Johanna glanced past Stephen, her gaze resting on Ryan. Her expression changed to one of bemusement, as if she had never seen a trapper. She stared at his leather attire, from moccasin footwear up to fringed leather pants and buckskin shirt, she peered at his face, and when their eyes met, she held her breath and lowered her gaze. Ryan smiled at her. At last she acknowledged him. He stepped forward, and gestured to her baggage. "Carry these for you?"

   She didn't respond, but stared at him with such intensity that he wondered if she had heard him. So, he repeated his question. Finally, her eyelashes fluttered. A crimson hue inched up her neck and face as she gazed at him. She rubbed her face with her hands. "I'm terribly sorry for staring. In Boston, men don't wear animal hide and furry caps with tails."

  "No, they wear black linens," Ryan muttered, taking hold of the baggage. He swung one bag too wide and struck Johanna's knee.     "Sorry." Why was he acting like a damn fool? And what was that scent she was wearing? Smelled like magnolia blossoms.