SIX
There was more thanone reason why Blaze couldn’t breathe, and right now, it had nothing to do with the intense game she’d played. Being in this position with Colt on the ground was surprisingly comfortable, and yet, any of her cousins could leave the stream and see her with Colt. That would start rumors which might result in her losing her mail-order husband.
But, she could kiss Colt right now, and for some reason, she felt he wouldn’t reject her show of affection. She’d have to wonder aboutwhyhe acted this way, but that would be later.
The wild beat of her heart encouraged her to make the first move. Unfortunately, she couldn’t kiss him. Not ever again.
So why wouldn’t her heart stop this infatuation she had with him? And why wouldn’t her body pull away at this moment? He was leaning up, and if she didn’t do something soon, they would be in averyheated kiss.
“Colt,” she whispered tightly. “I think we should get back to the shop. Mr. Whitaker will be by to get his wagon by seven o’clock tonight.
His expression fell, as did his arms. She pulled away, wishing she wouldn’t feel this way about him.
“You’re right.” He climbed to his feet and then reached to pull her up. “Do you want to go to the stream first? I know I need to splash some water on my face.”
She nodded and stood. “Yes, that does sound good.”
In silence, they walked toward the water. As they neared, Blaze heard the flitter of laughter. The others had started a water fight. Colt chuckled and hurried to join in. Her heart swelled to see him like this. It wasn’t that he was immature. Instead, she could tell that he enjoyed teasing others. Or, was this a way of showing her that he would make a good father someday? She dared not trust her instincts on that matter.
As she neared the stream, her cousins splashed water on her. She laughed and joined in the fun. Although Mr. Whitaker’s wagon needed to get finished, a few more minutes to play wouldn’t hurt. And the cool water would refresh all of them from their vigorous game earlier.
Before she knew what was happening, Colt ran toward her, wrapped his arms around her, and lifted her against him as he carried her further into the water.
She playfully screamed but loved every second with Colt. He was so much more a man now than he’d been ten years ago. Knowing the difference now was what her problem had been since he arrived in Last Chance. Yet, maybe it didn’t matter since she had been in love with him when she was young, too.
“Put me down, Masterson,” she told him as laughter laced her voice.
“Oh, don’t worry. I’ll put you down nice and easy.” His mischievous grin widened as he slid an arm under her legs to cradle her.
Gasping, she threw her arms around his neck, holding on securely so he wouldn’t drop her. She was mesmerized by his smoldering blue eyes. Being like this with him made her breathless.
She shouldn’t enjoy this feeling too much. It wouldn’t be fair to her soon-to-be husband if she compared him to Colt all the time.
He bent, and the moment her backside touched the water, she laughed harder and wiggled to get free. Colt’s tight grip wouldn’t loosen as he placed her on the ground. The water only rose to her waist, but she didn’t mind at all. In fact, she would like some company.
Clutching onto his arms, she yanked him down. Because of his awkward position, he had no other choice but to land in the water beside her. His laughter grew as he took her back into his arms, pressing his wet shirt against her.
The others jumped in the water with them. Blaze’s face hurt from smiling so much. But Colt had been correct this time. They all needed this break in the day, and she wouldn’t feel guilty for enjoying herself with Colt.
However, tomorrow the guilt would come. She was sure of it.
* * * *
TIME HAD SLIPPED BYtoo quickly, and now, Colt knew it was too late. Blaze would meet her mail-order groom today, and Colt’s father had him running the wainwright shop in order to give Blaze the space she needed to get to know the stranger who would marry her.
Colt’s gut twisted, making him pound the hammer against the wagon wheel harder. For a whole week, he’d tried to spend more time with Blaze, but more times than he wanted to count, her cousins had been around, not giving Colt any privacy. Yet, what good was privacy when he didn’t know his own mind? There was a strong attraction between him and Blaze, and the question was – did he want to do anything about it?
Although the kiss had happened because he thought Cleopatra was someone else, that night had left a lasting impression and weighed heavily on his chest. He had loved Blaze from ten years ago, but was hein lovewith her now? Even if he was, did he really want to do anything about it? After all, in one year, he’d be long gone from this town.
Groaning, he paused in his hammering long enough to swipe the cuff of his sleeve across his moist forehead. Today was another very warm day. However, playing in the stream was out of the question.
Dakota darted past him and toward the front of the barn. Colt lifted his gaze to see what the young blonde woman was doing. She rushed out of the front doors but then came to a sudden stop. Immediately following in her sister’s trail ran Emma and stopped beside her. The two sisters giggled and clutched each other’s hands while looking up the street.
Colt straightened and glanced at the girls’ brothers. They had both stopped working and were watching their sisters.
“What’s going on?” Colt wondered.
“I think they are trying to see if the stagecoach has come yet. We are all very excited to meet Blaze’s new husband.”
