Finding Natalie by Kathryn Kaleigh

Author:Kathryn Kaleigh
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: KST Publishing

CHAPTER 35

Alexander rode alongside Natalie.

Although she denied it, he knew she was miserable. There was no way she was comfortable riding sidesaddle, for one thing.

For another thing, the wind was blowing dirt all over them.

They were both going to be filthy by the time they arrived at Boulder City.

If he’d known they were leaving the mountains, he would have waited. Or sent someone to post his letter.

He could have taken Natalie for a ride up to the falls he’d discovered yesterday. That was much more appealing than this trip.

Brantley should have warned him.

Of course, he hadn’t really given him a chance.

Alexander had been so excited to see Natalie, he hadn’t given anyone a chance to say much of anything.

He’d been stunned to see her. So much so that he’d fainted at the sight of her.

He’d never fainted in his life.

Alexander had truly thought he’d seen a ghost.

Then when he began to think she was really there, he’d been so overcome, he’d literally landed flat on the ground.

Her face had been next to his when he woke up.

He had the distinct impression that she’d kissed him, but he wasn’t sure if he’d imagined it.

He’d imaged kissing her so often, it was quite possible that seeing her, her face bent close over his, had caused him to imagine the feel of her lips on his.

Alexander had seen her at her worst. He’d seen her bleeding and unconscious.

And he’d seen enough pain to know when someone was hurting.

Right now, Natalie was in pain.

Or maybe she was just in hell.

He watched her swiping the hair out of her face and trying unsuccessfully to keep the dust out of her mouth.

The dirty wind was bad enough. Crossing the plains must have been a truly hellacious experience for her.

He’d ridden across the plains on a horse. She’d walked most of the way. He couldn’t even imagine how difficult that must have been. If he’d been with her, that never would have happened.

But that was in the past and there was nothing he could do about it.

Surely there was some way he could keep her from being so miserable right now.

Watching her hold her sleeve over her mouth, he remembered that he had a handkerchief in his pocket.

He pulled up next to her, taking the handkerchief out of his pocket.

“We can wrap this around your nose and mouth and it’ll help keep out some of the dirt.

“All right,” she nodded.

He wrapped the handkerchief around her face and tied it in the back.

She smiled at him. He could see it in her eyes. “Thank you,” she said.

Then as they started again, she shifted in the saddle.

“That must be uncomfortable,” he said. “riding like that.”

“It is,” she said. “But there aren’t any sidesaddles in Whiskey Springs.”

Ah. Of course.

“Might I make a suggestion?” he asked. “It’s personal.”

“Sure,” she said. “You kind of saved my life. I think I’m a bit beholden to you.”

Something about her response didn’t sit right with him. But he’d have to think about that later.

Right now, he had to focus on the problem at hand.

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