Together they climbed higher and higher, past the clouds, the moon and on. Every sound other than their own faded into the background. Beneath him she painted a beautiful picture. Her eyes closed, mouth open, breasts moving in sync with his movements. Julia was completely lost in the moment a more stunning sight he’d never witnessed.
Grant closed his eyes and continued the ascent, totally consumed by the need to reach the point of no return. Julia cried out, her soft wails along with the squeezing around his penis propelling him to join her and fall from heights like those he never knew existed. And fall he did. Grant let go, his body releasing into her tightening core. He growled when his senses exploded, and he lost control like a man freefalling not able to grab at anything to stop from the plunge.
Finally he collapsed over her, unable to move, his entire body like fluid.
Julia ran her fingers gently though his hair continuously as she pressed kisses to his neck and jaw.
“I wish I could say yes, Grant.”
It was then he noticed the tears.
Grant lifted off her and rolled over pulling her against him. “Talk to me. Tell me what I did wrong.”
Julia cried harder, pressing her face onto his shoulder. Her arms around his neck, she held on to him until her sobs calmed and she sniffed and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “You’ve done nothing wrong. If anything you’re perfect. I’m sorry, I’m being silly. Sometimes being a woman is—”
“Don’t say that,” Grant interrupted her. “I know there is something you’re not telling me.”
“I can’t talk about it right now. I just can’t.” Julia pushed away from him and sat. “I need to get home.”
“All right, but we’re going to discuss this.” He watched her face for clues, but could not figure out what kept this woman prisoner.
They began to dress and Grant smiled at her attempts to pull her dress on over her damp chemise. “I know you feel safe out here,” he motioned to the creek, “but you shouldn’t come here alone. I saw three strangers heading to town on my way here. They cut close to this area. May not have meant any harm, but one of them, riding a red mare, had a rifle strapped to his back and another on the side of his horse. He had a look about him, his beard almost as wild as his bushy hair. If he wasn’t looking for trouble, he was expecting it.”
The atmosphere changed, he couldn’t figure out what exactly happened, but Julia’s usually graceful movements became jerky and she looked around the area as if expecting the strangers he spoke of to materialize and jump out of the trees.
They dressed in silence and when she turned to the house, he took her by the arm and pulled her alongside him. “I’ll go with you. I brought something for you all.”
“I’d appreciate it.” Julia’s tepid smile made him want to force her to talk to him, tell him everything about her. What she was scared of? Although he’d not much experience with women, he knew enough to give her some time to get more comfortable with him and hopefully she’d open up.
His mother died when he was but ten. With their pa working the ranch, Emerson had done his best at thirteen to raise him and Linc. Even though their housekeeper was a woman, she only did the basic cleaning and cooking, too busy to see about them. For the most part they raised themselves, without a woman’s gentle touch or guidance.
As they walked, he stole glances at Julia. She held her head up and looked straight ahead, her shoulders back. Prideful and aloof, there was nothing present of the woman he’d seduced just minutes earlier. “Julia, I’m thankful you’re going to allow us to get to know each other better.”
“When you call on me next, we can talk,” she said, sliding him a sideways look and catching him off guard. “But understand we can’t allow our passions free rein. It won’t happen again, Grant. I mean it.”
“I’m not sorry it did. I’ll try to keep a hold of my urges if you insist. Of course I won’t do anything against your wishes.” He took her arm and stopped her progress. Her beautiful eyes met his and she waited for what he’d say. “Julia, if there are any consequences I’d not be against it,” he told her with a smile. “I want children.”
Color crept up her face and she nodded and then turned away to walk faster.
On the porch, both sisters stood with hands on their hips looking down at a pile of bundles and as a couple of large sacks. They looked over to them when Grant and Julia walked up and Miss Mary dashed to him. The tiny woman hugged him tight and Grant chuckled when she gasped and stepped back. “Goodness, I forgot about your injuries.”
