Free Bride of the Baja by Jane Toombs Page B

many days. I take only the best horsemen and those most skilled with their guns."
    Jordan nodded.
    "A thousand thanks for your offer," Esteban said.
    Without answering, Jordan walked to the courtyard and up the stairs to his room. He waited until he heard the sound of hoof beats recede in the distance before he sat on his bed and pulled off his shoes and stockings. Going to the balcony, he climbed onto the rail and grasped the tile eaves over his head, pulling himself up onto the roof where, in his bare feet, he climbed across the tiles until he saw the dark dome of the pepper tree beside the house.
    Lowering himself from the roof to the balcony nearest the tree, Jordan tapped on the half-open window. He heard a gasp and saw a shimmer of white come toward him.
    "Jordan!"
    He gently covered Margarita's mouth with the palm of his hand, knowing her aunt slept in the apartment between Margarita's room and the gallery.
    "What's happening?" she whispered.
    "Indians raided the horses and Esteban's organized a pursuit. This is our chance to escape."
    "Do you intend to carry me off on the Kerry Dancer ?"
    "Yes. McKinnon's readying the ship now. We can be miles to sea by the time we're missed. I've had my fill of your Governor Sola." He began to marshal his arguments in his mind, wondering if he could convince her to leave her home and family.
    "Hold me," she told him.
    He enfolded her in his arms, kissing her hungrily as she clung to him. "My heart, my love," she said.
    "Will you come with me?"
    "I've already taken what I'll need from my trousseau and packed it in a small chest. All I have to do is put on my gown. I knew you would come for me."
    "You're a wonder." He remembered he hadn't thought of her luggage--all he'd need was already aboard ship. "I'll find a rope to lower the chest from the balcony."
    "There's no need. I have one hidden beneath my bed." She ran into the room and returned with the rope. "Now turn your back, Jordan. I'll be ready before you know it."
    Jordan waited on the balcony with his arms folded across his chest. When he heard the whisper of clothing behind him, he glanced over his shoulder and saw, in the soft light of a candle on the dressing table, Margarita standing in front of a pier glass, naked, her back to him, her body all golden curves and inviting shadows. Jordan stepped into the room, intending to put his arms around her with his hands covering her breasts and his lips burying themselves in her soft, flowing hair.
    Margarita put her head and arms into a silky chemise and let it fall down over her body. Clenching his hands at his sides, Jordan turned away. Later, he told himself, there'll be time enough later.
    He returned to the balcony and in a few minutes heard her blow out the candle. His gaze searched the darkness of the room without finding her. All at once he felt her arms go around him. Picking her up with his hands on her waist, he held her in front of him, then gathered her body close to his. When she tried to kiss him, he teased her, his lips and tongue touching first her cheeks, then her eyes and the tip of her nose.
    Standing on tiptoe, she clasped her hands at the back of his head, holding him while her lips captured his. As the kiss lengthened, his hands slid down her back and over her rounded buttocks, pressing her to him until he felt her breasts against his chest and her leg trapped between his.
    They heard a tapping.
    Margarita drew back and they both held their breath, listening.
    "Margarita, are you all right?" The woman's voice came from across the room.
    "Yes, Aunt Maria."
    "Sleep well, my child."
    "And you."
    When she heard the door close, Margarita put her mouth to Jordan's ear. "We must hurry," she told him.
    He nodded and lifted her to the balcony railing. Taking her hands in his, he lowered her, leaning over as far as he could without falling.
    "Now," she whispered.
    Jordan let go. He heard a soft thud and then the rustle of skirts below him.
    "I'm all right," she said.
    He