He nodded. “Much obliged, ma’am.”
She smiled acknowledgment and turned, leaving him to his thoughts.
Movement snagged his attention. He glanced up. A young boy, his hair a mop of dark curls, and big dark eyes full of wonder, studied him.
For a long moment he met frank appraisal with frank appraisal, and then finally the boy spoke softly. “You look like someone I know.”
“That right?” Smith stuffed a bite of pie into his mouth and gestured with his fork to the bench across the table from him.
The boy obliged him and slid along the seat until he sat directly across from him. “Yes, Sir.”
Smith cut the generous slice of pie in half and handed a section to the boy.
In half a second flat, the boy accepted the slice and had a quarter of it stuffed into his mouth.
“Well now, I been told a time or two I look a lot like my son, or should I say my son looks a lot like me. You wouldn’t be speaking of Cade Bennett, would you?”
The boy’s eyes widened. “You know Cade?” He swiped at his chin, the words barely understandable around the bite in his mouth.
Smith slurped his coffee and tried not to think how much this young man reminded him of Cade at his age. He cleared his throat. “Cade’s my son. How did you come to know him?”
The boy shifted slightly, glanced both ways, and then leaned forward conspiratorially. “Well don’t tell no one, but I think he’s a mite sweet on my teacher.”
Smith chuckled. “Is that so?” ’Bout time he wised up. “So you’re a student in Miss Jordan’s class, are you?”
The boy’s eyes lit with surprise. “Why, yes Sir. You sure is smart for a newcomer.”
Smith winked at the boy. “A wise man learns to keep his mouth shut and his eyes open. You’d be surprised the things you can pick up when you keep quiet and just watch what’s going on around you. But the truth is I’ve known Miss Jordan since she was a tyke younger than you are.”
The boy screwed his lips over to one side and mumbled, “Bet she weren’t much fun to play with when she was little.”
Smith chuckled. “I think you’d be surprised.” He mashed the last crumbs of the apple pie into the tines of his fork. “I recall a day when my son came home with the remains of a jelly sandwich mashed into his hair. His mother had to make him take a bath midweek.”
Brandon shuddered.
Smith suppressed a grin and continued, “The story he told was he’d been helping Miss Jordan do her math when all of a sudden she up and lost her temper, slapped her sandwich on top of his head, and stormed off.”
“Miss Jordan did that?”
Smith winked. “Well that was Cade’s story anyway. As I recall, at the time there seemed to be some discrepancies between their accounts of the incident. But mind you, I don’t think Miss Jordan would take kindly to me having told you.”
The boy made a key turning motion in front of his lips, an impish gleam glittering in his eyes. “I won’t say nothin’.”
Smith reached over to shake the boy’s hand like a man as he gave him a nod of thanks. “You wouldn’t know where a man could get some shut-eye around here would you?”
With a nod back over one shoulder toward the bunkhouse, the boy stood. “We been sleepin’ in the bunkhouse. There’s an extra bed in there.”
“Well alright then. Sounds good. Just let me get this plate and cup to the nice lady that brought them to me and I’ll join you. Then you can show me where I can catch a few winks.”
The boy nodded and scampered off through the last few people still milling about the yard.
Smith shook his head as he watched the lad disappear into the bunkhouse. If the last few minutes didn’t take him back in time, he didn’t know what would. Ah Bren, I need you here.
Sharyah burst out of the barn, but Cade was hot on her heels and he caught her before she’d gone five steps. His hand wrapped gently around her arm. “Shar, please, just let me have my say. Then if you want to walk away, I won’t stop you.”
Spinning around, she pierced him with a look. “Cascade Bennett I—” She broke off as she realized that her raised voice was drawing some attention since they were now in full view of the gathering.
He took her by the elbow and led her around the corner of the building. The sound of voice and song receded. Somewhere in the bushes a cricket chirped lustily and overhead the stars were sprinkled so thick a swath of light seemed to be spackled against the sky. Cade remained silent as she quietly studied the expanse, willing her heart back into her chest and coaxing it into a proper rhythm. But his gaze, warm and full of desire, heated her face and made all the willing and coaxing in the world a near impossible feat.
After a long moment he stepped in front of her, blocking her view of Orion’s canted belt.
“You were saying?”
She shook her head. “It’s not important.”
The backs of his fingers grazed the curve of her cheek. His words were barely audible when he said, “Tell me.”
Pulling in a shuddering breath, she closed her eyes, thrusting away the curl of fire in her belly that urged her to lean forward and lift her lips to this man, the only man she’d ever wanted. She would not make a fool of herself again. Her resolve hardened and she clenched her teeth, stepping back.
He stepped after her.
“Cade, I’m sorry, I can’t—” She wet her lips. The air around them seemed thin and elusive as she took another retreating step. The wall of the barn met her, firm and unyielding.
He leaned close, arms resting on either side of her against the barn wall planks. His gaze roamed her face. “You can’t what?”
Her heart pounded so hard she could hear the beat of it in her ears. Yes indeed… she couldn’t what? Believe that after all the years of longing for him to notice her, he was finally standing before her with that look in his eyes? Couldn’t allow her hopes to be raised only to be dashed again later when he moved on to someone else? Couldn’t, wouldn’t, be naïve enough to make herself vulnerable to him, yet again?
