Once a Soldier (Rogues Redeemed) by Mary Jo Putney Page A

so boats could continue up the river. Now there are vineyards almost all the way to Spain and wine production has increased dramatically. Perhaps the same could be done for San Gabriel River.”
    “Uncle Carlos may have considered improving the river, though if he did, I heard nothing about it,” Athena said thoughtfully. “San Gabriel has been a sleepy, isolated, and content little country for a very long time. But Uncle Carlos realized that the world is changing, and his country must also. That’s a major reason he sent troops to fight Bonaparte. The young men who return will have new ideas and know a broader world.” Her voice broke for a moment. “Now he’ll never see that.”
    “It’s too soon to assume that he and his son are dead,” Will said quietly. “But if they are, San Gabriel will go on, so the future must be considered.”
    “You’re right, of course. Will you have time to survey the river to see if improvements can be made without it being prohibitively expensive? If work could be started soon, perhaps the river could be sailed about the time the vineyards are reestablished.”
    “I’ll ask Ballard if he has time to come up here himself,” Will replied. “He can take a look at the river channel. His family was involved in improving the Douro so he would know something about what is involved.” Will lifted his glass in an informal toast. “Plus, I’m sure he’d be interested in your wines. If the storage caves can be opened up and the wine is still good, you might be able to sell some sooner rather than later if the shipping problems can be solved.”
    “What a wonderful possibility! Bless you, Will.” With the first optimism she’d felt in months, Athena leaned over to brush a light kiss on his cheek, but he turned his head and her lips landed on his. He tasted of wine and sunshine, warmth and kindness—and something much deeper and more dangerous.
    The kiss deepened, and her world turned upside down.

Chapter 9
    A thena’s wineglass tumbled to the grass as shock and desire flooded her senses. She felt Will’s large hand behind her head, cradling her neck and drawing her closer. She surrendered to the moment, hungry for his warmth and tenderness. As the kiss deepened, his arms came around her in an embrace that fitted her against his broad chest. It would be easy, so easy, to fall into this man and lose herself and her fears and worries....
    Will shifted, murmuring, “You are so lovely. . . .”
    His words broke the spell and Athena pulled away, angry with herself and her lack of control. “I won’t be your mistress,” she said tightly. “Or is that the price of the aid you’ve offered?”
    He looked as startled as if she’d slapped him. Then he began to laugh. “And here I was trying so hard to behave like a gentleman. I suppose it wasn’t very gentlemanly to kiss you, though you started it, you know.”
    “So I did.” She wiped damp palms on her riding skirt. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said what I did. Unless you actually do want me to lie with you in return for your aid to San Gabriel?”
    “What would you say if the two things were linked?” he asked with interest. He turned toward her, his chest looking impossibly broad in his scarlet army coat. A wave of brown hair fell over his forehead and one arm stretched along the back of the bench. Even though he wasn’t touching her, she was acutely aware of his physical presence and nearness. Mere inches away....
    She edged back as far away as the bench would permit, which wasn’t very far. Though smoky desire had dissipated, a sense of connection remained. Which was absurd, since twenty-four hours earlier, they hadn’t even met.
    Wanting to put more emotional distance between them, she said ironically, “An intriguing question, Major Masterson. Would I sacrifice my honor to help my adopted country? But since I was born in dishonor, it might not be a fair question.”
    His dark brows arched. “Nonsense. You know