Common sense said he should set her down at once and apologize for frightening her. But her body was warm and soft in his arms, and with roses coloring her lips and cheeks, her dark eyes sparkling, and her breasts heaving in that tantalizing way, he knew it would take a man of stronger character than his to do anything so daft when he wanted only to kiss her.Gently, he said, “You’ve caused me to ruin an excellent pair of boots, my lass, so if that horse of mine decides to return to his stable without me, I’m going to be sorely vexed with you.”“I am not your lass.” Her voice was as rich, resonant, and musical as he remembered, and the sound of it struck respondent chords throughout his body, making him want even more to kiss her.When she licked her lips, he nearly gave in to the temptation and briefly wondered if he was crazy to ignore the opportunity.Forcing himself to speak calmly, he said, “Why did you run from me?”She did not answer at once, but a twitch of eyebrow and a tightening of lips told him she was weighing her answer, perhaps even deciding between possibilities.“Before you reply, I would ask a boon,”