“I’m sorry, Cade, I just can’t.” Her mind scrabbled for any excuse. “I-I’ve got to think of Sam.”
He shifted and adjusted his hat. “Sam, huh?”
“Yes.” She took advantage of his movement to step around him.
But the warmth of his fingers settled around her arm and he stepped close, once again. His hand slid up over her shoulder and came to rest against the side of her neck, his thumb tracing a hot trail along her jaw line. “Listen, I can understand that this has come as a surprise. It’s certainly taken me long enough to open my eyes, but Shar, I’ve felt this way for some time and was just too… afraid, maybe… to admit it. But last night,” his voice broke and he lifted his face to study the sky for a moment before looking back at her, “last night, when I woke up and saw those flames… I knew, I knew, I didn’t want to live the rest of my life without you.”
Be strong. She forced a chuckle and patted the pocket of his shirt. Big mistake. Her hand disobeyed the order to drop back to her side. “Of course you didn’t. What man would want to live without his little sister for the rest of his life?”
“Little sis—?” He caught her hand in his free one and pressed it against the beat of his heart. “Is that what you think I’m feeling for you? That couldn’t be further from the truth.” The hand resting at her neck slipped behind her head and, slowly but steadily, he bent toward her, his gaze never leaving hers.
She should step back. Pull away. Run for her life. “Cade, please…” The plea was ragged and thready, but she did manage to exert a little pressure against his chest.
He stilled, his face only inches from hers. “Maybe when we were kids, I did see you as a little sister. But ever since that day in the schoolhouse— You remember the day I came to apologize for whatever I’d done to make you slap me?”
Her chin dipped ever so slightly in acknowledgement. How could she ever forget that day?
“Ever since that day, I ha
ven’t been thinking of you as anything but a woman – a very beautiful one.”
Her face warmed at the declaration. Still… She swallowed. “But later… at the picnic…”
He leaned down to rest his forehead against hers and for the longest time he remained silent. Finally, in a voice choked with emotion, he whispered, “I knew Ma was dying. I couldn’t deal with more on that day. Then after… Pa took off, and by the time my head cleared you were gone.”
She pressed her lips together. Of course she’d left town. She hadn’t been able to deal with the sympathetic glances from everyone who knew her heart had always been set for Cade Bennett.
Cade’s hands came up to cup each side of her face. “Shar…” His breath brushed warmth against her lips and her hand betrayed her wishes and gripped a fistful of his shirt.
Of their own volition, the fingers of her other hand slid into the curls at the base of his neck.
Footsteps crunched through the gravel in front of the barn. “Uh, Cade?” It was Jason’s voice.
Sharyah jumped back, smoothing her hands over her skirt, but the sound stilled and her cousin remained just out of sight.
Cade sighed, slanting her a look that indicated the last thing he wanted to do right now was answer. Then, as though he intended to follow through on that idea, he held one finger to his lips with a quick wink, and reached out for her again.
But just that split second of time and fraction of distance had been enough to clear her head. She needed to think over the implications of his declaration before she allowed herself to fully enter into this fantasy. And she had better hang onto this reprieve – and her sanity – while she had it.
As his fingers grazed her forearms, she leapt sideways out of his reach, cocked one brow, and nodded her head toward the still unseen Jason with as stern a school-marm look as she could muster.
Smiling sheepishly, he rested his hands on trim hips and gave her a lingering look that almost weakened her resolve, once more. “He’s waiting,” she mouthed.
His eyebrows winged their way upward and humor lit his blue eyes as he adjusted his Stetson. “So am I.”
She couldn’t stop a grin. “Answer him! We can…” She searched for a word, feeling her face heat as she thought of and discarded several. “…talk… more later.”
Gravel crunched as Jason apparently shifted.
Cade’s mouth quirked and he wrapped a strand of her hair around one finger.
Hands clenched in the smooth, soft material of her skirt, she held her breath.
After a long moment, he gave her curl a gentle tug and whispered, “I’m going to hold you to that… talking.”
The tension left her on a little breath. She would have her time to think over his declaration.
His gaze never leaving hers, he directed a louder call toward the front of the barn. “Yes?”
“There’s a man here. Claims Judge Green sent him. Says he needs to talk to you right away. Uh… Sorry to interrupt.”
“Him and me both,” Cade muttered for Sharyah’s ears alone. “Be right back.”
Sharyah waited just a moment and then followed around to the front of the barn intent on making her escape.
Cade stood across the yard with Jason and the man who’d been holding the horses for them in the forest the night before. The glimmering light from the fire highlighted the frown of concern on Cade’s face. Looked like he was going to need more than just a few moments with Judge Green’s man.
A sigh of relief escaped even as disappointment curled through her. She couldn’t help but laugh at herself. He’d only been back in her life for a few days and already he was making her insane. She lifted her skirts and headed toward the bunkhouse. Tomorrow was another day and right now exhaustion coated her eyes with grit. A good night’s sleep was what she needed before she made any decisions about Cade Bennett’s proclamations.
