“I’ll take the compliment. I know what will also make you feel better.”
She viewed him skeptically. Surely he wasn’t proposing his kisses as a cure-all.
“I’m talking about a ride to Carmichael Falls. What did you think I was going to say?”
She didn’t respond.
“You thought I meant kisses, didn’t you?”
“No.
“Fibber. Get your horse. Who knows, if you’re a good girl, you might get kisses, too.”
She punched him in the arm, hard. “Ow!”
“Your arm is like iron. Stop pretending to be a greenhorn.”
“I may have to take your drawers for that.”
Her mouth dropped open and she searched his face with wide eyes.
He howled with laughter. “Oh, Duchess. The look on your face. Go get your horse.”
Portia wasn’t sure what to do.
“Go. I’ll be good. I promise.”
“That’s what scares me.” She rose, gave him another look that made him firm his lips to keep from smiling. He failed miserably.
Certain she had no business going anywhere with him, she left to change clothes and saddle Arizona.