Ride With Me (A Quaking Heart Novel - Book One)

  Chapter 17

  Jessica awoke with a start. The sun shone through the little kitchen window, bringing with it sweet warmth; but Jessica wasn't warmed. She should have perceived a light-heartedness this morning, since God had saved her from herself last night. But, her exhausted body reminded her that she had just fallen asleep. Plus, the extra work from the day before had left her weak and sore.

  She blinked into the light, but her mind traveled to the guest bedroom door. She touched the ribbon at the top of her nightgown and cringed inside. Even if Clint didn't remember a thing, she did. How could she face the man who had so easily caught her on fire? But, she had to check on him, and shouldn't put it off. Maybe she should eat something first. Her stomach protested that thought, so she discarded the idea. No. She needed to just get this over with.

  She straightened her back, modestly cinched up her robe, and tiptoed through Clint's bedroom door. He was sound asleep on his stomach with his head turned toward her. One leg was bent and partially hanging off the bed. The bedding had fallen to the floor. A pang of desire swamped her at the picture he made lying nearly naked like that. Before her mind wondered off on its own, she picked up the sheet and threw it back across him.

  At the touch of the cool fabric he awoke and gazed up at her with heavy lids.

  "Good morning, sunshine," she said, sounding overly cheery, even to herself.

  "Call this good?" he groused.

  With a little less exuberance she tried again. "Well, you made it through the night."

  "What happened last night?" he asked. A puzzled frown creased his brows. He shifted to his back with a groan as the sheet tangled around him.

  She tensed, expecting the worst.

  He closed his eyes, hesitating as if deep in thought. "Something happened last night. A dream maybe. No. Something else . . ."

  He hadn't said it involved her, but when he opened his eyes and inspected hers she choked in the next breath. He couldn't have remembered. Could he?

  She cleared her throat. "Are you hungry? Would you like some breakfast? " With feigned nonchalance she leaned over him, touching his forehead for fever.

  Only inches away now, he seemed to be studying her, his brow scrunched in contemplation.

  She raised her brows in question.

  "What happened to you? Your chin is raw." Worry etched his face now, and his words quieted. "Did I do that?"

  Lurching upward, nearly knocking over her chair, she scurried into the next room where a small mirror hung near the front door. "I'll make you a little something to eat," she called to him while staring at her reflection, wide-eyed.

  Sure enough, a bright red abrasion marked her chin. Goodneesss. His stubble! It horrified her that she hadn't even felt it happen! Could this get any worse? Yes it could. Mary. Jessica didn't know her well yet, but she knew beyond any doubt that Mary would notice. Women were far too observant of such things.

  As if called by her thoughts, Mary entered the kitchen. "Good morning, Jessica. How'd you sleep?"

  When she didn't answer, Mary turned to face her and hesitated. Jessica's heart stopped. "Or did you sleep? You poor thing, you were probably up all night with Clint." Mary turned back to scoop coffee grounds into the percolator. "You should try to get some more rest. Go on into my room and use my bed while I take care of Clint's breakfast."

  Grabbing the opportunity, before Mary could examine her further, Jessica fairly ran from the kitchen. "Thank you," she called over her shoulder and closed the door behind her.