Ellie had no doubt her admiration of nature’s beauty posed a stall for time. A definite winter threat iced the air, but the grass around them was just as fresh as the first day of spring. A few evergreen trees dotted the countryside, but the majority of the others had lost their leaves, stretching naked branches skyward. An occasional rabbit skittered to escape the horses’ hooves, and in the distance, a hungry hawk circled over his intended prey.
She turned back to Ty and made a sweeping gesture of the landscape. “Isn’t this the most breathtaking sight?”
He nodded in agreement, but his gaze never left her face.
They continued to ride, and before long, Ty pointed to a stand of trees. “Over there. We should be far enough from the house so we don’t disturb your pa.”
Disturbing her father was the least of her concerns at the moment. What had she been thinking challenging Ty to a contest? Pa was doing better, but maybe she should use him as an excuse to postpone the match. She nibbled her bottom lip and sighed. Ty would see right through that excuse.
Ellie halted Chessie next to the nearest tree, dismounted and secured her reins to a branch low enough to allow the animal to graze. Suddenly, her palms dampened with perspiration. She’d bragged about her abilities, and now she had to deliver. True, her skills had improved, but could she live up to her boasting?
Here again she faced the consequence of using her mouth instead of her brain. She took a deep breath, turned and braced herself.
Ty had already tethered his horse and busied himself setting up a line of cans along a fallen log. Ellie found a stump and sat, her heartbeat sounding in her ears.
Ty straightened from his task and glanced over at her. “You ready?”
She stood on wobbly legs. “I…I guess.”
“You don’t sound too convincing. We can call the whole thing off if you aren’t feeling sure of yourself.”
Oh, that irritating tone in his voice. Call it off? Not a chance. She could do this—she had to do this. Besides, his attitude was downright insulting. “I’m quite confident about my abilities, thank you.” Ellie spoke through clenched teeth.
She brushed by him and walked toward the target area. With a glance over her shoulder, she feigned confidence. “So how are we going to do this?”
Ty came and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with her. “We’ll take turns. I’ve set up the first six targets. I’ll go first so you get the idea.”
Ellie stepped to the side to give him room.
Ty’s gaze focused on the cans lined atop the log. Beneath the brim of his dusty hat, determination knit his two brows into one. He widened his stance and rested a hand on the butt of his revolver.
As soon as his gun cleared leather, a blaze of gunfire ensued. With lightning precision, Ty masterfully downed five of the six cans, and re-holstered his weapon. With a cocky smile, he turned to Ellie. “Well, I must have been distracted on that last one, but five out of six is pretty good, seeing as how it probably only took ten seconds or so.”
Ellie exhaled. There was no denying he’d done a good job. Her heart really started to pound. What if she wasn’t as skilled as she thought? While watching Ty set up six new cans, she mentally pictured her makeshift target filled with holes made by expertly placed shots. The whole time she fought rising nausea.
Ty strolled back. “It’s your turn.”
Her stomach clenched.
“Thanks. I kind of figured that,” she snapped, surprised by her snippiness. This was her idea, not his. She swallowed hard, determined to mellow her tone. “Could you do me a favor?”
“What?”
“Can you please stand back a little ways?” She motioned over her shoulder. “It distracts me to see you out of the corner of my eye.”
“Sure, no problem.” He backed up a few paces.
It didn’t help. He was distracting anywhere, anytime. Oh, if only her mouth didn’t get her into these messes.
Ellie swiped at the beads of perspiration on her brow. Despite the brisk air, the pressure of the moment burned beneath her skin. She wiped the offending moisture on her pant leg, broadened the distance between her feet, and readied herself. She briskly rubbed her palms together, and since they were in the perfect position, she took a brief second to mutter a silent prayer. Please God, don’t let me make a fool of myself.
With determination, she eyed the cans and locked her fingers around the rosewood grips. Recalling exactly how she’d riddled the floral material at the old mine, Ellie drew her weapon and fired. One after another the first four bullets found their mark, but the last two dug deep into the earth beyond the log. Two cans remained. Ellie’s jaw tightened as she shoved her weapon back into its leather restraint.
