Perhaps she’d ask Becky about his accident in the morning. It would be far easier than making him have to relive it. Once had been enough.
He let out a soft snore, and she smiled as she pulled off his other boot and tossed it to the floor. Again, she was struck by the sheer perfection of his foot. He was beautiful all over, she admitted, her gaze roaming hungrily over his features, glad for this opportunity to look her fill.
His lashes were as long and lush as a girl’s, and he looked much younger in repose. She eyed the empty pillow beside him with envy. What she wouldn’t give to have the right to lie beside him every night. She’d like to be able to rub his leg every time it pained him.
With a sigh, she ceased her loving ministrations and slipped off the bed. She’d gotten closer to him tonight than she’d ever imagined and, though it was far from her goal, she felt she’d taken a step in the right direction.
* * * * *
THE NEXT MORNING, LUKEmade the practical decision to leave his boot off all day to allow himself time to heal. It wasn’t easy for him to face Sarah and his family without it, but last night had gone a long way toward making him more comfortable with the loss of his foot.
“It’s part of you,” Sarah had said, and for the first time, he was able to accept the truth of her words. For better or worse, this was what he had become. It was far past time to deal with it.
Everyone had already gathered in the dining room by the time he limped in with the aid of his crutch. For a moment there was silence, and then Sarah came to his side. “How are you feeling this morning?”
He stared into her beautiful eyes, and the memory of her sweet touch passed between them. “Much better,” he told her. “Thanks to you.”
She flushed and turned away, gesturing to the buffet, where a lavish breakfast was spread. “Help yourself. The rest of us have already started.”
He nodded and took a plate, filling it with scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, and ham. He was pleased that he was able to do so with relative ease, despite the encumbrance of only being able to use one hand, since he had to hold on to his crutch with the other.
Sarah watched him anxiously, but she didn’t attempt to help him, and he made it to his chair at the head of the table without incident. When he was seated, he met Matt’s amused gaze. “Still here?”
Matt grinned. “As a matter of fact, despite the gracious hospitality we’ve received since we arrived, Becky and I have decided to return to Denver today.”
Luke didn’t bother to hide his relief. He still loved his brother and sister-in-law, but he was glad to get rid of them. He wanted some time alone with Sarah. The last thing he needed was to have Matthew looking over his shoulder, offering friendly advice on how to court a woman.
Becky cleared her throat. When he met her dark gaze, he saw her amusement. The little minx was obviously quite pleased that her scheme to get him a wife was working so well.
“Matt and I are going to be really busy this month. In fact, I doubt we’ll see you again until the end of the month.” She smiled and glanced over at Sarah. “But if you need us for anything before then, just send word.”
Luke let his gaze settle on Sarah. “Thanks, Becky. But I think I have everything I need right here.”
