The Devil Between Us

by S. C. Wilson

  Jesse went a little farther downstream to bathe. It was easy to maneuver in the darkness, the terrain familiar. She bathed in peace, knowing there was no way Abby would be able to see her in all her glory. As Jesse washed her hair, she smiled inwardly, feeling relieved the new bathing ritual would not reveal her secret.

  By the time Jesse returned, Abby had scooted one of the bedside tables in front of the fire. She held a deck of cards. Jesse stared, caught off guard by Abby’s change of attire. It took a moment to find her voice. “Well, it’s been a long day and you must be tired. We should probably get some sleep.”

  “Come over here. Let’s play cards.”

  “I don’t know how.”

  “You’re kidding me,” Abby said.

  “No, I’m not. I’ve never had a reason to learn.”

  “Well, why don’t you get comfortable and I’ll teach you.” Maybe he’ll at least unbutton his shirt.

  Jesse had seen people playing poker in the saloons. Even if she knew how to play, she lacked the courage to join in. She took off her outer shirt and laid it over one of the chairs by the table. Jesse pushed up the sleeves of her long underwear and sat opposite Abby, eager to learn how to play.

  Abby was a good teacher, but Jesse still found it difficult to concentrate. Abby sat with one foot on the floor and the other in the rocker, her chin resting on her bent knee. Each time Abby leaned forward to place her cards on the table, the opening of the shirt revealed the ample cleavage beneath.

  A fine bead of sweat formed on Jesse’s upper lip. Abby’s exposed skin and the heat from the fire were too much. “Abs, we should get to bed. It’s been a long day and life up here starts pretty early.” Jesse pulled on her damp neckline.

  “I was just having so much fun.”

  “Me too, but it’s getting late.”

  Jesse stoked the fire one last time, told Abby goodnight, and climbed the ladder leading to the loft.

  Lying in bed was torture for Abby. Jesse was so close, and yet so far away. She had tried her best to get Jesse stirred up. All she had gotten for her trouble was to end up in bed alone and frustrated. Still wide-awake, she closed her eyes. She focused on the sound of her own breathing, hoping for sleep to come quickly.

  Jesse, too, was frustrated. She stared at the roof above her until she fell asleep, just as disappointed as the beautiful woman below her.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Jesse woke with a start in the still cabin. In desperate need of the outhouse, she hurried to slip on a pair of pants over her long underwear. She treaded lightly as she descended the ladder, but stopped when she glanced toward the bed and saw Abby asleep on her side, a bare leg sticking out from under the blanket. She’s even pretty when she’s sleeping. Shaking her head, she forced herself out of the reverie and spotted Abby’s clothes lying on the floor. She picked them up and gently placed them at the foot of the bed before she continued on her way.

  After washing up in the stream, Jesse returned to find Abby dressed and stoking the embers in the fireplace. “Good morning. I hope I didn’t wake you,” Jesse said.

  “Morning. You didn’t. Thought you might want some coffee.”

  “You read my mind. I’ll take over if you need to go out.”

  Handing the poker to Jesse, their hands touched and, although brief, sent a shiver through both of them.

  When Abby returned from the stream, Jesse was digging through a trunk. “I don’t want you to ruin your nice dresses. My old buckskins should fit you just fine, but you’ll have to wear one of my shirts.” Jesse pointed to the shirt she had placed on the bed and handed her weathered buckskin pants that she had outgrown. “Sorry they aren’t as fancy as what you’re used to.”

  “Jesse, I don’t need fancy.”

  “These should fit you, too.” Jesse held up a pair of tall moccasin boots she’d outgrown. “Put all this on and I’ll meet you out front.”

  As soon as Jesse closed the door, Abby undressed and put on the tanned pants that were a little long for her petite frame. When she put on Jesse’s shirt, her hands disappeared in the sleeves. She had to roll them up a couple times so the cuffs were resting around her wrists. Lifting the shirt from her chest to her face, she inhaled, relishing the scent. There was just something about the way Jesse smelled. Not like most men; something more tantalizing, something sweet. She couldn’t figure out what it was, but she was most certainly attracted to it.

