Twisted Time

by Candi Fox

  “The sheriff is having coffee in the parlor. I’ll have your tea ready in a jiffy.”

  “Thank you, Lila. I’ll head straight there.”

  Quickly she descended the stairs and headed to the parlor. The sheriff sat on the overstuffed settee looking uncomfortable.

  “Good morning, Sheriff Masterson, how can I help you?”

  She was careful not to fully meet his gaze while she silently prayed, he’d only ask her about the train robbery.

  “Good mornin’, Miss Emma I thought you might like to take a ride with me. I can get a buggy, show you around. Give us a chance to talk.”

  The look on his face told her everything she needed to know; he would be talking about that night.

  “I can ride. I’ll just need to change.”

  “I’ll go get horses from the stable while you change.”

  With Lila’s help, she changed into a dark green riding habit and arranged her hair into a single thick plait. Hat and gloves in hand, she headed back down the stairs, wondering where Nik had gotten off to.

  She hoped to spend breakfast with him this morning; instead, she’d be skipping breakfast and having the conversation she most wanted to avoid.

  Lila answered the door when Cord knocked, she joined him on the porch. Fixed to the hitching post was a lanky chestnut gelding and a beautiful rose gray mare tied beside him.

  He gave her a hand up into the saddle and she quickly settled in, taking the reins and acquainting herself with the horse.

  “Her name’s Lady and this is Roy.”

  She slipped the gloves from her hands and leaned down patting the mare’s neck. “Good morning, Lady. Let’s you and I get along today. I’ll have some lovely spring carrots for you when we get back.”

  Cord chuckled but when she turned to glare at him, he already composed his face, still she had no doubt he laughed at her.

  “Horses are very intuitive creatures.”

  He didn’t try to hide his laughter that time.

  “They are that. You surprised me, is all.”

  “Because I’m a city girl?”

  “Mmm hmm, that and a princess.”

  “I’m not a princess, my father is among the lesser royals, which makes me below that. Something like 750th in line for the throne.”

  Cord

  Shocked he accidentally inhaled the water he took from the canteen, causing him to choke.

  She widened her eyes in surprise at his reaction.

  “Are you all right?”

  He took a few breaths before replying making sure he cleared his lungs.

  “You’re royalty?”

  “Yes, but I gathered you knew that when you called me princess.”

  A slow smile spread across his face. “No ma’am. I called you princess because you’re a spoiled rich girl.”

  “You assume because my father’s rich, that I’m spoiled?”

  He guffawed at her response. Of course, she’s spoiled. Given his history with Evanora, he learned when to hold his tongue.

  “You ready to see the sites?”

  “I’ll take your redirection as a yes, Sheriff Masterson.”

  “You can take it any way you want, Princess.”

  He smiled and winked at her before adjusting his hat and urging his mount forward. He led them out of town for half a mile before taking a little-known horse trail.

  “Where are we going, Cord?”

  Hearing his name from her lips tugged at his heart. Mine, the cat snarled. Not now. The cat chuffed and stalked away. He knew that look, the next time the cat was in control, Cord would pay for his transgression.

  He had enough problems with the two women in his life, he didn’t need guff from the cat.

  “Someplace special. It’s not far.”

  Two women, he should be done with one and hadn’t even secured the other. He needed to be done with Evanora. Last night was the last straw, but something within him didn’t want to completely give up.

  He had a soft spot for Nora, they’d been together for nearly five years. Until last night, he wanted forever with Nora. He was willing to give up having children.

  Her reaction to his orphan train suggestion said it all. The look on her face spoke more than any words she could utter. Children had no place in her life and never would. Why, then, could he not get her out of his head?

  Cord glanced beside him at Emma. Her beauty matched Nora’s in every way, in truth she shined a bit more. Something about her drew him like no one ever had. He needed to spend some time alone in the woods with his cat, then go and speak with Pa.

  After all, his father experienced the mating call. His birth, the direct result of his parents answering the instinctive call. They were both cats, like him. Emma was not.

  Her gasp pulled him out of his reverie: they arrived at the clearing. His cabin lay off to one side while the half-finished barn sat on the other side. Room in between for kids to play, and plenty of shade trees. Not far from the back of the cabin lay a small creek.

  Big enough to get fresh water and do chores. Easy to hall for baths too. He ordered one of those bigger copper tubs for the cabin. It sat in Nora’s suite. She said it was love at first site.

  Nora could be demanding. How much more so would a woman like Emma be? Basically, she lived a life surrounded by luxury. Having everything she could want or need.

  He’d never be able to provide what she was used too. Not that it mattered, he ruined her, and he’d do the right thing. His parents raised him right.

  Chapter 18

  Emma

  When the trail widened into a clearing, its beauty made her gasp with delight. A two-story log cabin sat in front of a meandering stream. Close enough for convenience, far enough so flooding shouldn’t be a problem.

  Without asking, she turned Lady toward the cabin. Wildflowers dotted the verdant green grass. Emma looked around to find a place to tie the mare so she could enjoy the fresh grass. She found the perfect spot, a tree with a sturdy low hung branch.

