Second Chance Cowboy

by Sylvia McDaniel

  This time she had to come to him willing and ready. She needed time to sort out her feelings and decide about Matt. If she loved Patrick, then she would come to the realization that he didn’t want revenge, but had been a victim as much as she was. In the meantime, he would patiently wait.

  Chapter 13

  A hot wind blew from the south, stirring the grass on the prairie like waves across the water. The summer heat had seared the grass a golden brown, and it shimmered in the afternoon sun.

  In the midst of the prairie, the city of Dodge rose up from the flatness of the earth, like a mirage before the hungry traveler. Elation fairly sang from Sabrina’s soul. After three months on the trail, they were almost there. Yet her happiness was dimmed with the constant reminder of Matt’s deception.

  Dodge City had seemed an elusive goal, one she would never accomplish, but she’d made it. Selling the cattle would be the next priority, then taking the money safely back to Sherwood. Confidence exuded through her bloodstream, making her feel cocky with success and relief that she’d saved her family home.

  South of the Arkansas River, herds of cattle grazed waiting to be bought. At different times of the year, up to thirty herds could be found camping along the river’s shores.

  Patrick and Sabrina traveled the banks until they located Buckets and the rest of the men. Happy shouts and curious glances greeted them as they rode in. There was much speculation amongst the men regarding their situation.

  Buckets scampered toward them, a big grin on his wrinkled face. “Gawd dern, are the two of you as happy to see this town as the rest of us?”

  “Thrilled, Buckets.” Sabrina smiled at the cook, then dismounted from her horse and handed the reins to Tom, who had come running up. “Take care of him for me, Tom.”

  “Don’t get too excited just yet. We still have to sell those cattle before we can start celebrating,” Patrick cautioned.

  “Yeah, well, Matt’s already taken off to do his celebrating. He rode out almost as soon as we got here,” Buckets said, annoyance filling his voice.

  Sabrina felt her happiness dim. “He’s probably in a saloon somewhere.”

  Both men remained silent, their eyes full of sympathy. It was compassion Sabrina neither needed nor wanted. “Have we lost any other men, since you’ve arrived?” Sabrina questioned, trying to change the subject.

  “No. Everyone is eager to receive their pay so they can go out on the town,” Buckets replied.

  “I’m taking Sabrina into town to stay at one of the hotels while we’re here. Tomorrow, I’ll arrange for the sale of the cattle. The men should receive their pay within the next couple of days,” Patrick said, glancing over at Sabrina in a questioning manner.

  Buckets fairly danced. “Whoee! I’m so glad we’re here. It’s a long way home, but the hard part is over.”

  “I didn’t know we’d be staying in a hotel,” Sabrina said.

  “The sound of a hot bath, a soft bed, and a real meal doesn’t sound inviting?” Patrick queried.

  Sabrina gazed into eyes the color of golden wheat fields. The light that shone from them was almost hypnotic. A hotel room? “That sounds like heaven.”

  “Then grab your things and let’s go.” Patrick turned back to Buckets, but watched Sabrina walk to the chuck wagon out of the corner of his eye. The gentle sway of her hips and the thought of a hotel room sent his blood rushing into his lower body. They’d barely said two words to each other since the night Matt had confessed. Sabrina had seemed withdrawn and distant and Patrick was doing his best to let her grow accustomed to the news of her brother.

  “Put extra guards around the cattle tonight. If someone didn’t want us to reach Dodge City, they’ll probably feel this is their last chance to stop us.”

  “We’ve already been a-doin’ that.” Buckets scratched his rough cheek, his whiskers rasping against his skin. “This town’s almost as wicked as Sodom and Gomorrah. Matt’s goin’ to get into trouble, if he hasn’t already.”

  “I know, Buckets. I’ll keep an eye out for him, though it probably won’t do any good. There are enough saloons in this town for him to stay lost in for a year.”

  Buckets glanced around at the chuck wagon. “Is Sabrina all right?”

  “I think so.” Patrick sighed. “She needs the rest.”

  “Watch over her real careful like in this wild city.”

