Wolf Shadow’s Promise by Karen Kay Page A

much to her chagrin.
    The flirt. He knew the effect he was having on her, seemed to relish in it.
    â€œHmmm. Feels good, this water,” he called to her again. “Are you certain you will not join me?”
    â€œI am going to the house. I will come back here later and check on you.”
    â€œWhat? And leave me here by myself?”
    â€œYes, and leave you here by yourself.”
    â€œBut what will you do if I fall? What if I need you to help me return to the cave?”
    â€œYou should have thought of that before you came here.”
    â€œBut I am thinking of it now. Can you really consider leaving me?”
    â€œVery easily.”
    A long silence befell them, and suddenly he was in front of her, dripping water all over her, with no more than a cloth covering his unmentionable parts. She stared up at him, shivers running up and down her spine. And it wasn’t from the cold: she didn’t need to be told twice how this man would look without that tiny bit of cloth covering him.
    He said, “If you are not going to take advantage of the water, then I will dress and follow you back through the caves. But I think you are unwise to leave the bath, and me ready to attend your every—”
    â€œEnough. Do you hear me? You have done nothing these past few days but bait me. And what do you mean, coming here in front of me with so little clothing on?”
    â€œI am covering myself properly.”
    â€œYou call that proper? Do you think I don’t know what you look like without that?…” She felt a deep flush creep up to her cheeks, saw a grin on his face. “How much of this do you think I can stand?”
    â€œI do not know. A little too much in my opinion.”
    â€œI am a friend. I am trying to help you. There is nothing more to it than that. This constant flirting with me must stop. Do you understand?”
    â€œMe?” His look was comically innocent. “Flirting? What does this word mean?”
    She frowned at him. He knew exactly what it meant. “You are impossible.”
    â€œAnd yet I have only your good at heart.”
    â€œHumph. I’m not so certain of that either.”
    He smiled at her before, looking away, he suddenly frowned. “I think I am well enough to use some of my day in exercise.” He stole a glimpse toward the falls. “Have you heard anything about any more whiskey schooners going north?”
    â€œI…I haven’t asked.”
    He sent her a hard look. “Would you…ask? I would know what is planned.”
    â€œWhy? You are not well enough to do anything about it.”
    â€œI do not agree. Look you here to me. I am practically recovered.”
    â€œSo much so that you have needed my help to get to your bath?”
    He smirked. “That is different.”
    â€œI hardly think so.”
    He came down onto his knees before her, his dark eyes staring into hers, his look completely serious. “Would you please find out what you can? That is one thing I cannot do on my own. I cannot yet move about the fort with ease.”
    â€œAnd you are in no shape to stop any of the wagons, even if there were any.”
    â€œStill,” he persisted, “I must know.”
    She hesitated, even while his dark eyes pleaded with her. Though she knew she might come to regret it, she found herself saying, “Very well, I will do it, this once, but only after you are fully recovered. Do you understand?”
    He grinned. “And will you help me to recover?”
    â€œYes, I will try.”
    â€œ Aa , it is good.” He lifted one eyebrow. “And how will you help me, do you think? I have many ideas…”
    She rolled her eyes heavenward.
    Â 
    â€œWhy, Miss Clayton, it’s good to see you here in town.”
    Alys turned around quickly, her auburn-brown curls falling around her face with the movement. And though her corn-colored silk parasol and her muslin cap should have hidden her