“Not bad, not bad at all. I’m impressed.” Ty said, with a smug grin.
Perhaps it was his attempt at a compliment, but it sounded more like taunting.
She turned and gave him a forced smile. “You don’t have to rub it in. You won, I lost. It’s as simple as that.”
“I’m not rubbing anything in. I thought you did a good job under the circumstances.”
“And what circumstances are those?”
“You-me…a shoot-off for the first time. I didn’t expect you to hit anything.”
“Well, thanks for the confidence. I am only a woman, after all.” Ellie seethed inside.
“Ah, Ellie, don’t get mad. That’s not what I meant. You wanna try again?”
Her mind screamed no, but her mouth overrode the warning. “Sure, set ‘em up. Why not shoot at the same time this round.”
“Really?” He eyed her suspiciously.
“Set ‘em up, I said.” Ellie reloaded her revolver, wondering why he stirred her need for rivalry.
When would she learn? She’d seen Pa put a mouthpiece on mares that nipped. Maybe she should wear one to keep her words in check. Her competitive nature was going to be the ruination of her.
Ty fished inside the burlap sack and produced the last ten cans. He spaced them perfectly atop the log, then returned to stand beside her and reloaded his own gun.
Again he assumed his shooting stance. He grasped his gun butt and turned to Ellie. “So, on my go. I’ll take the first five, you take the last. Are you ready?”
Ellie sucked in a breath and got into position. Her heartbeat pulsed in her temples, but she maintained a steady hand. Her only thought was showing Ty what she was really made of. She tensed, but remained focused.
“Go.” Ty’s body reacted to his own cue.
Ellie’s gun cleared the holster. Her rapid gunfire synchronized with Ty’s, sending one can after another leaping into the air and tumbling to the ground. Her last shot sounded just slightly after his, but when the last bullet was fired, only one can was left upright—one of his.
She holstered her gun and did a little dance. “I got ‘em all, I got ‘em all.”
Suddenly, she stopped, realizing her reaction belied her statements about being an adult. With hands on her hips, and a cocky tilt to her head, she asked, “So, Mr. Bishop, what have you got to say for yourself now?”
Chapter Twelve
Ellie delighted in the dumbstruck look on his face. She’d matched him shot for shot. Maybe she’d taken a split second longer, but she’d knocked down all her cans. Wasn’t that what counted? What she set out to do?
Ty still hadn’t said a word. He kept staring at the log as if expecting his one remaining can to fall, or for one of hers to jump back up on it. Ellie couldn’t stand the silence, and containing her need to gloat got harder by the moment.
“Well, aren’t you going to say anything?” Her lips curved into a smug smile.
He shrugged. “I’m not sure what to say. It looks as though your practicing has paid off. Good thing we didn’t really wager anything on it.”
She erupted into uncontrollable laughter. It couldn’t be helped. Her glee at proving she could shoot, and at this moment, better than him, was cause for celebration. She covered her mouth to stifle her levity.
It seemed overly cruel to rub it in too much.
“And…just what would you have wagered?” Her curiosity piqued.
Without a word, Ty closed the distance between them, gathered her into his arms and covered her mouth with his. Her eyes widened, and a gasp of surprise parted her lips enough for his tongue to dart inside to mingle with her own. Shivers of delight coursed through her body, turning her knees to jelly. Her startled eyes slowly closed and she melted into his embrace.
Just as she started to revel in the moment, he pulled away and held her at arm’s length. “That’s what I would have wagered,” he said matter-of-factly. “Too bad I lost.”
With a grin, he turned and began gathering up the strewn cans and putting them back into his burlap sack.
Ellie stood, frozen to the spot, her fingers tracing her mouth. Her heart raced. She’d dreamed of the moment he’d kiss her, but this was nothing like she had imagined. It happened so quick, over and done, but it was still magnificent. His lips were so soft, yet demanding, his embrace strong, but tender. She took a deep breath.
