She splayed her fingers on his chest, shoving with the heels of her hands to lever herself away from him. Hunter tensed his arm at her waist to hold her. He wondered if she was aware of his hardness. Then he felt her heartbeat accelerate and had his answer. He bit back a tender smile. If only she knew how easily he could see her thoughts, like pebbles at the bottom of a clear pool.
In this excerpt from "Comanche Moon" by Catherine Anderson, the dynamic between the two characters intensifies as one tries to distance herself while the other seeks to hold her close. The physical tension between them is palpable, marked by a moment of struggle where she exerts force against him, revealing a mix of emotional and physical awareness that complicates their interaction.
Hunter's internal musings highlight his sensitivity to her feelings, especially as he notes her quickened heartbeat. This moment of awareness deepens the connection they share, suggesting an unspoken understanding between them. His ability to perceive her thoughts metaphorically positions him as both close and emotionally attuned, emphasizing the theme of intimacy in their encounter.
