"I can't answer that question yet. I need to do more research."
Roxanne thought he'd sidestepped that question very nicely. She knew he was hiding something, but she also knew she'd get no more out of him tonight.
"Very well, Mr. O'Neal. I'm very tired all of a sudden." Walking to where Sally waited, she climbed into the saddle and rode away without another word.
Despair washed over Collin, as he watched her ride away. She hadn't believed him and that meant he'd lost what little trust she'd begun to have in him. Walking to the stone he made a fist and pounded the surface.
"You damned black hearted devil."
He realized how foolish it was to stand there and curse a stone. The real devil was the man responsible for all this. When he returned home, he would take care of that problem.
* * * * *
A week after Roxanne began to give Collin riding lessons, she decreed him proficient enough for his own horse. That morning she'd made him a gift of a big red gelding called Star because of the white star on his big gentle face. Collin hated to admit it, but it was love at first sight. Star's trust in him was complete. He couldn't say the same for Roxanne.
She had come each morning for the lessons, keeping things very business-like. Collin had behaved like a perfect gentleman. No easy task when the sight and scent of her kept him in a constant state of arousal. He was beginning to feel like a tightly strung wire, ready to snap.
What was even worse, Bradford Wellman had managed to worm his slimy way back into Roxanne's good graces and she'd finally allowed him to court her. Grinding his teeth, Collin knew he'd have to put a stop to that little courtship. Just the thought of Wellman putting his hands on her was driving him mad.
* * * * *
Looking through all the contents of her father's desk had still revealed nothing of the mysterious Roxanne Jane O'Malley. Roxanne had come to the conclusion that she was this person and had been adopted by her mama and papa. If that was true she still hadn't figured out why Papa had listed her birth date wrong in the family Bible. And if she had been adopted, someone in Wild Rose should have known about it.
Mr. Ramsdell had found nothing about her birth date. There was nothing in Doc Jones records about her birth. The doctor had assumed that her mama had given birth without the aid of a doctor, which most women did at that time.
Roxanne had not told Mr. Ramsdell about the will she'd found leaving everything to Roxanne Jane O'Malley. She was afraid if anyone found out she'd lose Black Rock Ranch. She'd decided to read all the letters from her mama to Papa and the ones from her papa that she'd found in her mother's little vanity upstairs. She thought maybe they could shed some light on the mystery. So far the only thing they'd revealed was how much her mama and papa had loved one another. All the letters were dated before her birth, so there was no mention of her or the O'Malley woman.
Lucy came to the open door of the office and announced Mr. Wellman had come to call.
"He's in the front parlor, Miss, and I served him some lemonade."
"Thank you, Lucy. You don't like Brad, do you?"
"It's not for me to say, Miss."
"I value your opinion, Lucy. Tell me the truth."
"I don't care for the gentleman, no. He seems a mite sneaky to me and thinks just a little too highly of himself."
"You think I'm making a mistake then, letting him come to call."
"I'm sorry, but yes, I do."
"Most well to do gentleman thinks highly of themselves, Lucy. Perhaps too much so as you say."
"Not all, Miss. Mr. O'Neal doesn't."
"Mr. O'Neal is a rogue and a scoundrel."
"Oh, but I think he's ever so nice."
"Most of the ladies do, Lucy. That's part of the problem and what makes you think Mr. O'Neal is well off?"
"Well, he must be. He never seems short of coin."
"Humph…" Yes and Roxanne wondered just why that was.
Lucy turned and left without another word. Roxanne followed to join Brad in the front parlor. She'd had misgivings about Brad at first too because of the way he'd frightened her that day on the porch. He'd come back three days later with flowers and apologized profusely for being over eager in his pursuit of her. Roxanne thought it was time to put her wanton desires for Collin to rest and pursue a different course. Thus she'd decided to give Brad a chance and he'd been nothing but polite on all occasions since. And although it was still too soon since her father's passing to engage in a serious courtship, Brad had agreed to wait for the appropriate time before turning their friendship towards a more serious relationship.
