Early Dawn by Catherine Anderson

Author:Catherine Anderson
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Kidnapping, Contemporary, General, Romance, Romantic suspense fiction, Western, Historical, Fiction, Rescues, Love stories
ISBN: 9780451228741
Publisher: Penguin
Published: 2009-12-29T01:15:06+00:00

Chapter Nine

Over the next three days, Matthew battled his demons while Eden was apparently conquering hers. She continued to snuggle close to him at night, no longer flinching when he put his arm around her. When he wrapped her ribs, she no longer grew pale and trembled until the task was completed. No more nightmares plagued her, either.

Conversely, with every step Eden took back toward normalcy, Matthew's problem worsened. It seemed to him that he spent more time in the creek at night than he did in bed. Playing five-fingered stud in the bushes eased the ache in his loins for only about an hour. Then it was back, and so was the erection. It got so bad that he almost wished Father O'Flannigan's warning had been true. A blind man wouldn't notice the tantalizing bounce of Eden's breasts under a wash-worn shirt or the tempting roundness of her posterior in the borrowed blue jeans. He wouldn't feel as if he were drowning in her beautiful blue eyes, and her radiant smile wouldn't make him feel as if he were basking in sunshine.

One evening as they returned to camp after laundering their clothes, Eden seemed withdrawn and distant. When Matthew's arm accidentally brushed against hers as they walked, she put more space between them. Then, back at the fire, she scowled as she stirred the stew she'd put on to cook before they left.

What deep thoughts are putting that frown on your face? he asked.

When she glanced up, Matthew leveled a solemn look at her and added, If you're thinking about the Sebastians again, get them out of your head. That part of your life is over. Remember?

Her lovely mouth tightened, and she bent over the pot again. Worried, Matthew sat cross-legged near the fire, rested his forearms on his bent knees, and studied her downturned face. She hadn't been this quiet and remote for days. Had he said or done something to offend her?

Eden, can you talk to me? What's troubling you?

She finally met his gaze. I've never been one to prevaricate, Matthew. Perhaps you shouldn't ask that question. You may not like the answer.

Prevaricate? There was a word Matthew had never heard, but he got the gist of its meaning. If I don't like the answer, I don't like the answer. Something's bothering you. Maybe I can help.

She worried her bottom lip with small, pearl white teeth. It's just She broke off and went back to stirring again. I'm worried about the way I'm starting to feel about you.

How, exactly, are you starting to feel?

Clanking the spoon against the pot with each turn, she murmured something he didn't quite catch.

Come again? I couldn't hear you.

She stopped stirring, met his gaze, and swallowed hard before repeating herself. I'm starting to feel attracted to you.

Trying to look perfectly calm and unruffled by her admission, Matthew shifted into a crouch and leaned around the fire to pour himself some coffee. Only he forgot to watch how full the cup was getting, and hot liquid spilled over the rim onto his hand.

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