Page 409 of Conveniently Wed
His eyes changed from blue-gray to almost black. She had noticed that look in many a man as they stared at her. Didn’tmatter where she went or what she wore, the message was always the same. A ripple of fear sliced through and her stomach lurched. Daniel had no doubt been smarter and hadn’t forced a meal before the lion’s den.
“You two go sit in the parlor,” Delilah said, waving her hand. “Abe can help me with the cleanup.”
Josiah rose and extended his hand. “Shall we?”
Katie placed her hand in his and shivered against her will. They walked into the adjoining room, then sat on the settee in front of a roaring fire. He never let go of her hand. His eyes held her like a soft caress. She tried to hold his gaze but could not, instead turning toward the fire. His intensity unnerved her.
He began a gentle rub on the inside of her wrist with his thumb. Like the crackle and pop of the fire, her insides jumped. Even this simple touch unsettled her. She longed to give him something, anything, in return for all he had given her family, yet she couldn’t find the courage to even look at him.
“Tell me?” she asked, pulling her hand free and turning to him.
“What?”
“How it is that we’re practically strangers, yet you’re so comfortable with me, as if you’ve known me for years?”
A long moment of silence followed as he studied her. His eyes didn’t reveal his thoughts. “The war taught me to redeem the precious gift of time. Do I take from your question that you’re not comfortable?”
“Do you realize you half answer my questions, then throw one back? Just like when I asked you why you wanted to marry me when you could have chosen anyone. You never did answer.”
“Though you’re very perceptive and intelligent, you may not be ready for the answer. How about we revisit both those questions when you can hold my hand without pulling free? Orallow me to kiss you without…” He leaned in close and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
The heat of his breath fanned her cheeks as he bent his head. His nearness was overwhelming, and she squeezed her eyes shut. The minute his lips touched hers, a memory surged with a shudder. Other lips had pressed hers, forcing, smothering her breath.
She popped her eyes open to push the images away.
He pulled back, a sadness cloaking his eyes. “Without shaking.”
“I’m sorry. I—” She struggled for presence of mind, struggled to pull herself from the grip of that haunting memory.
His mouth formed a sad smile. “Don’t worry, sweet one. I was doing that to prove a point.” He straightened. “How about we start with friendship? You tell me three things you like and three things you dislike, as long as none of them are me.” His chuckle sounded forced, and his eyes held a guarded look she couldn’t read.
“Then,” he added, “I’ll do the same.”
Friendship. Surely, she could manage that. “I love horses?—”
“Nope, I already know that.” He shifted to the other side of the settee, putting lots of room between them, then turned her way.
“All right then. I love all animals. The deer in the forest, my old cat you let me bring along, and everything in between. Except the skunk. I see no good reason for an animal that can make me stink to high heavens.”
“This one I have to hear.”
“You want the stories too?”
“Most definitely, Kat. Most definitely.”
To Katie’s surprise, their conversation flowed easily after that. She was surprised when he stood. One look at the dyingembers in the fireplace showed how much time had passed, time during which she had fully relaxed.
He stretched. “As much as I’ve enjoyed this evening, sunrise comes mighty early. I’ll be putting in a long day tomorrow. Your pa and I are going to plow the back field and get it ready for winter’s fallow. Good night. Sweet dreams.” He stepped near, but only dropped a light kiss on her forehead. “Most likely, I won’t see you until the evening meal.” He turned and walked away.
Katie sat without moving.God help me, help me fulfill my duty.
The embers died, and the room took on a chill. Yet still, she sat.
12
Josiah looked across the drawing room at his bride, who stood beside the fireplace pretending to warm her hands in a very warm room, rather than get too close to him. It was how every evening started until he waved her closer.
Their time together over the past few weeks had confirmed how interesting and intelligent she was. He made himself be patient, but the discipline was tougher than he imagined. The more time he spent with her, the deeper he fell. When she let herself relax, she would banter and challenge his opinions, depending on the subject. They were forming an actual friendship.
