Free Outlaw's Bride by Maureen McKade Page B

eyes and his expression became thoughtful. “Thanks.”
    â€œFor what?”
    â€œFor worrying about me.”
    What kind of solitary, lonely life did he live? She couldn’t let him see how his words made her want to care all the more for him. “Don’t get used to it. Once you’re healed, you’re back on your own.”
    â€œI’ve been on my own more years than not.”
    She tried not to hear the forced indifference in his voice, but it was there, as real as the dirt under her fingernails. If only he had remained a villain in her eyes, she could continue to dislike him.
    â€œCould I ask you a favor?” Clint spoke up.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œI’d like to shave, but my razor’s in my saddlebag.”
    â€œI’ll get it.” Mattie hurried up the stairs, relieved to escape his devastating presence. She unstrapped one side of his saddlebag and found a razor amid his extra clothing. Returning to the kitchen, she studiously kept her gaze aimed at his face. “Here you are.”
    â€œHow about a mirror?”
    â€œIt’s in my bedroom.”
    â€œIs that an invitation?”
    Aghast, Mattie’s mouth dropped open. “Of course not.” She took the razor from his hand. “I’ll shave you.”
    â€œFine by me,” Clint said with a shrug, and crossed his arms over his bare chest.
    Mattie had intentionally filled the tub with only about six inches of water so his bandage and wound would remain dry. Her gaze flitted to the water’s surface, and from her vantage point she could make out … She quickly looked away, and from the smile on Clint’s face, he knew exactly what she had been doing.
    Determined not to be embarrassed by his audacity, or her own, she said, “I’ll add some more water.”
    Taking the kettle from the stove top, she carried it to the foot of the tub and added the warm water carefully. Once his nether regions were well hidden beneath the soapy water, Mattie set the large pot back on the stove.
    He sighed. “That feels better. Water was getting downright cold.”
    â€œWhy didn’t you say so? Herman or Andy could’ve helped you out.”
    â€œAnd miss having you shave me?” He winked. “Not a chance, Mrs. St. Clair.”
    She smiled in spite of herself as she knelt beside the bathtub and lathered his face with soap. Leaning forward, she concentrated on dragging the razor down his cheek and across his jaw. The whiskers rasped away under the sharp blade.
    Mattie’s face was so close to Clint’s that he could have turned his head and met her lips with his. He focused on his breathing as second thoughts plagued him. He hadn’t expected her to accept his challenge and now that she had, the joke was on him.
    She laid her free hand against the opposite side of his face as she carefully drew the razor across his whiskers. The discomfort of his wound was surpassed by the feel of her palm on his cheek. And if the water hadn’t been covering his privates, Mattie St. Clair would know exactly what he was thinking.
    He closed his eyes, enjoying the sensation while at the same time fearing it. He could get real used to this woman’s touch … as long as he could finish what she so innocently began.
    Sweat glided down his neck. Mattie completed her task and Clint opened his eyes to see her gaze locked on the bead of sweat rolling down to his chest. She drew her tongue along her lips, leaving them pink and glistening. His heart pounded in his ears as he lifted his hand and curved the palm around the side of her slender neck.
    Her eyes widened and darkened with passion. She didn’t attempt to escape, but instead leaned closer. Her mouth was slightly open and her warm breath caressed his neck. His need before was nothing compared to the heat that burned in Clint’s blood now. He brought his other hand to her cheek, barely grazing her peach-soft skin.
    Footsteps on