Wagonmaster Read Online Free PDF Page B

“But if you don’t need it, I’d be glad to pay you for it.”
    â€œI don’t think so. The others really would wonder if I’d lied about you being my wife if they knew I was charging you for meat. Let’s not give them any more reason to call me a liar.”
    She frowned. “I’m sorry, Reynolds. I really do appreciate your help in getting to Baker City. I don’t think I ever really thanked you.”
    â€œThere’s no need to thank me. You’ve pulled your own weight so far. You give me less trouble than any of the rest of them. Oh, by the way, they asked me to talk to you about the pace you’ve set.”
    â€œThe pace?” Her face paled, and her lips thinned, a stricken expression replacing the frown. “Reynolds, I don’t think…I mean, I’ll try, but….” She swallowed hard. Was she about to cry? She finished in a whisper. “I’m not sure I can go any faster.”
    He laughed. “Not faster darlin’. They want you to slow down.”
    The distress marring her features disappeared, and her face lit up. She looked as if she’d just been pardoned from a death sentence. “Oh! Thank goodness! Well, yes. Yes, of course. I would be happy to slow the pace. I wish they’d said something sooner.”
    â€œDon’t slow down too much. But you don’t need to push yourself so hard. All right?”
    She nodded. “All right.”
    Josh let his gaze drift over her and beyond, searching the camp, checking the other wagons. Families finished their evening chores or sat together peacefully under the dusky sky. Darkness arrived earlier now that September was here. To his surprise, everywhere he looked, people watched Addie and him.
    â€œI suppose I should put this steak away and turn in early. Thanks again, Reynolds. Good-night.”
    He grabbed her elbow. Though she said nothing, the question in her eyes was as clear as if she’d spoken aloud. He answered her quietly. “I think you’re right, darlin’.”
    â€œAbout what?” She held the package of steak pressed against her belly. She appeared to be a fragile little thing, but he knew better now.
    â€œAbout making them believe we’re really married. We should spend a little more time together.” He grasped her shoulders and stepped closer, unable to hold back a grin. “We should act more like newlyweds.”
    Her eyes widened. “But, I thought you said—?”
    Josh chuckled. “You know, it’s not every day I admit I was wrong. You’d best count yourself lucky and stop arguing.”
    She laughed, a soft and feminine sound that tugged at his senses.
    â€œThey’re all watching us, you know,” he warned.
    â€œWhat?”
    He anticipated her intentions and brought his palm up from her shoulder to cradle her cheek. The move prevented her from looking around them. “No, don’t look. Let them watch.” He brushed his lips across her cheek and whispered in her ear. “I’m goin’ to kiss you. Then you get in your wagon. I’ll follow and stay till it’s completely dark.”
    Her breath caught, and a delightful blush stained her cheeks. “They’ll think you’ve spent the night with me.”
    â€œJust as a husband would.” He placed a chaste kiss on her sweet lips and released her face. She looked away quickly, but not before he caught the disappointment in her eyes. She’d expected a kiss like the one last night. And damn if he hadn’t wanted the same thing.
    Reluctantly, she turned and walked to her wagon. He followed a few paces behind her, unable to keep his eyes off the gentle sway of her hips. She climbed the wooden steps braced on the end and disappeared into the wagon. He paused long enough to scan the camp and the other wagons. Everything was as it should be. Mr. Adams still watched. Josh smiled, tipped his hat, and turned to climb into