He patted her shoulder. “I’m fine.”
Miss Lucille waited for Grant to approach before raising her hand to caress his jaw with her palm. “It so nice to see you, Grant. How are you feeling?”
“Much better, Miss Lucille, almost good as new,” he told the sisters with a wide grin.
The women looked from him to Julia and then to the bundles on the porch. Miss Lucille, the practical one, pointed at the pile. “What is all this?”
“My way of thanking you for everything. I know feedbags are heavy, so I brought two so you ladies don’t have to worry about it for a bit.” He bent and picked up three smaller bundles. “It’s fabric. Have to admit I had help with this.” Heat crept up his cheeks when Julia’s eyes met his and she tore open her bundle to reveal a light blue calico fabric, which matched her eyes almost perfectly.
Her bright smile made his chest expand. The older women flanked him and pulled him into the house. “What a lovely young man you are,” Miss Mary gushed pushing him into a chair. “I love the colors you chose for us.” For Miss Mary, he’d gotten a green and for Miss Lucille, he chose a beautiful lavender fabric, which complimented her coloring. The mercantile owner’s wife helped him choose them and told him how much to buy to make a dress.
Julia excused herself to go change. The sisters joined Grant at the table and within minutes he enjoyed coffee and reheated biscuits with honey. He had to admit he missed their company.
After a time passed he looked toward the hallway where Julia had gone.
“You’re taken with her,” Miss Lucille remarked while Miss Mary patted his hand.
He nodded. “She doesn’t seem inclined to allow me to court her, but agreed after some coaxing.”
The sisters exchanged a look then Miss Lucille spoke. “She has her reasons. Be patient. Julia is a great young woman who will be a good wife one day. But she’s got things to work out. It’s not our story to tell, hopefully she’ll share it with you.”
He wanted to ask more, but just then Julia returned. She’d changed into a simple pale yellow long sleeved dress. Her hair was pulled back into her usual bun and he couldn’t help but compare the difference between this woman and the one who’d been lost in abandon just an hour earlier by the creek.
“Its best I go on, ladies. It’s almost dark. I’m heading to Rutgers Ridge, to spend the night at my brother’s place.” He stood and hugged each of the sisters, hesitating when facing Julia, who looked away.
“Julia, walk Grant out please, Lucille and I are going to check on the pregnant cow.” Miss Mary grabbed her sister’s hand and they hurried from the house. Grant chuckled at the sister’s poor excuse and Julia’s mortified expression, her mouth open and eyes wide.
“Cow? What did you tell them?” She turned to him with the same confused expression as they walked outside. “Surely you didn’t say what happened between us did you?”
“No I just admitted I am taken with you. They already suspected.”
“Oh.” She looked away toward where the sisters had disappeared. In the distance he heard a giggle. “We don’t have a pregnant cow.”
Grant chuckled and shook his head. “Can I kiss you goodnight, Julia?” Grant pulled the beauty against him and nuzzled into her hair, his eyes automatically closed. “I will return in a couple days. Would you like to go for a ride?”
“I…I suppose that’s f-fine. I prefer not to go to town,” Julia stammered and leaned her for
ehead on his chest. “Grant I’m not sure—”
He tipped her face up and covered her mouth with his, kissing her until she relaxed against him.
When he released her, she let out a sigh. “What am I going to do with you?”
His lips curved and he pressed a second quick kiss on her lips. “Let me in.”
“I’ll see you in a few days, Grant.” Julia stepped back allowing him space to climb onto the wagon’s seat. “Thank you for the fabric. It’s lovely.”
“Tell the sisters I purposely left the pouch on the table. It’s for the three of you.” He winked at her and snapped the reins.
Chapter Eight
Julia sprinted back into the house. Alone for the moment, she allowed her emotions free rein. The thumps of her heart against her breast and rapid breathing were the only sounds in the quiet house.
