Read Online Caress of Fire by Martha Hix - Free Book Online

your liking–the will to persevere.”
    â€œYou did recover quick-like.”
    His doubt turned to something akin to admiration, yet he didn’t utter another word for interminable seconds. Lisette became worried again.
    â€œLisette,” he said at last, “I’ve done a lot of thinking over the past few hours.”
    This didn’t sound good.
    â€œI’m in a terrible fix. I really have no option.”
    This sounded even worse.
    â€œIt’s a long way into town, and your reputation would suffer. I’ve got to think about my men, one in particular. I understand Blade Sharp was talking with you last night.” A long-fingered hand rubbed the back of his neck. “He’s an acceptable cowpuncher, but he’s no gentleman.”
    Oh, just spit it out.
    â€œAnother thing,” he said. “I know you and Matt are friends, but a man’s a man. You distract him. And you do yourself a disservice, inviting trouble with your forwardness.”
    She did not admire his bent toward the judgmental, and defended herself with, “I am what I am.”
    â€œYeah, but you agitate the others, too, in that man-noticing-woman way. Well, maybe not the preacher.” He mopped his brow with his bandana. “Lisette, the men need to keep their minds on cattle and the elements and Comanche attacks. Each’ll be doing the work of two now.”
    â€œI know what you’re trying to say, and–”
    â€œNo,” he broke in, “I don’t think you have any idea.”
    She looked at him. Doffing his Stetson, he exhaled and ran his fingers through that thick crop of curling, raven-black hair. Oh, Gott in Himmel, why did she have to think about his handsomeness? And why did she recall how refreshing it had been, his teasing? More than anything, she couldn’t stop figuring that he would prove no steer . . .
    â€œLisette,” he murmured, “I’m not going to send you away.”
    â€œDanke.” Rushing forward, she threw her arms around his neck. He was warm, solid–all strength and power. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
    Despite the horrors of predawn and the scare of Tecumseh Billy, this was a fine, fine day. The sky had never looked so blue. The birds had never sung this sweetly. Gil McLoughlin had answered all her prayers.

Chapter Five
    He dislodged Lisette’s arms from around his neck; her relief turned to apprehension, especially when the trail boss glanced across the stream, back at her, and scowled. She didn’t breathe. Surely he wouldn’t renege on the job offer still fresh in her ears. Would he?
    Of course he wouldn’t. He didn’t strike her as a man who made empty promises.
    â€œExcuse me.” He strode to the halfway point between the creek and camp. “Herd ’em up, boys,” he shouted. “Yates, leave the chuck wagon be. We’ll catch up with you.”
    The “we” confirmed her confidence in him.
    His men began to make a ten-wide column of longhorns, with Tecumseh Billy leading the pack. The boss, striding along the cactus- and cottonwood-lined path, returned to Lisette’s side. He kept a distance of three or four feet.
    â€œI need to ask some questions,” he said gravely. “They’re on the personal side, but a lot rides on this. You’re not a woman to ... you don’t . . . I couldn’t have–it’s like this.” He ran his hand down his mouth in a nervous gesture. “A loose woman could turn this drive into more trouble than any redskin could wreak on us. I can’t have that.”
    She could certainly assure him on this score. “No one shares my bed, Mister McLoughlin. No one.”
    â€œI thought so.” He expelled a sigh. “You’ve got to understand, it was a question that had to be asked.”
    â€œI understand.”
    â€œLisette, it won’t be socials and teas, not here and not anywhere between here