A Desperado's Bride (Book Fourteen of the Brides of the West)

by Rita Hestand

  "Did she." Kate smiled. "Well, what are you up to?"

  "We're breaking horses, what I always do." Noah shot her a strange glance.

  "Still at it, are you? I'd have thought you were ready to retire, Noah?" She insisted.

  "I'll retire when they roll me into the grave Kate." He barked.

  "At the rate you're working, it might be sooner than you think." She shook her head. She glanced at Jace again, "I've tried to talk some sense into Noah for some time now. He doesn't listen to me. A man should know when it's time to quit, don't you think?"

  "Hadn't given it much thought." Jace smiled sexily at her.

  Everyone got off the gate and Noah came through. Kate started to get down but Jace reached to help her since Noah was obviously not going to. She smiled, "Thank you, at least there is one gentleman here." She batted her lashes at him and smiled.

  Jace held her a little longer than was necessary and she met his glance with more than a little interest. She had brown eyes that smiled into his. The cleave of her dress was low and daring for an everyday dress and his glance fell as he lifted her from the buggy. She smiled as though delighted he noticed.

  Jen went ahead of them. She had to control her emotions. Jace was acting just like he used to with Rebecca. And she had to witness it again. She couldn't go through this again. She knew she'd been wrong to trust Jace with her heart. Determined though not to show one ounce of jealousy she put on a smile and her best manners.

  "Can I get you a glass of lemonade?" Jen offered her as they came inside.

  "Oh, that would be wonderful, it was quite a ride over here. So much dust." She smiled and took the best chair in the house. Jace sat on the floor, and she leaned toward him. "I must look a fright."

  "I sure wouldn't say that," Jace smiled.

  Jen gritted her teeth and calmed her nerves. She wouldn’t let this woman destroy her. After all, the woman was married. Wasn't she?

  Noah and Jace sat on the floor as Jen sat in the chair next to her.

  "So, want to tell me what you came for?" Noah's eyes bore into hers.

  "Oh-well, I wanted to talk to you again about the sale of this place. You can't honestly think to keep it much longer and I want to get my bid in on it before Hardin offers you something for it."

  "That would be Hank Hardin?" Jace asked, stiffening a bit as he stared at her.

  "That's right. You acquainted with him?" She asked, her glance going over all of him as she stared.

  Jace shook his head, "No, just heard a little about him last time I was in town. Heard he owns most of the land between here and Red Rock."

  "I'd say my ranch is comparable to his," She corrected but with a smile that was flirty. "You really should come visit sometime and see for yourself."

  Jace nodded. "I'd like that. I ran into a couple of your men the other day and they were talking about your spread."

  When Noah noticed how she was spinning her spider's web over Jace, he blurted out at her.

  "I've told you repeatedly, I'm not selling." Noah's brows met now he was so angry.

  "Well…I didn't mean tomorrow Noah. But I'd like you to consider me in the future if you will. I'm sure Hardin will make an offer soon too." Kate smiled her eyes going around the room and landing on Jace again.

  "Hardin's got his hands full taking care of his wife. As I'm a little surprised you don't spend more time doing the same with your husband." Noah blurted without apology.

  The woman reacted as though she'd been physically slapped. "My husband," she ground her teeth, "can take care of himself."

  She turned back to Jace. "So you work for Noah now? Exactly what do you do?"

  "I bust broncs, mainly."

  Jace met her smile head on with one of his own, and Jen's mouth nearly fell open. If she could have run out of the room without being noticed, she would have. But she wouldn't embarrass herself.

  Kate seemed proud of snaring his full attention, but not surprised, as she sipped her lemonade and leaned back in the chair. She seemed to know exactly how to angle her body for the best view. After all, she commanded their attention. "You didn't tell me you were putting on a man, Noah." Her eyes went over Jace letting him know she noticed him too.

  It was like some kind of silent language going on, Jen thought.

  "I didn't know I had to tell you anything, Kate." Noah voice boomed at her, making her turn her head and stare at the old man.

