Page 90 of Montana Groom of Convenience
“Wait. You did this so I would notice you?”
She nodded again.
He tipped her head up and peered at her as if he’d misheard her. “You think I would see you differently if you wore a dress?”
“I hoped so.”
He considered her words as their gazes connected and found it hard to think clearly with her intently watching. He knew she wanted him to understand something of enough importance to her that she exchanged trousers for a dress. Poor choice, considering it almost cost her?—
He shuddered and pulled her tightly to him. “You could have burned to death.”
“I didn’t.” Her voice was muffled against his chest.
“I suggest you go back to wearing trousers.”
She pulled away and turned her face toward the trail so he couldn’t see her eyes.
He knew his comment had upset her. Why? He wasn’t good at dealing with feelings, but he had to figure this out. Only one conclusion made sense to him. “You wanted me to notice you as a woman?” He spoke cautiously, fearing he might offend her, send her running, and disappoint her by going beyond their agreement.
She nodded. Faced him. “As a wife.”
Her words hung between them, sweet and inviting. At the same time, fearful.
Did she really mean she wished to change their agreement? His heart tugged at its moorings, seeking release.
He dared not jump to conclusions. Yet, her gaze held his, steady and challenging. And hopeful? Or was it only his own desires that provided the evidence of hope?
“You want—” His throat closed off, and he couldn’t finish. Couldn’t even allow himself to complete the question inside his head. He must be dreaming. Perhaps his brain imagined things because of the shock of seeing her dress on fire.
“I want—” She blinked. Lowered her gaze.
He stared. His mind full of possibilities. And warnings. But had she not issued an invitation? And he meant to accept it. “Carly, are you saying?—?”
“Company coming,” Father Morrison yelled. He turned and saw Carly and Sawyer together on the ground. “Aye, and is this the way you watch the fire?” He tsked. “Get up now. Make sure the fire is out while I see who has come to visit.” He tented a hand over his eyes and squinted toward the approaching buggy. “Dinnae think I know them.”
Carly and Sawyer struggled to their feet. His thoughts were too tangled to make sense. He’d been about to ask her the most important question he could think of. Did she have a fondness for him? Was she wanting to change the agreement between them? Now, his questions would have to wait until the company had been dealt with.
He helped Carly dust herself off.
“How bad is it?” She peered around, trying to see how much damage had been done to her dress.
“Just the hem. Thank the good Lord above.” He barely managed to stifle a shudder. “If I hadn’t been watching....”
She touched his cheek. “But you were, and you saved me. Thank you.”
“You recognize them?” her father asked.
Carly and Sawyer both watched the approaching conveyance. A man with a woman beside him. She had an infant in her arms. A small boy peeked out between the adults.
“I don’t know them.” Carly gripped Sawyer’s hand and murmured. “I wonder what they want.” Her voice seemed strained, causing tension to knot in his neck.
Why should the approach of strangers fill him with foreboding?
Chapter 18
Carly watched the buggy approach and told herself there was no reason to be upset. The occupants were just a young family out for a drive. Perhaps they’d seen the smoke and come to investigate. Yes, that had to be it. She said so to Sawyer.
“I suppose that could be why they are coming.”
