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in front of the window had been a necessary diversion, nothing more. She’d intended to ignore it, seal its devastating effect away where it would remain until she could bring it out again later and examine it. But her plan hadn’t worked any better than Asa’s. Her brain, like her charcoal drawing, was becoming more and more muddled as she tried not to think about the kiss.
    Sarah reached over to remove the toast from the toaster. That was a mistake. It only brought her closer to the man she was trying not to think about.
    She froze.
    Asa turned off the burner on the stove. He caught Sarah’s arms, one in each hand, and turned neatly around so that he was leaning against the counter and she was leaning against him.
    Their gazes met and locked, her lashes fluttering for a long minute. Then, slowly, but with certainty, she understood. The first kiss was official business. This was personal. He was asking for solace, for comfort, and she could give it. He’d been hurt and hurt was something she could soothe, if not forever, at least for now.
    With an almost imperceptible nod of agreement, she slid her hands up his chest and around his neck. “I’m sure there is a betterword to describe your kiss. If you’ll give me another demonstration, I’ll try to come up with something … hot.”
    This time Asa didn’t blink. His body warmed from being pressed against Sarah’s curves. The unexpected tingling sensation that came as a result seemed to vibrate down his chest to his thighs.
    “You’re an unusual person, Sarah Wilson—nice, caring, kind.”
    “Yes, I think I am. And so are you.”
    “Most people don’t think of me as any of those things. Steadfast, determined, and unbending, maybe. But nice? I’m not sure I could ever be that.”
    “I’m sure.” She looked up at him, her sincerity shining in her eyes. “Otherwise we wouldn’t be here.”
    “Yes, we would. You see me as some wounded sparrow you’ve brought home to nurse back to life. I’m not.”
    “Will you please stop talking and kiss me again? I know it’s terribly forward of me, but I think it might make both of us feel better. Of course if you’d rather not, I’d understand.”
    “I’ve been honest with you, Sarah. I’m not known as a gentle man. Are you sure that you want to get involved with me?” Asa asked in a voice so unsteady that even he didn’t recognize it.
    “I’m sure. Kiss me, Asa Canyon.”
    Asa wanted to turn around and leave. He wanted to push himself away from her and run down the steps and out into the pasturebeyond. But her eyes held him. And her concern warmed and touched that secret part of him that had been frozen for such a long time.
    He groaned and felt the ice begin to melt.

Three
    This time when he kissed her it wasn’t for the benefit of someone watching. It wasn’t in the line of duty. It certainly wasn’t planned. With a will of its own, his mouth brushed her lips, slipped over them, meeting, capturing, recognizing the rightness of their touch and melding with them at last in a pool of hot sensation. He didn’t rush, nor did his hands cradle and caress. They were simply together, as if their being together had been meant all along.
    When Asa finally drew back, Sarah looked up at him, her eyes dreamy. “See? I told you so. You kiss wonderfully.”
    He tried not to smile, though it was very hard to resist the urge. He felt confused and to cover his uncertainty he railed out at Sarah. “For God’s sake, Sarah, do you always go around picking up strange men and kissing them?”
    “No. Do you always pretend you don’t like something when you do?”
    “Of course I don’t. We’re not talking about pleasure here.”
    “You may not be, but I am.”
    “What you’re doing is issuing me an invitation.”
    She slipped her hand around his neck. “Exactly. And there’s an RSVP included.”
    “Sorry, babe. I never learned much about etiquette. The only response I have to give you is a warning.”
    “You