Free Come Home to Me by Peggy L Henderson Page B

by.
    “Wilson’s about to call a halt,” Mr. Owens said. “There’s a grove of trees up ahead, and water. I suggest you get out of the sun for a while.”
    “Thank you for your concern,” she said in a firm voice, and raised her chin. “But it isn’t necessary.”
    His grin widened. “Someone’s gotta look out for you.” He released her bonnet, and simultaneously reached his hand toward her. “Grab hold. I’ll give you a ride.”
    Rachel stared at the hand he offered, obviously intent on pulling her onto the horse. She backed away. “No. I couldn’t,” she said quickly, shaking her head. Was he out of his mind? Did this man have no sense of propriety? She cast a quick glance at the wagons moving slowly further ahead. Anger at Thomas consumed her all of a sudden. All the sacrifices she’d made for him, and now he didn’t have the decency to protect her from . . . from what?
    Rachel turned and walked as fast as her legs would move over the uneven ground. She had to put some distance between herself and Jake Owens. Thoughts of him consumed her during those long miles each day, and his smile and penetrating eyes haunted her in her dreams at night.
    The buckskin horse fell in step beside her, and Rachel clenched her jaw. Why didn’t he just leave her alone?
    “You couldn’t, or you don’t want to ride with me?” Jake’s deep voice seeped into her mind. “You’ve walked all day. In fact, you’ve walked every day since we left the Missouri.”
    Rachel’s head shot up, and she squinted at him. Thankfully his body blocked out the sun’s bright rays.
    “Are you keeping watch over me, Mr. Owens?” she asked heatedly. “I’m sure you have much more important things to do that need your attention. Whether I choose to walk is none of your concern.”
    “That’s where you’re wrong,” he said. Rachel braced herself when he landed close beside her on the ground. He’d dismounted his horse while the animal was in mid-stride. “I’ve made it my business to keep an eye on you.”
    Rachel stopped. She turned to stare at him as the last wagon rolled past them. She swallowed back the apprehension in her throat. She inhaled a deep breath. If she didn’t stand up to this man now and set some boundaries, he would assume she was interested in his advances. Which you’re not, Rachel. Think of his reputation. Think of your own reputation.   The man before her was a relentless predator, and she’d apparently become his prey. Rachel sidestepped around him and followed the wagon, coughing as a cloud of dust enveloped her.
    “Please keep your distance, Mr. Owens. I have no desire to become your latest conquest.” She raised her chin and stared straight ahead. He was beside her again in the next instant.
    Jake laughed. She ventured a glance at him. How dare he mock her? His devilish smile, and those expressive eyes fueled her annoyance even more. With exaggerated haste, she pulled her bonnet onto her head, trying to steady her trembling hands as she tied the ribbons under her chin. Why did his presence turn her into a complete weak ninny?
    “When are you going to call me Jake?” he asked, apparently unperturbed by her remark. She stared straight ahead, keeping her eye on the line of wagons that had reached a large grove of trees.
    “You’re even prettier when you’re mad, you know that?” His hand clamped around her upper arm. Rachel spun to face him. Before she could protest, his face turned serious. “I only meant I was looking out for you,” he said softly. “You’ve got your hands full with your boys, and I don’t see you getting any help from your husband. Can’t we just be friends?”
    Rachel swallowed. Her eyes narrowed. Since when did a man ask to be friends with a woman? She could only imagine what kind of friendship he was looking for.
    “I’m sure you have enough lady friends where you’re from, Mr. Owens. I don’t believe I would want to be counted among them.” Then why is his smile