barging into the barn this morning and demanding that they talk. But about what? That was the question that had stopped her.
What could she say about that kiss that would make sense to either one of them? That she shouldn't have done it? Or that she was glad she had?
She shivered although the room was stiflingly hot, and crossed her arms. The spicy, cinnamon-thick scent of baking pie swirled around her. Closing her eyes, she remembered the soft, hesitant feel of his lips on hers. The way his tongue had darted out and touched hers, the bolt of electricity that had rocked through her blood at the moist, hot contact. It had been unlike any kiss she'd ever experienced, filled with the fiery heat of passion and the comforting warmth of caring. She felt as if she'd kissed him before?long ago in a time now forgotten.
Suddenly the door burst open and Jack barreled into the kitchen. He stopped, breathing heavily, and stared at her. "Lissa? The Hannahs?" He stopped midsentence and noticed the kitchen.
His gaze darted from place to place, pausing at each carefully placed bric-a-brac before it moved on. He noticed every change. "What are you doing?"
The brandy-smooth tone of his voice slid down Tess's back, reminding her again of the kiss they'd shared.
She licked her lower lip nervously. Suddenly it was important that he appreciate what she'd done here. What she could do. "I'm making your house a home."
He flinched, the flesh at the corners of his eyes tightening. "My house, huh?"
Tess moved close enough to be taken in his arms. She felt the heat of his body radiating toward her, warming her. The soft exhalations of his breath slid across her forehead. He didn't move; he remained stiff and wary, his hands bolted to his thighs.
190
"Look at me, Jack."
Reluctantly he looked down at her.
She tilted her face up and met his wary gaze. This was it, she realized. Taking a deep breath, she climbed out onto that rickety limb and handed him her heart. "You're right. This home is ours."
He paled, but didn't look away. They stood there, close enough to touch and yet careful not to, their gazes locked.
Tess wanted to say something more, wanted to break through the silence they'd obviously lived in for years, but she didn't know how. She felt as if it was suddenly within reach, that elusive something she'd sought so desperately all her life. All she had to do was lean forward and let him
kiss her....
The sound of wagon wheels crunching over small rocks seeped through the half-opened kitchen door and broke the
spell.
"Jim and Minerva are here with the supplies," Jack said lamely. At her blank look, he added, "From the farm next door. Be nice to them, okay?"
"Of course."
Jack turned to go, but at the door, he stopped. "Uh ... the house looks nice," he said quickly. Then he was gone.
Jack ran down the porch steps as if the Devil himself were on his heels, and raced to the safety of the Hannahs'
wagon.
"Good morning, Mr. Rafferty," said Minerva Hannah from her perch on the wagon's wooden seat. "I've brought a few things for Mrs. Rafferty. I would have come sooner, but I only just saw Doc Hayes and heard about the baby."
"I'm sure she'll be pleased by your thoughtfulness, Mrs. Hannah. May I help you down?"
"Thank you."
Minerva offered a gloved hand to Jack and allowed herself to be helped to the ground.
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xy
Jim slid across the low-slung seat and jumped down beside her. "Lordy, it's a hot one for May," he said, shoving the straw farmer's hat higher on his head. "I got all them supplies you asked for. They're in the back."