Wagonmaster by Nita Wick Page A

perimeter. I haven’t had a chance to do it.”
    She realized he’d been driving her wagon and comforting her all day. “I’m sorry, Joshua. I didn’t mean to make things harder for you.”
    He hugged her close. “You haven’t, sweetheart. Not at all.”
    His arms felt so good, and she wanted to stay right there forever, but he pulled away too soon. She smiled up at him and tried to cover the dismay she suffered at the loss of his warmth. “I’ll fix some supper then. Will I see you later?”
    â€œI’ll be back in a couple of hours.” He leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. “Eat,” he commanded. He spun on his heel and headed toward Jimmy’s wagon.
    * * * *
    Addie heated some cider in an effort to rid herself of the chill that had seeped into her bones. She blew across the liquid and sipped. Joshua joined her, and she offered him a cup. “Have some hot cider. It’s gotten really cold out here.”
    He took the cider from her with a smile. “I think this would taste better with a shot of that whiskey.”
    She laughed. “That can be arranged. Why don’t we drink this in the wagon and get out of this frigid wind.” Not waiting for his reply, she grabbed her cup and the kettle with the cider and climbed the steps into the wagon. She set the kettle down and felt for the matches to light the lamp. Though very dark inside the wagon, light flared as she struck a match. She turned and found him watching her.
    â€œWhat did you have for supper?”
    Addie almost groaned. “I…just a few moments after you left, Mr. Evans came to tell me that his daughter was ill. I made her medicine and went to their wagon.” Joshua frowned at her. The muscles worked in his jaw. Was he angry with her, or was he just worried about the Evans girl? “She’s very sick, but she’s young and strong. And we’ve begun the treatment early. I’m sure she’ll be fine, but I used the last of my honey. I hope no one else gets sick. I’m not sure I’ll be able to treat them effectively.”
    He shook his head. “What did you eat, Addie?”
    She sighed. “Peaches. When I left the Evans family, I was too fatigued to cook, so I just ate some canned peaches.”
    â€œAddie! You can’t even remember the last meal you had. You’re goin’ to get sick.” He grabbed her shoulders and gave her a little shake. “You’ve got to eat!”
    â€œI did!” She rushed on as he narrowed his eyes and clenched his jaw again. “I really wasn’t hungry, but I forced myself to eat the peaches. I’ll eat a big breakfast in the morning.”
    â€œYes, you will. I’ll be here in the mornin’ to see that you do.” He released her and rested his hands on his hips.
    She nodded and smiled. He’d be here in the morning. He planned to stay the night with her. She couldn’t stop herself. She stepped close to him and stood on her toes to give him a kiss. His arms encircled her, and he returned her kiss with a groan. He held her close, his kiss hungry and passionate.
    Addie melted. His hands roamed across her hips and bottom. He broke the kiss, resting his forehead against hers, his breathing as unsteady as hers too. Her voice came out in husky whisper. “I’ll get the whiskey.”
    Joshua stepped away from her. “No. I’d better go.”
    â€œGo?” His words hit her like a splash of cold water. “But I thought…?”
    His hand stroked her hair. “You need to rest, sweetheart.”
    Disappointment washed through her, but she tried to make light of it. “Are you saying you’d rather sleep with Jimmy?”
    He laughed and pulled her to him for a quick hug. He smiled, but his words held a worried tone. “Darlin’, you’re pale.” His thumbs stroked her cheekbones. “And you’ve got circles under your