  "That was unkind, Noah. I came here with the best of intentions." She finished her lemonade, and as she stared at Jace, she licked her lips slowly. "Then I should go. But do keep me in mind when you are ready to sell. You know, I heard there's been some Indian raids lately."

  Noah almost visibly bristled. "I've heard."

  "Oh, well, until next time. And…Noah, why don't you and Jace come over and look at my new Stallion, I'd love it if you could gentle him for me. You are the best, after all."

  "When I'm not busy, maybe." Noah gritted his teeth.

  "Fine…Jace, would you walk me out, it's getting dark now. I really don’t like to be alone in the dark. I shouldn’t have stayed so late. Do you think you could take me home Jace, I’d so appreciate it and you could borrow one of my horses to come back on?"

  "Sure," Jace seemed eager to help her out.

  Jen sat silent. Noah glanced at her. As soon as Jace and Kate walked outside, he shook his head. "I should have warned you Jen." He saw the hurt on her face, but Jen quickly straightened herself and smiled.

  "About what?"

  "About her, she's the biggest bitch in the world. She thinks she's every man's dream."

  "I'm not so sure she isn't. Jace was sure interested. Don't you like her, Noah?" Jen asked him.

  "Hell no! She's acid in my stomach. The woman is married. Her poor husband is crippled because she just had to get him to break that damn stallion she's rides all the time. I'm a little surprised she drove over in a buggy. Well anyway, he broke it alright, and it nearly killed him. She doesn't love him; she's just waiting until he dies to take complete control of his money and property. You see Hardin turned her down a long time ago, I mean personally. And she took it hard. Now, she wants to outdo him just to prove what he lost."

  Jen's eyes widened and she almost laughed.

  She loved Noah!

  Chapter Nine

  Jace helped her onto the buggy seat then joined her, creating a new intimacy as they were sitting so close to each other. She talked about all manner of things. But she kept getting closer.

  "Do you mind if we stop for a while, I want to talk to you." She smiled at him.

  He nodded. "Sure…" he got down and helped her down, but this time she stared into his eyes as he helped her. Her hands went up and down his arms. "My your very strong, aren't you?"

  Jace smiled. "Am I?"

  "I don't mean to be forward, but you've given off an impression that you like me. And I certainly like you."

  "Oh, what kind of impression?" He asked, still holding her.

  "Let's don't play games, we're both attracted to each other. It's quite obvious."

  "I'd have to be dead not to be attracted to you ma'am. And I'm not dead." Jace smiled down into her eyes.

  She turned and walked, he held her around the waist, not wanting her to step into a prairie dog hole and fall or twist her ankle. She didn't object.

  "If Noah does sells out, I'd be more than happy to put you to work on my spread." She told him as they walked along, side by side.

  "That's nice of you, but I don't think you're going to get Noah to sell." Jace stopped and she turned to stare into his face.

  "Maybe you could convince him." She purred.

  "Why would I?" He asked.

  She glanced up at him, "Tell me, are you and what's her name, Jen, married?"

  "No, just friends." He looked down at the ground.

  "She looks at you like she'd like to be more than that."

  "I doubt that. But we've known each other for a long time."

  "You kn
ow she worked at the saloon in town, didn't you?"

  "Yeah…I know." His voice drifted off. "Your husband, doesn't he mind you running off in the evening to visit neighbors, alone."

  "My husband is an invalid. Has been for five years. He doesn't pay much attention to what I do these days." She said bowing her head as though that bothered her. "One of the reasons I don't worry about him much. I don't think he knows I'm alive anymore. We…haven't…"

  "Yeah, well, under the circumstances I can understand that." Jace finished for her because she was becoming very intimate.

  A noise from the bushes scared her and she moved into Jace's arms. "What was that?" She clutched his arms.

  "A dear." He smiled down into her face. She licked her lips again. His eyes followed her actions.

  Her hands ran up and down his arms. "You are very strong, I almost fell," She cried as she batted her lashes at him.

