Big Sky Love

by Cate Dean

  Charles pulled her into his arms, and the fear drained out of her. She held on to him, wanting him to stay, wanting—him. No man had ever been able to get past the wall she had built over the years, to keep herself emotionally safe from the men who constantly came and went on the ranch.

  This man should have been another one of them—a drifter, looking for short term work, a man on the way to somewhere else, who needed money to keep heading to that somewhere else. Instead, he was becoming important to her.

  “You will be safe, Kate. I promise you—as long as I am here, Evan Kransky will not harm you again.”

  “Thanks.” She eased back and met his eyes. “You’re pretty intimidating, for a pompous noble.”

  “Clearly, you have not met many nobles. Intimidation is part of our training.” His smile had goosebumps prickling her skin. “I find it comes in handy when faced with a pompous ass.”

  Kate laughed. It strangled to a gasp when he kissed her.

  The kiss was hot, desperate, and far too short. Charles stepped away from her, his dark blue eyes intense. He scanned her from head to toe, need on his face, then he turned away, mingling with the townspeople. She felt like she had been ravaged, and she wanted more.

  Heaven help her—she wanted him.

  Nine

  THE EVENING MEAL was light, due to all the food consumed at the picnic. Charles ate the delicious, leftover fried chicken and hot, slightly bitter greens. After he finished eating, he handed his plate to Sally, and started to wander, restless.

  He stopped in the middle of the field, just beyond the paddock. There was open pasture for miles, edged by thick stands of trees, and leading to snow covered mountains in the distance. Aside from the land next to his estate in Kent, he had never been in a place that felt so open, under a sky that felt so big.

  “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Kate appeared out of the darkness, and stopped at his side. She looked tired, but content.

  “A man could lose himself here, and be glad for it.”

  “Would you want this, Charlie, after living in luxury? It can’t be easy for you.”

  “I spent more time with my horses than in a ballroom.” He smiled at the surprise on her face. “Aside from the unbelievably hard bunk, I have enjoyed my time here.”

  She stepped closer, and laid her hand on his cheek. “I’m glad you came to my rescue, Charlie.”

  “Keep flirting with me, Kate Maguire, and I may take advantage.”

  “I may not object if you do.” Her thumb traced his lower lip. Charles wanted to nip at that thumb, for a start. It took all his control to keep still. “I like you, more than I should. I want you to stay, Charlie.”

  His heart pounded at her words. He took a deep breath, and forced himself to step away.

  Just thinking of the word love left his stomach in a knot, and made the pendant he kept hidden under his shirt burn against his skin. Love had never been part of the equation for him. He adored women; God above, he adored everything about them. But to give his heart to one—there was the impossibility. It was also the reason he stood here now, in front of the woman who held his destiny in her hands.

  How did he expect her to love him, when he would not do the same in return?

  “There are things I am unable to explain,” he said. He had to choose his words carefully, reminded by the pendant that he trod on thin ice. “But, if you want me to stay, I can.”

  “Everything I am, everything I have, has to be focused on this ranch, and on getting these cattle ready for the buyer my father set up. Please understand—my life, and the lives of everyone here, depends on me accomplishing this.”

  She looked at him, as if she were about to say something else, then she shook her head and walked away from him.

  It felt like someone had stabbed him in the gut.

  Now, finally, he understood the desperation of the women he walked away from. The need to run after her was so great, he literally had to lock his knees to keep himself from doing so. By the time he controlled the urge, he had broken into a sweat. He needed to walk away, but since he could not, he just walked.

  The sunset, and the fast approaching darkness, forced him back to the bunkhouse. He undressed quietly, stretched out on the bunk, and closed his eyes. His mind—and his need for Kate—would not let him rest.

  He gave up, and pushed himself to his feet, putting on the clothes he had just shed. Perhaps Lightning would appreciate his company. Heaven knew, he needed the distraction.

  He stepped outside, let the cool night air soothe his heated skin.

