The mountain man looked at her.
His mouth curved.
"I've survived worse."
She placed a hand against her chest in mock offense.
"How romantic."
He laughed.
Then approached the stove.
She watched him.
He was enormous compared with the narrow kitchen space.
His shoulders nearly brushed the shelves when he turned.
Yet he moved carefully around the little cabin, aware of where she stood.
She found herself noticing things she hadn't noticed the previous evening.
A narrow scar along his jaw.
The way his hair curled slightly near his collar.
The deep creases beside his eyes when he smiled.
The strength in his hands.
And the curious gentleness with which those hands handled fragile objects.
He reached for the coffee pot.
She stepped beside him.
"May I ask something?"
"Certainly."
"Have you been looking at me all morning?"
The mountain man nearly spilled the coffee.
She laughed.
His cheeks darkened beneath his beard.
"Well..."
She leaned against the table.
"That's a yes."
He shook his head.
"You're trouble."
Her smile softened.
"That's what my father says."
The mountain man's expression changed.
He set the pot down.
"Then I'll need to find another word."
She studied him.
"What word?"
He looked directly at her.
"Tempting."
Her breath caught.
The room became quiet.
For several seconds, they simply stood looking at one another.
Then she stepped closer.
"Is that a problem?"
His voice lowered.
"Could be."
She glanced toward his mouth.
"Why?"
"Because I'm trying very hard to be a gentleman."
She smiled.
"And is it difficult?"
"Getting harder by the minute."
She laughed softly.
Then reached toward his shirt.
Her fingers brushed the fabric near his collar.
"You're allowed to kiss me, you know."
He covered her hand gently with his own.
"I remember."
She lifted her chin.
"Then what's stopping you?"
He leaned closer.
"Nothing, if you're asking."
"I am."
This kiss was different from the first.
There was no storm of fear surrounding it.
No father shouting beyond the door.
No corset laces cutting into her ribs.
Only two adults standing in a quiet mountain cabin, discovering that affection could be offered without being demanded.
She slipped her arms around his neck.
He rested his hands at her waist, waiting for her to draw him closer.
She did.
When they separated, her cheeks were pink and her breathing had quickened.
The mountain man smiled.
"You're going to make winter difficult."
She laughed.
"Good."
He touched his forehead gently to hers.
Then stepped back.
"We should talk."
Her smile faded.
"About what?"
"Your future."
She nodded slowly.
He gestured toward the table.
"Have a seat."
They sat opposite each other.
The mountain man placed a small map between them.