Free Sinful Cravings by Samantha Holt Page B

spilled to the muddy ground again.
    Jasper finally settled her into his arms while her muddy boot hung from one finger. It took him a moment to register that she was strewn across his hold and curled into him. He gulped.
    And when he glanced down at her, she beamed up at him, a smile teasing her lips. He couldn’t help it. He laughed. And she laughed. And they laughed all the way to the entrance of the inn until he placed her down.
    She swiped a few tears of laughter from eyes and grinned at him. “Thank you for saving me.”
    He handed over her shoe. “And your boot.”
    “And my boot,” she conceded.“We are most grateful. I do seem to get myself into pickles these days.”
    “You do indeed. It’s a fine job I do not mind rescuing you.”
    “It is,” she said softly. Her smile wavered and softened but lingered in her eyes.
    The rain had ruined the feathers on her hat. Strands of her hair stuck to her face and raindrops glistened on her skin. She was an enchanting mix of disaster and beauty. Jasper turned away before he could admire her any longer.
    “Let us get a room.”

Chapter Eight
    A fire blazed in the hearth of the room. Hettie sat herself by it and draped her hair over her shoulder to do her best to dry it. The room was pleasant and reminded her a little of home. A slanted roof and small cottage window added a cosy feel to it and the linens were a floral print, similar to that favoured by her mother.
    As she dried her hair, she spotted some flecks of mud she’d missed when washing and couldn’t help smiling. It had been ridiculous, being caught up in the mud and practically juggled by Jasper. She should have been embarrassed—she was a little, in truth—but the absurdity of it all had overtaken her and she couldn’t help but laugh. Then he had laughed too and looked at her in a way that even now made her stomach tighten.
    He was probably right. Hettie reached over for her comb and ran it through her tangled hair, wincing as she did so. She didn’t smile or laugh enough. It had felt so good to laugh. Dealing with the orphans and her busy life in the village which often included nursing sick people and running errands and generally having no time to find something to laugh about, had left her tightly wound and unable to find amusement in things. But, for some reason, today had been different.
    Hettie ought to find a way to thank Jasper. Without him, she’d be back in London or trapped in mud or walking to Edinburgh. She would thank him somehow, and she’d also prove to him—and herself—that she could smile. This journey could be her chance to discover fun once more. After all, who better to find amusement with than a rogue like Jasper? If anyone knew how to have fun it was him. Emma would remain her priority but would it hurt if she laughed a little on the way?
    When her hair was about dry, she rubbed off the remaining flecks of mud, dressed and did her hair in a simple knot. It was far from an elegant hairstyle but it was practical and without the help of a maid, she wouldn’t be able to do much more. She spritzed on a little perfume—her one indulgence. While she prided herself on having little vanity, there had always been something slightly appealing about wearing a decadent scent, as though one part of her could be bold and daring.
     Hettie paused to look in a slightly tarnished mirror. She no longer looked drowned which was a fine thing, but did she look pretty? She didn’t think so. Just...normal.
    Oh well.
    Heading downstairs, she followed the scent of herbs and meat. She found herself in a public room where Jasper was leaning against the bar. Waiting for her?
    His eyes lit when he saw her and he headed over. “Come, there is a private dining room this way.” He took her hand in a move that seemed entirely unconsidered and led her into the private room. What would people think of them? Would they thing they were engaged? Married? Lovers? All of those titles sent a trickle of