by Lopp, Karen
“What you want us to do?”
“One of you go fetch her clothes.” He described the locations where the Utes attacked. “The other stand guard. I’ll fix some grub and put on the coffee. Keep your eyes peeled and don’t trust anyone.”
Mike went inside and stirred up a fire, put water into the coffee pot, and mixed up some biscuits. He poked his head in to check on Kathleen and smiled. She remained sprawled out right where he’d put her. A hint of color glowed in her cheeks. He crossed the room and checked for a fever. She was cool. Seeing her there, safe, eased tightness in his gut enough for him to leave her long enough to finish fixing breakfast.
Hank and Juan trooped in and made themselves at home.
“You sure you want one of us to leave? Clothes aren’t all that important.” Juan’s dark eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement.
“You want to ask her?”
“Not me, boss. She’s your wife. Just figured it’d be safer if we all hung around. I’ll donate some clothes. I’m the smallest one of us. Shouldn’t be too awful big on her.”
“You’re a coward.”
“Hey, I never could say ‘no’ to a woman. Got me in trouble a few times.”
Hank smirked. “Just a few?”
“Aw, knock it off, pard.”
“I recall one girl, in particular. She had the cutest little behind.” Hank’s face blazed red as a cactus bloom.
Mike pivoted. Kathleen, wrapped in a blanket, stood clutching the doorjamb. He hurried to her side, tucked an arm around her waist, and helped her to the table.
Juan and Hank jumped up so quickly, their two chairs clattered sideways to the floor.
“Morning, ma’am,” they offered in chorus.
“Good morning. Please sit.”
Mike scooted out a chair and Kathleen sank down. He poured a cup of coffee and sat it in front of her. “You feeling better this morning?”
“Much.” She glanced around. “Where am I?”
“My place.”
“Do you know who tried to choke me last night?”
“Yes.”
“Who was it?”
“One of Hawkins’ hired hands. He won’t bother you again.” Mike sliced some bacon to fry.
“You going to introduce me to your guests?”
“Sorry, this is Hank and Juan, my hands.”
“Pleased to meet somebody that’s not trying to kidnap me or kill me.”
“Don’t you worry none, ma’am, we’ll keep the yellow-bellied coyotes away,” Hank said.
“Quit drooling, Hank, and grab some plates.”
Hank rolled his eyes. “Don’t tell Mike, but I like you.”
Kathleen laughed. “I promise.”
“Hank likes to think girls like his baby blue eyes and blond hair. Me, I think women like dark, mysterious eyes like mine.” Juan grinned, winked, and ducked when Hank slapped a towel at him.
“And they are both boys.” Mike set the food on the table while Hank doled out the plates and forks.
“Smells divine.”
“Aw shucks, now I know how to get a woman,” Hank said.
“How’s that?” Mike asked.
“Starve ‘em, then feed ‘em. See? Look at her eat.”
Kathleen blushed a pretty pink and put her fork down. Mike snapped a frosty scowl at Hank. “Don’t let Hank bother you. He was raised by pigs.”
Juan glared at Hank and kicked him in the shin.
Hank glanced at Mike and swallowed his food. “Sorry, ma’am, I didn’t mean anything by it.”
Kathleen patted his arm. “It’s fine, don’t let these two frowning men stifle your fun.”
Hank sat up straighter and promptly kicked Juan.
Kathleen smiled and resumed eating. Mike leaned back and enjoyed the banter, glad Hank had hit it off with Kathleen. She seemed truly relaxed for the first time since the wedding. She needed this.
Hawkins poured his third glass of whiskey and paced. His hired killer had never returned, Barney and Jose had disappeared, and Mike was probably very much alive. No doubt Miss Barnes was with him. Hawkins swore. All his plans, busted.
But he had a new plan. A distraction.
Sally came breezing in his office. “You wanted to see me, Father?”
“Sit down.”
Sally tossed her golden curls and flopped down. “No need to be so gruff.”
Hawkins propped onto the corner of his desk and took a long swig of his drink. “You have defied me for the last time.”
“What do you mean?”
“I know you’ve been catting around with Jimmy.”
Sally gasped and clutched her throat.
“And I know you two botched getting Baca murdered and managed to trap him into wedding the wrong girl and messed up my plans.”
“But, Father—”
“Quiet.” Hawkins glared at the half-empty glass and tapped his fingers.
Sally jumped up and stormed to the door.
“I’m not through, daughter.”
“I am.”
“I can disinherit you.”
She whirled around, her eyes the size of saucers. “You wouldn’t dare. Besides, you don’t have any other children.”
“That’s easy to fix. I can find a young bride, keep her on her back until she conceives. Probably get several out of her.”
“How dare you speak such vulgarities in front of me?”
Hawkins snorted. “Don’t act all innocent with me. You know how to use your body. How young were you when you lost your virginity?”
“Father.”
“You forget, daughter, we are alike.”
“You’re not angry?”
“I would be angry if you were all meek and mild.”
