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intense, more . . . carnal. Abby flushed, wanting to look away, but instead she felt as captive as the oxen yoked to her wagon. |
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She could not move as his fingers fumbled at the ribbons of her sopping bonnet. When he stripped the bonnet slowly from her head, she felt bared, vulnerable; her face was fully open to him. She stayed utterly still, unable to move, as his head lowered toward her and his lips found hers. |
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Nothing in all Abby's experience of seeing visions, of healing people and observing their pain and pleasure, could have prepared her for that kiss. Mike's lips were tentative at first, testing her. She could not help but respond; then she was drowning in a flood of emotions. |
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His kiss robbed her of her breath while filling her body with a heat stronger than fire. He pulled her closer against him, and she was aware not only of heat, but of strength and hardness. She had never been so close to a man, and she was shocked at the lascivious urges that ran through her. No virtuous woman could feel as she did; no lady permitted such liberties until marriage. But all she had ever believed was pushed aside by that one wonderful kiss. She could not question why; she could not think at all with Mike's lips on hers. |
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But he pulled away, his breath short, his expression bewildered. ''I . . . I didn't . . ." His deep voice tapered off. He brushed long, wet strands of his hair away from his face. "I think we should go on now." |
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