The Rancher Takes A Bride (The Burnett Brides Book 1)

accepting her new standing.
    Travis rounded the last hill before the ranch, suddenly feeling eager to get home. His eyes ached from strain, his brow felt bruised, and his jaw was sore from the drunk's punch. Tonight Rose received the applause, while all he'd acquired were a few well-placed jabs.
    As they pulled up in front of the ranch house, he helped his mother out of the buckboard and then Rose. He put his hands around her waist, and she tensed as he lifted her out of the wagon. She felt so small, so fragile, yet he knew from past experience that she was tough.
    Her feet touched the ground, and his hands lingered, reluctant to let her go. The rough texture of her dress was a contrast to the warm flesh he knew lay below the clothing. She glanced up at him, her eyes questioning, but not warm. Coldness radiated from her.
    She reached out her fingertips, lightly grazing his swollen right eye. "Does it hurt?"
    He shrugged, instantly aware of her touch. "Just a little bit."
    "I'll fix some tea and then doctor that eye," she said briskly.
    "Thanks," he said and turned away. Obviously, she was still angry at his comments about the ring.
    He unhitched the horses from the wagon and led them away to the makeshift barn. Hurriedly he removed the bridle from the animals, combed and fed them. This was usually a chore he enjoyed, but tonight he wanted to get inside. Let Rose doctor his swollen flesh, so he could enjoy her ministrations and revel in her touch while she was still around to do it.
    When the last horse had been curried, he rushed to the house and up the wooden steps. Opening the back door, he stepped into the kitchen, glancing around the small room. She stood with her back to him, gathering the materials she would need. Her back was rigid, and she didn't turn to greet him.
    He stepped into the room and asked, "Where's Mother?"
    "She said to tell you good night. She's tired and has gone off to bed," Rose said. She turned around and glanced at him.
    Her emerald eyes sparkled in the light of the lantern, touching him like the strike of a match. The burn was quick and instantaneous.
    "Sit down and let me tend to your injuries," she said, carrying her supplies to the table.
    He pulled a chair out, away from the dining table, and turned it sideways so he could watch her. She walked to where he sat and methodically laid down the cloth strips she'd gathered. Moving between his legs, her cheeks flushed, and he almost groaned when she leaned over him, her breasts right at eye level. The urge to reach out, pull her into his arms, and stroke her almost overpowered him.
    She dipped the rag into what looked like water and laid it against the open wound. Travis felt as if tongues of liquid fire were consuming his face. The pain almost took his breath away.
    "Ow! What's on that rag?" he asked, pushing her hand away from the stinging cut.
    "Oh, come on. It can't be that bad," she said with a false smile.
    "What's in there?" he asked, pointing to the bowl.
    "I'm trying to sterilize the wound. It's just a mixture of alcohol and water to make sure no infection sets in," she said innocently.
    He glared at her, but her eyes flashed defiantly while her face held a false smile. She was definitely still peeved at him over his remark earlier in the evening. How could he explain to her that he was confused? How could he make her understand he didn't know what he thought about her stealing the ring anymore?
    Travis closed his eyes and leaned back, trying not to grimace as her hands wiped his battered face. He hadn't meant to get involved in a fight tonight. He hadn't wanted to make a spectacle of himself in front of the whole town with his family watching, but he couldn't let that pervert get away with yelling obscenities at Rose. But then, he hadn't meant to upset her either when they'd gotten into their almost daily argument regarding the missing wedding band.
    If only she would give the band back, he would be free to pursue Rose. He would then be able to ... to what? Make love to her? Offer her the wedding band as a token of his affection? Watch her take the earliest stage out of town?
    Who was he kidding? If she gave the band back, it would confirm his worst fears. He didn't want Rose to leave. He just wanted to carry her to his room and strip the clothes from her and lose himself in her sweet body.
    But why would she stay? He hadn't treated her in a warm, gentle, courtly fashion. No, he had done everything but make her experience totally