Bennett smirked. “You keep this good liquor flowing and fill their bellies, and it will all be fine.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Speaking of which, I don’t want to hold dinner much longer. Where is this ‘mystery guest’ of yours? Why didn’t he come with the rest of you?”
Bennett shrugged. “Said he had some business he wanted to take care of in Chicago first.” He pulled out his gold pocket watch. “I told him to be here no later than eight thirty. I’m sure he will be. He’s always on time.”
“Who is it?”
“I can’t tell you. It will spoil the surprise.”
A flash of fear sparkled in Vivienne’s brown eyes, and John almost felt sorry for her. Almost. Though he had to admit his curiosity was piqued. Cody hadn’t been very talkative, but he hadn’t mentioned any secret guests coming to town.
The doorbell rang, and Bennett grinned once more. “Told you so.”
John turned his attention to the entryway. He’d seen his kind enough to last five lifetimes. Tall and swarthy and dressed to the nines, the latest arrival had the bearing of a man used to wealth and influence. In fact, he had a stronger version of that high-class privileged attitude that Vivienne Medina liked to throw around. Only his attitude had a genuine Spanish Creole air about it.
The butler announced the man. “Mr. Peter Medina.”
Vivienne paled, and he wondered if she might faint, but she didn’t. She eased around and stared quietly as her surprise guest approached like this was his plantation and he was master of them all.
He bowed and placed a kiss upon her hand then let Bennett make further introductions.
Apparently, the surprise guest was Vivienne’s cousin.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sheriff Avery.”
“Pleasure’s mine I’m sure.” John sipped the last of his champagne. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll get another glass. Can I get something for you, Miz Medina? Maybe some brandy. You look a bit peaked.”
She didn’t reply.
“Champagne for me,” Medina said with a false smile.
“Yes, sir, Mr. Medina, sir,” John muttered as he stepped away.
He studied the couple while the maid poured a brandy. Medina stood close to Vivienne, his hand resting possessively on the small of her back. Cousins my ass.
***
Vivienne could have strangled the life out of Bennett Dauville for bringing Peter, but Bennett’s glib tongue and his sister’s friendly charm were helping to keep this important dinner from becoming a disaster due to her unease and Cody’s glum mood.
Thank Heaven for Mama and Myra’s cooking skills and the surprising way Kate had opened up, engaging the visiting ladies about fashions.
“So, Mr. Medina, anything bring you all the way out here besides paying a visit to your charming cousin, Miss Vivienne?”
Vivienne dropped her fork at the sound of John Avery’s voice. She laughed away the many glances. “Aren’t I just all thumbs, today?” She took a sip of her wine and gave the sheriff a cool stare before smiling over at Peter. “Is there another reason for your visit, or did Bennett spin you some yarn or other about my being a damsel in distress?”
Peter flashed a smile that still possessed the power to hit her low and hard. “Senator Ross and I share a few business ventures, and when he mentioned this one, I had to see what you’ve been up to.” His smoldering gaze skimmed the room. “You put that little nest egg of yours to good use, I see.”
She drew in a slow breath before replying. “You can’t go wrong investing in a town that has potential.”
“Freewill has that and then some,” Cody chimed in at last. “What all has Bennett told you?”
And with that, the tide turned, and the men from Washington were only too happy to talk of the future they envisioned for the states the railroad would pass through. Cody offered up what they hoped for the future of Freewill in becoming an important site of trade and commerce.
Surprisingly, Peter moved easily from the role of potential investor to banner-waver, pointing out the positives he’d found in his own research into the area.
By the time the meal ended, Vivienne finally relaxed and took the ladies into the parlor while the men remained at the table to have cigars and brandy. There was a lot of small talk, and she made it a point to ask the Washington ladies about their families, giving them all a chance to brag about their children.
