A Proper setting down She landed in Cole?s arms. The shock knocked the sense out of her. She couldn?t describe it any other way. Nothing else could account for the fact that not a single coherent thought remained in her head. He caught her easily, as if he?d done it before. He balaned her lightly against his chest, but that didn?t keep her from being acutely aware she was leaning against his body. Heat and tension passed between them like their clothes weren?t even there. ?Put me down,? she said, finally managing to find her tongue . . . and the indignation that should have boiled to the surface immediately. ?I can?t.? ?If you don?t, I?ll punch you in the nose so hard it?ll make your eyes water. I?m not in the habit of being manhandled by every passing drifter.? ?It?s not that,? he said. ?I?? She drew back her fist. ?You?ve got exactly one second.? He shrugged and set her down. She felt her stocking feet sink into warm, soft manure.