by Joannie Kay
“Pull up your gown, Jessie. I’m going to rub this in for you.”
“I can do it myself, Walker,” she argued.
“You can’t see where you need it most. I can.”
“I can feel where it needs to go! Please, Walker, let me do it myself.”
“No, Jessie.” He jerked down the blankets again. “Pull up your gown.”
“No!” She shook her head, and then gasped when the palm of his hand connected with her bottom! “Owwwwww! Walker!” she scolded.
“Pull up your nightdress right now, young lady.”
“I cannot believe you struck me when you know how sore I am!” she protested.
“I’m going to spank you again if you don’t obey me, Jessie,” he growled. He saw her green eyes widen in dismay as she warred over the fear he would spank versus her modesty. Her modesty quickly lost the battle, and Jessie slowly pulled up the white cotton gown to show her backside. “I’m sorry you are so sore, honey,” he whispered, opening the tin of salve and then gently applying some to her welts.
His touch, although gentle, was painful to bear, and she bit her lip to keep from crying out as he rubbed the salve into her skin. When he continued to massage her, Jessie was sure she was going to cry, but eventually, the pain receded and she relaxed.
“Better now?” Walker asked in concern.
“Yes, much. Thank you,” she said in relief.
Walker put the lid on the tin, and then gathered a few of his belongings. “I’ll sleep in Jake’s old room, Jessie, and give you your privacy.”
Jessie knew she should be relieved that he was giving her the room to herself, but part of her was very disappointed. She’d found it very nice to wake up in his arms, and was sad it wouldn’t happen again.
* * *
Sam was a problem, and Walker was not pleased with the young boy. He was making no attempt to get along with anyone on the ranch. Walker had watched Billy patiently show the boy how to do the chores he was assigned, and watched as Sam purposefully did the exact opposite of what he was told. Billy controlled his temper and kept trying to include Sam in the fun, too. Sam just sneered at everyone else and called them stupid. He wanted no part of the school assignments that Walker insisted they all do. He was barely civil to Mrs. Gibbons, and the looks he gave Jessie were disturbing to him. He’d tried talking to the boy, but Sam simply sat and stared at him, refusing to discuss anything. Walker didn’t want to strap the kid again simply because he felt the boy was used to being beaten. He hadn’t flinched or cried out during the strapping the Judge ordered, and it was as though his mind went elsewhere. Strapping him wasn’t going to help.
Walker was pleased that Jessie was in a happier mood now. She was sitting again, and he hadn’t noticed her wincing when she sat down. She wasn’t holding a grudge against him, either, and he was relieved at that, too. She spent a lot of time talking to Billy, and Walker was pretty sure they were up to something. She still hadn’t tried to talk to him about whatever she wanted to discuss with him last week, and he hoped that she wasn’t planning something with Billy that was going to earn the both of them a punishment. Walker didn’t think she would try to take Billy away without permission, but Jessie was completely unpredictable. She’d gone over the subjects Walker insisted the boys study, and told him they were capable of doing more, and she’d added teaching them to speak Spanish to the mix. The boys didn’t complain, even though Sam pointedly ignored her and refused to participate.
Still, Walker knew the pretty redhead was up to something, and if she didn’t come to him soon, he was going to take her into his study and question her. They hadn’t spent any time alone since the night they spent together in his bed, and he missed that close feeling. Mrs. Gibbons wasn’t a bit happy with him for moving into Jake’s old room, and she made no bones about it, scolding him every chance she got and telling him that separate bedrooms was not the way to make a marriage work. He didn’t know what to tell the elderly woman. He wasn’t about to force Jessie to be his wife if she didn’t want to be. He wasn’t that kind of man.
One thing that Walker was pleased about was the way Angie was taking each day. She didn’t sit in her room moping, but pitched in and helped Mrs. Gibbons and Jessie with the house and the cooking. She’d asked him if he would see about selling her wagon and horses, and told him she trusted him to get a fair price. They put some of her personal items in an empty room upstairs, and Walker was still looking for a buyer. Jessie kept telling Angie not to be in a hurry to look for work, and promised her that something would come up that would be right for her. Walker also told her that she didn’t need to rush into anything. He didn’t mind if she stayed on. It was more help for Mrs. Gibbons.
