Page 54 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
She chuckled. “I drew half a dozen. I’ll develop a couple of pen and ink drawings. Others I will paint.”
“What did you draw?” He wanted to know what had appealed to her.
“The sky. It’s amazing. Clouds tethered to the mountain tops. Others escaping and dancing across the sky.” Her sigh rippled across his shirt front.
“People often call it big sky country.”
“I like that. I did a little exploring.” There was an apologetic note in her words. Did she think he would object? She relaxed when he voiced no complaint and continued. “There are so many things to discover and admire. A fuzzy little bunny. His fur frosted in long white hairs. The tangled leaves on the trees.” Another sigh. “I could never get tired of exploring.”
Easy to say in the summer. “Wait until winter.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
He didn’t say anything. Nor would he allow himself to think of enjoying her company during the long winter months.
She broke the silence. “Has the rain stopped?”
He hadn’t even noticed. “I believe so. Time to go home.” He pulled her to her feet, leaving the slicker across her shoulders.
The land shimmered with water. Dark clouds scudded across the sky. He took a step, and his boot sank into muck. “Wait here while I get the horses.” He slopped through the mud, untied the animals, and led them back to Olivia. He swiped his arm across her saddle, drying it as best he could before he helped her mount. He swung to the back of his own horse and turned toward home.
The wind buffeted them, sucking the last vestiges of warmth from his body. “Give a shout if you need to slow down.” He urged the horses to an easy gallop hoping Olivia could stand the pace. She stuck to his side the entire way back.
They rode to the barn. Wally stepped from the interior, took one look at them, and grabbed the bridle of Riley’s horse.
“Boy, you’re wetter than a wharf rat. And ya look colder than a December storm. Get to the house and take care of yerself. I’ll look after the horses.” He offered a hand to Olivia to dismount before he led the animals away.
Riley needed no further urging. He grabbed Olivia’s hand, grateful for the meager warmth it provided, and they rushed home.
Alfred greeted them. “I’ve been worrying about you.” He blinked as he saw their state. “Thought you might have gotten a soaking. Come on in and get warm. There’s a fire in the stove.”
Riley hurried toward the warmth and held out his hands.
“Get out of your wet things.” Olivia pushed him toward his bedroom.
He hesitated, not wanting to leave the heat.
“Go.” She pushed him harder.
It was easier to go than to argue and he went to his room to shed his wet things, pulling dry clothing from his wardrobe. His fingers were uncooperative, but he managed to button his shirt and fasten his trousers then hurried back to the kitchen.
Olivia had changed from her riding skirt to a cotton dress and wore a woolen sweater. She drew a chair toward the stove and indicated he should sit there.
“I’m fine.”
“You’re so cold your lips are white. Sit.”
He blinked at her order but did as she said.
She wrapped a blanket around his shoulders and tucked it together at his front. “You kept me warm and dry. Now it’s my turn to look after you.” Her gaze met his.
Remembering her kiss, he grinned and shifted his attention to her lips. “I recall you did something to warm me.” He barely whispered the words, not wanting Alfred to hear.
She blushed and turned away. “I’ve made you coffee.” She poured him a cupful and handed it to him.
He made sure to trap her fingers under his when he reached for the cup. It wasn’t like him to flirt this way. Blame the cold that went to his very core.
“Your hands are like ice.” She pulled away.
