A Redneck's Wicked Game (A Daryl Dixon Story)

My Decision

Chapter 5---My Decision

**I wasn't going to post another chapter until this weekend but I couldn't resist!  I've been thinking of posting a chapter as I finish writing one (I'm a few chapters ahead).  I will mull this over the next few days and make a decision.  Please comment and let me know what you think!

Rowan's POV

I wake up and quickly realize I'm snuggled up in Daryl's strong arms. He's still snoring and I relax enjoying the closeness. This is something I'm not used to but for some reason I'm perfectly okay with it. He's the only man I've ever felt comfortable being this close to. I close my eyes and try to fall back asleep by listening to Daryl's soft snores. Daryl stirs a little and the snoring stops, making me immediately open my eyes. I glance up at his face and see two blue eyes staring back at me. He tightens his arms around me and mumbles, "Morning princess." I smile and whisper, "Morning." I notice our legs are tangled up together and try to move them. He groans, "Just stay still woman and enjoy it." I chuckle, "I thought you weren't the touchy feely type." He shrugs, "I'm usually not but this isn't that bad." I glance up at him and raise an eyebrow, "Not that bad? Gee thanks Dixon." He grumbles, "Fine. I like it okay? Happy now?" I sigh and rest my head back on his chest, "Yeah it is kind of nice." I feel him kiss the top of my head and I smile a little. He traces his fingers up and down my bare arm as he says, "Ya going to take it easy on the leg today right? We'll need to go hunting again in a couple of more days and I'll need ya to keep up." I agree, "Yup, I'll take it easy for a day or so. I'm sure I can help out around here. What are you up to today?" He's just about to answer when the door opens slightly and Carol pops her head in. She looks surprised to find us in the bed together but says, "Rick wants to have a meeting after breakfast, so I wanted to let you two know to stick around this morning. Sorry for interrupting." She closes the door without waiting for our response.

I look at Daryl nervously, not sure how he'll react to the fact that he's been caught with me like this. He looks fine, which surprises me. Daryl sees the look on my face and asks, "What's wrong?" I stammer, "I'm sorry." He looks confused, "For what?" I mumble, "Now she knows. I should have gotten up before." He's quiet as he looks into my eyes, eventually asking, "Do you think I'm ashamed of you?" I shrug, "I don't know what to think. My past has been screaming in my ears since last evening." He sighs, knowing exactly what I mean. He hugs me tighter, "I'm not embarrassed of you. There is nothing wrong with you Rowan. I know the things running through your mind and you shouldn't believe 'em. My reasons for not being affectionate in front of people have nothing to do with you." I nod, "It's hard not to believe what you've heard someone say about you over and over while you're growing up. Especially when it's a parent telling you those things." He sighs, "I know what you mean. Believe me when I say you are better than those things that she said to you." I whisper out, "I'm so freaking screwed up in the head." He hugs me closer as he admits, "You and me both Rowan."

We eventually get up and wander out into the main part of the church. We quietly walk into the kitchen and Carol's preparing breakfast. I help her open a couple of cans of peaches and she fries off some deer meat. Daryl sits at the table waiting for the hot water to boil, knowing that I have some instant coffee I'm willing to share. Carol glances over at Daryl who's fixing the fletching on a crossbow bolt and settles her gaze on me; gracing me with a small smile. I blush a little and turn my attention back to the peaches. I clear my throat and ask, "Did you want some help with dinner? I need to take it easy today." She nods, "Help is always welcome. I could use some ideas with the deer meat." I look around at the cans of items on the counter and mumble, "There's plenty here to work with. I've made a good stew with less." She grins, "You can cook can't you?" I sigh, "Yeah, I've been cooking since I was a kid. I guess I'm pretty good at it; no one's ever complained or spit my cooking out. I can cook just about every critter out in them dang woods." Daryl's ears perk up and he flashes us a small smile, "Let her cook dinner Carol; let's see what she can do." I roll my eyes and shake the can opener at Daryl, "Listen up Dixon, I ain't becoming the cook fer ya'll! I'm a hunter and it kills me to be stuck inside; remember that!" He grins and puts his hands up in surrender, "I ain't suggesting that you get stuck with the job Rowan. I just wanna see if yer all talk." I laugh, "Fine I'll cook dinner as long as Carol helps me. You better eat it all Dixon." I reach for the kettle on the camp stove and pour three cups of coffee. Daryl comes up behind me as I stir the instant coffee; softly whispering in my ear, "I promise I'll eat whatever you set in front of me princess." His sexy tone makes my knees weak and I try to keep my composure as I hand him a cup. He grunts a thank you and takes the cup from my hand; his fingers purposely touching mine as he grasps the cup. I look into his eyes seeing the flirty sparkle in them and I take a deep breath. He just smirks and goes back to the table.