“Walker, are you busy?” Jessie called from the doorway of his study. She rarely came to this room because she associated it with the spankings she’d had that forced them to marry.
“No, I’m not doing anything that can’t wait. Come in and shut the door,” he said, getting to his feet. “Have a seat.”
Jessie shut the door and then crossed the room to take a seat in one of the leather chairs in front of his desk. It was definitely a man’s room, she noted, looking around. There were lots of books on the bookcases around the walls. Walker loved to read and learn new things, and the books were proof of that.
“Jessie?” Walker asked with a smile as she simply sat there, her mind a million miles away. “You wanted to talk to me?”
“Yes, I do. We need to discuss financial matters, Walker,” she stated matter-of-factly.
Walker immediately felt ashamed. “I’m sorry, Jessie. I promised you that we would discuss money matters, and I completely forgot. I hope you know that you can add anything you need to the ranch’s account at the General Store. I apologize for not making that clear. I did talk to Amos and told him we are married, and that you are permitted to use the account.” She was looking at him in surprise.
“That’s not what I meant, Walker. I don’t want your money.”
“Jessie, we’re married. Of course you’ll use my money.”
“No; I won’t,” she said firmly. “It isn’t necessary, Walker. I’ll use my own money.” She looked at him and said, “I didn’t come in here to ask you about your money… or your finances… but to tell you about mine.”
“Yours?” Walker was confused.
“Yes. I have money, and so does Billy, even though I have control of his until he’s a lot older. The reason I’m telling you this is so you won’t be surprised when I tell you that I have decided to go into business.”
“What?” Walker was trying to understand what she was trying to tell him, but he was confused.
“I can’t just sit here for six months and do nothing. I need to keep very busy, and the best way I know to do that is by starting a business.”
“What kind of business?” Walker asked. Somehow he had the feeling that Jessie wasn’t talking about a hat shop or a dress shop.
“A bank,” she announced with a bright smile.
“You’re joking, right?” he asked, recalling that Billy had predicted she would open a bank to put Mr. Evanston out of business. He’d thought the teen was joking at the time, but now he wasn’t so sure.
“I’m not joking. I am going to put that Evanston banker out of business!” she declared.
Chapter Seven
Walker was stunned. He couldn’t believe that his unpredictable little wife wanted to open her own bank… Not only open a bank, but put John Evanston out of business! “Do you have any idea of how much money it takes to open a bank?” he asked, trying to be patient.
“Yes, I do. And, I know all about running a bank. I worked in one after my mother died.” She watched Walker’s dark eyes as he tried to absorb what she was telling him. “I think the people of Cedar Ridge would be happy to have someone who will treat them well offer banking services. John Evanston is a jackass.”
Walker didn’t much care for Evanston, either, but he didn’t deserve to be put out o
f business! “You can’t just go into town and destroy a man with underhanded tactics, Jessie. I won’t permit that.”
“As well you shouldn’t. I’m not unreasonable. I don’t have to resort to tricks to make a success of my bank. Treating people with respect, no matter their age and appearance, will make the difference. Do I have your support in this matter, Walker?” she asked in a forthright manner.
“I hate to see you fail and lose your money, Jessie.”
She smiled. “I have no intention of losing money, Walker. I’m good with numbers and good with people… unless they treat me like Evanston did. It’s his fault I got into this predicament and ended up forced into marriage with you. What if you were a bastard like Snake? I am so lucky you are a decent, good man, Walker. I like you a lot, and I respect you. I don’t say that to too many people!” She turned up her chin in a stubborn gesture he was beginning to recognize. “I would like your support and backing, Walker. I give you my word I will be honest with people, and run a good, proper bank.”