"Brad, it's nice to see you."
Brad stood and waited for her to be seated. "My dear, you look lovely today as usual."
"Thank you, that's kind of you to say."
"I thought we might go for a ride, if that's agreeable to you. We can ride to my place."
"Yes, I'd like that. Let me go change and I'll join you shortly."
"I'll go see to having your horse saddled."
Roxanne went upstairs and took out the new black riding habit Sarah had delivered just that morning. It fit perfectly, the long split skirt cut narrower for when riding astride. Her mother's was made for a sidesaddle. She pinned the little black hat with the long black veil in back to the top of her curls and pulled on her new riding boots. Pulling on her black leather gloves, she hurried down the stairs. It would be nice to be out in the fresh air after poring over papers in the office all morning.
She joined Brad as he led Sally from the barn and gave her a boost up. The two rode away to the west towards the Wellman ranch. They agreed it was time Roxanne saw Brad's home.
Roxanne took off at a fast pace causing Brad to scowl, as he kicked his horse into a run to catch her. He didn't like the reckless way she rode. He didn't care if she broke her pretty little neck after the wedding, but he wanted the ring on her finger first.
They'd ridden for quite a ways when they came to the stream behind Brad's home. The sun sparkled on the stream turning it to liquid silver. Roxanne wanted to stop a while and enjoy the sight and sounds of the lovely place, but Brad was anxious to show off his home. Taking the trail that led around to the front, Roxanne gazed in awe at the sprawling stone ranch house. She could certainly understand Brad being so proud of it.
Dismounting they walked up the steps and across the stone floor of the porch that went all the way around the house. An elderly man opened the door as soon as they approached and Roxanne assumed he'd been watching for them.
"Welcome back, Mr. Wellman. This must be Miss Ingram."
Smiling, Roxanne shook the man's hand. "Yes, I'm Roxanne and your name is?"
"George, Miss. I'm pleased to have an opportunity to meet you."
Before Roxanne could reply, Brad took her arm and led her away, calling over his shoulder, "George see that Louise serves a light lunch on the east terrace."
"Yes sir, Mr. Wellman." George rushed off to do his bidding.
"Really, Brad, I think you should show a little more respect for the people who work for you."
"George has been here since I was a child. He knows that I don't pass pleasantries with the servants just as my grandfather never did. He doesn't expect it."
"Never the less..."
"Come, my dear, and allow me to show you the house my grandfather built. It really is quite magnificent."
"Yes, it is. You're very fortunate to own such a beautiful home."
The house was indeed wonderful, but very sparse. She could see imprints where large pictures had hung and there appeared to be very little furniture. Although what she saw was of the finest quality.
Brad led her into a beautiful sun splashed parlor, the hardwood floors polished to mirror brightness. A piano graced the corner next to a wall of windows that opened onto a flagstone terrace.
Beyond the terrace was the most beautiful garden Roxanne had ever seen. There was a riotous display of color that softened the flagstone paths. In the very center a large fountain
spilled water into a small stone pond. It was delightful.
"This was my mother's favorite room. She loved to play the piano and she supervised all the planting and design of the garden. She had the fountain shipped from London and was very proud of it."
"I can see why. Brad, it's simply enchanting. I've never seen anything like it."
"I thought you might like it. You're a gentle, graceful soul just as she was."
"Why, thank you, Brad. That's a lovely thing to say."
"Only the truth, my dear. I'm sure you've noticed the bareness of the place. I'm afraid that after my father died, my mother had a hard time for a while. She had to sell many family heirlooms to keep things afloat until I was old enough to take charge. Now all this place needs is a woman to redo it and bring it back to it's former beauty."
Roxanne was spared the necessity of answering that statement by the arrival of their lunch. Brad opened the French doors leading onto the terrace and seated Roxanne at the small wrought iron table. George poured their tea and then stepped away from the table.