Cody’s sister took the opportunity to discuss what she’d planned for the school that would soon be under construction. When Sarah said the school would be open to any child in the area whose parents would let them attend, meaning of course, black and Indian as well as the two Chinese families out near the mine, Vivienne bit her tongue at the uneasy looks she caught from the ladies.
Her cynical side wondered how they’d managed to eat double helpings while seated at the table with black, Indian, and mixed race dinner companions. This was the hypocrisy that made her reluctant to acknowledge her mother. She was going to live with Vivienne, of course, but publicly it simply wasn’t the right time. Not until the school was built and people got more used to the idea. When Myra brought in a tray with tea and her mother’s special scones, a pang of guilt tried to stab her, but one of the ladies’ questions helped her push the shame away.
“Do tell us more about that handsome cousin of yours, Vivienne. Is he married?”
“Yes he is. They have two or three children now I think.”
“Oh,” another chimed in. “I had a chance to speak with Mr. Medina before we left Washington. He said that he was widowed, that his wife had died in childbirth going on two years and their infant not long after. He does have a little girl, though. Violet, I believe.”
Vivienne sipped her tea and passed her gaze over the questioning faces of her Eastern guests. “Peter and I haven’t been in touch in some time. I’d written him of course, but I imagined he was busy with things. I suppose my letters may have gotten lost along the way. I’ve never quite trusted the shipping services of Matt Logan. This is a prime example of why the railroad branch line is so important to Freewill. I do hope your husbands will agree.”
The oldest, most imperious woman cleared her throat. “I can’t speak for everyone’s husband, you understand, but Harlan is rather concerned with a report his aide showed him.” She took a dainty bite of her scone, sipped her tea, and cast a quick glance to Cody’s sister and mother. “I hope no one takes offense, but Harlan is troubled by the recent violence in the area.”
A heavy, awkward silence dropped over them. Cody’s mother stood, her back ramrod straight, her chin held high. “We do not murder indiscriminately.” She gazed at her daughter. “I would like a bit of fresh air. Come, Chumani.”
Sarah gave Vivienne an apologetic look but followed her mother from the room.
“I meant no offense, but facts are facts, as distressing as they can be,” the senator’s wife said.
Vivienne clenched her hand in her lap and was very glad when Evie Gaines and Kate spoke up with the facts as they knew them to be. The men joined them while the discussion was going on.
“I think we all know how newspapers and skilled speakers can arrange their words to get people to come around to their way of thinking,” Cody said. “Wouldn’t it be best for you all to make up your minds after seeing things with your own eyes?”
Vivienne could’ve kissed him for his bold suggestion.
Bennett grinned. “Uncle Cougar would love to organize a buffalo hunt for you gentleman.”
The eldest senator’s wife grimaced, but Cody poured on the charm he kept so well hidden. “I’m sure our sister can persuade a few of her friends to show off their beadwork, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if our Mrs. LeMaster couldn’t turn some of that into something pretty for you ladies to take home as a souvenir.”
Kate seemed surprised but gave Cody a heartfelt look that made Vivienne smile.
But her happiness faltered when she saw the grim expression John Avery cast her w
ay as Peter took a seat beside her and kissed her hand.
Chapter Ten
The party wound down soon after, and John lingered on the fringes as everyone readied to depart. Alton Gaines and his wife were the first to head out along with Bennett Dauville, who was taking his mother and sister out to their home. Cody talked Miz LeMaster into riding with him in the large buggy he’d hired to escort the Washington folk around. The only one remaining was Peter Medina. Not much of a surprise there.
“I brought Miz LeMaster out in a buggy. You can ride to the hotel with me if you like.”
“I appreciate the thought, Sheriff, but I was hoping my cousin would avail me of a spare room, so we might have a chance to catch up before that breakfast meeting tomorrow morning.”
The tiny gasp Vivienne made did not escape John’s notice. He took his hat from the young man acting as a butler. “Can’t say I didn’t offer. You all have a pleasant evening now.”
