Reily’s Woman

Could a sudden love just as suddenly die?  Leah was reluctant to leave the mountain site where their plane had crashed.  The hostile desert was not encouraging.  “We could die out there,” she argued.  But Reilly was part Indian.  Strong and resourceful, he was confident they could survive the primitive conditions with relatively little hardship.  Was this his attraction?  His confidence and capability coupled with the intimacy of their situation?  Would their eventual return to civilization, as he predicted, sever the special bond between them?

“But you said we were in this together.”  There was lump in her throat, but Leah continued, “You’re not leaving without me, Reilly.  If you go, I’ll follow.”  He started to move away, but she clutched at his shirt, searching his expression with questioning eyes.  “Reilly?”  Her heart fluttered uncertainly at what she saw.  Then his mouth was crushing on hers—the punishing kiss soon became a sensual demand.  Response flamed through Leah’s veins.  “I’ve wanted you to do that.”  Her voice throbbed with the beat of her heart.  “Leah.”  Only his husky tone betrayed Reilly’s inner passion.  “You’ve never known a man, have you?”  As she stiffened he dropped his hands to his sides and said resolutely, “You don’t need to be afraid.”  “Of whom?” she blinked.  “Of you…or me?”