Chapter 46

SW border of Nebraska - September 1874

The fire had dwindled to glowing embers, and Buck decided it was safe to let it die out completely. While he wasn't overly concerned about danger, he wasn't taking unnecessary risks either. He glanced across the clearing at Gabrielle, who sat on her bedroll, brushing out her hair. He'd only seen her hair pinned up or braided, and the moonlight cast an ethereal glow on its rich, almost black hue. He took a deep breath and walked over to his bedroll, settling down with a sleepy yawn.

Sitting on his roll he pulled off his boots and set them downwind. He had been riding all day, he was certain they were in need of a good airing out. Setting his hat next to his boots he laid down and took a long sleepy yawn. A gentle breeze swept across his face, carrying a faint scent of Gabrielle – a mix of sweat, the day's dusty heat, and a hint of lavender soap. The braids had held the fragrance captive, and now as she brushed, it lingered in the air. He sighed contentedly, turning onto his side to gaze at the star-dusted sky. The thought of his boots needing airing out was the furthest thing from his mind.

"That was a delicious dinner," Gabrielle said, setting her brush down and turning towards him. "Thank you."

Buck, caught staring, immediately shifted his gaze to the dying embers. "Just admiring the fire," he mumbled, a touch flustered.

"You looked like you saw a ghost!" She teased, a laugh escaping her lips. "Scared me half to death."

"Nothing like that," he chuckled, relief washing over him.

"Are there rattlesnakes around here?" she asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

"Don't worry about that," Buck reassured her, gazing up at her.

"Remember when I said I'd slept outside before?"

"Yes," he replied, curious where she was going with this.

"Well," she began with a laugh as another gust of wind ruffled their bedrolls, "it was more like me and my sister sprawled out on the lawn one summer night."

"That's about what I figured," Buck said with a smile, watching her struggle to tame her windblown hair with her fingers.

"Maybe I shouldn't have taken my braids out," she grumbled, frustration evident in her voice.

"Your hair looks beautiful down," Buck said softly.

She looked down at him and smiled. His gaze locked with hers and she felt that familiar heat rising in her chest. Her heart pounded, and her pulse quickened. Her mind raced as she leaned closer, just a little closer and she could feel his lips on hers. Her eyes fluttered shut as she closed the gap between them and brushed her lips against his. A warm rush ignited a fire inside her, then as quick as it ignited an icy cold jolt of realization washed over her and she quickly pulled away slightly.

"I'm sorry," She breathlessly tried to focus and regain her composure.

Not wanting to lose this moment, or giving her a second chance to reconsider Buck grazed her cheek with his knuckles as he untwined his fingers in her hair behind her neck and pulled her face back to his. No more dancing around this feeling. He needed her.

His kiss was demanding. He was emboldened when he felt her shift her weight against him and wrap her arms around his neck. Her body melted against his. Her lips parted and his tongue sought her's. Soon a breathless tangle of limbs, Buck laid her down and smoothed out her hair.

"We should get some rest," Buck murmured against her lips, his voice husky with emotion.

He pulled away, his gaze lingering on her face before placing a soft kiss on her forehead. He gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and wrapped his arm around her, drawing her close. Despite the growing affection, a sense of doubt lingered in Buck's mind. He knew indulging in these feelings would only lead to heartache for them both.

He wanted to get to know his sister, to have her in his life. How would this element play into things? He knew that Gabrielle was returning home when they returned to Butte Meadows. He was only torturing himself with the possibility of things that would never happen.

As they lay side by side, Gabrielle's hand resting on his chest, a flicker of hope ignited within Buck. The warmth of her presence seemed to melt away the barriers, even if it was just temporary. He closed his eyes, the sound of her soft breathing lulling him into a restless sleep.