“I can’t climb out of the window,” she said softly, clasping his arm. “Maverick, I’m still dizzy. I’ll need your help.”
Inwardly, he groaned. He wouldn’t be much help at all. “Well, I’m not leaving you here. I’ll carry you if I have to.”
Her expression softened, and she smiled. “Thank you for caring about me.”
Oh, heavens! He’d do anything for her when she looked at him that way. Even in the shadows that were starting to fill the room, he could see the sparkle in her eyes. “Thank you for caring about me – even though you have every right to hate me after what I did this morning.”
Her chuckle was quieter this time. “Was it only this morning? So much has happened since I stepped off that stagecoach.”
“Indeed, it has.” He took her hand, lifted her knuckles to his mouth, and kissed her skin. “You don’t still hate me, do you?”
“How could I hate you now?”
He shrugged. “You could, but I’m glad you don’t. It would make rescuing you that much more difficult.”
She laughed a little louder and leaned against him. “I’m surprised that you can make me laugh at a time like this.”
“We have got to think positive. Once we lose hope, then we give up. I’m not ready to give up.”
“Me, either.”
“Maybe for now,” he told her, scooting closer as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, “let’s just rest so that our bodies can recuperate. First thing in the morning, we’ll feel better. Besides that,” he motioned his head toward the door to the other room, “most of them have been drinking. I’m sure they won’t be too eager to start the day first thing in the morning.”
“I pray you’re right.”
“You forget, they were beating me in that room, and most all of them smelled like Fred.”
She frowned and touched his cheek gently. “How could I forget when I see the damage on your face every time I look at you.”
She was doing it to him again – making him want to gaze into her eyes and never look away. Another thing he realized was that he found himself sighing around her more. Cupid must have shot an arrow at him because Maverick was mesmerized.
“Perhaps you should kiss my injuries. Ma always said that they would heal quicker that way.”
She grinned. “It’s tempting, believe me, but I don’t think this is the time or place for that.”
“Just as long as you agree to kiss my injuries when we are out of this mess.”
“Of course, I will.”
Releasing a heavy sigh, he shifted and lay his head on her lap again. This position had been a nice thing to wake up to. When her fingers caressed through his hair, he closed his eyes, smiling. It had been too long since he’d been this content. How had he gotten so lucky to meet such a passionate and caring woman? Then again, for the time being, she was still considered Bryan’s property. Hopefully, Maverick would be able to change that soon.
* * * *
Hannah’s head didn’t throb as badly the next morning, and thankfully, the dizziness was gone. The sun peeking through the curtainless window was what woke her up. As her mind slowly became alert, she realized she was lying in Maverick’s arms as they both stretched out on the floor against the wall. There was no blanket to cover them, and thankfully, she didn’t need one since it was late summer, and the nights were warm, anyway.
Letting out a satisfied moan, she snuggled against him closer and stretched her arm across his middle. He didn’t move, but his deep breathing let her know he was still asleep. She lifted her head and peered into his sleeping face. He was adorable. How nice would it be to wake up next to him every morning for the rest of her life?
If only she could convince him that she would make him a good wife. And yet...
Inwardly, she sighed with defeat. She didn’t want to enter a marriage with this incredibly handsome and caring man unless she was fully honest with him. Being honest with him just might make him turn away from her.
She didn’t want to just settle on a husband. She wanted Maverick.
Please, Lord... Make him the right man for me.
Slowly, she ran her palm over his wide, and very muscular chest. How could she not feel safe with a man like this? She prayed he felt better today and had the energy to break them out of this place. Now that her dizziness was gone, she had the strength to help him.
As she stared at his chest, a grin tugged on her mouth. He was one fine man. Out of all the things that had happened to her in her life, meeting him had been the beginning of something better. Wasn’t it time that she found a man who could make her happy and love her completely? Of course, right now, they were both in the infatuation stages, but it would eventually turn to love. How could it not?
“Do you like what you see, Hannah?”
Maverick’s deep voice started her, and she gasped as her gaze flew to his opened eyes. “How long... I mean, when did you wake up?”
His chest shook with a silent laugh. “I’ve been watching you for a few moments as you study my chest, my sweet.”
Hannah’s face grew hot, and she jerked her hand away from his chest. He snatched it, stopping its progress, before placing it back on his chest.
“Did I say I wanted you to move your hand?” His grin widened. “I love your touch. It’s a refreshing feeling to wake up to a beautiful woman caressing my chest.”
If her face flamed any hotter, she’d combust, she was certain. “How are you feeling this morning?”
“Well, currently – because of how
