|
|
|
|
|
|
had made love, they had used no protection. Hannah introduced her to the very convenient methods of this time to deal with feminine hygiene, yet another thing to miss. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
She pulled from a drawer the maps she had purchased and began to compare them with Mike's paleontology books and references in Lucy's journal to the area where Abby had rejoined the wagon train. She packed the maps in a canvas tote bag she had acquired and placed the journal on top of the bureau. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
When Mike awakened hungry, she kept up an animated conversation at supper. His color was good, and she basked in the warmth of his glances. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
That night she slept in bed with him. Rather, she slept little, afraid of turning the wrong way and hurting him. Mostly she snuggled close, letting her fingers rove over his sleeping form so that, in days to come, she might recall as much as possible. She memorized the texture of his skin, with its light smattering of dark hair; the silken hair on his head; the hardness of his muscular chest and biceps; his pleasingly masculine aroma. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The next morning, Mike called Ruth to come out that day to discuss business, for she would have to run Arlen's Kitchens, with his guidance, in the week that the doctor ordered that he stay home. He would be closeted with her for hours, Abby thoughtan opportune time. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Still, a pang of jealousy shot through her; Ruth might yet get her wish and capture Mike's atten- |
|
|
|
|
|