Jesse’s tight muscles interested her, and she skimmed her hand back up to rest against his chest. His muscles flexed, and he gave a sharp inhale. Her breath quickened, as did his.
She lifted her head and gazed up into eyes that were a heavenly shade of blue. This color was different from before, more alert, yet softer, darker with emotion.
She swallowed the knot lodged in her throat and noticed him do the same. His mouth opened slightly as his tongue darted out to dampen his dry lips. Her gaze froze on his inviting mouth and the mustache decorating the upper lip. An invisible force pulled her to him.
Her tongue quickly moistened her own parched lips. “Jesse?” she whispered without knowing why.
The beat of her heart was completely out of control, and with her hand pressed against his chest, she could tell his beat was just as wild. His fingers gently swept across her cheek, down her chin, then up to her forehead, very near her wound. Waves of pleasure passed through her body, and it was all she could do to not moan aloud.
“How does your head feel?” His voice came out deep, husky.
“It’s still a little sore but healing nicely, I think.”
“I should’ve told you yesterday, but I think you were really brave when the stagecoach was attacked. Most women would’ve swooned.” Genuine respect touched his voice.
“Thank you, but I’m not like most women,” she whispered, keeping her gaze glued to his fascinating mouth.
“That’s the truth.”
His thumb lightly stroked across her bottom lip, causing little flip-flops of excitement in her stomach. Emotion overwhelmed her and clouded her mind. This was all wrong! So, why in heaven’s name did she feel the need to be comforted in his arms and think about pressing her lips to his?
His face moved forward, and she had the urge to follow his lead. Desire warmed her, but common sense awakened in her mind, and she forced herself to pull away. Her abrupt movement seemed to jar Jesse as well. He withdrew and stood, his eyes reflecting the similar bewilderment.
“Summer...I...I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have...umm,” he stuttered, then cleared his throat. “I...I need to go.”
He hurried to his horse, mounted, and was gone in a flash. Confusion rushed through her, but not as quickly as the pleasurable tingles that didn’t want to forget his touch.
Chapter Six
SUMMER SAT IN THE PARLORwith her parents and nervously tapped her foot on the floor. Now that she had asked them for a few minutes alone, it was time to tell them about Adam Fairbanks. She prayed her parents would understand and not talk her out of it. This was the only way to keep the livery thriving while helping her parents in the process.
“Summer, dear.” Ma smiled sweetly. “You’ve been quiet for too long. What is on your mind?”
Slowly, Summer released her breath. There was no other way to say it but just blurt out the news becausebeing quietwas something she didn’t often do.
“Ma, Pa, I need to tell you something, but I’m not open to discussion. The decision has been made, and I pray you’ll support me.”