  She finished off the look by slipping on Jesse’s boots. Abby looked down, taking in the whole ensemble. Well, this look is attractive. Not wanting Jesse to see her in this rugged attire, she considered changing back into her dress. After debating with herself she exhaled a long breath, blowing her bangs off her forehead, and walked outside. “Well, what do you think? And don’t laugh.” Her tone was flat.

  “What’s there to laugh at? They’re just clothes. Those fit all right?” Jesse pointed to the boots.

  “Just a hair too big, but they’re comfortable. I’ve never dressed like this before. Feels kind of strange.”

  “You’ll get used to it.” Jesse handed Abby a cup of coffee.

  “Oh, thank you. I can really use it this morning.”

  “How’d you sleep?”

  “Had trouble falling asleep. You know…new setting and all.”

  “I can understand that,” said Jesse. “Had trouble falling asleep myself. Think I’m just not used to having company,” she said with a nervous smile.

  Both could sense a slight tension. Each of them chalked it up to spending their first night in the cabin together.

  “I can’t believe the view you have here,” Abby said. “I would sit out here every morning if I lived here.”

  “I think I take it for granted. I used to feel the same way. Now, I’m usually too busy working and don’t take the time to enjoy it anymore.”

  “Speaking of work, I promised to help. So, what are we doing today?”

  “We should start cutting grass. It has to dry before we can bundle it. I need to make sure I have plenty for Buck this winter.”

  “I see you keep it in the cabin. Have you ever thought of building a separate shelter to store the hay, so you don’t have to keep it inside?” Abby hoped the statement wasn’t offensive.

  Jesse shook her head. “I’ve never thought about it. But I like the way you think—let’s do it,” she said.

  “Do what?”

  “Build a shelter for the hay. We have everything we need right here,” Jesse replied, excitement creeping into her voice. “We can build it up against the cabin.”

  Abby had never used a hammer in her life. She listened as Jesse explained the process.

  “If we build it up against the cabin, we only need to build three walls, a roof, and a door. Sorta like a closed-in lean-to. I’ll be right back.” Jesse hurried inside.

  Abby set down her empty cup, ready to prove she could handle anything. She was a little apprehensive when Jesse reappeared, axe in her hand, a gleeful expression on her face.

  “You ready?” Jesse said, pushing up her sleeves.

  “Yes.” Abby smiled through her anxiety, with no clue as to what she had gotten herself into.

  Occasionally, Jesse let Abby have a swing of the axe. It took Abby most of the morning to find a good rhythm. The high altitude, coupled with her inexperience, made her lose her breath quickly. She was grateful Jesse didn’t call attention to it. It was exhausting work, but at least Jesse allowed her to share the hard physical labor. Most men would never let a woman try.

  Abby found herself unable to tear her gaze away from Jesse’s strong back, and the way the muscles in Jesse’s forearms bunched and flexed with each swing of the axe. Even his sweat smells sweet.

  By early afternoon, Jesse felt they had felled enough trees to complete the structure. On the short walk home, Jesse noticed Abby looking at her hand. She stopped in her tracks. “Oh, Abs, let me see!” She cradled Abby’s hand in her own. A seeping blister had opened up in her palm. Jesse had been so cau
ght up in the work and enjoying her company she’d overlooked her inexperience with manual labor.

  Back at the cabin, Jesse sat Abby at the table and retrieved an old tin from the shelf. Frieda had used this same salve on her many times over the years. She knew firsthand how much it helped.

  Abby watched, appreciative of Jesse’s tender touch as the soothing balm was carefully applied over her broken skin.

  Jesse said, “Well, I think we should take it easy for the rest of the day. Let me get you something to eat.”

  “That sounds good, but let me help.”

  “No. You sit there. You’ve done enough work for today.”

  Jesse decided to spend the rest of the afternoon doing something less physically demanding, but equally important. “Do you know how to shoot a rifle?”

  “I’ve shot one before, but it was years ago.”

