Stars exploded behind her eyes as she collapsed in a heap of flesh and bones on top of him. Darkness mixed with light, the only sounds were those of her heart thudding against her ears.
Kisses at her temples and the sliding of her lover's hands up and down her back soothed her back to reality. Camille cried then, too overwhelmed to stop.
"Come here." Lucas pulled her against him and Camille placed her head on his shoulder, draping an arm across his middle. They were both wet with perspiration but unable to keep from touching. They'd made love again and she was still in a daze from how many times he'd taken her to peak. Every time, she swore it was better only to find she could once again climb higher.
She sighed. "What time are you leaving?"
"Not sure. Once everyone gathers at the jailhouse. I need to get going. I’ll leave out the back to keep from being seen.” His deep voice vibrated in her ear. When he placed a kiss on the top of her head, she realized it could be the last time she saw him.
Camille lifted up and peered down at him. "I am not sure what to say about all this. I need to explain to you..."
"No." He placed a finger on her lips. "Don't feel the need to explain anything. I hope that when I return, we can continue to get to know each other. This will be a wonderful memory. But mark my word, Camille Johnston. The next time we make love, it will be as husband and wife."
Struck speechless, Camille fell back onto his chest. "I don't expect you to..."
"Hush now. It's not out of obligation that I will ask you to marry me. It is because I want to marry you."
"Oh."
"Now kiss me, woman. I have to get dressed and get going."
Their kiss lingered until she clung breathless to him and his breathing matched. Finally, he slid from the bed and dressed quickly as she watched, enthralled by the bunching and loosening of his muscles and the last glimpses of his bare body.
Lucas came to the bed and smiled down at her. "Behave yourself while I'm gone.” He placed a soft kiss on her lips and tears sprung to her eyes.
Camille nodded, attempting a weak smile. "We'll talk when you get back. So you better come back soon."
"Yes ma'am." He took his hat from atop a chair and quietly slipped from the room.
In the darkness, she stared up at the ceiling. Instead of pondering how she'd tell Lucas they could never be, she closed her eyes and inhaled. The smell of their lovemaking remained and she rolled to her side needing to revel in it.
CHAPTER SEVEN
THE RIDE OUT OF TOWN with additional men took the attention of many and Lucas wasn't sure it was a good idea to stir uneasiness in the people.
"What's going on, Sheriff?" the butcher called out. "We got trouble?"
Brogan waved in return. "Riding out to ensure there isn't. Nothing to worry about."
Several women gathered in front of the seamstress shop and looked on as they rode past. One of the women motioned to Lucas. "Is something wrong?"
"No ma'am, going to patrol the area to make sure all is well." Lucas touched the brim of his hat.
When they rode past Camille's shop, he turned to see her looking out through the windows. She wore a pale blue dress that complemented her olive skin. With her hair upswept and the high-buttoned dress, she looked nothing like the beauty he'd held in his arms the night before.
Their gazes met and he understood her message immediately. I'm scared for you, please hurry back.
He returned a lazy grin, lifting and lowering his brows in a flirty way. She shook her head, a light smile on her lips.
There was no doubt; he'd do everything in his power to return to her. They didn't expect to encounter any trouble that day. Other than patrolling and ensuring the outlaws were not hiding out, it wouldn't be longer than a day or two before they returned. A day or two too long.
Already, he wanted her. He could not stop thinking about her. She would be his wife. Hell, they might even beat Brogan and Sarah to the preacher. If he could've, Camille would be his wife that day.
****
Camille trudged up the stairs. Her suitcases were packed and most of her personal belongings loaded onto the wagon behind her shop. She'd been up at the crack of dawn, packaging as many herbs and oils as she could carry to ensure a good start wherever she ended up. Tears slid down her cheeks and she brushed them away.
There was no choice. She'd felt it. Lucas would not be put off; he meant it when insisting they marry.
While talking that night before, he'd admitted to it being the first time he'd allowed himself release inside a woman. He feared fathering a child that would not be his to raise. And now she would do exactly what he feared, leave him.
She drank tea made from wormwood to keep anything from taking hold. It would work and, hopefully, there would not be any result to their lovemaking. Although, in her heart, she did wish for a reminder of the wonderful night. The one and only time she'd been so loved, cherished and reassured.