“Oh God!” Jane’s nails dug into his shoulders.
Releasing her mouth, he kissed a trail to her jawline and on past to her ear. “Allow me in your bed Jane. Let me love you.”
Before she could reply, he took her mouth again, pushing his tongue into it and tangling with hers. Her hands traveled up his back and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Jane pulled back, her dazed eyes meeting his. “Yes.”
He dipped and slipping his arm behind her knees, he lifted her and carried her to the bedroom. They fell into the bed together.
Somehow clothing was removed, disappeared from their bodies. Her full breasts beckoned him and he took one tip in his mouth while fondling the other. Jane was lost to him, her head back, eyes closed as she writhed at his attention.
Lincoln ran his gaze over her body. The woman was perfect. He’d never seen a more beautiful sight. From the flair of her hips down slender legs to delicate feet, she was a man’s dream come to life.
Slowly, he trailed his hand over the satin skin, over her stomach to her hip, and in between her legs. He moved over her and looked into her eyes. Her swollen lips curved. He pressed a kiss on the center of her breasts and licked down to her belly button. Jane wiggled. “What are you doing?”
“I want to make you lose control.”
“Oh.” She didn’t look convinced but didn’t move to stop him when he continued his trek to her sex. When he licked between her folds, her hips lifted from the bed and she gasped.
He continued flicking at her center with the tip of his tongue while she called out his name and rocked her hips into his mouth. Just as she began to shudder, he lifted up and watched her come undone. The beauty was lost in the thralls of passion, perfectly amazing. Lincoln was so hard it was painful. He took himself in hand and nudged at her entrance.
“Yes!” Jane cried out reaching for him. “Now.”
He pushed into her pliant wet heat and almost came at once. Her inner walls were snug and he hoped not to hurt her, but found it hard to keep his movements slow. Pulling out until almost out, he plunged back into her. When she made encouraging noises, he was free to take her as he wanted.
Lost in an abyss of emotions like he’d never felt before, Lincoln thrust in and pulled out in rapid succession. Faster and faster, needing to come but at the same time, fearing he’d be so far gone into the darkness that threatened that he’d pass out.
Jane pulled him down and took his mouth with hers while her hands ran down his back and grabbed his backside. Her legs wrapped around his and Linc began to shake, his body lost to her. To do with him as she wished.
In that moment, he was lost. He drove into her one last time and came with so much force he cried out.
Spent, he could not keep from collapsing over her. Jane continued to wrap her limbs around him. She made soothing sounds while at the same time trembling with another release. He kissed her, deepening the kiss, his tongue deep in her mouth and his arms wrapped around her voluptuous curves. This, he decided was where he’d spend the rest of his life.
He was never letting the woman go. Never.
“Are you cold?” he pulled a blanket over her moments later when they’d finally settled to sleep.
“No. I’m fine.” She was tucked against him, her head on his shoulder. She’d not spoken, was quiet. Too much so.
“Are you angry? Sorry this happened?” He couldn’t help but ask, desperate for them to talk, not wanting to risk losing her so soon after the realization she was the woman he’d been searching for all his life.
He let out a breath and pondered what to say to her. Trying to decide when to tell her he hoped to marry her, to be with her always.
“No of course not.” Her matter-of-fact reply was reassuring, yet at the same time he wanted to hear more.
Yes he was young and perhaps naïve in the nature of relationships, never had one actually, but he was old enough to know when the real thing happened and from the moment he’d laid eyes on her in the school house, he knew she was someone special.
He cleared his throat. “Jane, I want to marry you.”
“What?” Jane pushed back, but he did not release her to move away. “Do you feel obligated to do so?” Her beautiful hazel eyes narrowed up at him.
“No. I don’t feel obligated. Although it’s the right thing to do, I really do want to marry you. I want to spend the rest of my life in your bed.”
“Oh Lincoln.” Jane took his face with both hands and pulled him down to hers. They kissed. A sweeter kiss he’d never experienced. Her lips kneading his, her hands caressing his jawline and her body pressed against his.
