Free Ana Leigh by The Mackenzies

rid herself of her hot layers of clothing and join him became overwhelming. But that was just what he wanted, of course. Instead, she removed her apron. Folded it carefully and put it aside. Removing her shoes and stockings, she spread out his shirt on the riverbank and sat down on it, dangling her feet in the water.
    The cool water felt exquisite, and she sat enjoying the moment as she watched him soaping and rinsing his hair.
    “You could use a haircut, MacKenzie.”
    “I’ve got a pair of scissors in my saddlebags, if you know how to cut hair,” he said, climbing out of the water.
    “A woman has to know how, MacKenzie. A hairdresser is not always as conveniently available as a barber is for a man.”
    He grabbed his jeans, ducked behind a shrub, and came out with his pants on and carrying his wet underwear. After wringing them out, he spread them out on the ground.
    Rose moved back to the shade of the tree and waited while Zach got several items out of his saddlebags.
    “I’m not making any promises,” she said, when he handed them to her.
    “I trust you, Rosie.” He sat down beside her, and she knelt to trim his hair. It was thick and silky, almost sensual to the touch. Before she realized, she’d lost herself in the task.
     
    After sitting down, Zach had closed his eyes and let his thoughts drift. As usual they were about Rose—which had been the case since the moment he’d seen her.
    He’d never met a woman like Rose Dubois before. Her lovely face, that red hair of hers, and those damn blue eyes all combined to challenge him to just try and ignore her. She knew the effect she had on him, and she made no attempt to pretend she didn’t know.
    But he couldn’t help grinning, because she was right. Trouble was besides having that gorgeous face, that incredible red hair, those irresistible blue eyes, the most kissable mouth he’d ever encountered, and the most delicious kiss he’d ever tasted, she’d also had the most desirable body he’d ever lusted for, and the most seductive fragrance.
    “I could find you in the dark.”
    “What? she asked.
    “Your perfume. I could find you in the dark, Rosie.”
    “That’s comforting to know in the event I’m ever lost,” she said lightly. “There, all done. You look much better.” She handed him the comb and scissors, then brushed the hair off his shouders.
    Her touch on his bare flesh roped through him and knotted his insides. “You gonna shave me, too?”
    “Are you sure you want to trust me with a razor that close to your throat?” she teased.
    “I think I’m a pretty good judge of character, Miz Rose.” He soaped up his shaving cup and handed it to her.
    “Is that why you’re riding with Jess Tait?” She smeared shaving soap all over his chin and cheeks.
    “Where did you learn to shave a man, Rosie?”
    She hesitated for an instant, then replied, “My father. Now tip your head back a little and don’t move.” She began to scrape away the soap and whiskers.
    He couldn’t speak while she shaved his chin, but he enjoyed her leaning over him. Her lips were parted slightly, and her tongue toyed with her upper lip as she concentrated on the razor strokes. Her luscious lips were mere inches from his, and her hair hung down loosely, screening their faces behind a silken curtain.
    What the hell, his body was already on fire. He might as well go out in a big blaze instead of a slow burn. As soon as she lowered the razor, he pulled her head to his.
    Memories were sweet to savor, but were mere appetizers compared to the reality of kissing Rose Dubois. He would never tire of that taste.
    When the kiss ended, she pulled away. “Why did you have to go and do that, MacKenzie? You’ve spoiled everything.”
    “Rosie, there’s no way of spoiling a kiss between us.”
    A patch of shaving soap was smeared on her cheek, and he wiped it away with a finger.
    “But there mustn’t be any more. I like being with you, Zach. We have fun together. But I don’t