But Jake had done Henry’s bidding and solved a potential setback for the Bluebird Valley. It didn’t hurt that it would sink a thorn deep into Shep Lannigan’s side. The thought brought a smile to Jake’s lips.
Strengthening his resolve, Jake had decided he needed to speak to Molly, and about more than just the Bluebird. He’d ceased his nightly drinking binges, and what remained was an ache the size of the Grand Canyon for her. If she’d still have him, he’d take whatever he could get from her, even if, in the end, it was only affection and not love.
He could live with that.
The alternative was a life without her, and agonizing visions of that outcome had awakened him more and more in recent nights, leaving him drenched in sweat and despair.
Jake tugged at his best jacket, a slight breeze ruffling hair that was free of a hat. He’d shaved the mess of facial scruff that he hadn’t cared about maintaining, determined to make this evening count. With her.
As Jake stepped into a throng of other townsfolk and moved to the porch, he came face to face with James Winston.
“Nice of you to tear yourself away from the Orleans Club, McKenna.”
Jake coolly assessed the man. “I didn’t have the chance to say this before, so let me be clear on one thing. If you ever point a gun at Miss Simms again, I’ll do more than just rough you up.” Jake stepped closer and added in a low voice, “And no one will ever find your body.”
For a brief second, something close to fear flashed in Winston’s eyes. Jake was still certain Winston had had something to do with Pedro Elizondo’s death and the subsequent disappearance of the corpse, but as with most circumstances surrounding Winston and Lannigan, no evidence could be brought to light. Pedro’s remains had never surfaced although rumors around town whispered that the Mexican had skipped town. Jake didn’t doubt the gossip had been started by Winston himself, but it had been readily accepted by many, including Charlotte Cohen, who had purportedly been in love with Pedro.
Jake stepped away from Winston and entered the house. Esme greeted him in the parlor. He leaned down as she hugged him and planted a kiss on his cheek.
She beamed. “It’s good to see you, Jake.”.
“Thank you for the invite, Esme.”
“You’re always welcome in our home. Don’t ever doubt that.” She glanced past him with a twinkle in her eye and gave a nod. “Molly Rose is looking especially fetching this evening.”
Jake turned and stared. The woman of his heart stood beside Robert and Bridget in the parlor, wearing a deep-forest-green gown with little adornment. It suited her well. She smiled as she chatted with her brother and, for a moment, Jake was mesmerized.
“I think she’ll surprise you.” Esme moved beside him and latched her hand around Jake’s arm, much as she’d done that evening at Lannigan’s party.
“She already has,” he replied.
Esme chuckled and guided him into the bustle of guests crowding the room. Shep Lannigan stood in the corner and watched the proceedings with an impassive glower on his face.
Jake stopped abruptly when Charlotte Cohen moved from the crowd and blocked his and Esme’s passage. She looked very presentable with her hair combed and pinned away from her face and wearing a simple yellow gown, but Jake still watched her with a wary eye.
“I never had the chance to thank you,” Charlotte said. “I understand it was you who found the Bluebird.”
Jake gave a curt nod. He didn’t know of any prospector grateful for another staking the claim they’d been after. He’d lost the Shanghai to Shep, and then he’d lost the Bluebird to Molly. Gratitude had been the farthest sentiment on his mind both times. It suddenly galled him that he’d grouped Molly in with the likes of Lannigan. Deep in his bones, he knew it was unfair.
“I never could find it,” Charlotte continued. “If not for you and Robert Simms, none of us would be here.”
Jake balked. “You’re wrong. We’re here because of Molly Rose.”
“Yup. She’s gonna make it all right in the end.”
Charlotte stepped away, sidling up to a man that Jake didn’t recognize, but upon closer inspection, he did a double-take. It was Nine Toes Bishop, all cleaned up and looking like a gentleman.
Esme excused herself, and Jake continued forward, still headed toward Molly. She finally glanced in his direction and saw him, but the welcoming smile he’d hoped for didn’t materialize. Her unsettled gaze looked more like storm clouds brewing. He really couldn’t blame her, yet he’d hoped that her feelings for him had softened during their estrangement. The sentiment was illogical, but Jake was learning that love followed no reasonable rules.
Ivan and Pearl cut him off.
“I’m glad you’re here,” Ivan said, his good eye watching him intently.
Jake swallowed his frustration at another interruption and shifted his attention to the couple. “How are you both?” he asked.
“We’re worried about you,” Pearl said.
“There’s no need. I’m fine.” Not really, but Jake didn’t need to whine about it.
“Striking it big does funny things to people.” Pearl cast a glance at Molly.
“I’m sure you’re here to tell me that I’ve been an ass to her,” Jake said, “and you’d be right.”
Ivan chuckled. “I sided with you. Pearl, on the other hand, has been oddly proud of your girl, even if she did steal the biggest piece of the pie for herself.”
“I told you,” Pearl said, her voice hard, “Molly didn’t steal it. I’ve a feeling it all happened this way for a reason, and I suspect we’re about to learn that reason this evening.”
