Free Closer To You (Tales of the Sweet Magnolia Book 1) by Amanda McIntyre Page A

lace camisole slipped to her elbow, revealing her slender pale shoulder.
    Jake’s flesh heated, but his fever was due to Lilly. But to explain how she was the reason for his sleepless nights while in her bed was probably taking advantage of the situation. Still the truth was there. He’d been thinking about her a lot more lately than he cared to admit, and that was as dangerous in other ways than what they’d been through.
    Given his vulnerable state, the idea of her nursing him back to health was not a good idea. It would be better if he was recuperating in town. “Do you think I might be able to get some help back to the jailhouse?” He moved his hip gingerly, trying to ease out of the bed and stiffened at the sharp jolt, landing flat on his back. “Damn, if I ever get my hands on that guy….” he muttered, sighing with relief as the soreness subsided. “Sorry, Lil” The red satin sheets felt cool on his feverish skin. He couldn’t lie. It felt wonderful lying in her bed. His only regret that he wasn’t well enough to thank her like he’d like to.
    “Doc Bennett suggested that since the house was not terribly busy that you just as well stay put and let your wound”—she nodded to his lower half— “heal proper.”
    “I can’t stay here. I have duties in town. There’s a town meeting this week—I think it’s this week.” He pressed his fingers to his forehead. He was having the damnedest time keeping the days straight. “I’m supposed to be meeting with my campaign committee.”
    “They’re welcome to meet here in a few days when you’re feeling better.” She gave him a business-like look.
    Jake tried not to let his skepticism show and realized that she was dead serious. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
    She sighed heavily and shook her head. Was she aware that as she leaned forward the loose-fitting camisole revealed the creamy curves of her firm breasts? His fingers itched to reach out and slide his palm over one gentle slope, to cup the sweet mound of flesh that he believed would fit perfectly in his palm. 
    As if aware of his thoughts, Lilly tugged the flimsy ruffle back on her shoulder cutting off his view. “Well, the doctor said you shouldn’t be out of bed for a couple of days at any rate.” Lil focused on the rag in her hand. “Now, are you going to cooperate or am I going to have to call in my girls?”
    Jake glanced up at her face. There was no arguing with the woman. Held prisoner in her bed and for more reasons than one, he couldn’t do a damn thing about it. Jake nodded. “Fine.”
     
    ***
     
    Lilly regarded him, trying to find the best way to get through touching his glorious body with the least amount of complications. “If you could maybe sit up and lean to the right, we can get you a little freshened up. It’s bound to help you rest more comfortably.” She leaned down and slid her arm under his shoulders. His scent was masculine, his body warm from sleep, and the flesh and muscle beneath her hands felt firm and sleek. “Work with me here, Sheriff,” she grunted, tugging without much success on his shoulders. He wouldn’t budge. “You seem awfully weak, yet.”
    Lillian looked down, following the sheriff’s gaze to the gap her position created in her camisole. If nothing else, it appeared that his eyesight was working just fine. “Are you enjoying the view, Sheriff?”
    “What?”
    It was obvious she’d interrupted his assessment of her cleavage.
    Again.
    “Lillian, you know that I don’t—”
    “Right, no touching. Got it. But it does seem you enjoy looking a great deal.” She paused in her struggle to lift him, aware that the good sheriff may say one thing, but his actions had been telling her different from the night they’d met.
    “I know those rigid rules you’ve placed on yourself. Can you truly deny that you aren’t just a little curious?” Lillian’s breath caught as his dark eyes slowly lifted to hers. His lips formed into a thin