Rocky Mountain Wild (Rocky Mountain Bride Series Book 6) by Lee Savino

himself about “stubborn lassies with no sense.”
    The next cauldron of water wasn’t but a little bit warm, but that was all right. Calum hung more bearskins around the tub, giving some semblance of privacy, even though, if he wanted to, he could see right over the curtain he’d made. Phoebe didn’t care; she lowered herself into the bath, feeling numb. Tingles spread painfully through her body, and she sighed. Calum kept heating water to add, though he did it carefully, handing her a small bucket of heated water so she could warm the bath a little at a time.
    When it was time for her to come out, he stood with another great robe, using the fur side to towel her off. She hunched her shoulders and crossed her arms over her bare breasts, but he stayed at her back, and acted like it was all business to wrap her tight in a bear robe and put her in the chair close to the fire.
    “Sit here for a while,” he murmured, and she was glad to do as he asked. While she rested, he built up the fire to a blistering blaze. Her body felt heavy, drowsy.
    Her eyes half closed when Calum came and seated himself, cross legged, in front of her, facing her. Digging under the robe, he pulled out one of her legs and started rubbing it.
    She roused. “What are you doing?”
    “Shh, Phoebe, I just want to get you warm.”
    Her head rolled back and she relaxed for a second, before she realized he was rubbing her cursed leg. His fingers even slid down her bare leg and wrapped around her bent foot. Shocked, she jerked her foot a little, but he easily recaptured it.
    Feeling her tense, he looked up with concern. “Does that feel good?”
    “Yes.” She eyed him warily.
    “It doesn’t hurt?”
    She shook her head, beseeching him with panicked eyes. He sighed, and tucked that leg under the blanket before drawing out her other. “One thing at a time.”
    His fingers worked at her calf, and she felt the knotted muscle loosen. He didn’t seem to think it strange to be sitting cross-legged in front of his housekeeper, rubbing her bare leg. He was at ease, from the top of his damp blond locks to his moccasins. His grey eyes were calm, and focused on his work. Eventually, Phoebe let her body sink back into the chair, though she studied him.
    “Why are you doing this?”
    He grinned, his large hands never stopping their massage. “Maybe I like your singing when you think I’m not around.”
    Her brow furrowed and he chuckled. “I said it before, Phoebe lass. From the moment I saw you, I knew you were mine.” He wasn’t asserting it like before, but the assurance in his voice sank into her very bones.
    “I don’t understand.”
    “You will.” With confident hands, he tucked away her other leg and took her hand. Closing her eyes, Phoebe submitted to the rest of the massage, as he flexed and rubbed her hands, and arms. Her breathing softened and she was mostly asleep when he lifted her from the chair.
    “Bedtime, wee Phoebe.”
    From far away, she felt him tuck her into a bed and add warming bricks. Her forehead prickled slightly when his beard brushed it, but she smiled when she felt his lips press there, and savored the sensation as she slid into her dreams.
    *
    She woke boiling hot, and pushed the furs away. Her mouth was cottony and her throat protested as she drew in air.
    She must have called out because when she opened her eyes, Calum was leaning over her.
    Her mouth opened but no sound came out.
    “Here, drink this. Let me help you.” He eased her up and she took grateful sips from the tin cup. The liquid was hot and sweet, and felt good on her throat. When he lay her back down and tucked the fur around her, she protested.
    “Hot.”
    A large hand covered her forehead and she shivered, even though the furs made her sweat.
    “You’re burning up.” The furs went back over her. “Not now, Phoebe. Stay wrapped up, sweat it out.”
    She faded in and out of sleep, the only breaks when Calum came to help her drink, or spoon fed her