Page 51 of Wagon Train Hope
“What if something happened to you?” He crushed her to his chest.
His heart thumped beneath her ear, the sound reverberating inside her.
“I’d never forgive myself.” Firm hands pressed on her back, holding her close.
She tipped her head up. Perhaps something more than not believing in her drove him. Like caring about her. “I’m fine. Thanks to you.” She searched his eyes, found a welcome that surprised her…pleased her. It answered a longing she only now admitted. “I am so grateful you always know what to do. Your caution is—” Words failed. What could she say that wouldn’t embarrass them both?
“You’re safe. That’s all that matters.” He brushed his hand across her cheek. Perhaps removing dust. His fingerslingered near her mouth, filling her with an unfamiliar urgency that caused her to offer a tiny smile.
“Irene.” Her name whispered from him, and then he lowered his head.
She knew his intention. He gave her plenty of time to refuse. Instead, she lifted her face further and welcomed his kiss. At first, tentative, as if expecting her to withdraw. Then, when she didn’t, he kissed her more thoroughly.
The taste of salt lingered on her lips as she drew back.
They stared at each other. Perhaps he was as surprised as she by how right this felt. How long had she been secretly wishing for some sign of affection from him?
Affection? What a weak word. And yet, dare she hope for anything more?
His fingers again circled her cheek, pausing to tuck away a strand of hair. His gaze followed the trail his fingers made. “Irene.” Her name again whispered from his lips.
“Walt.” If she meant to say more, the words had disappeared. Walt. It was enough. For now.
“It’s—” He didn’t finish.
Did he mean it was surprising? Echoing her admission. Or perhaps he found their kiss to be opening doors for more. Or was she putting her thoughts on him?
He shook his head. “We need to move on.” Still, neither of them broke free of the embrace.
With a tiny sigh, he kissed her forehead, then took her hand and led her back to her horse. He helped her into the saddle, although she needed no help. His hand lingered on her foot as he pretended to adjust her stirrup.
The dryness in her mouth had less to do with thirst and more to do with the tenuous feelings gripping her insides.
Walt straightened. His gaze lifted to hers. His dark eyes held a promise. Or was she only wishing and dreaming?
They continued onward, the silence between them full of things unsaid.
After joining the others for the noon break, they returned to marking out the trail. Midafternoon, the rising hills indicated the end of the valley. Together, they rode forward.
“I have never been so happy to see green grass and solid ground.” Laughter accompanied her words.
“There’s something you might like.” He rode toward boulders that created part of the valley wall.
“What?” But he waved away her question.
Curious, she followed.
He reined in, dismounted, and began to climb the boulders. One rocky surface led to another as he went higher.
Irene’s breath caught midway up her throat as he continued his upward climb. It looked dangerous, but with how careful he was, it couldn’t be that bad. She was only nervous, and anxious because of her fledgling feelings for him.
He reached the top and stretched out to get something.
She couldn’t take her eyes off him. What could be that important?
He began his descent. Shifting from one rock to another. And then the rocks gave way beneath his feet, and he fell to the ground, the rocks tumbling after him, rattling and crashing, the sound echoing across the valley and blasting through her head.
Walt hitthe ground with a thump that knocked his breath out. The tall, skinny boulder he’d counted on to hold him had tipped and now lay angled across his chest. He tried to move, but the rock pinned him to the ground.