The man Grant described earlier sounded like Jasper. What if he’d finally tracked her down? She knew he’d not hesitate in killing her just for spite. As controlling as he was, Jasper’s pride would not allow for any forgiveness.
It was best for her to leave; it wasn’t fair to put the Sullivan sisters in danger by remaining with them. If Jasper suspected she was here, it was only a matter of time before he’d come for her. There was no way she’d want Grant to suffer more injury due to an affiliation with her.
At the thought of leaving the only kind people she’d ever met, her eyes burned with unshed tears. And Grant, she’d never know the possibility of happiness with him. He’d been so kind to her, wanting to court her, and bringing her the first gift she’d ever received from a man.
Her eyes scanned the familiar space and her chest constricted. The sisters would be going to town in a day or two. It was then she’d leave. It was best not to tell them where she went. Hopefully the lack of knowledge would keep them safe.
When the sisters returned in the middle of a lively discussion she went to the fireplace, picked up the poker, and began to shift the now shrinking logs making room to add a new one. She blinked away the tears and composed her expression before turning to face them.
Miss Lucille was holding a pouch and frowned at her. “Grant forgot some money.”
“He purposely waited until we didn’t see it and left it,” Julia told them. “He told me to tell you so right before leaving.”
“Well it’s much needed,” Miss Mary acknowledged. The sisters’ sole source of income was what they got paid for mid-wifery and sewing projects. Julia contributed with her sewing as well, which they sold at the mercantile.
When Miss Lucille handed Julia five dollars, she accepted it mainly because of her plan to leave. “Thank you.”
“Is something wrong, Julia? You are so pale.” Miss Lucille studied her, intelligent eyes locking with hers.
“I have to leave,” Julia blurted, tears spilling. She cursed inwardly at being unable to keep her fears silent. “I think Jasper may have come to town. Grant described some riders he came across and it sounds just like him and his men.” She swiped tears away with impatience. “I can’t stay here, he’s a violent man.”
“Nonsense,” Miss Mary admonished. “If it is him, then you will be safer with others rather than alone. Lucille will speak to Emerson Gentry first thing in the morning. The marshal will know what to do.”
“You don’t understand.” Julia couldn’t help but scream. “He is wily. Besides, the marshal can’t arrest someone just because I’m scared.”
“That’s true,” Miss Lucille said, “but he can keep an eye out and maybe get you some protection. Don’t do anything rash. Wait until I talk to him.”
Miss Mary proffered a handkerchief and Julia took it to blow her nose.
“I’m so sorry to bring all this to your home.”
“We’re family. We take care of each other,” Miss Mary said patting her shoulder. “Now hush.”
Chapter Nine
“Emerson? You back there?” Grant entered the jailhouse. It looked to be empty, but his brother’s horse was in the small barn behind it, so he assumed he’d find him inside. When no one answered, he walked to look into the attached room where two cells remained vacant. His brother was out.
Grant stood at the doorway, scanning the street when he noticed the three men he’d encountered on the road. They dismounted in front of the saloon and one of them laughed about something another said.
The sound of the man’s laughter set Grant’s skin to prickle. Like being dunked in ice water, he lost his breath. He’d heard it before.
The men continued speaking while entering the saloon and Grant hurried across the street, concentrating on them. Hoping to catch a voice to see if it was someone he’d met before.
At the entrance to the saloon, he stood stock-still and watched as the men went up to the bar, each one settling onto a barstool, ignoring the curious looks from the locals.
A hand on his shoulder made him jerk and he turned to find Emerson. “Why so jumpy, brother?” Emerson’s dark eyes met his and then flickered to the strangers inside. “I’ve got my eyes on them.”
“Any particular reason?”
“Nope, just a gut feelin’.”
“Can I sleep at your place tonight?” Grant regarded his brother and noted he’d not shaved in several days and looked tired. “Emerson, you feelin’ all right?”