  Jesse grabbed the rifle and asked Abby to come outside. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.” Jesse walked about thirty feet out, stood a few pieces of firewood up on end, and returned next to her. “I know your hands are sore, so I’m just going to show you the basics.”

  Abby listened as Jesse continued. “Now, the first thing you need to learn is how to load it…” After explaining the process, Jesse lifted the rifle to demonstrate.

  “Can I give it a try?” Abby asked before Jesse took aim. “I want to shoot it.”

  “But, your hands are—”

  Abby interrupted, “Jesse, they’re feeling much better. I’m fine.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yes.” Abby placed her hand on Jesse’s arm. “I’m sure.”

  “All right, then,” Jesse said, handing the loaded rifle over to Abby. She wrapped her arms around Abby from behind. As Jesse helped lift the barrel of the rifle, she said, “Close your eye and use the other one to line up the sight. The sight is the little nub on the end of the barrel. Aim that nub toward the log. Once you’re lined up, take your shot.” Jesse released her grip on the gun, and stepped back.

  Abby focused on the target and squeezed the trigger. The loud blast ricocheted, worrying birds from their perches. A plume of smoke was the only evidence of the shot.

  “Hey, not bad,” Jesse said. “You were just off to the left a bit. Try it again.”

  It took Abby several attempts to knock over the rest of the logs. She was proud of herself, and could tell Jesse was proud of her too.

  Jesse told her about some close calls she had had on the mountain. She was relieved knowing Abby could hit a predator if she had to—at least in theory. It was one thing to hit some pieces of wood, another altogether to hit an angry animal with mortal fear running through your blood.

  Realizing how late it was getting, Jesse asked, “Do you like to fish?”

  “Uh, I’ve never actually done it myself. Why?” Please for the love of God, please, I don’t want to go fishing right now!

  “This is the best time of day to go. Well, now or at first light. Wanna go?”

  Abby was shocked Jesse could have the energy to even think of fishing. “It’s been a long day. How about you go get us something to eat and I’ll cook us up a nice meal this evening?”

  Jesse could tell by Abby’s strained smile she had pushed too hard on the first day. “You go on in, and I’ll be back shortly. My pistol is hanging by the door. If you need me just fire and I’ll come running.”

  They dined on the delicious grouse Abby prepared. The food and the fresh air wore Abby out and she couldn’t wait to crawl into bed.

  “I’m going to the stream to wash the dishes. Maybe we can play some cards when I get back,” Jesse said.

  “Sounds good. Do you need my help?”

  “No. You stay here and I’ll be right back.”

  Abby collapsed onto the bed as soon as Jesse shut the door. By the time Jesse returned, she was sound asleep.

  Jesse covered her with a blanket. “Goodnight, Abs,” she whispered.

  Abby was still sleeping soundly when Jesse gently shook her awake in the morning. “Time to get up,” Jesse whispered.

  Abby looked up at Jesse through squinting, sleep-blurred eyes. She couldn’t believe Jesse was already dressed and ready for the day. Abby’s lifestyle usually kept her up late into the night, and she never was much of a morning person.

  “I’ve got coffee on. Come outside when you’re ready. The fish are sure to be biting this morning.” Jesse couldn’t hide the excitement in her voice.

  “I’ll be out shortly.” Abby’s voice was gravelly. She rolled out of bed, still tired and sore.

  After finishing her cup of coffee, Abby excused herself and walked toward the outhouse.

  Jesse couldn’t help but see how stiffly Abby was moving. A relaxing morning of fishing is just what she needs. She was standing with fishing pole in hand when Abby returned. “Let’s go catch some food this morning.” She handed Abby the fishing pole, grabbed her rifle, and the two set off toward the stream.

  They came to a place where the stream widened into a pool of clear water. Rocks of all sizes scattered the pebbly bed, and low hanging branches reached across covering it in shade like a protective curtain. “This is a great fishing hole,” Jesse said. “Fish love to hang out here.”

  “What are we using for bait?”

  “Worms. We gotta get some.”

