Page 21 of Redeeming the Outlaw
“I don’t know what Brodie has planned. I may have to go to town.”
“Ma says you spend a lot of time in town.”
Whit pushed her away from him so he could look at her face. “What are you saying?”
“I’ve not had any news about my family. I don’t understand why you’ve not taken me back to town yet.”
“Sweetheart, we’ve not been in Flat River. We have been avoiding it at all costs.”
“Then where are we?”
“I can’t tell you.”
Esther rolled on her back, taking up most of the room in the small tent. “You can’t tell me a lot of things.”
“I can tell you I want to talk to your father when we get home.”
Esther snorted. “I highly doubt Papa would even let you near the sanctuary, let alone entertain any discussion about me when we get home.”
“Keep your voice down. If they hear us, then we’ll be in trouble.” Whit felt his chest tighten at Esther’s words. He knew she was right. Convincing the Reverend to approve of him would be no easy feat. Then again, Briggs didn’t think Whit could become part of the Richards gang, and here he was.
“I know it won’t be easy. I aim to prove myself to him, to show I can provide and care for you properly.”
Esther sat up, her eyes searching Whit’s face. “Why are you so set on gaining my father’s approval? I’m grateful, truly, but...” Her voice trailed off.
Whit took her hand in his. “Because you deserve nothing less,” he said earnestly. “When two folks care for each other like we do, it’s only right to make it proper. You care for me, don’t you, Esther?”
Esther’s eyes misted over. No one had ever spoken so sincerely about building a future with her before. “Of course I do, Whit.”
“Then you’ll trust me when I say things aren’t always how they appear.”
“I guess...”
Whit gently ran his fingers through her silky hair, then firmly grasped it and pulled her closer to him. He pressed his lips against hers with urgency, deepening the kiss with each passing moment. When he pulled away, she was breathless.
“I hope all those guesses have gone right out of your head.”
Her gaze shifted upwards toward the top of the tent, her lips curling slightly in a smirk. “Not a thought in there, save one.”
“What thought is that?”
“I need you to kiss me again before you leave.”
Whit grinned as he pushed her hair back from her face. “I can do better than that.” He kissed her forehead, then eyes. “I’ll kiss you now.” He moved to the tip of her nose. “Then again, before I leave.” His lips captured hers once more. He felt her shift so her hand could reach up and cup his cheek.
There were so many layers of blankets, her paletot and his long duster, plus all their clothing between them. He growled at the thought of tossing them all aside, but he had to remember she wasn’t his wife.They were just pretending.
He broke the kiss. Her eyes were wide and soft as he traced her swollen lips with the back of his thumb.
“Why did you stop?”
“Sweetheart, I didn’t want to, but one of us has to keep our wits about us.” He gently pushed her away and sat up on their makeshift bed, his eyes full of worry. “We can’t give in to our desires. I made a promise to protect you, and it includes your virtue. What kind of man would I be if I let anything happen to you?”
Then she remembered the letter...
“Whit, I need to tell you something.”
“What is it?”