  She slid off the horse without assistance, before she tied Lady off. Emma headed toward the house, pausing to look for Cord. He wasn’t far away and seemed content to just watch her.

  Shrugging her shoulders at the oddness of his actions before she resumed her journey to the cabin. Large, smooth river rocks sat in pea gravel and made a path to the large home with a wrap-around porch.

  She stopped, studying the outside of the cabin. The esthetically pleasing design seemed out of place for a bachelor, then it dawned on her he made the cabin for Nora.

  Question is, why isn’t she already living here? The barn had yet to be finished but the cabin looked ready. Placing a hand on the smooth finish of the banister, she climbed the three steps to the wide covered porch.

  On one end a swing with matching chairs and a table sat. Each one made with care and love. She could literally feel the energy emanating from each piece.

  The substantial door held a frosted glass pane with trees etched into its surface. A life-sized lion carved around the pane.

  Simply magnificent. He must genuinely love her. Why did he bring me here? The question burned fiercely in her mind as he remained silent, standing just a few feet from her.

  Continuing her exploration, she opened the front door, stepping into the spacious interior. The stone fireplace drew her eye first. Built with meticulous care, each stone nearly identical. It must have taken him months to find them all.

  The carved wooden mantel broke up the stone, giving it a homier feel. A touch of visual warm to add to its function.

  “Cord?”

  “Yes, Emma?”

  “You built his for her, didn’t you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why isn’t she here, then? Before, I mean did I mess things up?”

  Cord

  He was sorely tempted to answer yes, to place all the blame on her delicate shoulders, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Not after he watched the wonder and awe on her face as she discovered the l
and and cabin.

  He thought she’d turn her nose up at the cabin, the way Nora had. Yeah, he brought her out here as soon as he finished building it. He wanted her to pick out her own furniture. It’s not like he expected her to move in until he fully furnished it.

  She laughed at him, at the notion of living away from town and in a rustic cabin, nonetheless. She then proceeded to tell him he’d have to build her a mansion before she’d even consider it.

  He was hurt but determined to give her what she wanted. Cord’s heartbeat in his throat with each step Emma took.

  “Why did you ask?” His voice thick with emotion.

  “I can tell you made it with love. The fireplace alone would have taken you months. Each stone is nearly identical to the other. It’s beautiful, and that door, did you carve it?”

  “I did.”

  “It’s incredible, Cord.”

  “Do you want to see the rest?”

  “I do, but I feel like I’m intruding on her domain.”

  “You didn’t ruin things with me and Nora. And you aren’t intruding. She loathes this place.”

  “Is that why you didn’t finish the barn?”

  “You’re painfully perceptive, Miss Monteith. Would you like some water? It’s the only thing I have to offer out here.”

  “I’d love some, thank you.”

  He led them into the kitchen priming the pump to get it going. He rinsed out the tin cups he kept in the cupboard before filling a cup for each of them.

  Motioning for her to take a seat at the dining room table, he carried the cup over.

  The stout table could sit six easy, eight if you squeezed. He wanted a large family. I still do. That fact would never change. The cabin had plenty of space for a family. A family he thought he’d make with Nora.

  “We need to talk.”

  “No, we don’t. We can pretend the night never happened and you can go back to Nora.”

  “You know we can’t do that, Emma. I deflowered you.”

  Shame filled her eyes as a dark blush spread across her cheeks.

  “I know. I’m sorry, I should have run away after you grabbed me.”

  “I thought you were Nora.”

  “I’m well aware of that.” She snapped anger making her green eyes brighter. Her relaxed posture became stiff. He got the feeling she held back saying more.

  “I’m to blame. I was drunk. I took advantage of you.”

  She shook her head, one tear slipping down her cheek. Instinctively he reached out and wiped the tear away with the pad of his thumb. He hated to see women cry.

  “I should have said no.” Her hoarse voice letting him know she held her emotions in check, something Nora wouldn’t do.

  “Why didn’t you?” He dropped his voice to a whisper leaning closer he looked into her eyes.

  “I don’t know.”

  “You don’t know? How can you not?”

  “I’ve never felt that way before. I was beyond exhausted from the trip, alone, and afraid.”

  “You’d never been kissed before?”

  She shook her head lowering her gaze. “Not like that.”

  He leaned over pressing his lips against her. A chaste kiss was all he intended, yet when their lips touched, he felt a spark ignite. It burned through him like a wildfire, leaving him wanting more.

  He stood up, his chair falling to the floor as he pulled her up with him, wrapping his arms around her. His tongue slid inside her mouth to taste her. She tasted sweet like a fresh ripe berry. Sweet, juicy and bursting with flavor.

  He moaned one hand sliding down to the small of her back while he tangled the other in her thick braid. Her warm soft body against his brought forth his cat.

  The urge to purr, rub his face all over her, mark her, was nearly unbearable, but he didn’t want this moment to end. In fact, he very much wanted the opposite.

  Cord ran his tongue across her full lips, and she moaned, her body trembling against his. Encouraged by her actions, he sucked in her bottom lip, gently nibbling on it.

