Free The Courting of Widow Shaw by Charlene Sands Page B

spinning just the same way. “What did you mean before—when you said not to trust you?”
    Steven slumped back against the tree trunk and yanked his hat farther down. That subject was risky as well, and he didn’t feel the need to explain. “Nothing.”
    “It was something, Steven,” she said on a whisper.
    “Forget I said anything.”
    “Why?”
    “Because knowing won’t make life any easier for either of us.”
    “Are you sorry you saved my life?”
    “No.”
    “Are you sorry you’re hiding me out?”
    “It has to be done.”
    “Then why can’t I trust you?”
    Steven raised himself up to stare into her studious, innocent eyes. She didn’t know how he felt about her.That was a good thing. She probably thought he disliked her as much as she disliked him. That was another good thing. Best to keep it that way.
    “Here,” he said, handing her his gun. “I haven’t had any sleep for nearly a day. Watch out for preying animals. Eat something. And wake me well before dawn.”
    “What kind of animals?” she asked in a shaky voice, holding his gun with her fingertips as if to touch it completely would scorch her hand.
    He grabbed the gun from her, thinking better of giving her a weapon. “All kinds. Just wake me if you see something. And don’t go far.”
    “F-far?” She glanced around. “I’m not going anywhere.”
    She scooted closer to him and the scent of roses struck him like a thunderbolt.
    He groaned and slammed his eyes shut, hoping sleep would claim him. He needed rest. He needed willpower. He needed to get the woman off his mind.
    Because one thing was certain.
    Midnight and Glory were a dangerous combination.
    A creature’s howl off in the distance woke Gloria with a start. She opened her eyes and gasped her surprise when she realized her late-night surroundings. Tall pines and rushing waters reminded her of the hours before. She’d been whisked off on a midnight ride, escaping the boredom that came hand-in-hand with healing and recovery. And now as she cuddled up against Steven, his arms cradling her shoulders and his chest her pillow, she recalled just how she’d come to rest in the safety of his arms.
    It was entirely that darn raccoon’s fault! She’d beenleft to herself, Steven falling into an immediate and deep sleep. His warning about wild creatures kept her from venturing out, yet nature had called and Gloria had no choice but to leave the safety of the blanket. She dashed to the nearest cropping of trees and when she returned, eyes as black as pitch met her in the darkness. She shrieked. Her loud crude dismay brought Steven out of his slumber. He went for his gun and nearly shot the famished animal. The raccoon had sought nourishment from the foodstuffs left out near the blanket. Steven shooed him away and grabbed for Gloria, bringing her down on the blanket with him.
    “Keep quiet and let me sleep,” he’d said as grumpy as an old bear.
    Gloria made no struggle when he’d taken her in his arms, throwing the cape over both of them. She knew it hadn’t been a lusty move on his part, but more a way to keep her contained and quiet. She’d calmed her rapid heartbeats and soon found the sleep she needed.
    But now, it was nearing dawn. She lifted her head to peer at Steven. He still slept peacefully. She breathed in the scent of leather and earth, of lye soap and raw man.
    On a deep silent sigh, she wondered how she’d feel about Steven Harding if he hadn’t been who he was, and if the entire situation had been different. Would she find him fascinating, handsome and surly, wearing that gun on his hip as if it was part of his body? Would he somehow find a way into her heart? Or would he have fooled her with empty promises of a happy life filled with children, the way Boone had?
    She glanced at him again. How very safe she feltin his arms. The thought of waking him again made her cringe, yet it had to be done. Carefully, without making a sound, Gloria removed herself from his