.

He acted a little put out when he answered, "Have it yer way, but ye can no' be running off or taking risks. Give me yer promise."

"Excuse me?"

"Say it or I'll stuff ye back through yer window."

"Did anyone ever tell you you're hard work!?"

"Aye. Many times."

"Oh, for heaven's sake. I promise."

Drake made some odd grunting noise of approval and led her to a safe spot in the grass on the hill. The two sat together under the stars and while Daisy talked, he took in every word, mannerism and feature.

Every. Single. Feature.

When she rubbed her eyes and a sleepy yawn slipped out, he walked her back to the farmhouse. Outside her window, he swept her off her feet and lifted her inside.

Daisy turned around to rest her elbows on the windowsill and with a carefree giggle she said, "Good night, Drake. Thanks for stuffing me in my window, sugar."

Sugar. He rolled his eyes. "Go to bed now, lass. Ye stay there til morning."

She disappeared in her room and Drake retreated to his post. He climbed on the hood of his Scout and resumed his watch. The feelings Daisy resurrected that day in Bear Creek were alive and dancing a wild jig, but so were the others … the ones of abject terror and fear of loss.

He was in deep. There was no denying that fact. For eighteen months Drake had been lost in his grief. For even longer he chose to be alone, shoving anyone who got too close away. Maybe it was time to change his ways. Daisy was something unexpected.

He still didn't know how he would explain this to Jaxon, but he had plenty of time to figure it out. No sense in pushing him into that meltdown. For now he would continue to keep their encounters secret. Who knew how she would treat him tomorrow when Enos was around. She certainly wouldn't be kissing him.

The best thing to do was focus on keeping her safe and let nature take its course. Taking it slow would allow Jaxon to heal and maybe Jenny could reach Katie. At the same time, Daisy could begin grieving over Enos, if she was ready to let go. Somehow he doubted that.

"Aye, it's a good plan." he said to the night sky. Nice and slow was the best course of action. Easy peasy.

What could possibly go wrong with that?