"Will that be all, sir?"
"Yes, George. If we need anything else, I'll ring."
"Very good, sir." George disappeared back inside.
Roxanne enjoyed the sandwiches of thin sliced ham and cucumber. A combination she'd never had before.
"These are very good and very different."
"My mother was English and she often served cucumber sandwiches when I was small. I hated them, of course. Then she came up with the notion of adding the thin ham slices and they became my favorite."
Roxanne smiled. She enjoyed hearing him speak of his mother. She could tell he'd loved her very much.
"You miss your mother as I miss Papa, don't you?"
"Yes, she's only been gone a short time and I miss her very much."
Roxanne reached and placed her hand on his where it lay on the table. "I'm so sorry, Brad."
"It's all right, my dear. Let's not get maudlin. I wanted you to have a good time and enjoy your first visit to my home."
"Oh, but I have. It's been lovely."
"Roxanne..." Taking her small hand in his much larger one, he squeezed it gently. "I'd like you to do something for me."
"What is it, Brad?"
"I'd like you to consider being my wife. No, don't answer me yet. I want you to consider it. You've allowed me the honor of keeping you company and I only mention marriage because I want to assure you that my intentions are honorable. I'd be the happiest of men if you'd consent to be my bride."
"But Brad, you know it's too…"
"Yes, I know. Now we won't speak of it again for a time, but I want you to know how I feel. I love you, my dear. I think I loved you the moment I first met you and it's my fondest wish that some day you will come to care for me just a little."
"Brad, I don't know what to say." Roxanne was stunned. She knew he wanted to court her and courtship usually led to marriage, but she'd not expected him to ask so soon.
"Say nothing, only give it some thought. And now that we've finished our delicious lunch, I'd better see you safely back to Black Rock."
Brad rose and helped her from her seat, pulling her close to his body. "I'd like to kiss you, Sweetheart, but this time I seek your permission."
She blushed a becoming shade of pink and nodded, giving him the permission he sought. His lips came down on hers in a gentle, sweet kiss before he stepped back.
Roxanne didn't know what she'd expected, but suddenly the image of Collin's passionately demanding kisses came prominently to mind.
Seven
Collin looked the charts over one more time, it seemed he'd have to make a decision soon. The full moon on the twentieth was the best chance he had of making things right. He'd have to talk to Roxanne soon. It wasn't something he was looking forward to and he was sure she'd think him crazy. Hearing a horse ride into the clearing, he shoved the papers and charts under the bed before leaving the little cabin.
"Roxanne, you're out early. Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?"
"Yes, I'd love a cup." She walked ahead of him into the cabin.
"Have a seat, I'll get the coffee."
Roxanne sat and watched as Collin poured the coffee and brought it to the little sitting area.
"Thank you, I came to see how Star is working out for you? Any problems?"
"None at all. He's wonderful. Thank you again for teaching me to ride and for the gift of Star." Collin couldn't believe he was sitting here making small talk when he wanted to pull her close and feel her soft womanly body against his.
"I knew the two of you would do well together. You've become an excellent rider in a short period of time."
"Thank you. What are you doing here, Roxanne?"
"I just came by to see how you and Star were getting on?"
"I don't think so." Collin rose and went to the chair where she was seated and pulled her from the chair.
He breathed deeply, taking in her scent, a combination of woman and roses. Holding her close, he nuzzled his face in her hair.
"I've missed holding you, Roxy."
"Collin, please, let me go." Her voice sounded breathless even to her own ears. She felt all weak and wobbly whenever Collin was this close. She needed distance from his body in order to think clearly.
"Why should I let you go? I want you. I want you so much it hurts. You feel it too, don't you?" He whispered near her ear. His lips slid down, nibbling at her neck, sending delicious shivers through her body.
"Collin, please, I want…"
"Yes, I want too." His lips came down on her hers. Hard, hot, demanding a response.