  The moment he released her lip, she pulled back and scrambled away from him.

  “No, I’m not that kind of girl.”

  Chapter 19

  Emma

  His lips felt so good against hers. He felt good, too good. She couldn’t do that again. Emma pulled away from him, turning she ran for the door.

  “Emma, wait!”

  “No, I’m not a whore. I’m supposed to be a lady.”

  A great sob tore from her throat, she couldn’t humiliate herself or her family again. He caught her by the arm. When she pulled away, he held strong. Not knowing what else to do, she brought the heel of her boot down on his shin.

  He cursed, letting her go, she made a mad dash for Lady. Emma managed to get on the horse without Cord catching up. She didn’t have time to get her bearings and hoped the horse knew the way back to the stables.

  She spurred the horse into a gallop. “Girl, I need you to get me home.”

  The horse raced down the trail and onto the main road. Emma gave the horse the lead, hoping they were going the right direction.

  She could hear Roy, he seemed to be closing the gap between them.

  “Sweet girl, if you have more, please give it to me.”

  Emma bent down low over Lady’s neck, encouraging the sweet mare to go faster. If only she could make it to town, he wouldn’t kiss her there, he wouldn’t even touch her in public.

  She couldn’t let him kiss her again, it would be her undoing. Tears of gratitude ran down her cheeks as the town’s edge came into view.

  Lady needed little encouragement to pour on a final burst of speed heading toward the stables. Emma brought the mare to a stop, aware of the stares as she raced through town.

  She’d have to make up another lie, but she had no choice. Before she had a chance to dismount, Nikolas stood beside her.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Emma tried to hold back the tears, yet they came anyway in a huge flood. He took her off the horse and held her in a comforting fashion. Not too long, they knew tongues would wag.

  Cord raced in just as Nikolas began steering her toward the Mercantile. His horse was immediately surrounded by alarmed citizens, gave them the chance to get away.

  “Did he do something to you?”

  “No, yes.”

  “We can talk later.” He said quietly. Loudly, he said, “It’s a good thing Lady knew the way back. Seeing that cougar must have been frightening.”

  Grateful for Nikolas interference, she sagged against him gratefully as the buzz of talk started behind them.

  “Did he hurt you?” he whispered as he guided her around to the home’s entrance.

  Another thing to be grateful for. His parents would be working in the mercantile, his sisters were in school, with Grandma Olga, who volunteered there.

  He guided her to the settee. “I’ll go put on some hot water to make tea. There’s some fresh mint. I’ll bruise the leaves and add it to your tea.

  “Thank you, Nikolas. You’ve saved me again.”

  “I like it when you call me Nik.”

  She smiled softly at him. “Thank you, Nik.”

  He surprised her by walking back to her placing a soft kiss on her forehead. “I like my name on your lips.”

  A shiver of delight ran down her spine. Goddess, I’m turning into a trollop. I ran from kissing one man, and now I want this one to kiss me. She blushed.

  “Nik.”

  “I’ll be back, before we both get in trouble.”

  Emma looked at him a little shocked by the truth of his words. He smiled down at her, his blue eyes sparkling with mirth.

  Once he disappeared into the kitchen, she began to try and regulate her breathing to calm her nerves. She wished she had a bit of lavender to help her.

  “Nik, is there any lavender?”

  “I’ll look. I think mama has some dried.”

  She went into the kitchen. “That will work just fine, thank you.”


  He pointed to the dried herbs hanging in the kitchen. Emma took some of the lavender then found the beef tallow. She placed the dried flower into a mortar using the pestle to crush the buds. They immediately released their soothing fragrance.

  When the buds were sufficiently crushed, she added the beef tallow, mixing it into a paste. She scooped out a small amount rubbing it on her wrists and behind her ears. The fragrant scent began its job, and she felt a bit calmer with each breath.

  By the time she finished, Nik had tea ready for them. The moment they settled onto the settee, someone knocked at the door.

  “I’d like to speak to Miss Monteith please.”

  Damn it all to hell. She was far from ready to face him again. Her hand started shaking so bad the hot tea spilled out onto her hands.

  “Oh!”

  “Emma?” Nik stood by her side.

  “I’m just clumsy and spilled the tea. Didn’t mean to alarm you.”

  Cord

  He had half a mind to turn her over his knee as soon as he found her. She got a head start after kicking him in the shin. His slow response was more from shock than pain. The kiss got out of hand.

  He wouldn’t deny that, nor would he deny the attraction he felt for her. The entire thing baffled him as much as it seemed to baffle her. Nora used to be the only woman that caught his attention, and once he fell head over heels in love with her, no other woman existed.

  That all changed the night he kissed the wrong woman. The night his cat started to surface unexpectedly. His purr was only the start. Even now he felt the great cat near the surface. It wanted Emma much as he did.

  For the first time in his life he aligned with his cat and their chosen mate. He could no longer deny the pull to bond, to mark her and make her his.

  It took him precious minutes to untangle himself from the town’s residents and make his way to the Frank’s house. He saw Nikolas steer his mate toward the large building.,