The Demure Bride by Joannie Kay Page B

Amanda said with a sad smile. "Yes, I learned some things that Papa assures me are too 'high falutin'' for this part of the county," she added with a giggle. "But ladies are very proper in Boston. It is expected."
    "Are they permitted to kiss in Boston?" Rob asked, lowering his mouth to hers in a sweet kiss meant to tantalize. "You taste so good, Mandy," he told her, deepening the kiss and using his hands to pull her closer.
    Amanda loved the gentle persuasion of his lips on hers and she returned Rob's kisses with enthusiasm. Rob moaned and his hand sought her breast and caressed her through the shirt she wore. She knew she should stop such familiarity, but his touch was exciting and she didn't want to stop him. She enjoyed what he was doing to her body and when he deftly unbuttoned her shirt to slip his hand inside, she thrust her breast into his hand. Rob slid his long fingers under the camisole she wore and her bare skin was soft to his touch. He tweaked her nipple and her moan told him she liked what he was doing. It was all the encouragement he needed to untie the ribbons holding the delicate garment together.
    Cupping her breast in his hand felt wonderful and Rob was only too aware that his manhood was swollen and straining against his pants. He wanted the pretty redhead. He lowered his mouth to take her nipple into his mouth and he suckled like a babe. Rob undid the fastenings on her riding skirt and within a short time his hand was cupping her mound and learning that her drawers were soaked with her passion. Amanda was enjoying his touch just as much as he was enjoying touching her.
    The sudden outpouring of gunshots in the distance called an abrupt halt to their lovemaking. Rob got to his feet and his eyes searched for signs of trouble. There were more shots and he knew he needed to go and investigate. Someone was in trouble, for sure. "I want you to stay right here, Amanda."
    "But..."
    "Mind me now," he said firmly. He knew she was armed, but he was not about to permit her to ride into danger. Rob mounted and hurried in the direction of the shots.
    Amanda's hands were shaking as she adjusted her clothing. It was shocking for her to realize just how close she came to allowing Rob to do whatever he wished with her person. She knew better than to behave so freely, but when Rob was touching her like that she couldn't think. She felt her cheeks burning with shame, and then she heard more gunshots and her embarrassment at her wanton behavior turned to worry about Rob. What if he got shot trying to help whomever was in trouble?
    Amanda knew that he told her to stay put, but she knew how to use a gun, and if there were more rustlers, Rob might need her help. Amanda decided she could deal with his temper better than she could deal with his death. She hoisted herself onto Glimmer's back and rode in the direction of the shots being fired.

    * * *

    Rob was cautious as he rode toward the gunfire. He knew sound carried for a distance in this county, but the shots stopped, and Rob found nothing that seemed out of the ordinary. He finally decided that someone was probably practicing a fast draw, and had already headed away from the area. He certainly didn't see anyone, and the last volley of shots was some time ago. After one more careful sweep of the area, Rob decided he was wasting his time. He rode back to where he left Mandy, and she wasn't there!
    "Amanda!" he called her name. He quickly checked to see if there was any sign of a struggle, and saw none. "Amanda!" Where could she be? He had ordered her to stay right here until he came back. What was she thinking to disobey him? Of course, he had been gone for a while, and perhaps she was frightened and rode back to the ranch for help?
    Rob kept his eyes open as he covered the distance to Amanda's house. He was torn between the desire to be understanding if she headed home to get help, and the urge to turn her over his knee for frightening him. He knew that her attitude would