Shane's Bride (Mail Order Brides of Texas #3) by Kathleen Ball Page B

don’t.  It’ll only make things worse, and I’m fine actually really I am.” She picked up the cloth, wet it again, and carefully wrung it out before placing it on Shane’s forehead.  The cloth felt like heaven on his hot face.
    He moaned in pleasure and closed his eyes, waiting for her to continue, but when she didn’t, he opened his eyes again.  She sat in her chair with her hand in midair staring at his chest.  There was no way to tell from her expression what she was thinking.  Did she think him ugly with his many scars? Or was it something else? Something deeper? After all she’d been through, a man’s chest probably scared her.
    “You don’t have to do this, you know.  The sight of a near naked man must bring back bad memories.  I know they’re memories best forgotten, if possible.  Give me the cloth I can wipe down my own chest.”
    Her gaze met his and she almost laughed.  “Wipe down your own chest? You are amusing when you want to be,” she said as she shook her head.
    “I’m not trying to be funny I’m just trying to make things easier for you.”
    Squirming in her chair she sighed.  “Your chest is nothing like Long Nose’s chest.  His was a darker color and hairless.  You both have well-muscled chests, but yours has a sprinkling of dark hair across it.  And of course with your fever and gunshot wound, I don’t find you particularly threatening.”
    He wanted to tell her how pretty she looked in her dress, but he knew his opinion wouldn’t be welcome.  “You’ve been getting enough rest, haven’t you?”
    She stood and stretched her back by arching backwards.  “It’s only been a day, not even a whole day and yes I got enough rest.  Don’t worry about me just worry about getting yourself well.  I’m going to get fresh water and a cup coffee.  Would you like a cup?”
    “Water will do for now, thank you.” He watched her leave his room.  Somehow she took all the sunshine and happiness along with her.
     
     
    ****
     
     
    Cecily fanned her face with a piece of paper.  If only he knew.  She smiled at his concern for her.  She didn’t feel in the least bit threatened.  In fact, he fascinated her a bit too much.  Many times when she’d stroked the cloth over him she’d been tempted to touch him with her bare hands.  What a hussy she was.  She began to laugh but her humor died as she thought of Edith.  That woman had become the bane of her existence, and she couldn’t allow it.  She’d have to try her best to not take Edith’s cruel words and actions to heart.
    The world was full of crosses to bear, and she’d had more than her share, but she’d get through it.  Right now her main concern was Shane.  She still hadn’t found out how he had been shot.  She’d just finished pouring herself a cup of coffee when another knock on the door startled her.  After she caught her breath, her shoulders sagged.  Now what?
    She cracked open the door and smiled when she recognized Poor Boy, who stood hat in hand on the front porch.  She opened the door wider.  “Come on in, Poor Boy.”
    He took a step back and shook his head.  “Miss.  Cecily, I’m here to ask a favor.  Now don’t feel you have to say yes or anything like that.  I knows it’s hard for people to get by these days and all but Eats’ restaurant just done burn down.”
    Cecily clapped a hand to her chest.  “Did anyone get hurt in the fire?”
    “No, no one.  Eats was out, and I was asleep on the kitchen floor but I got out.”
    “What are you going to do now?” Her eyes widened in understanding.  “Do you need a place to stay? What about Eats? Where is he staying?”
    Poor Boy’s face turned beet red.  “Eats him got himself a woman, and there’s no room for me.” He stared at the wooden porch floor, shifting his weight from one leg to the other.  “You probably know this already, but most people don’t take to me, but you and Sheriff O’Connor have always shown me