“Been busy,” was the curt reply. “Yeah you can stay. Let’s go get some dinner.” Emerson turned on his heel and Grant took a step when a gravelly voice got his attention and he knew. It was him, one of the men who’d attacked them on the side of the road.
“Emerson.”
The sound of his lowered voice almost like a groan got his brother’s attention. Emerson turned and dark eyes locked to him. His hand was already on his revolver. “Not now, Grant, wait.”
“For what?” Grant could barely get the words out past clenched teeth. “I am going to kill him, and you can’t stop me.”
“I can and I will,” Emerson took him by the shoulder and slammed him against the outside wall of the saloon. “There’s a right way to do this. You can’t go in there and start shooting. What about the other people in there? The first thing an outlaw will do is grab one of them.”
“I’ve got three clean shots from where I stand,” Grant growled in reply. “Let me go.” He shoved against Emerson, but his brother’s grip was tight.
“Only a coward shoots men in the back.”
“They attacked us at night while we slept. If that ain’t cowardly then I don’t I know what is. Plus it doesn’t matter to me how I kill them, as long as I do.”
“What if you’re wrong? You’re relying on a foggy memory. Can you tell me without any doubt those men were the ones who attacked you?”
The two didn’t move until Grant finally relented. “No.”
“I’ll go in and find out if they’re just passing through. Get my deputy to make some inquiries. Wait here.” He tapped Grant’s shoulder with his finger, with a don’t push me on this look. “Don’t you dare follow me in.”
Grant closed his eyes and strained to remember anything that would help him recognize his attackers. All he could replay were the damn nightmares. Frustrated, he banged the back of his head against the wall.
* * * *
“They plan to stay for a couple days. Claim to be gamblers heading to California.”
Grant spooned stew into his mouth and chewed in thought. If his brother did not arrest the men, he would follow them out of town. The gravelly voice. The distinct laugh. It had to be him, the one who laughed as he gave kill orders.
As they continued eating, a man rushed to their table. Holding his hat in both hands while he attempted to catch his breath, he finally did. “Marshal. Rory wants you at the saloon. Some newcomers startin’ a ruckus.”
“Are they fighting?”
“No, sir, arguing over cards, guns not drawn yet.”
Emerson looked down at his plate and let out a breath. If Rory, Emerson’s deputy, asked for him, something was de
finitely wrong. The huge Irishman could handle most anything. “Let’s go.” Emerson rose and pinned Grant with a look when he went to stand. “Stay here and pay for our meal. Don’t follow me.”
There was a lot on his brother’s plate. Grant knew it wasn’t easy for Emerson. Not just being responsible for the peace in the town, but also so much more at the moment. With Linc missing after being accused of murder and now with this situation and the fact the strangers could be the ones who’d tried to kill them, Grant was sure Emerson was overburdened.
If they were the killers, he wasn’t about to allow his brother to face them without him. He motioned for the innkeeper and placed money on the table.
By the time Grant paid and made it to the saloon, things seemed to have settled. His brother was inside and the strangers were nowhere to be seen.
His brother stood at the bar speaking to Rory, his eyes meeting Grant’s for an instant before returning to the conversation.
“Where are they?” Grant asked the Irishman.
“Gone upstairs.” The barkeep looked to the stairwell beside the piano. “They paid for girls.”
Grant took a step toward the stairwell. “They don’t deserve to live, much less enjoy time with women.”
“Send for me if they cause any more trouble.” Emerson glanced at Grant and stalked past him to the doorway. “I’m going home.”
Grant sat down at a table near the stairs. He’d be damned if he was going to allow the bastards to get away.
* * * *
“Marshal Gentry?” Lucille Sullivan walked into the jailhouse. Grant stood from where he’d been sitting drinking coffee while keeping an eye on the saloon’s doorway. The strangers had not left yet.
“My brother is around the back. Is something wrong, Miss Lucille?” His throat went dry. “Is Julia all right?”
Gentrys of Montana: Gentrys of Montana Page 6
