Unrest roiled in Gabe’s stomach. He hated to be bested. He especially hated to be bested by this slip of a woman. Determination settled in his bones. There was no way he was going to lose a horse race to a woman. Even in her outdated riding habit—that actually fit her better than the other dresses had—she was all woman, soft and desirable. Excitement flushed her face, causing her eyes to twinkle like stars. Lips soft and red, turned up in a smile.When she laughed, her whole face lit up with enthusiasm. Of course now she wore a panicked expression. Probably because she sensed his irritation. Sighing deeply, he smiled, which made the smile return to her pretty face.

Emmie huddled closer to the horse for warmth as the sheeting rain fell in buckets around her, soaking her clothes. The rain came earlier than expected, and as she and Gabe searched through the small village for a place to stay, the town seemed too busy closing their shops for the night to help the two weary—and drenched—strangers.As they passed through the muddy streets, the chance of finding a place to stay seemed bleak. Desperation fell over Emmie, and she would take anything, even a stable, just to get out of the rain. Glancing at Gabe, his droopy expression let her know he felt the same hopelessness.

Emmie pulled herself from a deep slumber. It took a lot of strength just to peel her eyes open. Exhaustion had taken its toll on her last night, and she felt as if she’d been running for three days straight. Her eyelids were heavy, and her head throbbed, yet at the same time, exhilaration blossomed in her chest. Her mother wasn’t dead after all, and the thought of finding her lifted Emmie’s spirits. Finally, they could be a family again! Perhaps then her father would cease this inane idea of trying to protect Napoleon.Awareness surrounded her, and she realized she wasn’t in the bed she occupied while staying at the Crampton’s house. As her mind started working properly, she recalled being in Gabe’s arm

Gabe hooked both horses to the buggy he’d purchased from Georgia. At first she just offered it for his travels today, telling him she never used the vehicle, but he couldn’t go without giving her some kind of payment. Finally, he convinced her to take his money.Emiline walked toward him carrying a basket, and his heart leapt. She now wore a cloak that matched her gown, with a purple scarf over her hair, which thankfully didn’t hide much at all. Curses! How would he be able to handle being so close to her without wanting to take her in his arms and smother her with kisses? Her lips were sweet as honeysuckle, and her skin soft as a rose petal. Strange how in one day she turned from being a friend he took pleasure in teasi

Gabe hurried through the house after he’d finished his morning ride. Talking to Emiline was top priority—even before eating the meal. He checked in the library, in the sitting rooms, even peeked outside the windows to see if she was by the stables. As each minute passed, he grew more anxious to see her. He didn’t know why. It wasn’t urgent that he speak to her right now, yet determination ran through his body and he knew he wouldn’t be able to think straight unless he could see her right away.He sprinted up the stairs and toward Lady Sarah’s room. Before reaching the door, it opened and out walked Emiline. A sigh of relief sprang to his mouth and whooshed out his lips.