She clasped her hand over her mouth to cover her gasp.
“—and my first reaction was that ye’d taken yer horse and left me here.”
He turned to face her. Everything thankfully put back in its place. He smiled.
“Most happy to see ye had nae such ideas.”
She forced her head left then right. “Nae such idea.”
Sean ran his eyes over her in that way that set her heart to fluttering. She swallowed hard but refused to confirm all was decently covered. It had to be. His expression when his eyes returned to her face said as much.
“Sorry to interrupt ye,” he said.
“Nae problem. I was—” What was it her brother always said? “—just finishing up.”
Sean pressed his lips into a lopsided grin. “Shall we break our fast before we head off?”
He said it like a question but his large, tanned hand directing her to precede him down the path certainly left her without an option. With Sean following close behind, she returned to the camp, thanking God in heaven that her nakedness had not been seen by this man. He was quite disturbing enough without him having that knowledge of her.
Chapter 4
The lass moved about the fire with deliberation. Sean would have liked to beg her to stop. Would have liked to beg her to sit and remain seated. Would have liked to beg to not have wandered down the path behind her and not seen the flash of silky pale flesh that lay hidden beneath. But he had.
With every poke and jab at the flames, her clothing molded over that flawless buttocks. What had started out as a jest—a jest? Perhaps in his own mind—was now sheer torture. Beyond having any right to demand she stop now, it seemed a just punishment for his transgression. And the painful throbbing in his groin? His penance.
When she glanced his way, she hesitated before offering him the tea as if sensing his inner turmoil.
“Nae thank ye.” He stopped her before she could fully extend the cup to him. He didn’t dare take the chance of touching her soft skin.
He watched her eat. Like a girl. Far too clean. Boys did not care if their hands were dirty before, during, or after they ate. He wanted to tell her to work harder at pretending to be a boy. To yell it at her. He wished she was better at it instead of all these constant reminders.
But no. Every graceful movement, every brushing off of her bottom at standing, every dainty swipe of the stray hairs from her face, every single morsel passing her full, red lips screamed she was a girl in boy’s clothing.
“Ye’re quite effeminate. Has anyone ever told ye that?”
He’d have liked to call the words back. The last thing he needed was for her to come clean with some confession. If she started dressing like a girl, he’d never be able to keep his hands off her.
“I have been told that. I’m sorry if that offends ye.”
“It will make it hard when we reach the sea. Some of the men there have been a long time on the ocean. Some have been a long time without a woman. Even a boy who only looks like a girl may help ease their need.”
“But how—”
“Do not ask.” Her delectable bottom came to his mind. “Just try to stop being so… so womanly.”
Tommy glanced away from the fire but he could see the shimmer of tears.
Damn. Don’t go confessing to me now.
He stood abruptly. “Well, ye best pack up and we’ll get started.”
He hoped to intercept anything she might decide to share.
She cleared her throat and stood as well.
Oh damn.
“How long will it take us?” she asked.
