Texas Heroes_ Volume 1(37)

But Maddie wasn’t afraid. Deep within her, she knew this man would never hurt her. He would hurt himself instead.

Then the time for thought was over. Boone lowered his head to hers and took her mouth.

All around her, Maddie felt his strength, his power. She yielded gladly, parched almost to dying for his kiss.

Boone couldn’t think at all. The events of the night, the shuddery debris of adrenaline rage, the too-long pent-up need—all ganged up on him and sent his control careening toward the brink.

He wanted her, Maddie, the taste of her, the scent of her in his nostrils, the feel of her under his hands. Boone’s ears roared with the wanting, deaf to all sense, to all logic.

He breathed Maddie into his lungs, absorbed her through his skin. Like a cave creature thrust into sunlight, he was assaulted by too many feelings, too much need. He slid trembling fingers beneath her skirt and sought her warmth, shuddering with the power of his craving.

Maddie arched her back and pressed her body against him, fingertips gliding through his hair until her nails scraped his scalp.

Boone didn’t care. She could claw her way down his body and he would welcome the pain. All he knew was that he had to be inside her, had to bury himself deep. He gripped her tighter.

Until Maddie tensed and whimpered.

Reality slapped Boone back into the moment. Into the harsh, cold world of what could not be.

He jerked away, staring at her. What the hell was he doing? How was he any different than Hank? He had to get away from her before he ruined everything.

Without a word, he headed for the barn.

Maddie watched him go, torn and confused. She’d been ready for him, swept away by his passion. The power of her own response still shocked her.

Like the familiar man of stone, Boone walked away. This time she didn’t try to stop him, for deep within her stirred a knowledge of the true danger.

He could hurt her. Not her body, she didn’t fear that. Something much worse.

If she let him make love to her as both of them craved, there would be no turning back.

She had to remember that no matter how much she’d enjoyed this respite, this wasn’t where she belonged. She had new friends to make, a career to build. She would someday own a place of her own.

There was nothing for her here but a man who didn’t want to want her—and the echoes of a troubled past.

Even if they could overcome all that, what would she do here? It wasn’t an option to ask Boone to leave here and go with her. He belonged in this place as much as anyone she’d ever known.

She could make love with Boone on this night, but if she did, she already knew what would happen. Boone would show her passion like nothing she’d ever experienced.

But it wouldn’t change reality.

She couldn’t stay, and Boone wouldn’t leave.

Better to stop now before he broke her heart.



The next afternoon, Maddie headed for the barn. Boone had risen even earlier than usual, surprising her by leaving a note saying that he would be gone all day but that he’d try to get back for her first riding lesson by four o’clock.

She’d spent the day cleaning a house Vondell had left perfectly clean. Maddie wasn’t much of a housekeeper, but she needed to stay busy.

She tried to work up the same excitement she’d felt yesterday about learning to ride —before Boone had kissed her. She did want to learn, but she didn’t want to face Boone.

Nonsense. You’re made of sterner stuff, Maddie.

Squaring her shoulders, she headed toward the pen in back of the barn.

And there he was, intent upon saddling a horse smaller than either horse she’d seen Boone ride.

The mare moved away as Maddie approached, and Boone reached out to stroke her neck. “Easy, Fancy.” Without turning, he spoke to Maddie. “Come on over to my left side, near her head where she can see you clearly.”

Maddie didn’t know how he’d known it was her but didn’t worry about it, far more concerned about the horse. It was one thing to think about riding, another to be next to one. Gingerly, she approached.

Boone finished fastening something on the saddle and patted the horse’s rump. “It’s okay, Fancy. Maddie’s a friend.”

The tone soothed, just as Boone had soothed the colt the other day. Maddie marveled that he could be so calm. It was as if last night had never happened.

Until he looked at her. For just one second, Maddie thought Boone might not be as calm as he seemed.

His voice gave nothing away, however. “Reach out your hand, palm upward, and let her smell you. Like this.” He demonstrated, strong fingers outstretched, wide palm open.

The mare snuffled at his palm, then shook her head.

Maddie couldn’t help jumping.

“She won’t hurt you. She’s very gentle, and quite the lady, aren’t you, Fancy girl?” Boone’s voice wooed her.