  She reached to kiss him on the cheek but he turned his head to watch the dear and when he turned back, their lips met. Her arms floated around his neck and she hung on as Jace massaged her lips gently with each strokes. The kiss intensified quickly, as she pressed herself against him hard.

  "Oh…I'm sorry you must think me brazen…" She smiled as she pulled away. "I was merely trying to thank you for catching me…" Her voice sounded soft.

  "No you weren't." He smiled, and stared at her ruby red lips. "You're quite a woman," he stared down into her eyes.

  "Am I?" She didn't move out of his arms yet.

  He snickered, "You know you are…"

  They walked silently for a while, when they reached the edge of her property, she turned to looked at him again. "I can get home from here," she told him.

  "You sure?"

  "Of course…" She turned and caught him staring. "Won't you come visit me, I'd love to show you around the property."

  "I'd like that," He nodded. "I'd like that very much."

  She swooned a little, "I like you Jace Harrison…"

  "The feelings mutual…" He said lowly.

  "Good!" She smiled and he helped her back up and into the buggy.

  "You sure you don't want me to take you all the way home?"

  "No, this is better, but…you can kiss me goodnight…if you like." She leaned toward him.

  "I like," He whispered and took her lips once more this time more demanding, as his hands slid from her waist to just under her bust. He heard her swoon.

  "I like the way you say goodnight."

  He winked. "I'll be seeing you." He promised.

  She reached for his hand, "Thank you for seeing me home."

  "I'll look forward to seeing you again," Jase smiled.

  She held his hand for a long moment. Her hand moving along his, almost stroking him. "Make it soon…"

  "You bet," He smiled.

  She rode off into the distance and he watched her to make sure she arrived at her ranch safely.

  He couldn't help but wonder how many of her own men she'd seduced. She was beautiful, he'd give her that. But why did she remind him of Rebecca.

  All the way home he almost laughed. The woman was pure seductress. Only she didn't know his heart was already spoken for. But now he knew he could help Noah, and he'd do it. Although Jen might be upset a while. This wasn't going to take long though, at least he hoped not.

  ***

  The next day Jen went into the kitchen and began fixing breakfast. She'd familiarized herself with the pots and pans, which consisted of one little pot and one big one, and a huge iron skillet she could barely lift. Sighing heavily, she tried to act normal, but she was far from feeling it. Now that she knew what a flirt Jace was with all the women, she was sure she didn't want to pin her future on him. However, determined not to do anything foolish, like cry, she put on the biggest smile ever and her sunshine attitude until Jace and Noah went out side to work.

  He'd never guess how angry she was.

  Her insides hurt from not being able to throw something, or cry one. Her head pounded.

  How could he turn so easily for a pretty head? He'd had Rebecca, now this Kate. And she was married! He’d taken her home last night and she was sure even though she only saw from a distance that he had lipstick rouge on his cheek. He even smelled like her.

  She didn't want to talk to him, she didn't want to be alone with him. She just wanted to curl up and cry until she could make herself mad enough to get over Chance Montgomery once and for all. She wasted her life dreaming about him. And one evening with a married woman told her all she needed to know. He was fickle like most men she'd known. A prettier woman came along and easily took his heart. Well, he could have her. She didn't need him. She'd be just fine without him.

  How was he reforming if he was going to mess with a married woman!

  She did wish she could be more mature about all of this. She wished she didn't wear her feelings on her sleeve. If she didn't get tough quick, he'd guess how jealous she was!

  Didn't she have a right to be jealous? He had called her his girl hadn't he? Well, he didn't act like it last night. He forgot she was even in the room.

  Twice in a lifetime he had gone crazy over a pretty woman.

  That was all right. She'd stay here a while, save some more money and leave when she'd had as much as she could take.

  But she wouldn't kiss him like she had before. Not anymore. Oh God! She was crazy in love with him. He just ambled into town and stole her heart away…. again!

  She'd spent all day worrying over a roast for supper but he wouldn't notice that. Jace acted as though nothing had happened. The nerve of him. He came in smiled and washed up, then came to the table.

  "Smells good." He smiled at her.

  She nodded.

