“Of course you’d be a natural on a horse, Jemina.”
Those girls from the islands, they weren’t wilting doves. “Slow down, there’s a fence. Probably trees that need clearing.”
“Catch me if you can.” She laughed, the wind making her voice sound maniacal.
There was a break in the fence with a log that came down. She jumped her horse.
Daniel wasn’t taking chances and aimed for a proper opening. “Jemina, the weather’s picking up. This is dangerous.”
She held her seat and leaped over fallen trees, even a stream.
Jemina didn’t know his land, didn’t know the twists and turns of the field.
But he did.
He used that knowledge to gain ground.
She ducked down and crossed a creek. She’d get blocked by the thick of bushes. Jemina would have to double back.
Daniel had her now.
Speeding up, he charged at her. “You know you’re caught. Surrender.”
“Not until you have me, Barrister.”
She bent her head and pushed toward him.
The woman was crazy. If she thought he’d back down, she was very wrong.
He aimed straight for her. At the last moment, he shifted, held out his arm, and wrenched her from her saddle. “Arrested.”
He let the horse beneath him ease into a trot and held the squirming woman fast. “I’m not letting you go.”
Her face lifted to his.
Their gazes locked.
Then her arms went about him. “You better not.”
He wouldn’t. He couldn’t.
When he clicked his tongue, Max caught up. “Watch that other horse, boy. What his name, Jemina?”
“Zeus. Don’t drop me.”
“Then you better hold tight.”
Daniel tugged her higher onto his saddle. Those wily arms of hers curled about his neck. Her breath was heavy against his throat.
“You know, Hope believes in hitting her doll’s head against a saddle. Maybe she’s on to something.”
The smell of rain filled the air. Then the drops started.
“I’m not going to think about why you are here, Jemina. I’m not going to ask anything. I need to kiss you. Hate me later. Good plan?”
She sat up straighter, closed her eyes and nodded.
With his thumbs, he trailed the droplets falling upon her lashes. “I need those eyes open. You need to see me, Daniel Thackery. I need to know it’s me you want.”
