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of his very natural nakedness once again, and she stiffened as she breathed in the sensual scent of him. His eyes were suddenly on hers. “What’s wrong?”
    â€œYou—you really need to get dressed. You—”
    â€œLook ready?” he suggested, laughing. She bit her lip, lashes sweeping over her eyes.
    â€œThere you go again, just dying to give me a good right to the jaw,” he said.
    She sighed. “I didn’t say that you look ready to—”
    â€œBut I am—always,” he assured her huskily.
    Her eyes flew open. “Braggart!” she accused him, and he started to laugh again. He finished wrapping her hand, then suddenly drew her into his arms.
    â€œWant to test me?”
    â€œNo!” she exclaimed. But, God, his touch … What was the magic? How could he be so fierce and so tender? Jessica pondered.
    Such a stranger … while she was beginning to feel that she knew him so very well.
    His lips touched upon hers. She struggled against him. “There’s business—”
    â€œDebts to be paid!” he agreed.
    â€œHere—I mean, now?”
    He laughed softly again, releasing her. She saw in his black eyes that he had been teasing her, taunting her all along. He didn’t need to force anything. He had lots of time. That was the agreement. And she did always pay her debts.
    â€œGo on down,” he told her. “Do what you have to do. I’ll be ready when you are.”
    Jessica spun around and hurriedly left the room. She met Mrs. Peabody on the landing at the foot of the stairs. “Good morning, Jessica, dear. Oh, no! Your hand, dear! What did you do?”
    â€œOh, it’s just a scratch. I cut it with my letter opener. I’m fine. I’m afraid I was on the bed, though, and there are a few spots of blood.” And she had to be the color of blood by now, too. Would such a lame story fly? What was Mrs. Peabody going to do, accuse her of lying? Of misconduct beneath her roof?
    â€œDon’t you worry about that at all,” Mrs. Peabody said. “Jane will get them out with lemon juice. I’m just so concerned about your hand.”
    â€œIt’s nothing, really. I swear it.” It was nothing—that was honest enough, Jessica reasoned.
    â€œAll right, dear, I won’t press it. How did you sleep?”
    â€œWonderfully. I wish I could stay longer,” Jessica said. Well, it wasn’t a lie. Once she had fallen asleep, she had slept like the dead. And she did wish that she could stay longer. Mrs. Peabody had made a beautiful home out here in the wilderness. It was comfortable, warm. So incredible after what she had been through traveling.
    â€œWhy don’t you stay another night before moving on, dear? I’m sure you’ll hit problems and hard work aplenty once you leave. One day of rest might be just the thing you need.”
    One more night in this proper place with McKenna? She didn’t think so. Just the thought made fresh color seem to fly to her cheeks. And she only had McKenna for a month. One month.
    She shook her head. “I—I really can’t, Mrs. Peabody, though I would love to.”
    â€œI understand, dear. You want to get going to your own home.”
    â€œYes. But it’s not even a full day’s ride from here. I’ll be back often enough. In fact, I’ll be back next week for a few days to buy cattle.”
    â€œThat’s wonderful. I’ll be expecting you.”
    â€œAnd Mr. McKenna,” Jessica said softly.
    Mrs. Peabody had begun to move her portly body when she turned back, smiling. “Pardon, dear?”
    â€œMr. McKenna has graciously consented to work for me for the next few weeks.” Mrs. Peabody was staring at her. “I—I’ve had a great deal of trouble ever since I started on my way here. He bailed me out twice, so … well, I seem to need someone.”
    â€œBut Mr. McKenna is working for