Page 61 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
He picked several berries and handed them to her. “Thimbleberries.”
“I’ve never seen these before. Well, not that I recall.” She popped one into her mouth and sucked it.
He watched her, his eyes dark and...
She shifted her gaze past him at the claiming look in his eyes that made her wish for things that were impossible at the moment. “Delicious. Both sweet and tart.”
For a few minutes, they picked and ate berries.
The breeze rustled the leaves, the river gurgled behind them, and bird song rang through the air. Again, peace filled her.
Ahead, a crow squawked as it tried to pull something from among the rocks. They laughed at his antics. He heard them and abandoned his task.
“Let’s see what he was after,” Jesse said.
At the spot, they discovered a red ribbon stuck among the stones.
“I heard they liked bright things,” Jesse said as he yanked it free. “Someone lost a hair ribbon.” He handed it to her.
“It’s past saving,” she said. She fingered the ribbon. Why did it tug at her memory? Like so many times, she’d recalled a feeling but not an event. She tossed the ribbon aside in disgust but didn’t know if it was frustration from something in the past or because of her inability to remember. Perhaps it was both.
Jesse had not noticed her momentary lapse and reached for her hand, and they walked along the edge of the river.
She gladly pushed aside the feelings stirred by the hair ribbon. Today was for making better memories than the ones that half surfaced from her past.
He jumped down a three-foot step and reached up to help her. The rocks were uneven, their surfaces smooth. Her foot slipped, and she fell into his arms.
Air whooshed from his lungs, and he staggered back.
She gasped as she saw the ground disappear behind him. They were about to tumble off the rocks into the rushing water. She tried to right herself but could find no footing and closed her eyes, waiting for the thud.
He scrambled, fighting to get control before they went over the edge.
Just when she knew there was no way of preventing the fall, he jerked forward. They teetered on the rocks. She kept her arms about his waist and backed away until they reached the safety of the tree line. Her knees weakened, and she leaned against the solidness of a trunk.
He rested his elbows on either side of her head and his forehead against hers. “That was too close for comfort.”
“I thought we were going over. I don’t know how you managed to stop it.”
“I prayed. There’s no other explanation.” His breathing was still ragged.
She tightened her arms about his waist. “You’re shaking.”
“Maybe because I’m shaken.”
She laughed at his play on words, but the sound ended on a moan.
“We’re both safe. That’s all that matters.” He caught her chin with his finger and tipped her face toward his. “I couldn’t bear the thought of you being hurt.” His gaze went to her lips.
She saw his intention of kissing her, knew this time she wasn’t mistaken, and leaned forward.
He caught her mouth with his damp, cool lips. She closed her eyes and lost track of everything but the sweetness of the moment. He was so lean and strong. His shirt was warm. How had her hands moved from his waist to pressing on his back?
He eased away. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not.”
He grinned. “Truthfully, I’m not either. Whatever happens, we’ll have this afternoon to remember.”