Much to his amazement, Walker found himself nodding and agreeing to Jessie’s plan. “I suppose you’ll need to find a building to use…?”
“Yes. Would you help me with that? You know the people in town, and what might be available to buy or rent. I was hoping you could ride into town with me and look around?”
“Sure. We can ride into town tomorrow morning,” he agreed. It would permit him to keep an eye on her.
“We’ll have to take the buggy, or a wagon. I’ll have to wear a dress.” She made a face. “A banker has to dress properly, and I do want to make a good impression. I haven’t been to town since you brought me out here,” she stated matter-of-factly. “I don’t want to resemble that person in any way. And, I don’t want to embarrass you, either,” she added with a smile for him as she got to her feet. “I’ll see you in the morning, then, Walker. Good night.”
“Good night, Jessie,” Walker answered, rising to his feet. He felt a need to stop her, and before he questioned it, he reached out and took her arm. Jessie looked up at him, her green eyes tempting him. He leaned down and kissed her lips. Gently, and then a bit more persuasively. Jessie responded, much to his surprise. He forced himself to back off a bit. “I think it’s real sweet of you to care whether or not you embarrass me, honey. I don’t recall ever having anyone say that to me before. Thank you.” He gave her another kiss, and then reluctantly released her to open the door for her. “Good night, Jessie.”
“G’night,” she answered and then hurried from the room and upstairs to the privacy of her bedroom. Walker had kissed her! And she liked it! But, what did it mean? Was he just being nice? Did he want a real marriage with her? Or was she just convenient? Jessie had butterflies in her tummy, and a smile on her pretty face as she crawled into bed a few minutes later. She was looking forward to some time alone with Walker in the morning. Would he kiss her again?
* * *
“Wow, Jessie! You look real purty this mornin’,” Lee said when Jessie joined them in the kitchen the next morning.
“Thank you, Lee.” Jessie smiled at the young boy.
“You sure do look nice, Jessie. Are you going to town?” Billy asked her with a grin.
“Yes, Walker and I are going to look for a building for our bank.”
“Great.”
“What bank?” Mrs. Gibbons asked curiously from her position in front of the stove.
“Jessie is going to open a bank in town,” Billy answered.
“But, there is a bank in town,” Mrs. Gibbons pointed out.
“And it is run by a man who has no respect for regular people. My bank will treat everyone well,” Jessie said with a smile. “May I help you with anything, Mrs. Gibbons?” she offered.
“And get something on that dress? No, indeed! Besides, you already helped by setting the table and mixing the biscuits and putting them in the oven for me. I have everything under control.”
“I’ll pour coffee, then,” Jessie said with a smile as Walker walked into the kitchen.
Walker stopped to look at Jessie and then whistled, much to the boys’ amusement. “You sure are pretty, Jessie,” he said, his voice a bit hoarse, much to his embarrassment.
“Thank you, Walker. Sit down now. I’ll pour you a cup of coffee.” Her cheeks were pink with pleasure that he was so affected by her appearance. Truth to tell, she’d dressed with him in mind. Up to now he’d seen her in everyday dresses, or in riding clothes, and with her hair down in a braid. Today she looked like a grown woman who was confident and sure of herself. She did care what Walker thought, and she wanted to make a good impression. She poured his coffee, and some for Angie, Mrs. Gibbons, Billy, and herself. The other boys were too young for coffee, even though Sam glared at her for not including him.
The sausage gravy over biscuits tasted good, and everyone, with the exception of Sam, complimented Mrs. Gibbons. She had some home fried potatoes on the table, too, and a bowl of peaches. Everyone ate their fill and then Walker pulled Billy aside to tell him what chores he wanted completed that day, and what studies they were to work on after lunch for three hours. Billy nodded and promised he would see to it, and then he wished his sister good luck in finding a suitable building for her bank.
Mrs. Gibbons refused to let her help with the clean up, and Walker hitched up the buggy to take the two of them into town. Jessie felt exhilarated to be away from the ranch for a while, and alone with Walker. “This feels wonderful!” she exclaimed with a happy laugh.