“It was a pleasure to meet you, Sheriff,” Medina said with a wide smile. He slipped his arm possessively around Vivienne’s waist. “I’ll sleep safer at night knowing you’re looking after the town and my cousin.”
John tipped his hat. “Thank you for the dinner invite, Miz Medina.” And. Kiss. My. Ass.
***
Jitters coursed thought Kate’s stomach on the short ride back into the center of town, and she wondered if the change in Cody’s demeanor was genuine or simply for the benefit of the dignitaries. The jitters grew when he stopped the fancy buggy in front of the hotel and pressed his hand lightly against the small of her back after helping her down from the high seat.
He led her into the hotel lobby and waited for the visitors to go up to their rooms. He turned to her and smiled down. “I’d best walk you home before every man in town gets a look at how beautiful you are tonight. And tries to steal you away.”
“Exactly how much brandy did you drink after dinner?”
“Apparently enough to dislodge that stick of stubborn my brother said I had stuck up my ass.”
Kate laughed, and the nerves in her stomach warmed at the smoldering look Cody gave her.
When they reached her apartment above the dress shop, he paid the girl who’d been sitting with Jamie and escorted her back to the hotel.
“You stay put now,” he told her with a wink.
Kate’s pleasant inner warmth cooled as the minutes passed into a half hour and Cody hadn’t returned. Clearly the drink had been responsible for his glib tongue and uncharacteristic openness. There was no reason it should come as a surprise. She’d seen more than enough of the way a bellyful of liquor could change a man’s personality. A few glasses of wine this evening had certainly clouded her common sense.
Sniffling back the tears trying to form, she got up from the divan to go to bed and put an end to this disappointing evening. She stopped half way across the parlor at the sound of the door at the bottom of the stairs opening and closing.
Her heart skipped a beat. Did Cody forget to lock the shop? Was someone coming to rob her? She threw the extra latch on the apartment as quietly as possible and leaned against the door. The scrape of a key in the bottom lock and a rattle of the knob were followed by a soft knock. “Kate? Are you there?”
Cody.
She unlatched the door and opened it. “I’m sorry. I thought you weren’t coming back.”
He stood on the threshold and gave her a long dark look she couldn’t decipher. She’d really gone and done it now.
Finally, he stepped inside and closed the door behind him. He gently clasped her shoulders, and she flinched, a vision of Jamie’s father flashing before her mind’s eye.
Cody frowned and dropped his hands, but she clasped them and hoped he wouldn’t push her away. “You frighten me.”
He tried to pull back, but she held on as tightly as she could. “Let me explain. Please.”
Exhaling, he averted his gaze.
“I need you to know about me. About Jamie’s father and me.”
He looked up, and the intensity of his gaze almost broke her resolve, but she couldn’t keep the secret any more, not from him. She closed her eyes and forced the words out. “I’m not a widow. I wasn’t married to Jamie’s father. We were never even betrothed. I’m no better than a whore.”
“Don’t say that.” He caressed her cheek until she opened her eyes. He brushed away the tears sliding down her cheeks. “Were you captured by his tribe? Did he force you?”
She shook her head and bit her lip, hating to admit it. “He was older, so strong and handsome. I thought I loved him. He often came to sell furs to my father. Father wasn’t there that last time. I asked Joseph to wait so he could be paid right away, but I suppose I just wanted to spend time with him. I thought he cared about me, that maybe he was intimidated by my father.” She laughed because it was better than crying at her own stupidity. “I was such a naive girl. Joseph drank. A lot. He told me to sit on his lap, and I did. He didn’t stop at kisses, and I was frightened, but I didn’t put up much of a fight because it felt so good. He had his way, slept for a time, did it again, and didn’t even bat an eye when my father came home and realized what had happened. He laughed when Father insisted that we marry. Joseph hit him, took all the money we had in the house, and left. Father was too ashamed to report anything to the authorities. He was ashamed because of me and the way I’d let it happen.”
