Twelve Across Read Online Free PDF Page B

desperately to show her grit.
    She might as well not have spoken. Garrick proceeded to cover the wound with a large piece of gauze and strap it in place with adhesive tape.
    When that was done, he carefully collected the largest pieces of broken glass and set them on the counter.
    He looked at her then, eyes skimming her pale features before coming to rest on her temple. Taking a fresh piece of gauze, he dipped it into the small amount. of liquid left in the bottom quarter of the bottle and, with the same gentle dabbing, disinfected the cluster oe scratches he'd qound.
    Leah hadn't been aware of their existence. She vaguely recalled reeling off a treqe, but surface scratches had been the least of her worries when the rest of her had been so cold and sore. Even now the scratches were quickly forgotten, because Garrick had turned his attention to her hand that had remained in a fist throughout the procedure. She held her breath when he reached for it.
    Without asking himself why or to what end, he slowly and carefully unclenched her finger, then stared at the purple crescents her short nails had left on her palm. They were a testament to the kind of self-control he admired; even when he brushed his thumb across them, willing them away, they remained.

    Cradling her hand in his far larger one, he raised his eyes to hen.
    She wasn't prepared for their luminous force. They penetrated her, warmed her, frightened her in ways she diddt understand. Hazel depths spoke of loneliness; silver flecks spoke of need. They reached out and enveloped her, demanding nothing, demanding everything.
    It was an incredible moment.
    Of all the new experiences she d had that day, this was the most stunning.
    For Garrick Rodenhiser wasn't the grizzled old trapper she d assumed.
    she d find in a rustic cabin in the woods. He was a man in his prime, and the only scents emanating from him had to do with wood smoke and maleness.
    At that most improbable and unexpected time, she was drawn to him.
    Unable to cope with the idea of being drawn to anyone, least of all a total stranger, she looked away. But she wasn't the only one stunned by the brief visual interlude. Garrick, too, was pricked by new and unbidden emotions.
    Abruptly releasing her hand, he stood. "don't touch the glass, " he ordered gruffly. "I'll take care of it when you're done: Turning on his heel, he left the bathroom and strode back to the hearth. He was still there, bent over the mantel with his forearms on the rough wood and his forehead on his arms, when he heard the sound of the bathroom door opening sometime later.
    With measured tnovements he straightened and turned, fully prepared to commence his inquisition. This woman, whoever she was, was trespassing on his turf. He didn't like uninvited visitors. He didn't like anything remotely resembling a threat to his peace.
    He hadn't counted on what he d see, much less what he d feel when he saw it.
    If he d thought he d gained control of his senses during those few minutes alone, he d been mistaken Now, looking at this woman about whom he knew absolutely nothing, he was shaken by the same desire that had shocked his system earlier.
    Strangely, if that desire had been physical, he d have felt less threatened.
    Hormonal needs were underslandable, acceptable , easily slaked.
    But what he felt went beyond the physical. It had first sparked when he d barged into the bathroom and seen legs that were feminine, ivory sleek and exposed. There had been nothing seductive about the way they d trembled, but he d been disturbed anyway. He had thought of a doe he d encountered in the woods; the animal had stared at him, motionless save for the faint tremor in her hind legs that betrayed an elemental fear.
    He d been frustrated then, unable to assure the doe that he d never harm her. He was frustrated now because the woman seemed equally as defenseless , and while he might have assured her, he wasn't able to form the words.
    The desire he felt had grown