Roxanne forgot what she'd been going to say. She forgot everything. There was only the feel of his lips on hers, the taste of him and the heat rushing through her body. His tongue invaded her warm mouth, wrapping itself around hers in a primal embrace.
Roxanne moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck, twisting her fingers in his hair. His hand found the buttons of her riding jacket, loosening them and moving under the jacket to her breast. His fingers brushed her nipple and her body jerked in response. He stepped back just enough to slip the jacket from her shoulders.
Grabbing the sides of her chemise, he pulled it over her head. Roxanne gasped as her breasts were freed from the garment. Her nipples hardened and puckered under his heated gaze.
"You're beautiful." Pulling her close he lowered his head to take one rosy peak into his mouth, circling the tip with his tongue.
Roxanne's legs went weak and she braced her hands on his shoulders. Collin laved and suckled at one nipple and then the other before moving up her neck and claiming her mouth again. She trembled in his arms and he picked her up and lowered her to the sofa. Lying between her legs, his lips lowered to hers again as he pushed his hardness against her.
Roxanne was on fire. She felt wild and alive with sensual pleasure. No wrong or right entered her mind. Her only thought was to reach that peak of wondrous excitement and release she knew only Collin could bring her.
Collin loosened the buttons of her riding skirt, slipping it and her drawers down over her hips and off. Standing he gazed at her nude form and she blushed, but didn't try to cover herself. The look in his eyes as they roved over her body gave her a sense of power she'd never experienced.
Collin hurriedly undressed, his hands shaking. Roxanne's eyes traveled over his bronze shoulders, following the line of hair down his stomach to his very aroused manhood. Her entire body suffused with heat and her breath caught in her throat.
"Sweetheart, look at me." His voice husky with passion, Collin knelt beside the sofa and took her chin in his hand. Raising her head to look in her eyes.
"Tell me you want me, Baby. Tell me you want me as much as I want you." He pleaded.
Roxanne looked deep into the burning amber and realized he was giving her time to think, to stop him. She didn't want to think. She only wanted to feel the way she did when he held her.
"Please, Roxy, tell
me you want me."
"I want you, Collin. I want you so much."
He pulled her close, claiming her with a kiss of searing heat. He fondled her breasts, tugging and rolling the nipples between his fingers. Lying between her legs, his lips and teeth replaced his hands.
As the wondrous excitement once again built inside Roxanne, she became restless, moving her legs and grasping his shoulders. Her hands moved caressingly over the muscles of his back.
Slipping one knee between her thighs, Collin eased her legs apart and reached between their bodies. Stroking gently, he parted her and slid one finger into her tight sheath. Roxanne moaned and twisted under him when he withdrew his damp finger and made tiny circles on the hard little nub between her legs.
"Collin…Oh, Collin, please…"
Sliding down her body, he lowered his mouth between her legs, caressing the swollen nubbin where his finger had been but moments before. Roxanne's body clenched like a spring wound too tight.
"Collin! No…you can't…oh, I can't stand it, Collin, I'm…" Roxanne had never dreamed of such an intimate touch, but felt she'd die if he stopped. Consumed by pleasure, she moaned and twisted under him.
Grasping handfuls of his hair, she tugged hard as her body convulsed and she screamed in her release.
Collin raised himself over her and positioned his heavy length at her opening. Sliding over her glistening cleft before plunging into her wet heat.
Roxanne's eyes flew wide and tears sprang forth. Pain, she hadn't expected such pain. She had to make him stop before he did her serious damage. Before she could gather enough breath to speak, Collin was moving inside her, withdrawing and pushing back into her with rhythmic strokes.
The pain lessoned to a feeling of stretching and fullness. Excitement spiraled through her and Roxanne began to match his movements, rising to meet each hard thrust. She clawed at his back as pleasure raced through her. Collin increased his pace and she matched him, both racing towards the ultimate climax. Roxanne screamed his name and Collin groaned loudly before he collapsed, shivering on top of her.
E. G. Parsons - Black Rock: Page 8