“I’d like everyone’s attention please.” Henry’s voice rose above the chatter, and the room quieted, the attention shifting to their host. Jake chanced a glance in Molly’s direction, but she’d already moved to stand beside Esme, both of them watching Henry as he spoke.
“Esme and I are pleased to have you all here,” Henry continued. “We thought it was fitting to celebrate this latest boom in Creede—namely the discovery of the long-sought and infamous Bluebird vein. I know many of you already know the particulars, so I won’t bore you with a rehashing of what has led us to this point. Instead, we have exciting news to share. And, for that, I’ll invite Miss Molly Rose Simms to say a few words.”
Molly smiled warmly, shaking his hand as she changed places with him, and then turned to address the room. “Thank you, Henry.”
A slight flush crept up her cheeks, and Jake could tell that she was nervous. He wanted nothing more than to go to her, to offer support in some way, but he remained where he stood and waited along with everyone else.
As Molly started to speak, Bridget began to move through the crowd and distribute a piece of paper to each person.
“Some of you may not know, but the surveyor did confirm that the Bluebird claim—owned by me and Bridget Lannigan—is the apex of the Bluebird vein. In an effort to expedite mining in the area, Miss Lannigan and I have formed the Bluebird Mining Company. It’s our hope that everyone with claims in the area will consolidate their holdings and become a partner in the company. This way, all claim holders will benefit from a common infrastructure that will alleviate any potential concerns over claim overlap and the general removal of ore from the area. Bridget is passing around a prospectus to anyone who currently owns a claim in the area. We invite you to consider it and to, hopefully, join BMC.”
Jake took the paper from Bridget and scanned the contents.
What the hell?
“These percentages are absurd,” Shep bellowed from the far end of the room.
Jake read them again: Robert Simms – 20%, Charlotte Cohen – 20% and Jake McKenna – 20%. Investors would take 10% and the remaining 30% was to be distributed evenly among all remaining claim holders on the eastern face of Bluebird Mountain.
“Bridget should have at least fifty percent,” Shep demanded.
Having distributed the outlines for the company, Bridget moved to stand beside M
olly. “No, Papa. Molly and I agreed that neither of us would have any share of the company. We didn’t find the claim. Jake McKenna did.” Bridget rested her gaze on Jake. “And he located it because of the early work that Robert did in staking the Chigger.”
“While working for me, I might add,” Shep all but yelled.
“Well, be that as it may, you did none of the work to find it.”
“Then why does Charlotte get such a high percentage?” Shep demanded.
“It was her father who initially found the vein all those years ago,” Molly said. “If he were alive, he would be entitled to it, but since he’s not, his daughter will receive his shares in his stead.”
Conversation broke out in the crowd as everyone tried to make sense of the announcement. Jake wanted to ask why Molly wasn’t anywhere in the company—why had she given it all up?—but Shep raised his voice above the din, grabbing everyone’s attention.
“I have an announcement of my own to make,” he said. “We all know that short of scrambling over a steep pass on the west side, the only way in or out of the Bluebird Valley is a hidden pathway to the southeast. And that’s the key to getting the ore out in any type of timely and economical fashion. I now own the forty acres at the mouth of that entrance. I demand a better percentage, or else your company will be building expensive and dangerous tramways to get to that vein.”
The room broke into a cacophony of nervous chatter and bickering.
“You’re wrong,” Jake said, but his words were lost in the noise.
“What did you say?” Molly asked, staring at him.
Jake raised his voice louder. “Shep’s wrong.”
The room quieted again, and Jake shifted his gaze to Lannigan. “You don’t own all the land at the entrance.”
“Like hell I don’t,” Shep replied.
“You missed one sliver just to the east.”
Lannigan smirked. “It doesn’t matter. You’ll never access the valley without my parcel.”
Jake settled his attention back on Molly. “It’ll work. I purchased the adjacent piece last week. Boom and I checked it out. We can dynamite the area, and there’ll be enough room to lay track. Lannigan’s got nothing.”
Gratitude filled Molly’s eyes. If not for the roomful of people, Jake would’ve swept her up into his arms and kissed her.
More arguing filled the air, and guests began to hash out what it might all mean. Without taking his eyes from Molly, Jake pushed through the crowd until he stood before her.
“Why didn’t you tell me this was your plan?” he asked.
“Because you’re a stubborn, mule-headed male, and you wouldn’t give me the time of day.” Her eyes flashed with defiance—and hurt. He deserved it.
“I’m sorry. I was going to apologize to you anyway, even before your big announcement.”
She watched him, a cloud of mistrust in her eyes.
“Why did you cut yourself out of the company?” he asked. “It would’ve given you independence. With the money, you’d be able to travel anywhere you’d like, just as you imagined.”
“Yes, but it was never about the money. It was never my intention to steal it from you, Jake. You’re rightfully entitled to the shares.”
“What will you do now? Leave?”
“Is there any reason for me to stay?”
He hoped he didn’t mistake the expectation reflecting back at him. He hoped that she might feel even one-tenth of what he felt for her.
One thing he was certain of—he wasn’t about to let her go without a fight.
“Yes,” he said and took her hand.