  When she didn't say anything he glanced at her.

  Noah broke the obvious tension between them when he came in. "We got a lot of work done today." He was telling Jen.

  "That's good. More money in the pockets then." Jen smiled at him. "When you taking the horses to be sold?"

  "Oh we'll wait until we got this bunch done, then we can run them down to Hardin's place. He usually buys from me.

  Jace's head jerked up and he stared at Noah. "I didn't know you sold to Hank Hardin."

  Jen saw Jace's reaction.

  "He's got more money than most, why not? I been doin' business with him for a lot of years." Noah said eying Jace curiously. "If it's between him and Kate Williams, I'll pick Hardin any day. You got something agin him?" Noah asked.

  Jen looked up now, wondering if Jace would tell him or not.

  "I guess you're right." He glanced at Jen. "I don't really know the man. Just heard he's a big shot in town."

  "He is at that. But he's earned that title, let me tell you. Hank's a fine man, and hardworking man too."

  Jace let it drop after all, they'd be going down there soon and he could see for himself just how good a man Hardin was.

  Jace's glance went over Jen now, she was wearing a cotton dress, not fancy but on her it looked very good. It was easy to slip into a married couple routine here, except they didn't sleep together, and they weren't married, but he thought about that a lot lately. Just the thought had him heating up a bit. He'd gotten so close to Jen he barely realized it himself, but it was nice coming in from a hard day's work and seeing her sweet face.

  "Yeah, Jace is right good at breaking them." Noah said. "But you kind of acted like you had something on your mind today, Jace."

  "I did. I'm sorry if I was a little quiet today Noah. Just thinking a lot." Jace let out a slight smile.

  "Must be somethin' you sure been quiet." Noah glanced at Jen who pretended a real interest in her supper.

  "This is good roast, girl." Noah looked straight at Jen now.

  "Thanks Noah." She nodded.

  When Noah finished and went to bed early, Jace pulled on Jen's arm to go outside. "You go on, I'm tired, I'm going to bed early."

  "Something wrong?" He asked with a slight frown. "You feeling under the weat
her?"

  "No of course not. I didn't sleep well last night, that's all." She muttered. "I'll see you in the morning." She smiled sweetly at him.

  He turned her chin up and tried to kiss her but she pretended a sneeze and turned away. "Sorry…" she smiled and moved away.

  He stared at her a long while, then quietly walked out.

  Tears clouded her vision, from the strain of trying to hold them back so long. He had such a look of betrayal on his face, as though he had been injured somehow.

  But the tears came down now, and she couldn't see, she couldn't move. She didn't want to disturb Noah, so she curled up in a chair and cried silently.

  Noah came back in the kitchen though, obviously he had heard her, "Thought I'd get some milk…" He stopped when he saw her wiping her eyes.

  She turned away and nodded.

  "He'll get over it honey. She's no good and he's bound to find that out, sooner or later." Noah told her as he came and put his arm around her. "Besides, she's already got a husband."

  "That doesn't seem to matter much to her or to him. I thought he was better than that Noah." She cried.

  "Maybe there's a reason behind all of this. A man can't change that fast. Sometimes things seem one way, and they aren't. But I'll tell you true, a woman like her can slicker a man."

  "I can't let him know how I feel, Noah. Not yet. I'm too mad. Maybe when I cool down and reason it all out. Right now I just want to die…for being such a fool." She cried.

  "Come on, Sugar, let's get you to your bed. It'll look better tomorrow."

  "I doubt that."

  "Well honey, no matter what happens, you still got me." Noah smiled.

  She broke out in a soft laugh. "Oh God, I'm so glad. I don't want to make a fool of myself. Not any more than I already have."

  "We're all fools at one time or another." He left her at the bedroom door. "And it's always over the same thing, love."

  "He's never said he loved me Noah, so maybe it's more my fault than his. Maybe I wanted it so bad, I believed it. Imagine that. Me a dancehall girl believing in love. That beats all. I should've known better. Maybe that's what he sees, a real lady compared to a dancehall girl."