“I still won’t marry Mike. I’ll choose who and when I marry.”
“I really don’t care what you do.”
“Good, because I plan on going back East. Find a rich banker or something.”
“You will do one thing for me before you go. Unless you want me to cut you off.”
Sally lifted her brow in a perfect arch. “What?”
“Go visit Mike. I have a message for him.”
Chapter 17
Kathleen stretched and smiled. Two days of lounging late in bed and soaking up sun on the porch had restored her spirits and health. Mike prowled around his ranch but never far and never out of hearing distance. He cooked for her, fetched her fresh water each morning, and tucked her in each night.
And kissed her goodnight.
She tossed the covers off and donned her borrowed britches and shirt. The scent of coffee and bacon filtered under the door. She shook her head. At this rate, she’d outgrow her clothes soon. “Morning gentlemen.”
All three spun around and grinned. Three greetings overlapped each other. As usual, Hank winked, Juan waved ,and Mike, well, he devoured her with his eyes. She felt like a queen.
After breakfast, she helped Mike clean up while Hank and Juan went about their chores. “I’d like to go get my bag and the sack of supplies I took.”
“I’ll send one of the boys.”
“I can’t stay cooped up forever. No one has made any moves to show up here and try to take me. Maybe they’ve given up.”
“I’d rather not risk it.”
“How about showing me my place?”
Mike dropped the towel and crossed his arms. “Is it so bad here?”
“No, but I can’t stay here forever.”
He opened his mouth and snapped it closed. He studied his boots for a while, then glanced out the open door. “I’ll come fetch you after a while. Let me do some chores first.”
“Thank you.”
She thought they were getting along. Now she wasn’t so sure if a simple request to leave, and not even alone, made him angry. Dishes finished, she wandered outside to the barn. Juan’s hand-me-down boots slopped loose on her feet. She slipped into Blackie’s stall, gave him a lump of sugar, and stroked his main.
“Want to go out today?” The horse nickered. She picked up a brush and started grooming Blackie. Moping around the house didn’t suit her current mood. Action was what she needed. Blackie didn’t mind the attention.
Finished with one side, Kathleen ducked under Blackie’s head and started brushing his left flank when voices caught her attention. A high-pitched female voice and Mike. Kathleen stood on tiptoe and peered over Blackie.
A beautiful woman clung to Mike’s arm as they stepped inside. Her custom fitted gown a work of art. Kathleen recognized the pattern. It was one of her creations. One that Mr. Sharp had marketed as his very-own brand. Never giving her the credit. Bitterness welled.
“Please, Mike, I’m sorry.”
“It’s too late, Sally. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m married.”
Kathleen sagged. So this was Sally. She glanced at her drab men’s clothes. She hated to admit it but Sally did have the bountiful curves men liked. And her designer dress emphasized said curves. She had nothing compared to Sally. Her breasts were small, her hips narrow, and her hair a dull reddish brown and never stayed pinned in place.
“I know. But you have to believe me. Jimmy pushed me to do it. He promised to take me to New York.”
Kathleen found a crack in the stall and watched.
“Not my problem.”
Sally dabbed a handkerchief to her eyes. Kathleen wanted to scream. Fake tears. She’d seen lots of women use them. And apparently, like most men, Mike couldn’t tell the difference. He put an arm around her. Kathleen ground her teeth.
Sally gave a well-practiced sniffle. “I’m not asking you to forgive me. I just wanted to let you know I won’t help Jimmy any more. He went too far when he forged those Wanted posters and laced her coffee with laudanum.”
“Jimmy did that? I thought your father did.”
“Father still wants us to marry, but he wouldn’t hurt an innocent girl.”
“How did Jimmy know where Kathleen was?”
“Father told him. He trusts Jimmy. He’s father’s foreman.”
“Haven’t you told your father all this?”
“Not yet. I thought you needed to know first. Jimmy still believes I’m going to marry him.”
“Why tell me all this?”
“Because I made a huge mistake. I love you, Mike. Not Jimmy. I was foolish to let him turn my head.”
Kathleen balled a fist. The lying tart. Mike couldn’t believe her, could he?
Sally leaned into Mike and tilted her face up. “Please don’t hate me. I hurt you and that poor girl. I’d like to apologize to her.”
She put a palm on his cheek. Kathleen’s jaw dropped when Mike wrapped his other arm around her shoulders and hugged her. He pushed her back and cupped her chin with his fingers. Sally’s gaze darted around like a nervous nelly. Beautiful or not, she was one anxious lady.
“What happened to us, Sally?”
“I resented you leaving me here to cool my heels while you led the cattle drive. Father called me spoiled.”
She lifted one shoulder, her words tumbling out faster than a galloping horse. “Guess I am. Now I have to live with losing the one man I loved.”
“Don’t lie to me, Sally. You never loved me. You never let me get close.”
“I’m sorry about that. I wanted you. But for years I’d been taught to keep a man at arm’s length.”
“Did you treat Jimmy the same way?”
