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“And if he says no? Then what?”
“That’s something I’ve been asking myself.” And she still had no answers. All she knew was she didn’t wish to return to New York. By staying in New Orleans, she could continue to aid the freedmen, and although her stay these past few weeks had been challenging, being on her own allowed her to test the waters of independence. The plan to marry Cole would offer her a modicum of freedom from society’s expectations as well, but would it be enough? Or would she spend the rest of her life haunted by what she might have accomplished had she chosen to remain unmarried or courted by Drake? a tiny voice whispered.
Julianna’s voice was sympathetic. “Life can be trying. If I can help in any way, let me know.”
“I will. Thank you.”
Outside, she met Drake who stood waiting beside his large mahogany stallion. “Does the stallion have a name?” she asked.
“Havana. Rai purchased him there as a colt for my birthday, a few years ago.” He patted the horse affectionately and asked her, “Are you ready?”
She nodded. Before she could blink, he lifted her and set her sideways on the horse’s back, then mounted behind her. The heat of his big body made it difficult to breathe.
“Problem,cheri?”
“I’d rather walk beside you.”
“Rai and Sable live almost two miles down the road. I want to get there before tomorrow.”
“I think your pirate blood is taking advantage of the situation.”
“No pirate worth his salt would let a beautiful woman ride on a horse’s rump. Your bruise is better.”
The abrupt subject change threw her. She brought her hand up to the spot on her cheek. “Your mother gave me something to help with the healing.”
“Is it still tender?”
“A bit.” The thought came to her that no man had the right to be so handsome, observant, or have the ability to charm her so effortlessly. Yet, here he was.
“Lean back, so we can go. I’ll be on my best behavior.”
Every inch of her longed to experience his nearness, if only for the short two-mile ride, and in the end, the longing won out. She leaned against his strong chest and prayed her clothing didn’t catch fire as he urged Havana forward.
“Comfortable?” he asked while keeping the stallion to a walk.
Val looked up. “I thought you wanted to get there in a timely manner?”
“I do, but I also want to enjoy your company.”
His overpowering nearness and clean male smell played havoc with her senses, making her vividly aware of him from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. To distract herself, she tried picking out landmarks in case she needed to make the trip to Sable’s alone someday, but all she could focus on was the measured pace of the horse and the brick-hard chest of the man sheltering her so protectively. “I received a wire from Cole yesterday. His ship’s docked in Maryland. He’s back early and should be in New Orleans in a few days.”
“I’m assuming that wasn’t why you had the bad dream.” He looked down, and gave her that smile, and she couldn’t respond any other way except in kind.
“It was not.”
“Good. I don’t need more reasons to run him off.”
“Promise me you’ll be respectful when you meet him.”
“I’m a pirate. We lie.”
“Drake?” She punched his arm playfully.
“Ow! Just being truthful. Pirates can be bribed however.”
“I’m not letting you kiss me.”
“That isn’t what I meant, but good to know you have kissing me on your mind.”