  The skittish neigh of a horse startled him. Several of the more restless horses were loose in the paddock, including Lightning, who hated the confines of the stall.

  Charles headed for the paddock, knowing he could settle them. He had no idea if there were predators here, but his appearance would most likely chase off any animal in search of an easy meal. Since Kate had refused to give him a revolver, he would have to improvise.

  He pulled one of the metal pails off the outside of the tack room, and moved quietly toward the horses. The full moon made it easy to see them—along with the man skulking in their midst.

  “Damn—” Charles moved faster. The intruder was going to do one of two things—either harm the horses or steal them. Both were unacceptable.

  He bent over as he approached, keeping himself at the height of the horses’ backs. He wanted the element of surprise. Movement pinpointed the intruder, and Charles crept closer, the pail in his hand. He managed to get in arm’s reach before the intruder heard him.

  The man’s eyes widened over the bandana hiding most of his face. “What the—”

  Charles cut off his muffled exclamation with a swipe of the pail.

  Unfortunately, the man stumbled back before the makeshift weapon could do more than glance off his shoulder. He let out a string of curses—and jumped Charles.

  Instinct kicked in, and Charles punched the man in the stomach. The man let out a grunt and doubled over. Charles pulled back his fist to finish the job—and jerked back when pain exploded through his right hand.

  A long knife impaled his palm.

  “Son of a bitch—”

  Charles tackled the man, dragging him to the ground. By now, the horses’ terror had roused the other hands. Charles heard help coming, but he was afraid they’d be too late. The man kicked out at him, and Charles was forced to let go.

  Any thought wiped itself when the man stomped on his impaled hand.

  The blade snapped, and Charles nearly doubled as the jagged edge drove deep into his hand.

  Mike arrived just as the man sprinted into the darkness, Kate right behind him. They pulled Charles out of the paddock, then eased him to the ground.

  Kate laid her hand on his shoulder. “Hold still, Charles.” He knew it had to be serious, if she was calling him Charles. “Damn him,” she whispered. “Mike, go get my emergency bag.”

  He nodded, then directed one of the other men to keep calming the horses before he ran off.

  Charles met her eyes, and tried for a smile. It turned to a grimace when new pain flared through his hand. “He was attempting to steal the horses.”

  “I know.” She gently laid his right arm over her knees, and then leaned in to cradle his face. “Thank you. Without the horses, I’d be dead in the water. And he knows that.”

  Kate used the time until Mike returned with her kit to braid her hair. Watching her plait the long red strands mesmerized Charles, and took his mind off the pain. Mike came back, carrying a flowered satchel. Charles would have smiled, if not for the now constant throbbing.

  Mike held Charles’ arm still while she carefully opened his curled fingers. He swallowed the scream clawing up his throat, and kept his focus on her face. He could feel tears sliding back into his hair, but he refused to be ashamed. The throbbing intensified as she probed the wound, and the concern on her face did not give him hope.

  “I can’t remove it, Charlie—not without causing more dam
age.”

  “Is it as bad as I fear?”

  She swallowed. “I won’t know until Doc Garner can get the blade out, so you can start moving it again.” She finally looked at him. “Or not.”

  He nodded, and finally closed his eyes. It simply intensified the pain, so he opened them again, and stared up at the night sky. More stars than he had ever seen before filled the sky. It felt as if he were under a glittering canopy, and it was more breathtaking than any man-made replica.

  Kate touched his cheek. “I’m going to clean the wound, as much as I can, and it’s going to hurt. I’m sorry.”

  “No need,” he whispered. “I will lay all blame on the bastard who stabbed me.”

  With a shaky smile, she bent over his hand, and got to work.

  She cleaned the wound with some liquid that burned worse than the original wound, then carefully bandaged around the broken blade. When she finished, he could barely see for the pain.

  “Mike, help me get him to his feet. I’m taking him to Doc Garner.”

