Page 20 of A Whiskey River Princess

Her eyebrows rose almost into her hairline. “You don’t sprinkle it on sandwiches?”

He shook his head. “Not that much.”

She let out a deep breath as she looked down. “I guess I have a lot to learn about cooking… and cleaning… and living in the west….”

Dirk sat kitty corner from her and squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry. You’ll learn.”

She nodded, feeling a bit better. “Will you teach me?”

“Yes, of course.”

Smiling, Gabriella reached for a sandwich, but Dirk placed his hand over hers, stopping her. “Why don’t you let me show you how to make sandwiches?”

She let out a deep breath. “You must think I’m pretty helpless.”

Dirk smiled as he shook his head. “No, not at all. Just in need of a little… guidance.”

Gabriella laughed at his word choice. “So, do you feel better, or do you need another glass of water?”

Dirk laughed. “I’m feeling better, but more water is good, too.” He took her hand and she rose to her feet. “Let me show you how to make sandwiches. And after we eat, I’ll show you how to clean a stove.”

Gabriella nodded, smiling. She loved working beside Dirk. He was so patient and kind. A pang of guilt filled her chest for her behavior earlier. She should be more appreciative of having literally fallen on his doorstep and not someone else’s.

And she loved the cabin, too. It was quaint, rustic, and beautiful, but it could definitely use a woman’s touch. Maybe a tablecloth with little flowers would brighten the place and make it seem a little more welcoming. Or maybe some elegant décor….

But she quickly pushed the thought aside, knowing that she wouldn’t be there long enough to make those changes. A pang of guild gripped her heart.

Dirk set the last of the sandwiches on the plate, and then looked up and smiled. His brown eyes melted hers without realizing it. He appeared to be looking into her soul, trying to figure her out. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” she lied, her heart beating faster at his nearness.

No man had ever caused a physical reaction in her like that before. He was so strong and powerful, yet gentle and protective. His light brown wavy hair just touching his collar, big brown eyes, and thick bands of muscle made him very attractive. Gabriella was surprised that a woman hadn’t already snatched him up. Suddenly, her stomach grumbled, giving her away.

Dirk laughed. “I guess your stomach disagrees. Why don’t we sit down and eat? We’ll clean up the kitchen later.”

Gabriella raised her eyes to meet his. “Okay.”

He smiled in delight as he led the way to the table and held out the chair for her to sit.

When she took the first bite, her stomach growled in appreciation. Hungry, she left all manners and grace at the door and dug in. All the excitement had left her hungrier than she thought.

“Hungry?” Dirk asked, amused as he poured himself another cup of coffee and sat down in a chair kitty corner from her.

She nodded, taking another bite. “I’m sorry for my manners, but this is delicious.”

“There’s no need to apologize,” he whispered as he placed his hand innocently over hers.

Gabriella looked down at his hand. “When do you think the pass might open up?”

Dirk pulled his hand back inconspicuously and clutched his coffee cup. “In a few weeks. Maybe longer.”

Gabriella nodded as she turned her attention to her sandwich. She couldn’t let herself get attached to this man. After all, she would be leaving soon. He had his life, and she had hers. Their worlds were very different, and they probably wouldn’t have met if she hadn’t landed on his doorstep.

“So, you like to read?” Dirk asked, interrupting her thoughts as he set his cup back down.

She nodded as she took another bite of her sandwich and swallowed, remembering his book collection. The titles were impressive. “I love reading, journeying to other worlds and faraway lands.”

He smiled. “I love to read, too.”

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