Hunter grew amused, watching Loretta. When she threw him an accusing glance, he...

Hunter grew amused, watching Loretta. When she threw him an accusing glance, he noted that her pupils had flared until her irises were almost black. Crimson rode her cheeks, and a rosy flush colored her slender throat. He wondered if her entire body was pink and wish they were alone so he could find out. Tonight he would build a fire so she couldn't hide in shadows, and he would learn every inch of her, slowly. Her shyness tantalized him. He anticipated the time when she would come to him without reservation, but he intended to savor this stage of their relationship just as thoroughly. Like now, teasing her with a blade of grass and watching the emotions that played upon her face, imagining the moment when he could stake claim to what she guarded so jealously.
"We should get back," she said softly. "It'll be getting dark soon. And I'm tired."
Brimming with the energy of youth, Swift Antelope and Amy leaped to their feet, eager to be gone. When Loretta stood, Hunter grasped her ankle. "We will follow later," he said huskily.
Swift Antelope flashed a knowing grin and took Amy's hand to hurry her along. Loretta gazed after them, her color deepening. When she looked down at Hunter, her eyes were wide with wariness. "Why aren't we going now?"
"You know why.