Excerpt of Delaney's Crossing by Stacey Coverstone

When Delaney glanced at her watch, she realized the celebration had carried on for two hours. She had a headache and felt dizzy. She placed three fingers to her aching forehead. Gabriel helped her to her feet. “Are you all right?” he asked. “You’re pale.” She wanted to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. Although she wasn’t sure she was okay, she signaled by shaking her head and let her eyes sweep across the ramada. The Pima were leaving, disappearing into the dark like phantoms in the night. Dances With Wind and her newly christened Flying Star were lifted and taken back to their hogan in the hide, by the same broad shouldered men who had carried them out. Running Deer, She Who Dreams, and One Who Cries followed their mother and baby brother. He Who Fights Bravely waited behind and stood in front of Delaney in all his bare-chested beauty.

She stared into his deep brown eyes. She was mesmerized, drunk, high, confused, and aroused all at the same time. She grabbed Gabriel’s hand and squeezed. He squeezed back. She wondered what was to come next. It had been a very weird night so far. A shiver ran down her spine as He Who Fights Bravely asked, “You like celebration?”

“Yes. Very much.” It was all she could squeak out.

He moved his head up and down—once—firmly. “Follow me.” He led the couple to a small dwelling far down the road, past his own home. It was located right on the banks of the river. The bright moon’s rays lit up the splashing water, which shone like diamonds. Delaney had a strong desire to strip and go skinny-dipping. “Stay here tonight,” the Indian said, making an arc with the sweep of his hand. “You make love.” He looked back and forth, between them. Seemed there’d be no conversation about it. He Who Fights Bravely spun around and sprang off like a gazelle back down the road. Stunned, the two of them stood frozen, speechless for a moment. The man’s announcement had awakened Delaney from her drug-induced reverie with a jolt, as if ice water had been thrown on her. But it was Gabriel who found his voice first. He quietly said, “Well, our mutual friend certainly seems determined to get us together tonight.” The corners of her mouth tilted. The drink had made her reckless and over-confident. Silently, she grasped his hand and pulled him inside. The entrance to the hogan was much smaller than the one He Who Fights Bravely and his family lived in. They bent down and crawled on their hands and knees through the small arched doorway. When her eyes adjusted to the dark surroundings, she glimpsed the makings of a soft animal hide and fur bed on the ground. Crawling toward the bed, she drew Gabriel with her.