She knew what she wanted all right. She wanted him to take her in his arms and kiss her like he did before. Should she say that…or maybe initiate it? Surely if he wanted to do that, he would have already done so. She wasn't that hard to figure. Ma said she shouldn't chase him. Maybe Ma knew he wasn't interested in her. Ma said he would lie to get what he wanted. Whatever he wanted, it obviously wasn't her.
She sighed. "I know what I want." Enough of this. She wasn't going to push her attention on him. She turned away from him and started back toward the house.
He grabbed her arm. "Where are you going?"
She yanked her arm free. "Someplace where I feel welcome."
He fell into step beside her. "I'm sorry. I've humiliated you when my intent was to avoid offending you. I respect you."
She stopped and looked up at him. He lifted a brow and a touch of humor came into his eyes. He held out his arms to her. "I give you permission to offend me all you want."
She took one hesitant step toward him and he pulled her into his arms. His warm lips found hers as he drew her close. She wasn't offended. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed close to him. His lips left hers and made a hot trail down her neck.
She moaned. "Ah Bear; I think I'm falling in love with you."
He lifted his head and looked down at her, his eyes smoldering and his voice husky with passion. "I wish we could spend some time alone…away from here. I wish…"
He shook his head and released her. "I'd better get back to camp. Tom and Joe are probably wondering where I am. The next thing you know, they'll be here looking for me."
Why hadn't she kept her big mouth shut? Maybe Ma was right - that he was only interested in one thing - and that wasn't love. But then, Ma didn't know she had practically thrown herself at him and he had to be coaxed into kissing her. The problem wasn't Barrett.
When Mary Jo walked into the house, Ma gave her a suspicious look. "Did Mr. Monroe leave already?"
Mary Jo nodded. "He just came over to invite me to his birthday dinner."
"His Ma already invited us."
"I know. He told me."
Ma tipped her head to the side. "Wanna talk about it?"