his strength, determined not to wither away because he was forced to be immobile. He was returning to his old strength, and she caressed the solid muscle of his chest and arms.
She removed his boots, then helped him stand up so she could take off his pants and long johns. She kissed the wrapping on his thigh, drew in her breath at the sight of his manliness, swollen hard, ready to fulfill a need for both of them that had been long neglected. For months she had bathed him, had been forced to look on his nakedness without emotion. At last she could allow herself to enjoy this man she loved and desired.
Luke reached over and pulled back the covers, managing to scoot himself farther onto the bed. He held open the covers, and Lettie moved in beside him, their mouths meeting in a savage, hungry kiss as Luke hovered over her then, pressing his eager hardness against her belly, his tongue exploring her mouth as he ached to explore her depths and be one with this woman he loved so, this woman another man wanted but would by God never have. He groaned with the want of her, started to maneuver himself between her legs but stiffened then with the pain of trying to support himself on his knees.
He gritted his teeth and moved away. "Damn! I'm sorry, Lettie."
Lettie leaned over him, her auburn locks tumbling over her shoulders and brushing against his broad chest. "I'll do it," she whispered, feeling wanton and daring in her aching need to feel her man inside her again. She had no idea where she got the courage, but until his leg was better, there was only one way it could be done. He had hinted at times he would like to make love this way, but she had always resisted, thinking it seemed terribly bold, maybe even sinful, even if it was with her own husband.
She moved on top of him, straddling him. He reached up and fondled her breasts, his blue eyes full of love, desire, gratefulness.
"Lettie, you're so beautiful."
She reached down and guided him into herself, gasping at the pleasure his manliness always brought her, the thrill of feeling this wondrous ecstasy again. She never dreamed such boldness could be this fulfilling, this gloriously beautiful. His strong hands moved down to grasp her thighs, moved to that part of her only Luke had touched lovingly, almost worshipfully. He toyed with that secret place that had been so long neglected, and in moments she felt the thrilling climax she had not enjoyed for months. She threw back her head and moved rhythmically then, grasping his strong arms to support herself, feeling wild and free, as though she were out on the range riding a wild stallion.
It had been a long time. Luke's life quickly spilled into her, and he grasped her breasts and groaned with the sweet release. Lettie leaned down, and they kissed hungrily.
"Thank you, Lettie," he groaned. "I never thought you'd do that. It was beautiful."
"I want to do it again," she whispered.
Luke grinned, thinking how she had been worried he might be attracted to the town whores. What she had just done was just as daring and delicious as anything any of those women could do, let alone the fact that she was so beautiful... his wife... his Lettie. He stroked her damp hair back from her face. "As soon as this leg is completely well, I'll make love to you the way a man should." He kissed her several times over, relishing the feel of her nakedness against his own.
Lettie smiled and got up to wash, thinking how Luke Fontaine had taught her to enjoy being with a man, so much so that she could do something so bold as to ride him like a wild thing. She cleaned herself and came back to bed, snuggling beside him. "I just want to feel your arms around me for a little while. It does feel good to be able to turn everything back to you, Luke. I need your strength. I never realized how much until this winter."
He kissed her hair. "I'm proud of the way you took over. I guess if you want to go out on roundup and bring Tyler, you've earned the right."
Lettie traced her fingers over his full lips. "It's just made me love the Double L even more, Luke. I understand your dreams better. They're my dreams, too. If anything ever happens to