“I’m okay. I’ve never walked around like this before. I feel exposed. Out in the open. When I went on training missions, it was dinner parties. Small. Intimate. Or rugged terrain if I was training to be a soldier. I’ve never done anything like this in my life.”

Wyatt smiled down at her. “You’re doin’ great. Let’s go in here and find you some clothes.”

“Underwear,” she said firmly.

“I like you without it.”

She couldn’t help but laugh softly at the humor in his voice that told her he was part teasing and part telling the truth. He had the cocky smile she liked. The one that told her he liked being with her as well.

“Of course now that I’m givin’ it a little thought, we’d better buy you a lot. I like rippin’ it offa you too. Choices are always good.”

His grin felt good in spite of her nerves. His hand was tight around hers, giving her some comfort. She tried not to notice how some of the men on the street turned their heads to watch her walk. She wasn’t feeling as if she had to shield them from her raw sexual hunger but maybe…

“No, babe, don’ do that to yourself. You’re naturally a beautiful woman, and men like to look at beautiful women. It’s that simple. I’d be starin’ at you too, if you weren’ tucked up tight against me. I like havin’ you at my side.”

“You’re not jealous?” She didn’t want him to feel uncomfortable with her.

“Why should I be jealous?”

His hand swept down her back, over the curve of her butt. His touch was light, but it was possessive. She could feel the caress of his hot palm right through the thin material of the skirt, and deep inside a small tingle of awareness answered the gesture.

“You’re with me and I have your full attention. Now you start smilin’ and flirtin’, that might be somethin’ else altogether.” He reached around her to pull open the door to the little boutique. “Flame likes this shop. I hope you find a few things you love.”

In spite of herself, she felt excitement. She’d never been shopping for clothes. Wyatt continued to give her firsts. She found herself clutching his wrist with her other hand, her heart pounding as she walked into the store.

I’ve never done this. I don’t have any money and I don’t know how much things cost.

Wyatt looked down into Pepper’s upturned face. She was glowing. He’d put that look there. Her eyes held trepidation, but they sparkled with anticipation.

I want you to have every possible experience, sugar. Shopping for you, for the kids, even for me, will come natural to you once you do it a few times. Let me worry about the cost. I’ve got it covered, no problem.

She bit her lower lip with her small, pearly white teeth he often found himself fascinated with. He’d never particularly cared for shopping, especially with a woman, but her obvious enjoyment superseded his discomfort. He glanced at the clerk. Of course he knew her.

Mrs. Marsh. She’s the biggest gossip in town. Loves to get in everyone’s business. She’ll especially like me holdin’ up sexy little lingerie for you. She’ll probably take pictures on that cell phone of hers and send them far and wide.

He meant to tease her, to make her laugh, but the color leeched from Pepper’s face. She shook her head and took a step back, her body behind his.

They can’t send that picture around. Braden has eyes everywhere. He’ll know I’m with you and that Ginger is too. He’ll send his soldiers after us.

Mrs. Marsh had spotted them the moment they’d walked through the door, her bright, curious eyes finding Pepper right away. She frowned, not liking that she didn’t recognize a local woman with Wyatt. Her gaze immediately dropped to their linked hands.

I was teasin’, baby. Don’ panic on me. Trust me to take care of you.

Pepper took a deep breath and managed a smile as Mrs. Marsh hurried toward them, her high heels clicking sharply on the floor.

“Wyatt! How lovely to see you.”

Except she wasn’t looking at him at all. Her interested gaze stayed on Pepper the entire time, almost as if she couldn’t believe what she was seeing.

“Mrs. Marsh. Nonny sends her regards. Flame told me you were workin’ here and that you were a tremendous help the last time she was in the shop. I’ve brought my fiancée to pick up a few things from here because Flame loves this boutique.” Flame had said the woman knew her business, so he wasn’t exactly lying.

Mrs. Marsh looked pleased. “Your fiancée? I didn’t know you were engaged, Wyatt. Nonny didn’t say a word.”

Because her gaze had already dropped to Pepper’s naked finger, he held up her hand. “She didn’ want to say anythin’ until we got the ring, and I wanted to get it from Lew at the jewelry shop. This is my home and I buy local. Pepper will be livin’ here with me, so we want to start out right, isn’t that true, baby?”

Deliberately he softened his voice, going tender, raising Pepper’s hand to his mouth and kissing her knuckles before tucking her hand against his chest. “Mrs. March, my fiancée, Pepper. Honey, this is Mrs. Marsh. I’ve known her since I was a boy. She’s the best at this kind of thing, accordin’ to Flame.” He switched his gaze to Mrs. Marsh, all charm. “That’s high praise. You know Flame. She loves her clothes.”

Mrs. Marsh looked pleased, even flushing a little. “I’ll certainly do my best to help you, Pepper. What is it you’re looking for?”