“True.” Although, after today it wouldn’t matter. The thought filled her with wistfulness. “I’ll let you finish and meet you at the cabin.”

Without waiting for a response, she started back up the path and was surprised a moment later when he caught up with her, leading his horse. Although he’d put his hat back on, he was still bare chested.

As he fell into step next to her, she couldn’t stop from ogling him once more. Up close, his body was more beautiful, the muscles in his arms taut and bulging, his chest smooth and corded.

He slanted a glance at her and cocked a brow.

Heat infused her cheeks, and she picked up her pace. “You really should put your shirt on.”

“I reckon you’re right, and I apologize.” He kept stride with her. “But figured you wouldn’t want to see me decked out in this.” He held up his balled-up shirt, which was damp with sweat and blood and all manner of filth.

She was acting like a prude when there was no reason to. “I should be the one apologizing. You have every reason to go shirtless, and I shouldn’t even be thinking about such things at a time like this.”

“What things?”

“Your bare chest.” The moment the words were out, she flushed again. “I mean, I shouldn’t be thinking about how you look without a shirt—” She cut herself off. The more she talked, the more awkward she was making the situation. She’d do better to say nothing more about it, to change topics entirely.

“How do I look?”

“I’d rather not say.” As they crested the rise, the cabin came into view, and she was suddenly anxious to disappear inside and put a safe distance between herself and Wyatt.

“Hopefully, better than I feel.” He released a weary sigh, one that stirred her compassion. After all that had happened and the long hours of work, he had to be weary and hungry and frustrated.

“You look good,” she conceded, hoping to encourage him but once again feeling as though she’d overstepped herself.

“Good? That’s all?” His tone contained a note of teasing that helped ease some of her discomfort.

“I refuse to say anything further.” She lowered her head, letting the brim of her bonnet shield her embarrassment.

He reached for her hand and stopped abruptly, tugging her to a halt next to him and twisting her until she was facing him. He stood an arm’s length away and examined her from her head to her toes, the light in his eyes making her skin tingle with strange anticipation.

She waited for him to say something, but he dropped his gaze and let it wander again. “What are you doing?” She was surprised to find herself somewhat breathless.

“You got to stare at me. Figured it’s only fair I get to do the same to you.”