“Jimmy led me on. Brought me flowers, candy. Acted the perfect gentleman. Only kissed my hand.”
Kathleen swallowed her snort. And cows have wings. Sally was no more an innocent than the soil doves who sold their bodies. Unlike them, however, Sally dictated the terms. And right now her sights were set on Mike.
“So he never did this?”
Mike leaned down and covered Sally’s lips. Kathleen almost snapped the brush in half.
“Oh, Mike, don’t tease me. We can never be. You’re married.”
“Not for long.” Absolute conviction filled his voice. “Go tell your father Kathleen won’t be around much longer. Maybe then we can re-negotiate a merger.”
Kathleen slapped a hand over her mouth to stop the cry swelling in her throat. Mike was playing her for a fool. Leading her to believe he cared. Easing her fears. Gaining her trust. So he could get rid of her. And not by a visit to a judge. It sure sounded like he had murder in mind.
“I am so sorry for what I’ve done.”
“What are you going to do now?”
“Tell father. Have him fire Jimmy and anyone who helped him.”
“Tell him to fire Willie. Barney and Jose are dead.”
“I will.”
Mike escorted Sally outside. Kathleen slumped to the straw-covered stall and curled her knees up, suddenly cold. She had to get away. But Mike never let her out of his sight. Now she understood why. It also explained the absence of any attacks or attempts on her life. Right now she needed to move, so Mike wouldn’t suspect she’d overheard his conversation with Sally.
Mike stared at Sally as she rode off. “What game are you playing now?” The woman would sell her soul to Satan if it suited her purposes. Why the sudden change in tactics? He didn’t believe for one second she cared about him or Kathleen. He scrubbed the back of his hand across his lips.
He had played along just to see how far she’d go to sell her story. He’d deliberately kissed her to make her believe he bought her lies. And that kiss had been an eye opener. She’d kissed him in a way designed to make a man forget who and where he was. He might have fallen into her trap if he wasn’t developing feelings for Kathleen.
He stilled, then glanced at the house. “I’ll be damned.” He shoved his hands into his pockets and let the realization soak in. Now what? Kathleen wanted to go see her spread. Today. Not a sign she wanted to stay with him. Be his wife. But he needed to keep her here. Needed to see her, touch her, know she was safe. And Sally’s little visit didn’t ease his fears for Kathleen’s safety.
He pivoted and went to saddle a couple of horses.
Juan sauntered up. “Going somewhere?”
“Kathleen wants to see her place.”
“Think that’s smart?”
“Don’t know, but I don’t want her going alone.”
“Put her off.”
“How? You got any ideas?”
Juan shrugged. “Go make her your wife.” He winked.
“I don’t think she’s ready for that.”
“Have you tried?”
“No.”
“Women like to know a man’s panting after them. Go pant. Hank and I can do the chores.”
Mike rubbed his jaw and grinned. “You know, that’s not a bad idea.”
Juan shoved him toward the house. “Take your time.”
On his way to the house, excitement kicked his pulse to a gallop. Perhaps he could coax some long, leisurely kisses from her. Maybe a little more caressing. Or only hold her, run his fingers through her hair. Show her without words how he felt. He took off his hat and smoothed his hair, then stepped inside.
“Kathleen?”
The house was to quiet. He crossed to the bedroom and his heart quit beating. Simp
ly stopped working and the blood flowing in his veins turned to ice.
He’d turned his back for a few minutes and Kathleen had disappeared. Again. Damn Sally and her antics. He sprinted outside and almost knocked Kathleen off the porch.
He wrapped her in a bear hug. “I thought someone took you.”
“You can let go.”
“Scared ten years off me.”
“Are you trying to crack my ribs?”
“I’ll never let you out of my sight again.” Mike kissed the top of her head, picked her up, and kicked the door closed behind them.
“What are you doing?”
“Shh, don’t talk.” He planted a tender kiss on her lips. On her cheek. On her nose. Returned to her lips. Mike stopped. “What’s the matter, honey?”
“Put. Me. Down.”
He released her and she circled the table, putting it between them. Mike didn’t move. He’d seen that angry, distrustful look in her eyes before. Did she see him talking to Sally? It was the only explanation he could come up with.
“Want to tell me what’s eating you?”
“I will not be mauled by you.”
Mike blinked. “Mauled?”
She balled her fists on her hips and jutted out her chin. “Yes.”
Flames singed his spine and flared up to his neck. He bit his tongue so hard he tasted blood. He would not let anger rule this conversation. He dragged a chair to the door and sat down. He wasn’t going to let her run away either.
“Then, shoot. What has you all wrought up?”
“Am I a prisoner now?”
“No. But I do intend to find out what’s on your mind. I have all day.”
“I thought you were going to take me to see my land.”
“I will.”
“Now?”
“We’ll do it another day.”
“Why?”
“Cause I don’t think it’s safe.”
“And what I think doesn’t matter?”
“Of course it does.”
“But you’re still not taking me.”
“Nope.”
“Oh.” She stomped her foot.
