Free Expedition of Love by Jo Barrett Page B

aren't feeling well."
    Her shoulders sagged as she leaned against the doorframe, her robe gaping at the base of her throat exposing a small patch of her creamy skin. “Just a bit of a headache. Nothing serious. I'm glad to see you're feeling better."
    "Thanks to you."
    She smiled with a slight nod. “You're welcome."
    "I, um, am curious as to the cause of your headache. When Edwin said you weren't feeling well, I was afraid that perhaps something might have happened to upset you."
    She shook her head and winced. “No. Just an everyday annoying headache."
    Her eyes slid closed for longer than a moment, almost as if she were asleep on her feet. Before she could slip to the floor in a mound of peach colored satin, he scooped her up and cradled her against his chest.
    Her eyes popped open as her arms flew around his neck. “What are you doing?"
    "You're exhausted, Miss Peterson, and I should have left you to your rest."
    "I am at that,” she breathed, and laid her head against his shoulder.
    Resisting the urge to bury his face in her hair, he crossed the cabin to her bed, nearly stumbling from the feel of her body pressing against his. All the feminine undergarments, the corsets and stays were missing, leaving only the delicious feel of Kristina shifting sensuously beneath the supple fabric.
    Stopping by the bed, he hated having to let her go, and for a moment he thought he felt her arms tighten around him, but that had only been his imagination.
    Regretfully, he lowered her to the sheets and covered her with a blanket. “I will make it known that you are not to be disturbed until morning."
    "Thank you,” she said.
    He smiled down into her heavy-lidded gaze. “You're welcome. Now get some rest."
    Without thinking, he brushed a strand of hair from her cheek that had escaped her thick braid. The momentary touch of her silky skin drew his fingers back to her face, inducing them to stroke the delicate contours.
    Her lids slid closed with a soft sigh.
    His back snapped straight. What the devil was he doing? With hastened steps, he left the room. Crossing to his cabin, he felt the burst of adrenaline that had rushed through his veins at the sight of her fade. Being sick for most of the day, eating nothing more than dry toast and tea, left him as weak as a babe.
    He collapsed on his bed, thankful he hadn't dropped her when he suddenly decided to play the gallant. Flinging his arm over his eyes, he prayed she wouldn't remember how he stroked her cheek.
    So inappropriate, so forward, so—exquisite.

Chapter Five
    Kristina opened her eyes with renewed strength, and welcomed the beam of morning sunlight coming through the portal. She dressed quickly, but took more care with her hair than usual, after feeling like a ragamuffin the day before. She wondered how the rest of the passengers and crew fared on such a glorious morning.
    The memory of Stephen carrying her to bed popped into her mind. No, that couldn't be right. She had dreamed that and the part where he caressed her cheek. Hadn't she?
    She stared into her dressing mirror trying to remember, to discern fact from fiction, but it was no use. Her headache threatening to return, she put thoughts of the previous evening out of her mind.
    What did it matter anyway? Whatever occurred was perfectly innocent and meant nothing. And yet she enjoyed the feel of his fingers against her cheek—if it really happened.
    Drat, she thought with a sniff. She couldn't simply ask the man. If it had been merely a pleasant dream, she would be beside herself with embarrassment.
    A soft knock at her door pulled her from her silly thoughts. “Who is it?"
    "Joshua, miss. Your father thought you might like your breakfast served in your cabin."
    "How thoughtful,” she said, as she opened the door. “Thank you, Joshua."
    He nodded and placed a tray on the small table in the corner of her room.
    "How is everyone feeling today? You look well,” she said.
    He returned to the door. “Oh, I'm fine, miss.