Chapter 18

Lily found Theo waiting on the front porch. He sat on a bench looking out onto the street. Sunday afternoon foot traffic offered a lively view.

He stood when she opened the door and waited while she crossed the floor. She sat, motioning with a tip of her head toward the space beside her so he resumed his place.

“How do you feel? Are you feeling poorly? I can fetch Coyote if you think it’s necessary.”

She tightened her fingers on the light blue wrap she’d draped over her shoulders. It, like her dress, matched the ribbons on the toes of her shoes.

“Is it customary to bring a wild animal to cure temperature fluctuations out here in the west? Why at home we’d run for a hot water bottle, not a coyote.”

A grin turned concern to amusement and her knees to water. Oh, but the man had a handsome smile!

“Coyote is Wylder’s doctor. Some call him Doc Sullivan but most of us go by his nickname.” He tapped his hat on his knee. “And before you ask me about that, I have no idea at all why he’s called Coyote. I figure every man is entitled to a secret or two and that one’s all his.”

“Well, that makes sense. I thought you were considering wrapping me in some living, furry animal. I wondered how quickly I could get in the house and close the door on that suggestion!” She smiled, then shook her head. “And thank you, but no, I don’t need a doctor. I feel fine.”

That half-truth seemed to satisfy him.

Her gut danced a bit, but not nearly as badly as it had these past days. Still, the idea of a full Sunday meal put her off.

“Glad to hear that.” He waved to a man in a passing buckboard before he turned to face her. His gaze warmed her and for an instant she forgot her belly. “Now I know what you had in those trunks that came in on the stage with you.”

A brow lifted but she kept her lips closed and waited for him to continue.

“They were filled with pretty baby-blue dresses, weren’t they? Just about every time I’ve seen you, you’re wearing a dress that matches those beautiful eyes.” He paused and gave a thoughtful glance toward the street. When he met her gaze his eyes shimmered. “I have to admit, it’s one of the things I miss about being so far from home.”

“How so?” That he yearned for home so thoroughly that it nearly brought tears to his eyes pulled at her heartstrings. The man’s intensity touched her as if he’d placed a hand on her chest.

“In the east, women dress like women. I understand and appreciate some women here need to wear working clothes, to help on homesteads or ride, but on a Sunday afternoon a woman should look…well, as pretty as a picture. And you, Lily, are the most beautiful picture I have ever seen.”

Speechlessness did not come over her often but at this instant every rational thought flew from her head. Her eyes rounded and she wondered if she looked like a startled duck, but she could not help herself.

The man touched her in ways she didn’t dream possible.

A fine sheen touched her temples. She wiped the back of one hand across her skin and pushed her hair back, even though the pins kept it in place. One last pat to the smooth locks as she searched for a response.

Had she been in South Carolina, a giggle and airy wave would do. Men were satisfied with the fine art of casual flirtation there. In fact, she suspected they expected it. Here, though, life felt more substantial to her, as if an added layer of meaning covered every dusty exchange.

“Why, I hardly know what to say.” She ran a finger across her upper lip. The heat did make a woman shimmer. “You’re so kind. But I must admit, I honestly feel as if I’m melting in this heat.”

His brow creased.

Then, he did something entirely unexpected. He reached out a hand and placed his wrist against her forehead.

“I’m not sure I shouldn’t go for the doctor. You’re looking awful pale.” He took his wrist away and ran a slow finger down the side of her face, sliding it across her temple until he held her chin in his hand. “No blazing fever, you’re nice and cool, but I’m concerned you did catch a chill.”

He could be concerned about whatever he wanted as long as he kept his hand on her face. Warmth spread from his touch and for the first time since she’d left Charleston hope surged within.

“No chill, I promise.” She leaned her chin into his hand when he started to pull away. They sat joined for the most glorious seconds before Theo drew back and placed his hand on his knee. “I think I’m a bit overwhelmed by the change, is all. The long trip, then adjusting to life in the west.”

“I understand that. It’s a lot to take in and while it would seem that you’d have time to contemplate the move during the trip, a bouncing coach is no place for quiet contemplation, is it?”

She shook her head. “It’s not. What a miserable way to travel!”

He winked. “And then, you arrive and find the town drunk waiting to greet you…”

Laughter bubbled up from inside her. Her first impression had been exactly that. No denying it so she reached for his face and ran a hand over his chin.

That she touched him so familiarly shocked them both.

That his face felt smooth and warm set her fingertips on fire, but in a wonderful way that made her breath catch. Theo didn’t move when she traced his jawline with her index finger or smoothed her palm across his cheek.

“What could I think? You were covered with stubble and looking kind of ragged…nothing like you do now.” She spoke softly, then pulled her hand away. As soon the contact between them ceased she missed it.

“Good point. I didn’t look too respectable, at that. But you, well, you were just as lovely even with that slash of trail grime across your beautiful face.”

Theo leaned so close she caught a whiff of peppermint from his breath.

When his mouth claimed hers she didn’t resist. His lips were smooth and pressed against hers so tenderly that every thought flew from her mind.

When he angled his face to deepen the kiss, she wondered if this was what heaven felt like.

Time really did stand still when one fell into another’s arms because she had no idea how long they kissed, only that she didn’t want it to end.

The thump of footsteps on the wooden flooring brought them apart.

Lily opened her eyes and swiveled her head so quickly she gave herself a crick in her neck.

Thomas and Violet stood three feet away.

Her sister’s eyebrows were so far up they came close to hiding in her hair. And Thomas? He grinned from ear to ear, obviously amused by the display.

Crossing her arms across her chest, the other woman heaved a deep sigh. “Well, I suppose we worried needlessly. You’re obviously none the worse for the wear after having gone for a swim in the horse trough at the livery. I’m glad you’re, ah, recovered.”