Read Online Emma's Blaze (Fires of Cricket Bend Book 2) by Marie Piper - Free Book Online

she answered. “Every single night. Figured there were less things that could get me up there.”
    “That’s smart.”
    “I have no intention of dying out on the open plains like these poor souls.” She bent down and touched one of the bones.
    “We’ll keep the herd moving straight past this place,” Bill said, standing up and leaving the skull in its resting place. “We’ll take them west a bit. They’re smart. If they smell death, they could panic.”
    “What happens when they panic?”
    Bill swallowed hard. “They stampede. And God help the man, or woman, who’s around when they do.”
    “I assume you’re speaking from experience.”
    “I’ve been through a few stampedes in my time. I don’t care to do it again.” Bill remembered the stampedes. He’d been fifteen the first time he’d seen one, and the sheer terror he remembered feeling had kept him vigilant ever since. Hundreds of cows had raced blindly in the darkness, kicking up dust and bumping into each other, goring each other with their horns, while trying to go in all directions to escape a pack of coyotes. He’d been so scared he’d wet his pants, and at the end of the chaos one man, a hand named Chester, had been found trampled into the mud. Bill had seen his mangled body. Appie had tried to keep him from seeing it, but he saw it anyway. He’d never forget the sight.
    There’d be no stampeding cows if he could help it.
    He realized Sparrow was staring at him. “Let’s get back,” he said, and started to head back to Orion.
    Her hand caught hold of his arm. When he turned, he saw her furrowed brow.
    “Emma,” she whispered. “My name is Emma.”
    “Why’d you tell me that? Thought you only told your friends.”
    “Perhaps we’re becoming friends. I thought it might ease your mind,” she replied. “Maybe it was foolish, but—”
    “No.” Nothing more than a nugget, a haypenny worth of information, but it had made him feel lighter. She’d noticed he was troubled by memories, and had told him her name to ease his mind. She’d let her hat fall back, and the breeze blew a few strands of flame-red hair into her face. She shook her hair back and looked right at him, clearly unafraid of being alone with him.
    And she was still holding his hand in hers.
    He decided to push a little. “Emma what?”
    “Now, don’t get greedy,” she answered. He pulled her back to her feet. “That’s information for another day.”
    Face to face, he took in her beauty. The days on the trail had wiped away any trace of rouge or delicate ointments, but even plain-faced, she was beautiful. Her green eyes were wide, surrounded by dark lashes, and her lips were a sweet shade of pale pink. Under his gaze, her skin grew flushed. As much as he liked her, it seemed she liked him right back. “If I tell you I’m a little sweet on you, would you be surprised?”
    “Very little surprises me.” The smile she gave him grabbed hold of his heart and held it tight. “Though very few men are as straightforward as you are. I appreciate it.”
    “I don’t have time for foolishness.”
    “I’m aware. I’ve met your brothers. And your herd.” She moved closer.
    Before Bill could weigh whether kissing her would be impolite, Emma leaned in and put her lips to his. It was a light kiss, curious instead of forceful. He returned it, and any thought of blood and cows evaporated. All that remained was the woman before him: Emma, who emerged from the shell of the mysterious Sparrow.
    It had been a long time since he’d kissed a woman, and he hoped he didn’t embarrass himself. There was enough skill in her kiss for the both of them, and Bill felt he caught up quickly. She tasted the way a woman should—of salt and earth.
    “I hope you don’t think I’m too forward.” Emma pulled back a little. Flirtation sparked in her eyes.
    “I think you’re perfect,” he answered. His body and soul felt pulled to her, yearning for what could be between them, if they