“Yeah, I know what you mean. I like to get away sometimes, too.” Walker smiled at her. “You really do look pretty today, Jessie. I like that dress a lot,” he commented. “It makes your eyes sparkle even more than they usually do.”
“Thanks, Walker. That’s a sweet thing for you to say.”
“I like it when your cheeks turn all pink, too. It’s cute,” he teased her a bit.
“It’s this darn red hair!” she complained. “I can’t help blushing, even when I don’t want to.”
Walker chuckled. “At least I know what you’re thinking. I need that little advantage sometimes.”
“I haven’t tried to harm you in over a week now,” she pointed out.
“It’s probably only a matter of time before I say something wrong, or do something you don’t like,” he said dryly. “You do have a temper, Jessie.”
“Yes, I do,” she agreed. “You can be thankful I like you, Walker. You’re pretty safe. I’m not so sure about Sam, however. He is hateful.”
“I don’t know what to do about him, Jessie. A strapping isn’t the answer with that boy,” he admitted. “He won’t open up to me about his past, either. I can’t help him if he won’t trust me.”
“He looks at me like he would like to kill me,” Jessie said frankly. “I swear I haven’t said one cross word to him, but he hates me.”
“I noticed that, too, Jessie. Don’t worry… I won’t permit him to hurt you.”
“I’m not scared of him, Walker! I can handle a thirteen year old kid.” She looked at him and added, “However, I don’t relish the idea of humiliating him like that. At his age, being bested by a female would be the worst possible thing that could happen. I hope it doesn’t come to a confrontation.”
“I’ll see that it doesn’t,” Walker promised. Even though Jessie was confident, he wasn’t so sure that Sam wouldn’t hurt her badly. The kid was tough, and in a bad way. He changed the topic to something more pleasant, and he and Jessie chatted as they drove into Cedar Ridge.
Walker was a bit surprised by all the attention they were receiving, but Jessie merely smiled and said that people were bound to be curious about the woman he’d married. He thought their stares were rude and glared at one or two of the men who made comments that were best left unsaid. Jessie ignored them, and Walker found that hard to believe, especially with her redhead’s temper.
“Where should we start, Walker?” Jessie asked as he lifted her from the buggy to stand her beside him on the boardwalk
.
“We can walk around and see if anything is empty, or we could go and talk to Tanner. He would be bound to know if anything was empty that would be worth considering,” Walker suggested, and was relieved when Jessie nodded in agreement and told him it was a very good idea. He walked her to the Sheriff’s office, and found Tanner sitting at his desk.
“Hey, Walker, what brings you into town. Mrs. Ames,” he said, jumping to his feet when he spotted Jessie, “this is a surprise. Is there any trouble out at your place?” he asked Walker with a worried frown.
“No, nothing like that,” Walker answered. “Jessie is looking for an empty building here in town to buy or rent. She wants to start a business,” he explained. “We thought you might know of something we could look at.”
“Actually, I do,” Tanner answered with a smile. “Just this morning, Miss Anderson told me she’s been offered a teaching position in one of those fancy eastern schools for young women. She wants to sell her father’s store, and asked if I knew of an interested party. You know where she lives, Walker. I’m sure she’d be willing to sell to you. She needs to find a buyer pretty fast.”
“That sounds like a good deal,” Jessie said enthusiastically. “Where is the store, Walker?” she asked.
“Three doors down,” Walker replied, smiling at her enthusiasm. “We’ll go and look in the windows, and if you’re interested, we’ll go and see Miss Anderson.” He looked at the Sheriff and said, “Thanks, Tanner.”
“Hope it works out for you. Hey, Walker, how is it working out with that Sam kid? He still so angry and full of himself?”
“He’s unhappy, and I’m not sure what to do with him,” Walker admitted. “He’s not like the other boys, just hungry and scared and alone. This boy has a mean streak.”
