Emma's Wish

"Why can't you tell me?"

"Maybe some day."

The breeze whisked a few wisps of blonde hair onto Emma's forehead. Sam leaned forward and brushed them back with his finger. "You are such a beautiful woman," he murmured huskily.

His breath caressed her cheek. Their eyes met, then his gaze drifted downward to rest on her full lips.

He was going to kiss her! Emma's throat tightened. She couldn't ... "Sam--"

His mouth touched hers, and suddenly she couldn't even remember the objections she'd been about to voice. The scent of leather and soap filled her nostrils.

His lips covered hers, warming her with softness. She heard him murmur sounds she couldn't understand. Pleasure flowed over her, from the tips of her fingers to her toes, and to every part of her body in between as his tongue traced the outline of her lips, seeking entrance to the dark recesses of her mouth.

His lips left hers and moved to the curve of her jaw.

"Sam ..."

"You're so tense, Emma. Are you afraid of me?" he murmured against her throat.

"No ... yes ... I don't know ..."

"I'll never hurt you." His lips brushed against her soft flesh as he spoke. Again, his mouth sought hers. Her lips parted beneath his, and his tongue met hers.

"God, Emma ... I've wanted to do this for so long ... " A soft groan escaped him as his lips moved to where her pulse fluttered in her throat. "When we get home ..."

Emma felt something touch her arm, then a small voice spoke. "What'cha doin', Pa?"

Emma drew back, startled. Her hands flew to her throat. Heat suffused her face as Nathan eyed them curiously.

A movement beside her caught Emma's attention. Nathan's voice had woken Becky, and the two of them were staring at Sam. "Does Mama gots somethin' in her eye?" Becky asked.

Sam's eyes were twinkling mischievously. He didn't seem the least embarrassed by being caught in such a compromising position. "Yes." He drew away. "I was trying to see what it was."

Joseph, who had been standing a few feet away, took a step closer. "Is it out now?" he asked.

Sam's eyes met Emma's. The way he was looking at her was downright ... sinful. "I think I'd best have another look when we get home," he replied, his eyes never leaving her lips.

"Does it hurt?" Becky asked, her eyes narrowing in concern.

Emma could barely breathe under Sam's gaze. Mercy, she knew exactly what he intended when they reached the house, and much as she was fighting against it, she wanted exactly what he did. She wanted ... no she craved ... his touch. She needed to know how a man could love a woman. "Not a bit."

"Well, I think we'd best be heading back," Sam said gruffly. "You boys start packing the wagon."

"Sure, Pa," Joseph muttered, then walked away, Nathan and Becky following close behind.

"They was kissin', you know," Emma heard Joseph say.

"How do you know?" Nathan asked

"I'm older. I know things."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why was they kissin'?" Nathan persisted.

Joseph shrugged. "Aw, who knows. Grownups do all sorts of stupid things."