Free Saving the Rifleman by Julie Rowe Page B

She flicked bits of straw off the blanket and straightened out the corners. Tried not to think about sleeping next to him all day long. Tried not to wonder if either of them would survive the journey.
    Tears tracked their way down her face. She kept picturing all the horrible things that could happen to them. Her lungs didn’t seem to be working right—her breathing shallowed and sped up.
    “Maria.” John’s voice was low. He stretched out his hand. “Come here.”
    Holding her breath, she stared at him, tilting her head to meet his gaze. He really was quite tall. And handsome. He made her feel safe and wanted, as silly as that was. She daren’t get too close, yet close to him was where she wanted to be.
    He was kind, courteous and seemed to genuinely respect her. He made her laugh in spite of the horrible situation they were in. When his hand held hers, her feet barely touched the ground.
    She knew better than to allow herself to feel this way, but there it was. Her choices were clear.
    Her skills as a nurse and her reputation were all she had. Could she deal with the consequences if she followed her heart?
    Could she live with herself if she didn’t?
    John’s smile disappeared and he dropped his hand. “Are you afraid of me?”
    “No.” No matter how frightened of her feelings she was, she couldn’t, wouldn’t lie to him. “I’m afraid of me .” She glanced at the pallet she’d made and flushed. “This is…I’ve never…”
    His hand captured her chin and gently brought her face around. His warm gaze flicked over her as if she were someone beautiful and desirable. “I know.”
    “But, I—”
    “Shh, it’s all right. You have nothing to fear.” He cupped her face with both hands and pressed his forehead against hers. “I would never hurt you.”
    “No need. I’m hurting myself.”
    “What? How?” His words were demands, not questions. “Maria?”
    She sighed. “Because I want…something I shouldn’t.”
    “Want what?”
    “I…” She couldn’t say it, couldn’t bear it if his expression turned to one of disdain or disgust.
    “What do you want?”
    She pulled away from him. “Something a woman of my station shouldn’t.”
    He didn’t say anything for a long time. “You want…me?” He growled the last word.
    She didn’t answer.
    He took her by the shoulders, but she couldn’t meet his eyes.
    “Maria, look at me please.”
    “Must I?”
    “Yes.”
    She slowly allowed her gaze to move up to his face, but she could find no trace of disgust or any other negative emotion.
    “I’m honoured.”
    “You don’t think I’m a…”
    “A what? We’re human beings in a desperate situation. I can only thank God you feel the same way I do.”
    “You…” Her voice was lost to incredulity.
    “May I kiss you?”
    Her jaw fell open. She wanted it more than anything, but would he stop at a kiss?
    “Just a kiss.” He cleared his throat and a tide of red swept up his face. “Well, maybe, two kisses.”
    No man could blush at such an idea and be depraved enough to assume more liberties than granted.
    “Yes. To kisses.” She wanted to be absolutely clear. “I…kisses.”
    “Kisses.” His gaze turned molten, one of his hands cupped her face and he slowly lowered his head. His lips touched hers, gently, so gently. He retreated then came back again. This time the connection lasted a little longer and her breath hitched. His mouth was so warm. He took a step closer, his other hand sliding around her back. This time his lips pressed to hers more firmly, moving in a way that had her hands clutching at his shoulders.
    His tongue touched her bottom lip and she gasped. Though his lips didn’t leave hers, the pressure lessened then renewed, his tongue stroking her bottom lip. She moaned and opened her mouth to do the same to him.
    The moment her tongue touched his, lightening flashed down her spine and she jerked away, panting as if she’d run a long footrace.
    So was he.
    She closed her