  “What do you mean, we?”

  “Set down the pole and come with me.” Jesse grinned. She turned over a large rock and said, “Grab it.”

  Abby stood frozen, eyes wide with disgust at the slimy earthworm. Her hesitation gave the worm plenty of time to burrow back into the soft soil.

  Jesse chuckled. “You’re going to have to be quicker than that next time.” She put her hands on another rock. “You ready?”

  Abby shook her hands in the air as if shaking off invisible mud. She took in a deep breath. Yesterday, she had been impressed with the way Jesse assumed she could do anything a man could do. She now began to rethink that opinion. She would be fine if Jesse thought she was too dainty to handle slimy worms. Sighing, she gathered her resolve. “No, not really…but, go ahead.”

  Jesse turned over the rock and Abby quickly yanked the worm out of its hole. She was so repulsed by its cold squishy texture she inadvertently flung it through the air.

  Jesse laughed and let go of the rock. She ran to fetch the squiggling worm. “That was funny. You know they don’t bite, right?”

  “What a terrible thought. I didn’t even think of it biting me. They are so awful!” Abby squirmed as she spoke.

  “Well, at least you did it. I don’t mind doing it, so I’ll get the worms from now on,” Jesse said, still snickering.

  “Thank you. I’m not sure I could touch another one.” Abby smiled, grateful she wouldn’t have to do that again. They went back to the fishing hole and took a seat on a large boulder.

  “Don’t forget to jerk when you feel a tug on your line,” Jesse said.

  Abby nodded and then placed her hand on the back of her neck.

  Noticing a pained look on her face, Jesse asked, “Is you neck sore.”

  “It’s just stiff this morning”

  Jesse got up and sat behind Abby. She began massaging the sore muscles in her neck and upper back.

  Abby was in ecstasy, and honestly didn’t care if they sat there all day. Jesse’s strong hands felt incredible as they worked out the knots in her muscles. She hoped the fish wouldn’t bite. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long before she had one on her line.

  Jumping up, abruptly ending the massage, Jesse hurried to pull the fish out of the water. She held it up by the gills. “It’s a nice one, Abs.”

  Abby caught two more by the time the sun made its full appearance along the horizon. Although smaller than the first one, Jesse declared them keepers. They had plenty for now.

  “I’ll clean ‘em,” Jesse said, pulling out her knife. “Best to clean fish downstream. Keeps the scent away from the cabin. Better to have bears coming here to check out the smell.”
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br />   Abby and Jesse enjoyed fresh fish for their morning meal.

  “Well, that was wonderful.” Abby scooted back from the table, coffee cup in hand.

  “Hard to beat fresh fish. Why don’t you go lay down on the bed? I’ve got something for you.”

  Abby went to the bed without saying a word, wondering what Jesse had in mind.

  “Roll over on your stomach,” Jesse said, walking over to the shelf next to the bed.

  Abby’s heart raced when she felt Jesse raise her shirt; her pulse drumming so loudly she thought for sure Jesse could hear it.

  Jesse opened a tin and stuck her fingers in the thick ointment. She cleared the lump growing in her throat. “This will help your back,” she said as she smeared the soothing salve all over Abby’s flawless skin.

  “That feels so good, Jesse. Mmm.” She relished the strong hands massaging her. Never had anyone attended to her like this before. She hoped Jesse would never stop.

  “That should do it,” Jesse said, lowering her shirt.

  Disheartened the treatment was over so soon, Abby sat up and took hold of Jesse’s hand. “That was so sweet. Thank you. It feels better already.”

  “You’re welcome. I need to get busy. Got a lot to get done today.” Jesse pulled her hand away. “I’m going to cut some grass and get it drying. You should stay here and rest.”

  “I’m coming with you.”

  “All right, but grab that so you have something to sit on.” Jesse pointed at an old blanket.

  Abby talked as Jesse cut grass with the scythe, both grateful for the company.

  When Jesse finally finished mowing for the day, she said, “I’m going to go start moving some of those trees back to the cabin.”