Free Desperate (Harris Trilogy Book One) by Teresa Greene Page B

A low groan escaped his lips when he saw her breasts. She tried to cover them, but he pushed her arms away. “You are exquisite, Kate. Your body is perfection. When I saw you at the creek, I knew your beautiful body would be etched in my mind forever.” She smiled reveling in the compliment.
    He peeled her trousers and underwear from her long, shapely legs. Every time his fingers grazed her skin he felt penetrating heat. Her nipples puckered proving his touches were having an effect on her. Peering into her face, he saw the desire in her eyes.   
    He could feel her passion, and knew he could satisfy his need for her tonight, but his honorable side would not let him. The thickness in his trousers was painful, he wanted her desperately. He fought for control and began to wash the blood and filth of the horrible day from Kate’s perfect, alabaster skin.
    As the cloth touched her skin, she closed her eyes and basked in the sensations. His eyes never left her face as he touched her most intimate parts with the cloth. Never in his life had he wanted a woman more than he did Kate. It was pure torture knowing he could not make love to her.   
    Lifting her nude body into his arms, David carried her to his cot. He slipped one of his shirts over her arms, then her creamy shoulders. He buttoned it, and kissed the top of her head before running his fingers through her mop of soft, brown curls. “Good night Kate, I’ll see you in the morning.”
    He paused when she whispered, “Can you sit with me for just a few minutes? I know so little about your family and you know everything about mine. Please tell me about your life in Richmond.”
    Because of his desire, he shouldn’t be alone with her. A smile bloomed on her face, and she looked so sweet and innocent. P ulling a chair beside the cot, he sat down and placed his hands in his lap to keep from touching her. His heart melted when she looked at him with those big, green eyes glowing in the light of the lantern sitting on the side table. It was if she were trying to seduce him with those unusual, spectacular eyes. 
    He took a long, quiet breath. “My parents are both in Richmond taking care of our plantation. I have a younger brother, Dole, who is also a Captain in the infantry and last I heard was in Appomattox. I haven’t seen him in over a year. My sister Dana is thirteen and away at school. I haven’t seen her since Christmas.” He crossed his legs and leaned back in the chair. “I can remember when life was normal before the war. Dole and I helped dad with the everyday operation of our plantation. Dana and mom handled the books. Life was simple.”
    Kate sighed sorrowfully. “You must miss them terribly.” 
    “Yes, I do. We are very close. Even though we are separated because of the war, they are always in my heart. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of them, hope they are safe.” His face becoming serious, David whispered, “The war has changed everything. I pray to God every night to bring an end to the death.”   
    Gazin g into her beautiful face, he wanted to curl up beside her and sleep. By the promise in her eyes she would not protest. By the sheer force of will, David stood and took several steps needing to put some space between them. He turned before disappearing through the tent flap and stated, “You had better get some rest. We both have obligations tomorrow and need sleep. Goodnight, Kate.”
    Her voice sounding forlorn she whispered, “Goodnight , David.”                
    Outside he peered at the star speckled sky. It was a peaceful scene with the almost full moon, but he was anything but calm inside. Shocked by the strong desire he felt for Kate, he blew out an agitated breath. He should have sent her home. He raked his fingers through his matted, dirty hair and began to pace in front of his tent. The last thing he needed was a beautiful woman playing with his emotions.
    In the shadows beyond his tent, David heard the