Charlene Sands by Taming the Texan Read Free Book Online Page A

and once she managed it, he nodded in approval.
    Then he offered her his hand. His grasp was firm and tight enough to secure her but gentle, as well. She stood to face him, her head spinning for just one moment.
    He held her hand, and she didn’t dare release him for fear of losing her balance. He waited with patience for her to get her bearings, and finally the world righted itself.
    “Who would shoot a wolf and not stay to help me?”
    He cocked his head to one side and raised his brows. “Maybe they didn’t see you. Or maybe—” Then he shook his head. “Never mind. Let’s get you home.”
    He bent to pick up his shirt. She grazed over his bare muscled chest once more and took a swallow as she watched him work the buttons and put it on. She handed him his bandanna and he placed it into his back pocket.
    Midnight strolled over to him, the horse fully in step with him and his needs.
    “Ready?”
    She took in a sharp breath. “Yes.”
    He lifted her up with ease and set her onto the saddle, then in one graceful movement he mounted the gelding. She was close to him, her body pressed to his, and then his hands were on her hips, adjusting her better into the saddle.
    Once again sensations rippled through her that she had no cause feeling.
    He set his hat onto her head, protecting her from the sunshine. “I lost your hat,” she mumbled, remembering the one Sonny had given her earlier.
    “You won’t get the chance to lose this one.”
    His arms came around her as he gripped the reins and spoke to Midnight. The horse took off at a slow, even gait. “You need a rest, you let me know.”
    She nodded, swallowing past a big lump in her throat. Her head pounded now and it was a real chore sitting upright. They rode toward the ranch, and she found herself drifting off, her head falling back onto Clint’s shoulder.
    She righted herself.
    “Don’t fight it,” he whispered in her ear. “Just relax against me, Tess. Won’t be long before you’re in your own bed.”
    Drowsy and tired of the fight, Tess gave in and let her head fall onto his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her just above the waist, holding her steady, and at times she felt the brush of his arm against her breast. Even in her dazed state, she thrilled at his touch.
    When they reached the ranch, Clint set her away from him, carefully. “We’re back,” he said, his tone rigid now.
    Tess sat straighter in the saddle and thanked heaven that the low brim of Clint’s hat shadowed her eyes from the ranch hands, who gazed upon both of them with more than curious stares.
    Clint helped her down and immediately picked her up into his arms again, carrying her into the house. “Greta,” he called out. “Mrs. Hayworth is hurt. Bring some broth up to her room.”
    He climbed the stairs effortlessly and kicked open her door. Walking inside, he carried her over to the bed. When he lowered her, she gazed deep into his eyes, her heart pounding, with a thank-you ready on her lips. She cast him a small smile that he didn’t return.
    “Get some rest. Greta’ll be up soon to take care of you.”
    He turned and walked to the door, then glanced back at her, his lips cocked up partially. “You want some company in that big ole bed, you know where to find me.”
    Tess closed her eyes. She’d seen his tender side, and that had surprised her, but nothing staggered her more than the instant flash of desire his last words instilled. She could see herself lying with Clint in her bed, being taken into his arms and—oh, Lord—having him claim her.
    She stirred with the unexpected notion, wondering if she’d lost her mind completely when she’d fallen.
    The old Clint was back, arrogant and brash.
    Oddly Tess felt herself softening to him.
    Nothing frightened her more.
     
    Her body ached from the fall and she had trouble resting. Even Greta’s broth and chamomile tea didn’t help much. She couldn’t sleep, her head ached, but she lay in bed contemplating about her life