  Strong hands helped him stand, and Kate wrapped her arm around his waist as she led him to the stable. Mike’s voice filtered through the pain raging up his arm.

  “You know Doc’s going to be on a bender.”

  “I’d trust him after a night of hard drinking over most sober doctors I’ve met. Can you saddle Buster for me?”

  “I’m on it.”

  “Charlie.” She spread her hand over his chest, and for the first time, he noticed just how small her hands were, in comparison to his. “We’re going to see Doc Garner, have him take care of your hand. He’s not a stiff collar doctor, with his nose in the air and a jar of leeches.”

  Charles smiled at her description. He liked the man already. “I trust your judgement.” He lowered his head, so only she heard his next words. “I find myself liking you, Kate Maguire.” Charles knew the pain had lowered his barriers, but he could not seem to stop himself. “I find myself liking you more than is good for me.”

  She traced the line of his cheek. “I don’t know what it is about you, Charlie de Witt. I should stay far away, but I’m afraid you’ve already gotten under my skin.”

  He couldn’t have been happier.

  “I tend to do that to women.”

  She lightly slapped his cheek. “Braggart.”

  “I am as you see me, Kate.”

  “Oh, I think there’s much more to you than meets the eye, Charlie.” Mike came out with Buster. “Let’s get you to the Doc.” She led him to the mare’s side. “You’re riding with me,” she said. “No argument.”

  He swallowed, and nodded. There was little doubt he could manage Lightning on his own.

  She helped him into the saddle, then swung up behind him, wrapping her right arm around his waist. Charles leaned against her, watching her expertly guide them out to the road. All he had to do was stay conscious until they arrived in Starwood.

  Since they were two hours away, that was going to be a challenge.

  Ten

  KATE WANTED TO ride full speed to town, and get the damned blade out of Charles’ hand as soon as possible. But the way he held himself, every muscle tensed, told her he was in serious pain.

  She didn’t want to make it worse.

  Once they reach the road, she urged Buster to move a little faster. Charles gripped the horn, cradling his right hand against his chest.

  “Galloping will hurt me no less, Kate.”

  “I didn’t want—”

  “Your care is noted. I would—prefer to arrive sooner.”

  She tightened her arm around his waist. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. Then she slapped the reins and Buster surged forward.

  Charles lowered his head, and she could hear him gasp every time his right arm moved. She hated herself for hurting him more, but the faster they got to Doc Garner, the better for him.

  After two endless hours, they finally reached the road leading into Starwood.

  “Hold on, Charlie. We’re almost there.”

  She urged Buster to move faster, and by the time they reached the end of the main street, they were flying. She reined in hard, and let go of Charles before she slipped out of the saddle.

  “Let me help you down.”

  He shook his head. “Go and find the doctor.” His voice was raw, and his knuckles were white from gripping the horn. “Go, Kate.”

  She tied Buster’s reins to the post and took off, heading straight for Sugar’s saloon.

  It wasn’t hard to find Doc Garner; all she had to do was wade through the prostitutes who surrounded him, waiting for their free drink. He was a generous drunk, and despite that flaw, the best doctor she knew.

  “Doc—excuse me, Candy.” The tall, bright blonde in front of her turned, giving her a smile.

  “Hey, Kate. You need the Doc for something?”

  “One of my hands is injured.” Doc must have heard her; he pushed up from the table, the black bag he always had with him in his hand. “He’s outside, in front of your office.”

  “Go ahead, Katie.” His rumbling voice calmed her. “I’m right behind you.” Even after a night of hard drinking, he looked as sober as a teetotaler.

  She ran down the boardwalk, and caught Charles trying to dismount on his own.

  “Don’t move another inch, Charlie.” He froze, and lifted his head. Her heart flipped at the pain on his white face. “Doc Garner’s on the way. I’m going to help you down.”

  “Thank you.”

  Doc Garner showed up, and gently pushed her aside. “I’ve got you, son.” He eased Charles off a calm, patient Buster. “Let’s go take a look at that hand, shall we?”

