Read Online Wagonmaster by Nita Wick - Free Book Online

“Price?” She took a sip from the cup and ran her tongue across her lips. “You know, my father says this is the finest whiskey in the world. I brought it with me all the way from Boston. Would you like to taste it?”
    He planned to do more than just taste it, but for now he’d play along with her little game. Maybe he’d even beat her at it. He grinned at her and reached for the top of her braid to hold her immobile. “Yes, I would.” He kissed her. She whimpered and leaned into him, and he almost forgot his intent. He reached for the cup and took it from her hand. Addie didn’t even seem to notice. She lifted her empty hand and buried her fingers in his hair.
    Heaven above! Her kisses never failed to rattle him. His body reacted the moment his lips touched hers. The tightening in his groin distracted his thoughts from the ungodly pain in his shoulder, but he knew he couldn’t quench the thirst this kiss caused. He’d have to settle for the whiskey. A groan escaped him as he tore his lips away from hers. He cleared his throat. “That’s some mighty fine whiskey.” He lifted the cup and drained it in one gulp. Damn . The cup hadn’t even been halfway full.
    â€œYou don’t play fair, Reynolds.” She narrowed her eyes, but they held no anger.
    â€œNeither do you. There was hardly more than a sip in that cup.”
    She smiled and waved the bottle. “Ah, but I have more.”
    â€œSo I’ll ask again. At what price?”
    She stood as tall as her small frame would allow. “Let me treat your shoulder.”
    Josh closed his eyes and shook his head. “I told you, darlin’. It’ll be fine, I don’t need a doctor.”
    â€œYour shoulder is dislocated, Reynolds. It will not heal until it’s back in its proper place.” He started to argue, but she continued. “I know you’re in pain, Joshua. Let me help you.”
    â€œYou can help me by giving me some more of that whiskey.”
    â€œThe whiskey will only dull the pain for a little while. I can make the pain go away.”
    He knew exactly how he’d like for her to make his pains go away. His body still hadn’t recovered from the jolt of lust the kiss had delivered. He clenched his jaw.
    She stared at him. With another wave of the bottle, she repeated her terms. “Let me fix your shoulder. Then you can have another cup.”
    He took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. Maybe he could use her sympathy to win this little game. “It hurts like hell, Addie.” He gave her what he hoped was a pained expression. “I don’t want anyone touching my shoulder.”
    She laughed. “Nice try, handsome. But you’ll get no pity from me. Especially not when it’s your own stubbornness keeping you in pain.”
    Josh gritted his teeth. She wasn’t going to give in. But that was one of the things he admired most about her. She never gave up. He couldn’t help but smile. “You drive a hard bargain, little lady.”
    She pointed to the ground. “Lie facedown on that tarp.”
    In the fading light, he hadn’t noticed the tarp spread out on the grass next to the wagon. “Sure of yourself, aren’t you?” He laid on the piece of canvas.
    â€œI wanted to make sure you didn’t have time to change your mind. Now stretch your arm out to the side.”
    He grunted in pain, unable to extend his arm completely as she’d instructed. “You’re going to kill me, aren’t you?”
    â€œI’ll just put you out of your misery.” He could almost hear the smile in her voice. She ran her fingers lightly over his uninjured shoulder, then over the injured one. “Definitely dislocated. I’ll have it back in place in a jiffy.” She put her hand under his left arm and leaned down. Something touched his shoulder. Was it her knee? “This might hurt a little.”
    Suddenly she