Hard again, Linc lifted her leg over his hip and slid into her body.
“Mmmm.” Jane placed her hand on his hip and held onto him while moving with him. He rolled to his back bringing her over on top. Jane rose up and he guided her to ride him.
Her hair streamed down past her shoulders as she lifted and lowered onto his erection. Taking him deep, rocking her hips, she set a rhythm that became increasingly frantic.
Finally she could not keep up and he took her hips and thrust his hips up taking her harder and faster until they both cried out in release.
Jane lay over him and Lincoln held her until she fell asleep. The lantern off, he stared into the darkness, fully aware she’d not replied to his request of marrying him.
Of course, she wouldn’t commit. His future was dire. Two of the three possible outcomes were not a good foundation for a marriage. Outlaw on the run or dead, made for bad husband material.
She snuggled closer and he kissed the top of her head. Now he had more incentive than ever to see to that third outcome.
Prove he did not kill Tobias McKade.
* * * *
Jane’s hands trembled. She stared at the familiar handwriting. The bold strokes, each one with purpose, just like the man who’d written the letter. She’d yet to open the envelope, too afraid of what it contained. Yes, she’d moved past the hurt, the betrayal and more than that the pain of losing something so precious. But that didn’t mean she was strong enough to face it now.
Today of all days. She’d awakened in Linc’s arms. Dazed by the beauty of the morning, clinging to every breath of his, every small second that passed until he woke and they were forced to get out of bed and go on about the day. Any time with him would be precious, for he could not stay. He would either return to life on the run, or…God she couldn’t think about the other alternative. They’d smiled at one another over breakfast. Linc, he insisted she call him that, assured her that he’d find the proof of his innocence and that she should start planning their wedding.
A wedding. Although she wanted to, it was not probable she’d marry Lincoln Gentry. She’d never marry. Sensible to the fact that he seemed enamored of the idea, Jane went along with his musings. Once Maddie and Emerson returned, Linc would be gone. In another day, he would decide what to do next. She was pretty sure his future plans would not include her.
Although flattered at his attentions and goodness, the lovemaking was beyond her wildest dreams. Making love with…Clarence had never been like this. So wonderful. Her gaze went back to the letter. Clarence Worthington III, the man she’d planned to spend the rest of her life with, the wealthy lord who she’d allowed to seduce her only to learn later that he never planned further than a night with her. She’d lost so much. Her dignity the least of it. For she’d told her mother they were to be married and her mother spoke to Clarence’s. The haughty woman had laughed in her mother’s face telling her he was already engaged to someone of their social standing.
Jane would never forget her mother’s expression at being humiliated in front of a group of friends. At being belittled for believing her obviously besotted immature daughter.
And even that was not as painful as finding she was with child. Realizing it after being rushed bleeding profusely to the hospital. Lying in bed alone while the nurses looked at her with pity and talked about her in hushed tones. Finally she
understood when the doctor told her he doubted she’d ever be able to conceive again, her body had been ravaged by the miscarriage.
After recovering, she’d jumped at the opportunity for a new start, away from the cruel reminders of a life she’d never have. The man she’d given her heart to, had thrown it away without a single thought. And now the loss of the possibility to have a family, ever.
And now he wrote her a letter.
She folded it and tucked it into her apron pocket when Linc came in. When he smiled, her heart skipped. “I came to see if you’d like to come and tell me what you think of how I divided the furniture.”
A knock at the door made them both jump. Jane motioned for Linc to go to the bedroom.
Mrs. Higgenbottom stood at the doorstep, brows drawn together, mouth pursed. “Why in the world is there a horse behind your house? Shouldn’t the poor animal be in the stables?”
Jane blinked and wondered why the woman would be walking around the back of her house. Had she spotted Linc?
“No.”
