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old oak tree directly outside hung without moving.
    She was so tired! As she’d expected, the sleepless nights spent at the ruin had caught up with her—time with Richard followed by chore-filled days. How could she not suffer from lack of sleep?
    Richard. . . Her pulse raced as she recalled his kiss. She’d been unable to put it out of her mind, her reaction to it had been so strong.
    She wanted to see him, to be certain that he was all right. It was impossible to sleep anyway when she could barely breathe in this hot room.
    Kirsten rose from her bed and stretched, studying herself in the moonlight that filtered in through her window. Did he find her attractive? She gazed down at her small naked breasts, the curves of her hips and legs.
    Good God, what was she thinking! She forced such thoughts away.
    Kirsten reached for her dressing gown, taking it down from a hook near her bed and then slipping her arms into its voluminous sleeves. After a quick peek out her bedchamber door, she left her room to move quietly through the house. She crept past the door of her parents’ room, silently praying that they, unlike her, were unaffected by the heat and were sleeping peacefully.
    Kirsten breathed a sigh of relief upon exiting the house. She couldn’t forget the night when, overconfident about her ability to escape, she’d tripped at the bottom of the stairs, nearly waking her parents and giving away her nightly visits to Richard.
    The night air was no cooler outside than in her room. Padding barefoot across the yard to the barn, Kirsten debated whether or not to ride Hilga. It was too hot to wear slippers on her feet, so the journey would be easier and faster on the gentle horse. Once inside the stable, she thought better of the idea. Horse and rider would be an easy target in the darkness. She’d be safer traveling as a lone figure on foot.
    Insects buzzed and chirped in songful chorus as Kirsten followed the trail to the ruins of the mill. The after-dark sounds seemed magnified this night. Small nocturnal animals scurried through the brush, but the forest creatures didn’t frighten her—it was the thought of meeting man.
    The threat of British soldiers had ended two days ago when the troops had left Hoppertown, but she could never be too careful. There might be deserters about. British or Patriot, they would be dangerous. War-crazed and desperate, there was no telling what they might do to the unwary, especially an unprotected woman.
    Kirsten’s thoughts went to Richard. He wasn’t expecting her tonight; there was a good chance he would be sleeping when she arrived. If so, she’d simply check to see that he was comfortable and return home.
    Her steps faltered as she neared the mill. The memory of his kiss came back again; its gentleness haunted her. She continued along the path, recalling the tenderness of his caress. Would he make love as tenderly as he kissed? Or would he be a fierce, demanding lover? she wondered, and was immediately shocked by her musings.
    Her dressing gown, which felt light and airy against her skin, suddenly seemed too sheer to be worn in male company. She’d been daring to wear it instead of her man’s clothes, but it was so hot this night.
    The garment is large and loose, and it’s dark. Surely, Richard wouldn’t notice that she was naked underneath it.
    She stopped in her tracks. She imagined the heat of his piercing gaze on her bare skin. The back of her neck tingled. Her heart thumped hard.
    No need to worry. He isn’t expecting you. He’s probably sleeping. Kirsten moved on toward the mill, envisioning his brown gaze turning a golden color as he stared at her body.
    Her nipples hardened in response to that image. This won’t do! she thought, picturing how his lips would curve slowly into a sensual smile. She felt her legs weaken. No, this wouldn’t do at all!
    Kirsten admitted that Richard fascinated her. Why? It