Page 25 of The Gold Rush Bride

“We didn’t have any personal talks. Kitty is a businesswoman, and I was a patron of her businesses. That’s all.”

A knock sounded at the door.

* * *

The sound startled Sadie,probably because she’d been living in a tent for months where no one knocked. She was pleased her bath was now only minutes away. Her body was aching in anticipation of the hot water.

Barnaby answered the knock and opened the door wide.

“We’re here with the tubs you requested, sir.”

“Yes, please set one on this side of the bed and one on the other side. Thank you.” Barnaby pointed to the spots he meant.

The men did his bidding. The first two each carried a large metal tub. The third man carried buckets of hot water, which he emptied into the tub on the far side of the bed.

“We’ll be right back with more hot water.” The tallest of the men, who had carried one tub, tipped his hat toward Sadie. “Ma’am.”

Sadie, who held her hands clasped in front of her, nodded back. “Sir, could you also bring a pan I can use to rinse my hair?”

“Certainly, ma’am.”

The men returned three more times with buckets. The first time, the tall man brought a pan in one bucket. He set down the buckets and handed her the pan after he dried the bottom with a towel he had on his shoulder. “Here you go, ma’am.”

Sadie took the pan. “Thank you.” She carried it to the far side of the bed. “And could you leave one bucket full so I can rinse the soap from my hair?”

“Certainly. I’ll bring you a bucket full of hot water just for that,” said the man.

The tubs were half full and perfect for soaking.

Returning quickly with her water, the man set it down.

Barnaby gave him a tip.

“Thank you, sir.”

Barnaby locked the door behind him.

She looked over at him. “I guess we’d better undress before this water gets cold.”

“Would you like me to turn my back?”

She shook her head. “We’re about to see each other naked, anyway. At least that’s the way I understand it.”

“You are correct, but I...we...won’t do anything you don’t like. I promise. If something makes you uncomfortable, just tell me, and I’ll stop.”

“What if you can’t stop? I’ve heard some acquaintances talking about how he couldn’t stop no matter how hard she tried. She said it was awful.” Her heart pounded and her breathing became erratic as fear gripped her.

Barnaby came to her and took her in his arms. “The person who did that wasn’t a man, he was a villain...an animal. They should have arrested him for assault. A real man will stop and won’t hurt you. I promise, I’m a real man. Do you trust me?”

She cocked her head and gazed up at him, noticing the firm line of his mouth and the sincerity in his gaze. Did she trust him? “Yes, I do. I don’t believe you’d hurt me on purpose.”

He nodded. “I won’t, though I will tell you there will be a little pain the first time we make love because you are a virgin.”

“I understand. Although we’ll see each other naked during love-making, I’ve changed my mind. Could you please face away while I undress for the tub?”

“Of course. You are a little shy, and that is understandable.” He turned around.

She swiftly discarded her dirty clothes and stepped into the hot water and sat. The experience was astonishing, as if she had never experienced a hot bath before. Her body instantly relaxed. “You can turn around now.” Her head was just above the bed and she watched as he undressed...unable to look away.