“No?” The woman looked past her, obviously expecting an invitation to enter. Jane moved back. “Please come in and sit down. I’m sorry, I was reading a letter from home and am a bit melancholy.”
Instantly the woman was distracted from her question. “Is there any interesting news of what happens in the city?”
“Yes. Much news. My mother is busy with all the holiday invitations and planning her own celebration.” Jane continued to tell her about what happened back home while racking her brain to come up with a reason for the horse.
Finally Mrs. Higgenbottom stood and made her way back out. “I must go, planning to cook a nice dinner. The pastor and his wife are coming for dinner. Oh dear.” She patted Jane’s shoulder. “Please join us. I hate to think of you all alone here while your sister is gone.”
“I couldn’t possibly.” Jane struggled to look sad. “I am feeling poorly. My throat is scratchy.”
“Oh.” Mrs. Higgenbottom took a step back. “So about the horse.”
“Yes. Emerson left it here. I was going to see about having him taken to the stables, but I’m afraid I’ve grown fond of him. Feeding him and such has given me something to do.”
“It doesn’t look like the marshal’s horse.”
Jane all but pushed her out the front door. “It’s a gift. A wedding gift, I believe.”
“Goodness, people have no tact anymore.” Mrs. Higgenbottom huffed and waved goodbye. “We must do tea soon.”
“Yes of course.” Jane watched Mrs. Higgenbottom walk away and wondered what to do next. She was not used to lying, of hiding the truth from people. If Mrs. Higgenbottom had peeked through the window and seen Linc, what would have happened? She would lose her position as schoolteacher, and what, return to Virginia? At the thought she patted her apron pocket. No, she couldn’t possibly return.
“I’m sorry.” Linc stood beside the bedroom door. “Are you all right? I am making things hard for you.”
Jane’s heart melted at his earnest expression. “I’m fine. And yes you are.” She moved to him and cupped his jaw with her hand. “But you have also awakened hope in me. I’m sorry for everything you will be going through.”
She followed him to the schoolhouse, the entire time tense while traversing the open space. Once they entered the classroom, she let out a breath of relief.
An hour later, she sat on her bed, head bent over the letter. Clarence claimed to be traveling to Montana as soon as he heard from her. He’d not married after all. Supposedly he’d stood up to his mother and was coming for her.
Anger raged through her and Jane crumpled the letter, clutching it in her fist. How dare he? After everything that had passed, he came now to disrupt her attempt at a new start.
Chapter Five
Linc peered out the schoolhouse window and saw Emerson crossing the street to the hotel. His brother was back.
Moments later a more petite version of Jane headed toward Jane’s cottage. Emerson’s wife, no doubt. He’d bide his time in there until Jane came for him. He was sure she’d not want him barging in, taking her sister by surprise.
Finally he could start on getting proof. More than anything he needed Emerson’s help. The banker, Nelson, appeared and began talking to Emerson while pointing to the jailhouse. The man seemed upset, waving his arms about.
His heart sunk when he looked to the jailhouse. His horse is there. The woman who’d come earlier must have left the gate open. So preoccupied with cleaning up, he’d not heard anyone coming for the horse. That woman, the one who’d come to the door, must have recognized it. The large palomino with one socked foot was hard to miss. He rushed to the back window; sure enough the gate was open. The damn woman, Mrs. Higgenbottom, had left it open. Rebel, his horse, probably tired of being penned up, had trotted right out. The damn horse had the name for a reason.
Emerson and the banker looked toward the schoolhouse and he moved to the side. They stalked to the jailhouse and he waited for them to be out of sight before slumping down to a chair. What would he do now?
A few moments later, he overheard women’s voices. Jane spoke to another woman in the courtyard. They spoke in hurried tones, one right after the other followed by whispers and silence. He didn’t dare look outside, but stood next to the window listening. It was obvious Jane had purposely moved the conversation to just outside the schoolhouse so that he could overhear and become aware someone else was there.