15
Katrina Perry tucked her hands inside a fur muff to disguise their trembling, but she knew, by the short quirk of his lips, that Sheriff Collier had noticed. No matter. The day she’d been planning for since moving here was upon her and she wasn’t going to let him have an ounce of control, no matter how condescending he came off.
Judd and his men had arrived at the clearing a little while ago and had set about building a fire and hobbling the horses. But she had insisted she and Collier stay hidden in the shadows. It was better that way. Judd didn’t need to realize they’d been here waiting for several hours. Finally, when she was sure she could comport herself with calm assurance, she spoke quietly, “Wait here.” Stepping slowly from the hiding place, she sauntered towards the men.
Judd saw her first. “There you are,” he called. Two swift strides and he jerked her roughly against him, his breath hot and fetid as he glowered into her face. “I was about to think you’d done gone and left us in the cold.”
Stay calm. “Now would I go and do something like that, Judd?” She leaned closer, pretending the vile stench of his breath had no effect on her. “You’ve lived too long with men you can’t trust, Judd honey. Of course I wouldn’t leave you out in the cold. We’re in this together. And,” she rested her hands on either side of his face, “I have good news.”
“You better.”He let her go abruptly and stalked over to the fire Billy Montell had just finished coaxing to life.
Behind her the brush rustled. She tugged one hand free of the muff and gestured impatiently for Collier to wait, then followed Judd toward the fire.
They were all there. Billy tucked his flint into the front pocket of his shirt then pulled out the makings for a smoke and set to rolling it. Red and Mick had already dragged a log over near the fire, now they both sank down onto it. Seth hadn’t bothered to find something to sit on. He’d already sprawled out in the grass.
“I have the information we’ve been waiting on.” Katrina allowed herself a moment to study each man.
Everyone glanced at her, stilling in anticipation.
She smiled softly. Talk about being the center of attention. “The diamonds will be on tomorrow’s stage from Farewell Bend.”
Mick and Red clasped each other’s fists and bumped their chests together in a show of celebration.
“Finally!” Seth tossed his hat high in the air with a yelp of excitement.
Billy finished rolling his smoke and lit up, remaining stoic. But there was a hint of a smile about his eyes when he met her gaze a moment later.
“Alright then.” Judd stepped forward to take control as she’d known he would. “We’ve got some plans to make. First—”
“—There’s just one more thing, boys.” Katrina stepped up by Judd’s side. “There is someone I’d like you all to meet. And I think you’ll all agree that with him on our side this job should go smooth as butter.” With a flip of her wrist she indicated the general direction of the brush from which she had just emerged.
Sheriff Collier stepped into the light. “Howdy, gentlemen.” He adjusted his hat.
The crackling of the fire was the only sound that followed his greeting. Katrina suppressed a smile of satisfaction. If Judd and his boys, and Collier for that matter, only knew what she had planned for them.
Cade took a step back and assessed Jonas, Judge Green’s messenger. “Tomorrow’s stage?”
Jonas nodded and spat a stream of tobacco into the dirt. “We can make it and still get a few hours rest if we leave right now.” The man seemed more than a little irritated about missing his sleep.
“And he knows for sure that there will be an attack?”
“No.” He shook his head. “It all depends on whether Miz Katrina is on the up and up, or not.”
Cade rubbed the back of his neck, wanting to make sure he had his mind wrapped around the plan the judge had laid out. “So let me make sure I have this straight. Missy Green told Katrina the diamonds would be on tomorrow’s stage – but they really aren’t?”
Jonas nodded. “That’s right. His friend, Mr. Rhodes, says he gonna wire him wh
en the diamonds be coming, but no wire’s come through. They’s not supposed to come for another couple weeks, yet.”
Cade smiled, beginning to like this plan more and more. “Give me ten minutes and I’ll be ready to ride.”
“Yes, Suh. I’ll be waiting.”
Cade turned and headed for the bunkhouse. He’d seen Sharyah go that way. Excitement built up inside him. Just a few more days, hours even, and this job would be done. Then they could move on and hopefully… Well, he wouldn’t count his chickens before they were hatched.
Stepping into the bunkhouse, he lit the lamp.
She was in her room but he needed to let her know that he would be gone come morning. He knocked softly. “Shar?”
Brandon, who had apparently stuffed himself full of good food and then gotten sleepy again, shifted restlessly on his bunk. And he noticed that Pa had sprawled out on the top one across the room.
Cade tapped on her door again but kept his voice low. “Shar?”
Soft rustling came from inside the room. And then she appeared at the door. She rubbed her face. “Sorry. I was waiting to hear from you, but I must have fallen asleep.”
He resisted a grin at the site of her disheveled curls. “Don’t worry about it. Listen,” he shoved his hands into his pockets, “Judge Green needs my help with something. I’ll be gone for a couple days.”
Was that disappointment he saw?
“Does this have something to do with catching the men who want the diamonds?”
He nodded.
She studied him. Soft concern darkened her eyes and highlighted the sleepy flush of her cheeks. “Be careful.”
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