Allison’s eyes widened and she let out a tinymewl. The well-traveled and worn dirt promised a bumpy ride. Eachrut they crossed rocked the wagon inadvertently brushing George’sarousal against Allison.
George’s face burned. Perhaps the wagon ridewas a bad idea. They needed to stay hidden and there hadn’t beenmany covered wagons to choose from with friendly lookingdrivers.
“Allison,” he said, “are you all right?”
“Mmm-hmm. I’m enjoying the ride.”
George blinked, her playful commentcompletely of character. Could it be women fell prey to the sameneeds men did? He didn’t know for sure. He tucked the question awayfor later and willed his cock to behave.
“We shouldn’t do this here.” His voice had ascolding edge he hadn’t intended. It wasn’t Allison’s fault theywere both aroused. But lovemaking in the back of someone’s wagonwas a bad idea.
She rose up. “Why not?”
Her question hit him like a punch to thestomach. It didn’t hurt but the shock had him gasping for breath. Was this the shyAllison he had known on theQueen Bee?
“For one, we’re not alone,” George said.“We’ll have privacy at my brother’s. We can continue thisthen.”
“All right. But I like being on top. Let metry that again later.” Allison lay down, scooting up higher so herhead rested on his shoulder, their pelvises no longer touching.
Pulse thundering, it took several miles forGeorge to come down from his high. What would Mr. Seever think ofthis? The restrained chambermaid had propositioned him. Hehadn’t expected that in his wildest dreams. He didn’t want to thinkof his woman as a hussy. Perhaps she had just given in to herdesires.
Or was she simply too overcome with fear tothink straight? Hell, the closeness of their bodies was enough toturn his mind hazy. She wanted to forget about Coswell, forgetabout the danger.
It was the only explanation that made sense.Although if she wished to continue this at Frederick’s house, hewasn’t going to protest. Frederick hadn’t been exactly honest withhim. He’d told him women enjoyed his company. But he hadn’t toldhim they could be wild. This manhood stuff was tricky. Thankfully,he was learning quickly.
* * * *
George waved to his brother. “I hope you haveenough water for a couple weary travelers,” he teased.
Frederick stood at the well, cup in hand.He’d started growing a beard, a winter occurrence. Although heclaimed it kept him warm, George never noticed much difference.Frederick finished drinking and passed him the cup, eyeing the twoof them, Allison mostly. “This is a surprise. Are you going tointroduce me to your friend?”
George smiled. His brother definitely did notexpect he’d bring a woman home. “Frederick this is Allison. Allisonthis is my brother Frederick.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, ma’am,”Frederick said, a little too formally for George’s taste.
“Likewise. George thinks highly of you.”
George grunted and Frederick punched him inthe arm.
“It is getting late,” Frederick said. “Youare both welcome to stay for supper.”
George looped the cup on the nail pounded onthe side of the wooden well. He’d quench his thirst at the suppertable.
Frederick held the door open for them. “Wehave company, Emma,” he called in.
“Oh,” Emma said, bustling to greet them.“George is home!” Her eyes widened at Allison. “And who isthis?”
George smiled at Allison, surprised shewasn’t beet red and ready to hide under a rock. “This is my friendAllison. She works as a chambermaid on the QueenBee.”
“Oh, is that how you met?” Emma asked.
“Yes,” George replied. It wasn’t true, butthey didn’t need to know about the fire. That could remain a secretbetween him and Allison and Mrs. Brown.
“I hope you’re hungry,” Emma said. “I madefried chicken.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Allison said. “Ican’t remember the last time I’ve had fried chicken.”
“Just find yourself a seat,” Emma said.“Everything is already on the table.”
George pulled a chair back for Allison andthen sat in the chair across from her. This was the perfect spotfor the two of them to steal glances at each other.
“Is theQueen Bee infor repairs?” Frederick asked, sitting, David in his lap.
“Uh … no,” George said. “I am changing jobs.”That sounded better than saying he quit without warning.
“Oh?” Frederick asked. “And what is your newjob?”
“Pretty much the same as my old job,” Georgesaid, “except I won’t be on a steamboat. It is unloading freight ata warehouse in town.”
Emma’s eyes brightened. “That means you’ll becloser to home.”
“Yes, ma’am. I suppose it does.”
Allison silently ate her food. She spoke morewith her eyes, sending him a provocative smile.
Heat crawled up George’s neck. Had Frederickpicked up on her body language? And he knew he was returning thesteamy looks. They were so interested in each other one would haveto be blind to miss it. Thankfully neither Frederick nor Emmacommented on their table manners.
“And who is this handsome boy?” Allisonasked, grinning at David.
“That’s our son, David,” Emma said. “You’llhave to meet Katie later. She’s down for the night.”
Allison nodded. “I look forward to it.”
George tilted his head and gave Allison a questioning gaze. Sheseemed extremely interested in David. Was she just trying to bepolite or did she want a son of her own?
Frederick cleared his throat, drawing hisattention. “I have a little news. The mare could foal any daynow.”
“Oh, good. I was wondering about that. I’dlove to be here when it happens.”
Allison stared at her plate and didn’tcomment. How soon would she want to leave?
When her attention shifted back to him, hereyes held a mixture of lust and concern. It was like she waswarring with her hunger for him and her desire to keep herselfsafe. Hopefully, she’d take a riskand choose him, but he couldn’t make that decision for her.
After holding her eyes a second longer thanpolite, he cleaned his plate. He could get himself a secondhelping, but it was best if he left Allison’s company before hereally embarrassed himself. George rose from the table and turnedto Emma. “Thank you for the wonderful meal, even more delicious than usual.”
Emma smiled. “I sure hope I cook better thanwhat you get on the Queen Bee.”
“You know you do. If you worked on theQueen Bee everyone would seek employment on thesteamer.”
Frederick laughed, easing the tension presentthroughout the entire supper. “Enough to make