With everyone’s attention diverted by the details of the Bluebird Mining Company, he waded through the throng of people, pulling Molly with him. They exited the house, and Jake instructed one the boys to get his horse, throwing the lad a coin when he brought the animal from the stable.
Jake removed his jacket and placed it on Molly’s shoulders to keep her warm, then helped her onto Fernando. He took a seat behind her and wrapped his arms around her as he took hold of the reins.
“Where are we going?” she asked over her shoulder.
“Zang’s.”
She shook her head. “Take me to your place instead.”
She didn’t have to tell him twice.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Jake spurred Fernando to a gallop, only slowing to a trot as they neared his cabin on Main Street. He brought the horse to the rear of the dwelling, swung down and reached for Molly, catching her as she slid off the saddle with a surprised whoop.
Once she was in his arms, he kissed her. She didn’t retreat and instead met him full on.
Tasting her only inflamed his desire. He’d never anticipated something as much as he had this.
He knew where this would go, and there’d be no holding back this time. Tomorrow he’d drag her to the courthouse and make it legal.
She held him close, running her hands from his hair to his neck to his shoulders, as he showed her what she meant to him, branding her with his mouth, tasting her lips and cheeks and the soft skin of her neck.
“Please don’t stop this time,” she whispered.
He brought his face to hers. “Not a chance.”
Silently promising to tend to Fernando shortly, he clasped her hand and led her inside.
“I apologize for the place being a mess.” He hadn’t been concerned with housekeeping of late. Had there been an inkling that Molly would be with him tonight, he would’ve cleaned up.
“I don’t care.” She threw off his jacket, grabbed him by the back of the neck, and kissed him hard.
Jake gave his hunger free rein and was rewarded by Molly’s sighs and groans, her fingers fumbling with the tie at his neck. He helped her remove it, pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it to the floor, then attempted to push the gown from her shoulders, but it wouldn’t budge. Nuzzling her neck, he moved his hands to the back of the dress and endeavored to unbutton the garment.
He struggled with first one button then another, but the damn things fought his efforts.
She laughed, her breath heavy against his chest. “You could just raise my skirts and take me that way.”
“No,” he growled. “You deserve better. Besides, if I don’t see all of you, I’m fairly certain I’ll go mad.”
She stepped back and placed her hands on his forearms. His eyes flicked to hers, and he attempted to quiet his frustration. Despite the darkness cloaking them, her face was visible in every lovely contour. No sultry, flirty gaze beckoned him, and neither was there fear or trepidation. Instead, her expression shone with…joy. He had no other word for it. Humbled by her response, he knew he was damn lucky to have her.
A smile tugged at her mouth and lit her eyes. She turned, giving him full access to the troublesome buttons. He went to work, but the minutes stretched as he tried to get the dress to open up to him.
“I thought maybe you had more experience with such things,” she said quietly over her shoulder.
He laughed, pausing to kiss the back of her neck. “Nothing that ever mattered. I promise to get better at this.”
The gown gave way, and Jake gently pushed it down her arms, over her hips and finally into a pile of deep-green material at her feet. Still facing away from him, Molly wriggled to remove the petticoats. All that remained was a chemise.
Facing him, she chewed on her lower lip then surprised him by lifting the thin coverlet over her head. He drank in the sight of her bared breasts—perfect in every way. He placed his hands on her hips, his chest brushing against hers, and followed the curves of her buttocks, thighs, knees and calves as he removed her bloomers.
Drinking in the sight of her completely naked form, he basked in the scent of her and pressed his lips to her abdomen. She inhaled sharply then buried her hands in his hair. His mouth climbed upward, never leaving her skin, and when he covered a breast, her fingers tightened on his scalp, painfully tugging at his hair, but he paid it no mind. He suckled until h
er back arched and her breathing became labored, then he shifted to the other breast and repeated the same sweet torture.
Slowly he stood and took her in a long, deep kiss, plundering her mouth, pressing her against him with one hand and cupping a breast with the other. He lightly bit her neck and felt her legs falter. Guiding her toward the bed, he released her when they reached the edge.
Her chest heaving with rapid breaths, Molly’s hand came to his trousers. He complied and removed his boots then his pants, gazing often at her delectable curves.
When her eyes flicked downward, he was reminded that she’d never been with a man. She might find his arousal a bit daunting. Leaning forward, he slipped his hands against her cheeks and kissed her gently.
“You can tell me to stop at any time,” he murmured against her mouth.
“There is one thing.”
He paused.
“I’m still wearing my shoes.”
He glanced down. In addition to her shoes, her bloomers were now tangled around her ankles. He guided her to sit on the edge of the bed then kneeled down and removed the offending items. Still on his knees, he raised his head and her mouth found his.
Jake wanted to go slow, but the anticipation nearly overwhelmed him. He pressed her onto the bed and came atop her, careful not to crush her, suppressing the urge to join in one swift thrust.
He explored her with his lips—nipping at her mouth, then her neck, then the niche above her collar bone. His arousal brushed against her, and he wondered how much longer he could hold on. Moving lower, he lavished attention on her breasts, then carefully brought a hand between her legs.
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