"Mrs. Albright, I know this is none of my business, but I don't think it wise for you to travel alone. I doubt your husband would've approved."
Lily turned back to stare at the sea of stars that seemed to hang over the river, seeming almost within reach. Would Nigel approve of what she was doing? Yes, she decided. He'd been the consummate adventurer. He wouldn't have expected her to live the rest of her life wrapped in cotton wool. And Nigel's death had given her greater freedom than she'd ever known. It was both frightening and exhilarating.
Creighton Callaway seemed to take her silence for agreement. "Please, at least allow me to see you safely on the train."
Lily spun around to stare at him. "And in return?"
He spread his hands. "I expect nothing in return but the pleasure of your company. I have a widowed mother and an unmarried sister. If either one was forced to travel alone, I would worry."
Ah, so he thought women were too weak to take care of themselves. A typical male notion. "I've gotten this far on my own, Mr. Callaway, and my journey is almost over."
"Mrs. Albright, you're not in England any more. I grant you that California is more civilized than it was twenty years ago, but it's not what you are used to."
Lily thought about the men she'd seen wearing gun belts and suppressed a shudder.
Perhaps she should accept his offer. Once she reached Grass Valley and Uncle Arthur, she need never see the man again.
"I suppose you have a point. Very well, Mr. Callaway. I place myself in your capable hands." The image of his hands on the more sensitive parts of her anatomy sent a shiver through her. "And now you may escort me to my cabin."
He offered his arm again and they strolled to the stairway leading to the upper decks and her lonely cabin.
Lily stopped at her cabin and stared at her companion, his handsome face illuminated by the lamp burning above the door. Should she or shouldn't she?
Before she could decide, he slowly withdrew her hand from his arm and brought it to his lips. "The evening is still young," he said lightly.
"What did you have in mind, Mr. Callaway?"
Cupping her chin, he stared at her, his eyes full of half promises. "Oh, hell, I may get my face slapped for this, but?" His hand moved to the back of her neck as he lowered his head and captured her lips in a kiss that stole her breath and banished any inhibitions she had left.
Lily grabbed hold of his lapels and gave herself up to the kiss. When it ended she gazed at him through glazed eyes and asked, "Would you like to come inside, Mr. Callaway?"
)
