Tiny invisible gnats crept over Naomi’s skin. Though she knew she imagined them, she rubbed her arms to chase them away. “I-I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“You didn’t.” He shoved a fork full of corn into his mouth and swallowed, seemingly without chewing. “You sure you don’t want anything else to eat?”
“I’m stuffed, really.” She forced a smile. “But thank you for offering.”
“I told you once I’d keep you fed, and I aim to.”
“I know.” Naomi stretched her arms over her head and stifled a yawn. “Goodness, I’m tired.”
Bobby covered the rest of his supper with the napkin and stood. “You need to get some rest.” He held out his hand. “Come on, I’ll walk you to the outhouse. I don’t want you going alone.”
Naomi’s cheeks heated at his allusion to such a private, though necessary, function. “I’d prefer not to leave the room. I’ll use the chamber pot in the corner.”
“Fine,” he said. “I’ll give you some privacy then. Will you be all right here alone for a few minutes?”
Naomi’s skin turned cold, but she nodded, determined to be strong. “I’m sure I’ll be fine. Please just make sure I’m locked in. And don’t be too long?”
He smiled, and she breathed a little easier. It was a real smile. He wasn’t upset with her.
“I won’t be. Just long enough for you to take care of business, all right?” He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “I told you I’d keep you safe, and I meant it.”
He left the r
oom, and the key clicked, locking her in. After taking care of all necessary business she snuggled into bed, leaving the kerosene lamp burning for Bobby.
A few moments later he entered, and she squeezed her eyes shut, feigning sleep. He moved quietly, no doubt to keep from disturbing her. When the bed sagged with his weight, she fought the impulse to turn into his arms.
Chapter Eight
Naomi woke, screaming. Someone was shaking her.
“Angel. Angel. It’s only me.” Bobby’s deep voice, laced with concern, floated over her like a silken veil. Still she trembled, and perspiration dripped from her hairline.
“Was it a nightmare?” Bobby pulled her into his arms and kissed her clammy forehead.
His warm, hard body was like a rock in an ocean of torment. She clung to him, making no sound. Had it been a nightmare? She couldn’t remember.
“It’s all right now,” he said.
His melodic voice soothed her, but still she shook. The inky blackness of the night frightened her. “Bobby?”
“What, angel?”
“C-Could you light the lamp?”
“Yes, but I’ll have to let go of you for a minute.”
She nodded against his hard chest and he released her. Within a minute, a flame flickered in the lamp on the night table and chased the eerie darkness away.
Naomi breathed easier and regarded Bobby’s bare torso. She hadn’t seen him unclothed since she’d come across him bathing in the creek. Had that been only a day ago? Naomi felt as though she’d aged a decade since then. That day he’d been far away. Now he was close, within arm’s reach. The golden tone of his shoulders had darkened to honey-bronze in the glimmering lamplight. Curly dark hair dusted the sinewy muscle of his chest and abdomen, and his coppery nipples stared at her, begging to be touched. She reached for one with a shaky hand, but stopped herself. She dropped her gaze to his navel, to the line of hair leading to what she’d seen that day, to what his trousers now hid.
“Angel, you need to stop doing that.”
Naomi lifted her gaze to his smoldering amber eyes. “Stop what?”
“Stop looking at me like you’re starving and I’m a seven course feast.”
Naomi’s face heated. She was thankful Bobby’s shadow cloaked her in darkness, hiding her warm blush. “I...I wasn’t...” She gulped and surveyed his handsome stubbled face. Why lie? This man had witnessed her darkest moment. She had little to hide from him now.