Chapter 49
Butte Meadows, Nebraska - September 1874
The relentless sun beat down on Gabrielle's back, dust swirled around their horses' hooves, painting a film of grime on everything. Even the air seemed thick, and heavy. "Buck," she pleaded, her voice hoarse, "can we please stop for a while?"
Buck glanced back at her, a hint of amusement crinkling the corners of his eyes. He knew she was miserable. The journey had been long and arduous, a stark contrast to the life of comfort she'd known in Baltimore. "We're making good time, Gabrielle," he said, his voice low and rumbling.
"Good time for what?" She countered, her voice laced with desperation. She gestured at her sweat-darkened clothes, clinging uncomfortably to her skin. "Honestly, Buck, I think these garments are about to stage a walkout."
A full-fledged laugh escaped his lips, the sound rich and warm. It did little to cool the simmering heat rising within him as he pictured her riding nude, the sun caressing every inch of her body. He quickly doused the flames with a mental bucket of decorum. He was on a mission, after all, and anything beyond that was a dangerous distraction.
"Alright," he conceded, scanning the landscape ahead. "Looks like there's a decent little eddy up ahead. We can rest there for a bit."
Relief washed over Gabrielle as strong as the river current. The thought of a cool respite was pure bliss. When they reached the spot, Buck helped her dismount, his hand lingering on hers. The warmth of his fingers sent a jolt through her.
"There. Should offer some privacy." He pointed to a cluster of trees downstream.
She made her way to the trees and with trembling fingers, Gabrielle unfastened her dress, letting it fall in a heap at her feet. Relief flooded her as the cool water cascaded over her dirt-covered skin. Taking a deep breath, she submerged herself fully, letting the current swirl around her.
Suddenly, a flash of movement through the leaves caught her eye. Her breath hitched. There, wading into the crystal-clear water, was Buck. His bare chest gleamed in the sunlight, droplets clinging to his toned muscles, evidence of years spent in hard labor. His hair, usually tamed by a hat, hung loose and wet around his shoulders.
A jolt shot through her, a primal awareness that had nothing to do with respectability or the constraints of society. Her heartbeat echoed a frantic rhythm in her ears. As if sensing her gaze, Buck lifted his head, his eyes locking with hers. Embarrassment flooded Gabrielle's cheeks. She quickly averted her eyes, the cool water suddenly feeling scalding hot.
"Is something wrong, Brie?" Buck's voice was clear over the soft gurgling of the water. She hadn't realized how easily the nickname, once a childhood irritation, could now send a flutter through her heart.
"N-no," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "Everything's fine." She splashed water on her face, hoping to cool the heat that had risen not just from the embarrassment but from the unexpected sight of Buck.
He was a man, rugged and handsome in a way she hadn't allowed herself to consider before. In Baltimore, her world had been one of practicality and responsibilities, leaving little room for frivolity, let alone romance. Now, her first taste of freedom, and it was exhilarating.
Buck seemed to accept her answer, though a flicker of doubt crossed his features. He continued wading further into the water, keeping a respectful distance. Gabrielle took a deep breath, trying to quell the confusion within her. The unexpected intimacy of the situation was both exhilarating and terrifying. She dipped her head under the water again, letting the coolness wash over her not just physically but emotionally as well.