  Patrick watched Sabrina stroll back from the chuck wagon with a small traveling case in her hand. Her eye had dark circles beneath them. The trip had been hard on her, just as he’d known it would be. Her stubbornness had refused to let her sit at home and even though she had been troublesome at times, he was glad she was with him.

  While Tom saddled Sabrina, another horse, Patrick gathered his personal items. Grabbing his saddlebag he strolled over to his waiting horse. He watched as Buckets helped Sabrina up into the saddle.

  “We’ll be staying at the Dodge House, if you need us.” Buckets grinned at Patrick, a knowing grin. “Be careful, boy; that noose around your neck is gettin’ tighter and tighter.”

  Patrick shook his head and frowned at the old man. He knew immediately what noose Buckets were referring to. The marriage noose. Somehow, though, the idea didn’t seem as frightful as it once had.

  He turned his horse without replying and headed toward town. Sabrina brought her horse beside his. “What was Buckets talking about?”

  One of these days, Patrick thought, he was going to hang that old man. How was he going to explain this to Sabrina?

  “That was Bucket’s way of warning me to be careful.” Sabrina’s aquamarine eyes looked at Patrick knowingly. He shifted in the saddle under the intense scrutiny of her eyes. There were things left unsaid between them, especially concerning Matt, but he wanted her. He wanted tonight to be special, just the two of them, without Matt or even the subject of Matt between them.

  Patrick paid the toll to cross the Arkansas River Bridge into Dodge City. Sabrina gazed in awe at the small town that had started out as a frontier settlement during the days of the buffalo. Fort Dodge had been the original settlement, its soldiers fighting the Indians. Now the Indians were settled on the reservation, and there was talk of closing the fort.

  Crossing the railroad tracks, Sabrina recalled how excited her father had been when the news reached them that the railroad had reached Dodge City, and a new trail had opened up crossing the uninhabited prairie.

  They turned onto dusty Front Street. Wooden sidewalks lined the streets of the false-fronted stores and saloons. Sabrina gawked. The windows and doors were wide open, and inside Sabrina saw ladies dressed in fancy underwear; their lacy pantaloons showed beneath their skirts. The piano tinkled its tinny tune. The music floated through the windows and reached Sabrina’s ears. A man fell through the door and swayed out into the street.

  Sabrina’s head swiveled in every direction, taking in the sights. Every other building was a saloon, and men sitting outside the taverns scrutinized them as they passed by. She couldn’t help but think that this town would be heaven for Matt. The saloons, the opera houses, and the dance halls would be like offering candy to a child. Worrying about Matt would get her nowhere. It was his life to lead and she had to let him go.

  Patrick pulled up in front of a two-story house that had a billiard hall next door. The Dodge House was the newest hotel in town and was reputed to be the best. The white-frame, two-story building had a porch running along the upper balcony and along the front of the building. From the outside, its size was deceptive as it was long and narrow. They tied their horses to a hitching post outside the hotel.

  Several men sat on the porch and watched them unload their belongings. Sabrina turned to Patrick, a question in her eyes. She wanted to ask him how many rooms he would be requesting, but resisted feeling awkward. It would be improper to share a hotel room with a man, but this wasn’t just any man. This was Patrick, the man she’d secretly loved for years.

  Sabrina kept her thoughts to herself and her emo
tions tugged on her as they walked up the steps. The men stared at her in her tight pants and man’s shirt. Patrick took hold of her elbow possessively and guided her inside. His hand remained on her in some fashion as they walked up to the clerk’s desk.

  A stout woman stood behind the counter. Her eyes were dark and beady as she watched them approach. Her plain, wrinkled face was void of emotion.

  Patrick paid the woman, and she showed them to their rooms. As soon as Sabrina saw the large double bed in the center of her room, her apprehensions of spending the money, of being in a hotel, of being alone with Patrick disappeared. The sight of that large, comfortable bed sent delightful tremors down her spine.

  She turned to the proprietress. “Could you have a bath sent up to my room, please?”

  “It’ll cost you extra,” the old woman whined.

  “Send up two of them,” Patrick interjected. “One to my room and one to hers.”

