Free Promise Kept by Mitzi Pool Bridges

Seeing the look on her face, he added, “As soon as Cal gets this bunch rounded up, he’s coming in, too. We’re taking the rest of the day off.”
    “We can’t afford to take a day off.”
    Ignoring her, he picked her up as if she weighed no more than a few pounds, whistled for the horses.
    “Put me down, Donovan. I can take care of myself.”
    It was if she hadn’t spoken. Instead of putting her on Skye, the horse she’d been riding since she got here, he put her on Stormy, and climbed up behind her.
    “What are you doing? I was tired and shut my eyes. That’s all.”
    “Right,” he said grimly. He took the reins, leaned down and grabbed Skye’s.
    When he put an arm around her waist, Phyl fought the urge to relax, lean into him, and enjoy the feel of those strong arms supporting her. What would he think if she did? She shut her eyes, held herself rigidly upright. She was in no position to allow herself to feel anything for any man, especially this one.
    ****
    The ride back was pure misery. Donovan berated himself for keeping Phyl in the sun too long. Then cursed himself for wanting to hold her closer. Though she kept her distance, the sway of Stormy beneath them made touching inevitable. Every time he felt her, he wanted more.
    She smelled of soap, sun, and something else. He inhaled deeply. Strawberries! He leaned closer to make sure. Her back went rigid, so he moved his head back a little. He had a sensuous, sexy woman in his arms, and all she wanted to do was get as far away from him as possible.
    What was wrong with him? If he decided to stay, she’d have to leave. Forget the attraction—forget the kid.
    He’d asked his mom what she knew about the two of them. But all she told him was that Phyl was divorced and needed a job. That wasn’t enough.
    “Are you all right?”
    “Fine,” she answered stiffly.
    “If you feel faint, let me know.”
    She sat up even straighter. “I didn’t faint.”
    He couldn’t stop the chuckle. She’d never admit to a weakness. Not Phyl. She took on the roughest chores, worked longer and harder than any man or woman he’d ever known. He didn’t know what she was trying to prove. Or if she was trying to prove anything. Perhaps this was just the way she was. If so, she needed to slow down. Texas heat could be a killer.
    He had dated off and on over the years. Nothing serious. All of a sudden, Phyl was bringing up feelings he didn’t want to pursue. So why couldn’t he keep his eyes off of her? Whether she was working in the fields with the calves, or sitting at the dinner table, he found himself watching her. This was the first time he’d touched her. He liked the feel of soft skin and hard muscles. He tightened his arm around her waist, moved his face close to her neck, inhaled that wonderful scent again. He wanted to skim his hands down her body, kiss her.
    He felt her stiffen all over again. Whatever this feeling was, it wasn’t returned. Which was a good thing. At least he wouldn’t make a fool of himself.
    In a way, he was glad when the house came into view. In another, he wanted the ride to last forever.
    Nellie and Mark were taking bags of groceries out of the car. Mark ran up to them, Nellie close behind. It was totally out of the norm for them to quit work at noon on a roundup. Definitely unusual to ride in on one horse. Mom would think the worst.
    “What’s wrong?” his mom asked.
    “Nothing,” Phyl answered, sliding off Stormy.
    Donovan tried to help, but she shrugged him away.
    “Phyl got a little too much sun. My fault. She needs to lie down for a while.”
    “Do you need to see a doctor?” Nellie asked, taking Phyl’s arm. “You could have heat exhaustion.” She turned to Donovan. “What did I tell you this morning?”
    “You were right. I should have listened. Put her to bed would you? Mark and I will take care of the groceries and the horses.”
    Nellie led Phyl upstairs, ignoring her protests as easily as her son had.
    “Is Mom going