Rogue's Revenge - By Gail MacMillan Page 0,53
of, at the very least, forcible detainment by bringing me on this trip.”
“I know Jack’s fondest dream was that his Chance stay in his family. I’m not about to let that possibility die.”
“Gramps told you that? Why didn’t he tell me?”
“He wanted you to make your decision of your own free will, not out of a sense of obligation.”
“So why did you decide to tell me now?”
“You were willing to risk your life for that fawn. I don’t need any further proof of your ability to care about what mattered to Jack. Now.” He stood. “I’m going to get dressed in dry clothes here, where it’s warm by the fire. Do you want to start setting up the tent? I’m sure Jack must have taught you how to do it. I don’t plan to portage around these rapids until tomorrow.”
“Portage?” Looking at the roiling water of the river below, she knew he was right. There was no possibility of passing through that section by canoe.
“Yes. You remember what that word means?”
“Of course I do…” He’d dropped his sleeping bag shroud. “Oh, for heaven’s sake! Have a little modesty. And just for the book, you won’t gain any points from being naked in front of me.”
She swung away but not before she’d had a glimpse of broad shoulders, narrow hips, muscular thighs, and more. Wow! she thought as she struggled to set up the tent. Heath Oakes, you’re definitely a three-alarm wow.
Chapter Ten
Sometime during the night, Allison awoke to the sensation of sharp cold on her face and the sound of something that sounded like pebbles hitting the canvas beside her.
“Snow.” Heath’s voice in the darkness answered her unvoiced question.
“What?!”
“Snow. A squall, not all that uncommon at this time of year. You’d know that if you’d ever visited the Chance in early May.”
“Can’t you ever give the guilt thing a rest? Lord, it’s freezing!”
She heard him move. A moment later he was beside her.
“Come here.” A zipper slithered.
“What?”
“Get inside with me.” He drew her, sleeping bag and all, into his.
“Just a minute, mister…”
“What do you think I’m capable of doing with you swathed inside two layers of Thinsulate?”
“I…nothing…I don’t know.” The chuckle deep in his chest made her realize the foolishness of her protest.
“Warmer?”
“I suppose.” She tried to sound indignant, but the sensations his warm, amazing body were producing tempered her attempt.
“Sleep.” His lips brushed her temple, the word erotic in her ear. “And feel safe.” He adjusted her vest pillow into a more comfortable position, pulled part of her sleeping bag into a hood about her head, then, with a sigh, settled once more for the night. As his regular breathing told Allison he slept, she suppressed the urge to reach out and run her fingers up that strong, clean-shaven jaw and into his soft golden-brown hair.
She’d never have been able to spend a platonic night with Paul. She remembered the unpleasant drive to the country club dance in the rain and Paul’s unwelcome attempt at lovemaking that had caused the accident.
Lying in Heath Oakes’ arms, she felt safe and secure. As she drifted off to sleep, a small, soft melody began to drift into her heart…
****
She awoke to a shock of chill air as Heath pulled away from her and arose. Sunlight peeked into their canvas shelter.
“Six o’clock.” He pulled clean woolen socks from his packsack and sat down to replace the ones he’d slept in. “Rise and shine. I want you to see this morning before the sun melts the snow. It’ll knock your socks off.”
“I hope you’re speaking figuratively.” She climbed out of her sleeping bag and stretched. “Otherwise it could make for icy toes.”
“Come on, come on!” He was lacing up his boots. “The snow won’t last long in the sun.”
He waited as she changed socks and laced on hiking boots. As she was pulling on her jacket, he caught her by the hand and drew her out into the dazzling day.
For a few seconds its brilliance blinded her, but as she became able to focus, a sigh of pure wonder escaped her lips. Virgin white covered grass, trees, and river shore, a pristine icing that sparkled with thousands of snow diamonds over layers of greenery glinting in the first golden rays of the sun. The panorama reminded Allison of a lady in a jade frock overlaid with jeweled lace. Except for the river thundering past, the wilderness seemed locked in a moment of absolute peace.
“It’s fantastic!” she breathed.
“Wait. There’s more.” He took her hand and,