  The old woman left, muttering under her breath. Sabrina bounced on the bed, sprawling out across it “This is heaven.”

  Patrick whined, “That’ll cost you extra.”

  Sabrina laughed, a joyous sound.

  Patrick couldn’t help but think about joining her in that soft, downy bed. He knew if he lay down next to her and touched her, they wouldn’t leave this room for the rest of the night.

  Quickly, before he could change his mind, he moved toward the door. “I’m going to check on the horses, try to get some rest and then we’ll go down to supper.”

  “Hmm,” Sabrina murmured drowsily.

  Before he closed the door, he gazed one last time at Sabrina, all curled up. Quickly he closed the door, his body trembling in anticipation.

  * * *

  Several hours later, Sabrina sat in front of the mirrored dressing table, combing her blonde curls into place. She brushed her hair until it glistened like sunshine, and fell in waves down her back.

  The sapphire color of her eyes was illuminated by the blue muslin dress, which had been pressed and fell in graceful lines to the floor. White lace edged the heart shaped cut of the bodice covering the swells of the breast. It felt good to be wearing feminine clothes again, and she checked the mirror one more time, making sure she looked her best.

  Tonight was going to be special. A celebration of life, possibly of love. She knew without a doubt she loved Patrick. No matter what had happened, she loved him and wanted him like her next heartbeat. She hoped he had feelings for her. Maybe not love, but something. A knock on the door broke her musings, and she hurried to unlatch the door between their rooms. When she opened the door, Patrick stood before her in clean crisp clothes. His hair was freshly cut; his scratchy beard was gone, and he smelled of soap and aftershave. She drank in the sight of his tight pants, his matching blue shirt with the string tie. Even his boots sparkled from a fresh shine. She was the luckiest woman in town. Sabrina swallowed at the hot rush of desire that exploded into her veins. “You look very handsome.”

  Patrick smiled; a dimple puckered his cheek. His eyes twinkled their golden lights, sparkling with desire. “Not half as good as you.” His voice was deep, and husky. “If we don’t go downstairs, I’ll be having you for supper.”

  Sabrina smiled. “I don’t think so, Mr. Shand. I’ve suddenly developed a ravenous appetite.” At his naughty smile, Sabrina added, “For food.”

  Patrick laughed; his voice sent delicious little shiver through Sabrina. “Then I suggest we leave before we get into trouble.”

  Patrick offered her his arm and she accepted, loving the crisp feel of his shirt, but most of all his muscular arm beneath her hand. They walked side by side down the stairs and out the door of the hotel.

  Started, Sabrina asked. “Aren’t we going to eat in the hotel?”

  “Nope.” Patrick paused. “We’re going down the street to Delmonico’s.”

  Sabrina shrugged her shoulders. “Okay.”

  The sun had set and the stars graced the night sky. The evening breeze was cool as their heels tapped along the wooden sidewalk to the restaurant. Music played up and down the street from the different saloons, and occasionally loud, robust laughter could be heard. They passed other couples walking along the sidewalk, but mostly cowboys hurried down the street to the next saloon.

  When they entered the restaurant, a host showed them to a table. Patrick pulled out Sabrina’s chair, seating her, and then sat himself across the table from her. A lantern glowed softly, its wick low, casting an iridescent glow between them.

  The special for the day was pot roast, and they both ordered it, their mouths watering over the thought of meat and potatoes. To Sabrina’s delight, Patrick ordered a bottle of wine.

  The waiter poured their glasses and left. Sabrina whispered wickedly, “I’ve never had liquor.”

  Patrick smiled, a gleam in his eyes, his dimples outlined in his cheeks. “Yes, you have.” He paused. “I recall one stormy night we shared a cup of whiskey.”

  Sabrina felt her mouth drop and quickly she shut it. Her blood warmed from the memories of the night she and Patrick had first made love. The night Matt had returned. She pushed all thoughts of Matt from her mind. Tonight was hers and Patrick’s; no thoughts of Matt, or anyone else, could intrude.

  She grinned. “You’re right. We did share a drink.”

  “We shared many things that night,” Patrick said, his voice almost a whisper.

