And he stopped dead in his tracks.
She turned, making sure the door was securely shut behind her before walking toward him. Noah’s gaze quickly travelled over her simple gown and cloak, but it was her hair that had him mesmerized. It was free of pins, her soft red curls cascading over her shoulders and down her back.
As she walked up to him, her face beamed. “Isn’t this exciting?”
His eyes made another pass over her hair before returning to her eyes. “Y-yes. Very exciting.” He swallowed. “Assuming we do not get caught, of course.”
Hannah’s smile dimmed. “Yes, that would be rather unfortunate. But I cannot imagine anyone being about at this hour. And Warthford is not known for being overrun by outlaws.”
“And I cannot let a friend miss out on the opportunity to fulfill a dream, can I?”
Her nose lifted in the air as she grinned. “Precisely.”
“Very well.” Noah held his arm out to her. “Let us be gone before someone hears us and we are found out.”
Hannah gently took his arm, pressing herself close to his side as they walked back to his horse. The wind caused the branches to creak above them, and Hannah pressed herself closer to his side.
He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “You are not scared, are you?”
“No, of course not.” Hannah’s hand tightened on his arm, then she jerked as an owl sounded somewhere off in the woods.
He laughed, leaning closer to her ear. “Oh really?”
“Fine. I am a bit afraid of the dark.” She hunched her shoulders, burrowing into his shoulder.
“Is that why your hand is trembling?”
Her hand tightened on his arm as if by reflex. “Yes. I suppose that is why. Or I am simply cold. It is more brisk outside than I imagined.” She gave him a quick perusal.
He stopped when they arrived at his mount, and he released Hannah to untie the reins from the branch. “Then why choose such an activity as this? If you are afraid of the dark, that is. You know we have to ride a mile to the bluffs, and it will be quite dark.” Noah glanced over his shoulder as he held the now loose reins in his grasp.
“I have my reasons.” She ran her hands over her arms as she waited for him.
“Are you going to share them with me?” he asked with a smile.
She shook her head. “Not yet. I want to get to the bluffs first.”
“Very well.” He held his hand out to her, and she allowed him to help her up onto the saddle. “Now, this won’t be easy, but I couldn’t very well take the carriage out without drawing attention.” Noah put his foot into the stirrup, swinging himself up behind her.
“It’s fine. I am comfortable enough as long as you don’t let me fall.”
“Of course I won’t.” He adjusted himself so that he held the reins in hand and his arms created a barrier of sorts to keep Hannah secure. She sat rigidly in front of him. “You don’t seem comfortable,” he said into her ear.
“I am,” she quickly replied.
He smiled. “Very well. Let us be off.
The ride was eerie, and Noah paid careful attention to their surroundings as they made their way. Hannah was unusually quiet, but that could be easily explained by the late hour. Noah kept to smaller trails, not wanting to be on the main road and having a higher risk of being caught. Growing up on this property, he knew the way like the back of his hand.
Soon the sound of the water welcomed them, and Hannah seemed to relax, leaning into his chest. She turned her face so it rested on his shoulder, then she let out a soft sigh.
“Tired?” he asked.
She jerked up, pushing some of her hair back over her shoulder. “Yes. Sorry.”
“Here.” He took both reins in one hand and used his free one to gently guide her face back to him. “Just rest. We will be there in only a moment.”
Hannah’s entire frame remained tense for several seconds before her body relaxed, practically melting into him. And, for some reason, he had the oddest sense of peace. The evening air, the stars above them, her hair hanging free and tickling his chin. Then there was the way she was curled up into him, trusting him completely to keep her from falling and to keep her safe. He reached up, unable to stop himself from tucking her hair behind her ear, causing her soft sigh to come again.