  He led Charles to the small but neat office. Once they were inside, he lowered Charles to the nearest chair and pulled up another chair to face him. Kate stayed out of the way, but in arm’s reach. Just in case. Doc Garner didn’t have a nurse; they all quit once they realized they couldn’t stop him from drinking, so he gave up on hiring one who would stay.

  “Look at me, son.” Charles obeyed, his face even whiter. “I’m Dr. Garner, and I’m going to take care of that hand for you.” He lowered his voice, but Kate heard his next words. “You do know you may lose it?”

  She covered her mouth, but Charles nodded, meeting Doc Garner’s eyes. “Do what you can.”

  “All right, then. Let’s see what we’re working with.”

  Doc Garner slowly, gently, unwrapped the blood-crusted bandage. Charles swayed in the chair, and Kate finally moved forward, gripping his shoulders to keep him upright. He trembled like a leaf under her hands, and that terrified her.

  “God,” Charles whispered.

  “Almost there, son.” When Doc Garner pulled the last of the bandage off, he clucked his tongue. “How in the name of heaven did the blade end up like that?”

  “The man who attacked me stepped on the knife.” Charles lowered his head after he spoke, like it had taken the rest of his strength.

  “All right—let’s get the blade out, then see what we have.” He looked up at Kate. “I’m going to need your help with this, Katie. The stove is already fired up, so go start heating some water, and keep it coming until I tell you to stop.” He turned back to Charles. “I’m going to remove the blade, clean this out, then see what’s what. This is going to hurt you, son, and I’m sorry about that. Katie was right to bring you to me when she did.”

  Kate was standing in the doorway when Charles lifted his head. He looked right at her, and she wanted to go to him, hold him, take away the pain etched into his face.

  “Can you tell her that this is not her fault?”

  “I’ll let you do that yourself, son. She’ll need to hear it from you.”

  Doc Garner pulled what looked like a pair of pliers out of his bag. “Katie—leave that water. I need your hands in here.”

  She knelt next to Charles, and held his arm. With one swift jerk, Doc yanked the blade out of Charles’ hand. He picked up the wad of bandage sitting on his leg and pressed it
to the wound. Blood poured out, scaring Kate breathless. Endless minutes later, Doc raised his head.

  “I don’t get to play sawbones today,” he said. Katie almost collapsed as relief flooded her. A grin spread across Doc’s face when Charles stared at him, obviously confused. “That means you’re keeping your hand, son.”

  Charles sagged against the chair. “Thank you, Doctor,” he whispered.

  “My pleasure, son.”

  “Charlie.” Kate blinked when he used his nickname. “My name is Charlie.”

  Eleven

  KATE PACED THE small hotel room, glancing at the bed every other second. Being alone here with Charles, instead of in the room she had procured for herself, was a reputation-ruining act, but she didn’t care. All she cared about was the man in the bed, and that he was going to be okay.

  He slept deeply, finally, after fighting his pain for most of the night. Staying in town was the smart move, even if she did feel like she was deserting Mike, and the other hands.

  “Mike will take care of them,” she muttered.

  “Yes, he will.”

  She halted at Charles’ low voice. “You’re awake.”

  He smiled, and held out his left hand. “Thanks to you, Kate, I am whole.”

  She moved to him, past his hand, and pressed her face into his throat. Relief left her shaky, and she felt his left arm slide around her waist. “I’ve never been so scared in my life,” she whispered. “I was afraid you were going to die, right there in his office.”

  “I did not know I looked so poorly.” He rubbed her back, the feel of his hand soothing and arousing at the same time. She wanted to climb into bed with him, and that thought startled her almost as much as her attraction to him.

  She was fooling herself; she wasn’t attracted to him. She was in love with him.

  Last night had told her that much.

  His deep voice rumbled against her ear. “What are you thinking this time, Kate?”