  Sabrina blushed and looked down at her folded hands, but irresistibly her eyes were drawn back to the flame that now appeared in Patrick’s eyes. Was it the reflection of the lantern, or was it the heat from his soul?

  All during the meal, their eyes kept meeting across the table. Though they didn’t touch, Sabrina couldn’t help but feel his hands on her, his eyes touching her, her body pulsing with awareness. Each time their eyes met and held, Sabrina felt as if a caterpillar was spinning its cocoon around them, closing out the rest of the world.

  Strolling back to the hotel, Patrick picked up Sabrina’s hand and put it in the crook of his arm. Sabrina savored the feeling of being so close. They sauntered slowly back to the hotel, serenaded by music from the saloons. Sabrina almost hated to see the Dodge House come into view.

  Entering the hotel, they climbed the stairs together, neither speaking. Disappointment tinged Sabrina as she felt the night coming to an end.

  When they came to her door, Patrick stopped and turned her in his arms. Sabrina looked up and gazed into his brown eyes. A smile fluttered at the corner his lips.

  “You look so lovely tonight.” He smiled. “I was the envy of every man in the restaurant.”

  Sabrina ducked her head. “How you do carry on Patrick.” When she looked up, she could plainly read the desire in his eyes. “It was a lovely evening. You amaze me sometimes.”

  “How?”

  “I hadn’t expected to stay in a nice hotel and be taken out for dinner. Thank you for such a wonderful evening.”

  “You’re welcome. I had to do something to improve my reputation,” Patrick teased.

  Sabrina laughed, her voice low and husky. His hands were on her arms and he slid them up and around her back, bringing her in close. She watched as his lips descended toward hers, and she eagerly awaited their connection. A thrill coursed through her as their lips met. The kiss was sweet and hot, and tasted of apples and spice.

  Patrick raised his head up and looked longingly into her eyes. “Good night, Sabrina.”

  He took the key from his pocket, unlocked her door, and fairly pushed her inside.

  Sabrina stared as the door closed behind her with a decided click. She sighed, a deep, lonely sound. The night had been fun, but somehow she had hoped for more. She had wanted more. She hadn’t wanted it to end with a goodbye kiss at the door. She had hoped they would see the morning light together.

  Slowly she took off her dress and hung it up. She pulled out the nightgown she had packed, but hadn’t won the whole trip and slipped it over her head. Sitting down at the dressing table, she brushed
her hair until it crackled and shined.

  The lantern cast an incandescent light in the small hotel room. The window was partially open, allowing the night air and the sound of music from the saloon down the street to filter in. Sabrina felt restless. She paced the small bedroom, her mind on the man next door. When she stopped pacing and looked around, she stood in front of the door to Patrick’s room.

  She reached out and gripped the doorknob.

  Behind that door was the man she had given her love to long ago and then taken it back. Was she sure this was what she wanted? She faced the question squarely. Yes, she wanted this with all her heart. No matter what the future brought, she wanted to be in Patrick’s arms, tonight. Slowly, she turned the doorknob and opened the door.

  Patrick stood at the door, bare-chested and barefoot. The glow from the lantern bounced off his golden hair. His eyes radiated with an inner fire that Sabrina recognized.

  Two steps carried him into the room. He reached down and swept her up in his arms, up against the hot wall of his chest. His lips came crushing down on hers.

  Sabrina reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him to her. Hot flaming tendrils of desire deluged her.

  Their lips never separated as he carried her to the bed. He laid her down gently on the soft quilt.

  “I thought you’d never make up your mind and open that door,” he whispered huskily.

  “And what if I hadn’t opened it?” she asked.

  “Eventually, I would have broken it down, but I wanted you to choose to come to me. And you did.”

  His mouth descended once again. His tongue traced the outline of her lips before he plunged into her mouth. She returned his assault, her own tongue twining around his. Sabrina reached up and ran her hand across his naked back, feeling his muscles ripple under her fingertips. She pulled him closer, craving the feel of every inch of him against her, his rough hardness against her soft silkiness. Her breasts rubbed against his chest, her thin cotton nightgown separating them.