From what he could overhear, Jane was warning her sister about his return. She seemed to be attempting to talk Maddie into agreeing to hold off telling Emerson until speaking with him first.
It was time to face things head on. The sooner Emerson came to speak to him the better. Yet at the same time, he wasn’t in a hurry for it to be known he was sleeping there. One more night with Jane, just one more night would be perfect. A way to face the days ahead would be easier with the memory of making love to his woman.
It was almost two hours later before Jane came into the schoolhouse. Her shoulders lowered at seeing him. “For a moment I thought you’d left.” She allowed him to wrap his arms around her and pull her against him. Both, it seemed, needed reassurance.
“I’m always here for you Jane.” Linc kissed the top of her head. “Was that your sister?”
“Yes,” she replied while nodding. “They returned late last night. Jane moved away and paced. “We need to come up with a plan. I can summon Emerson and you two can talk and decide on the best way to for you to get away.”
He took a deep breath. “I plan to remain here, prove my innocence and marry you.”
Her steps faltered only slightly. Jane continued pacing, looking to him every few seconds. “In my opinion, it’s best for you to remain away at least until your brother investigates. Maddie says after they found your horse. There is talk that you must be dead. So it’s perfect. No one will suspect it’s you that’s riding away.”
“Jane.” Linc took her by the shoulders and waited until she looked into his eyes. Her own were wide and shiny. Terror filled. “I will not flee. I will stay here. I am innocent, therefore I refuse to leave.”
“But what if you can’t prove it. What then?”
“I’ll do my best to get away before the rope comes around my neck.”
When he covered her mouth with his, she relaxed against him, her arms around him in a tight hold. He allowed his eyes to close, surrendering to the sweet indulgence of her plush lips.
Her fingers curled around the fabric of his shirt, not letting him go after the kiss. “I can’t let you do this, Linc. How can you possibly prove you didn’t kill the man?”
“I know who did. Somehow, I have to get him to confess.”
Her eyes rounded. “We need to talk to Emerson, get him to help.”
Without waiting for a response, Jane dashed out of the schoolhouse, her skirts swishing around her ankles. Linc’s heart began to beat so hard, he felt as if it would explode out of his chest.
; It was not the time, he needed a few more days. Time to confront the killer and somehow get the man to admit to what he did.
Nothing to be done about it now, but to move forward. Thankfully the day was cloudy and cool. Easier to get away with wearing his hat low and his jacket collar pulled up covering as much of his face as he could. Linc made his way back to the bank and slipped behind the building.
The back door to the bank was closed. He knew only one woman worked at the counter. The only other person usually there was Thomas Nelson. He pushed into the door with his shoulder, but it would not give.
Somehow he had to get in and confront Nelson. As if summoned, only a few moments later, the man walked outside and lit up a cigar. Puffing up his chest, Nelson barely glanced in his direction. “You need to move along. This is not a place for vagrants.”
“I’m here to see you.”
Nelson dropped the cigar and attempted to rush back inside, but Linc grabbed him and slammed the scrawny man against the wall. “What’s the matter Nelson? Not expecting to see me?”
“You—you need to leave. I won’t say a word, just leave before they catch you. You’ll hang.”
Linc leaned closer. “Why should I hang? You killed McKade and I aim to prove it.”
The man had the nerve to smile. “You ran like a coward. No one’s going to believe you.”
“You got all of McKade’s land. Is that what it was all about?”
Nelson attempted to shove him away, but at the lack of movement he gave up. “Leave me be.”
“I’m giving you one last chance to tell the truth, Nelson. Go to Emerson and confess. Are you going to stand by and let me hang for what you did?”
A flicker of indecision crossed the man’s face, but then he jutted out his chin. “He deserved to die. You saw what he did to Sally Jean. He beat her senseless.”
“You’re sweet on her, aren’t you?”
“What does it matter? Go on, Lincoln. I’m not going to confess. You need to get away.”
Gentrys of Montana: Gentrys of Montana Page 19