Kate released Cody’s hand, walked into the parlor, and stood, shoulders slumped, tears of humiliation breaking free. She waited for the sound of the door to open and close, but it didn’t. When he came up behind and enveloped her in his arms, she cried harder. He kissed the top of her head.
“You did nothing to shame yourself. That Joseph was no real man. He didn’t deserve to have you, and he doesn’t deserve to be Jamie’s father.”
“I want to believe you.”
“Then do it.”
He turned her to him, cradled her face in his hands, and gave her a gentle kiss. “What took me so long getting back was this.” He moved a step back, reached into his suit jacket, and removed a gold ring with six high prongs holding a sparkling clear stone. “I made poor Ben at the mercantile half tear the place apart to find some kind of ring so I could propose to you tonight. He bought it for the store he used to have in Virginia before the war. The fella who ordered it ended up jilting the girl he was supposed to marry.” Cody paused and frowned. “I guess that’s not the best kind of omen, is it?”
“You’re wrong.” Kate touched his hand. “The ring is getting a second chance, the same way I am.”
When Cody slipped the ring on her finger and kissed it, she cried again.
“Happy tears?”
“The happiest.”
Holding her hands, he looked her over from head to toe. “You’re so beautiful tonight, and I want you so bad it hurts.”
“I’m yours, Cody. Always.”
Sweeping her up in a rustle of satin and petticoats, he carried her to bedroom and forced himself to undress her with the restraint and care Jamie’s father hadn’t shown. Her pale skin was flushed, and the scent of her arousal made itself known. When she reached out to undo his trousers, he damn near came in his pants, but he clamped his jaw and willed himself to calm down. Giving her hand a nudge, he undressed himself, watching as Kate lay in the center of the bed and opened herself to him.
He sank into her slick softness, slid his arms beneath her, and kissed her long and deep while her heat surrounded him. She clung to him, rose up, and moaned into the next kiss. It was no use trying to hold back. They had all night to take it slow, for now, he needed to make her his, make her forget everything that had happened in her past.
She was perfection, her body moving in perfect time to his own, her pace quickening as his did, never slipping from his cock as he rolled onto his back so he could tease her hard bud until her pussy clenched and spasmed around him, taking him over the edge of desire with her.
Chapter Eleven
Vivienne cursed
herself to Hell and back as she sat in her garden, silent save for the faint peal of the mantle clock in the parlor tolling midnight. Stupid, stupid, stupid. How could she be so damned stupid as to let Peter Medina back into her heart long enough for him to try and sweet-talk his way into her bed?
The smooth-talking bastard knew her far too well, knew exactly what to say and do to override her common sense. At least her body hadn’t reacted the way it had in the past. But she almost wished it had. At least then she’d have been able to lose herself in mindless pleasure and stop the tiny nagging voice that kept trying to get her to think of other things, especially when Peter hinted at a future for them.
I know I didn’t mourn Susannah nearly enough, but how could I when her death meant I had another chance to find you and do things right? You know I only married her because my family expected it. I did my duty, my father got his seat in congress because of my father-in-law’s influence, and now I’m free. Don’t tell me you haven’t missed me, mi vida.
Mi vida. My life.
Massaging her temples, Vivienne could scarcely believe how little effect the endearment had. There was a time when she would have thanked God to hear it. Now they were just words. But Peter was everything she’d ever wanted. Didn’t she owe it to herself to try, especially if he finally felt the same way?
A rustle of foliage behind her bench sent another crack through Vivienne’s resolve. “Peter.”
“I guess I’m intruding.”
With a gasp, she stood, her jaw clenching as John Avery strode into view. “Get the hell off my property.” And out of my heart.
He held up his hands. “Calm down, Miz Medina. I was making my rounds and heard some noise. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t check to make sure Logan hadn’t sent one of his lackeys to cause trouble.”
“Well, he didn’t, so you can go now.”
“What if I’m not ready to?”
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