her in.
“As soon as the weather clears, I’ll escort you home.”
“Hmm.” Her fingers brushed his sleeve. Claire stepped forward then paused in the doorway. Her voice was low-pitched, husky. “Could you help me? I’m afraid I feel faint.”
Matt snorted. The wilting violet routine wasn’t going to work. Her family had moved in next to his when they were both children. He’d known this strong willed woman for the majority of his life. Her supposed weakness was frankly unbelievable. Yet as twin pools of melted chocolate held his gaze, a soft plea reflected in her large eyes, his resistance softened. He shook his head even though he acted as a gentleman, and offered her his arm.
Inside, the cozy living area offered warmth, with orange flames snapping in the fireplace. Two roughly hewn chairs angled in front of it, turned from the table, created a sense of welcome. Only moments before, he’d been sitting in one, legs up, well-worn boots on the seat of the other; the most relaxed he’d been in a long while. Her arrival had shattered his peace.
Claire released her hold on the sheriff. He watched her as she walked over to stretch out her hands to the heat. Faint my-
His thought broke off as she turned sideways. Thick, dark lashes masked her eyes, but Matt felt her study him. Her hands went to the buttons on her cloak then dropped leaving the dripping garment still fastened.
“Would you help me please?”
The demure tone and posture was so completely out of character his gut tightened. “No.”
“Matthew.” Her voice soft as a caress drew out his full name. “My fingers are so cold, I can’t work the buttons.”
“They’ll warm.”
“Please.” She shivered to great effect.
Matt didn’t believe her wide-eyed innocent expression for a second, but again he couldn’t resist her. He stomped across the room. His boots hit the floor planks with satisfying thuds. As soon as the sheriff reached her, he went to work.
Claire leaned forward, a subtle shift. Soft curves brushed his palm. Matt sucked in a deep breath. He hurried, focused on completing the task. As soon as one button came undone, he moved to the next.
Her hands came up, resting on his forearms. The icy contact sent shock waves through him. He swallowed hard. His fingers fumbled. A full moment passed before Matt could manage another button’s release.
Only three to go. Her fingertips brushed up then down over his flesh. Her breath a soft sigh on his skin, sweat broke out on his forehead.
“Claire.”
“Yes?” Her sugar sweet tone matched her expression.
“Stop it.”
“Stop what?”
He cleared his throat. “It’s not appropriate.”
“What’s not?” Another button popped open. “You mean this?” Her touch slid up his biceps.
“Yes.” Matt grabbed her wrists, pushing them down and away.
“I’m only warming my hands.”
His teeth gritted together, patience thinning. “Try putting them in your pockets.”
“I’d rather put them in yours.” Her voice a purr, she made a bold move when he released his hold.
“Claire,” he growled, but far from feeling intimidated, her smile broadened while her fingers wiggled into the pockets of his pants. “You’re playing with fire.”
“I know,” she breathed against the tanned skin at the base of his throat as he unfastened her last button. The serviceable brown wool cloak fell unheeded to the floor.
His hands clasped her shoulders and gently set her apart from him. “Stay by the fire. I’ll ride over and tell your folks you’re here-”
“Go out in this weather? No, I won’t hear of it.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Are you saying a man can brave a downpour unscathed but a poor little woman must be sheltered from rain, lest she melt?”
Her challenge, softly and sweetly delivered, yet threaded with steel was pure Claire. Hearing a normal response from her eased some of his tension. “Of course not, I’m just trying to be helpful.”
“Oh … ” Her tone gentled. “Then I’d suggest warming me.”
Matt stepped back. “Just stay by the fire. I’ll be-”
“Please don’t go, stay with me.” Claire moved toward him.
He continued to retreat. “Your family will worry.”
“They won’t,” she assured him with a soft smile. “They took the boys to town this morning, won’t be back for hours.”
Distinct unease settled over the sheriff like a scratchy blanket. He stilled. “They left you alone?”
“Yes.” She paused. A flicker of strong emotion showed in her eyes then they blanked. Her face became a polite mask, as Claire looked him up and down, slow. “They trust me Matt. I’m eighteen and capable.”
Frustration raced through his blood. She acted as though nothing had changed. Her only nod to caution when she roamed the countryside was the six-shooter she had belted around her hips. She refused to understand that a weapon wouldn’t protect her in every scenario. He tried to hold back the words that would reignite their last argument, but couldn’t.
“That gun won’t solve everything.”
“Between that and my good sense, you need to trust that I’ll manage.”
I trusted your judgment before and nearly lost you. Matt almost snapped at her. Instead, he chose another approach and managed to speak evenly. “And yet you were caught out in a storm that anyone could see has been brewing for hours.”
Her gaze warmed. “Believe me. I took note of the weather.” She unstrapped her gun belt, slung it over a chair back. “But I thought it worth the risk to see you.”
Heat shot through him even as Matt shook his head. “You’re trying to distract me from my point.”
“Am I?”
“You know what you’re doing.”
“I wasn’t denying it.” Claire smiled. “I wanted to know if I was succeeding.”
He leveled a look at her and answered in a flat tone, “yes you are.”
“Good.”
“No, it’s not. You’re smart and skilled but you’re a–”
“Woman?” Her eyes seemed to darken.
“Yes