Ty fished in the grass for the last can, affording Ellie a perfect view of a taut behind, encased in fitting denims. Years of riding had evidently created strong muscular legs, visible even beneath his clothing. She naughtily pondered his naked form and fought the flush she felt creeping up her neck. Her flapping fingers fanned her face while she tried to compose.
With a loud whoosh of air, she chased the unladylike thoughts from her head and the warmness from her cheeks. Her fingertips again outlined the lips that only moments ago had been kissed for the very first time.
“We best saddle up and get home to check on your pa,” Ty announced.
He startled her from her reverie. She dropped her hand and nodded. Although her legs felt leaden, she walked to her horse, untied the mare’s reins and pulled herself astride. Nudging Chessie, Ellie caught up with and rode alongside Ty.
Her mind spun, wondering what one said after a first kiss. Did she compliment him on his performance? Was it even something that should be discussed? What if he thought her kiss lacked something? Oh for heaven’s sake, who would have thought a kiss could be so troubling?
“Penny for your thoughts.” Again, his voice invaded her ponderings.
She glanced at him. “Oh, sorry; what did you say?”
“I said, penny for your thoughts.”
Her cheeks burned at the idea of him knowing what was on her mind. He hadn’t brought up the kiss, so she certainly wasn’t going to. “I was hoping Pa is feeling better, that’s all.” At least it wasn’t a lie.
“That reminds me,” Ty said, resituating his hat to accommodate the descending sun. “About the dance…are you still interesting in going with me?” His gaze remained fixed on the trail ahead.
Interested? Of course she was interested. Her opinion had changed since her last tantrum. Then she’d been angry because he laughed at her, but somehow beating him at his own game redeemed him. Still, she still had Pa’s health to consider.
“Well?” Ty prompted.
“I’d love to go but we have to wait and see how Pa is doing. I won’t feel comfortable being that far from home if he’s still so sick.”
She expected a response but not, “Race you home.”
Before she could utter another word, Ty spurred Shadow into a run and left her sitting with her mouth agape.
“Humph,” she sputtered. “He knows Chessie is no match for that stallion, but I guess he has to win at something.”
* * * * *
Shadow’s hooves pounded hard against the ground. The blast of cool air provided what Ty needed after his stimulating experience. He chuckled, recalling the surprised look on Ellie’s face when he’d pulled away. There must have been one on his face, too, because he shocked himself with such a bold maneuver. He didn’t plan the kiss, it just felt like the opportune time to steal a taste of those luscious lips. It sure hadn’t been disappointing. His only regret was being gentleman enough to stop.
Ty glanced over his shoulder. Ellie was a dot on the horizon but was safe on Fountain land. Right now the distance between them was a good idea since she proved she could defend herself with a gun. One kiss wasn’t enough, but would have to do.
He pondered having asked her to the dance. Maybe going wasn’t such a good idea. It might prove dangerous.
He made a clucking sound at the thought of being outdone, then warmed at the recollection of the kiss. That alone made an ego thrashing worthwhile. With any luck, Ben’s health would improve in the next day, and danger be damned, the dance would offer another opportunity to hold Ellie in his arms. After all, Ben came up with the idea.
* * * * *
Ellie dismounted and led Chessie inside the barn. Ty had already unsaddled his black and was brushing him down. He glanced at her. “Finally made it back, did ya?”
The sight of his handsome face set her heart to pounding again, brought back the recent feel of his lips, his arms, his…
Fighting the uncomfortable warmth in the barn, she faked composure. “There was no point in trying to beat you so I took my time and enjoyed the colors of the sunset. Pa always said…”
Pa! Holy night, how could she be so thoughtless? She quickly put Chessie in her stall. “Would you mind terribly seeing to my mare? I need to go check on Pa.”
“Not at all. Go right ahead.” Ty straightened from brushing the horse’s underside and gave her a wink. “I’ll keep my fingers crossed that he’s improved.”
Ellie hurried across the compound, chastising herself for tarrying so long. In contrast, her spirits soared. What a wonderful day it had been. She’d won the shooting contest, got her first kiss, and found out Ty really wanted to take her to the dance. Things couldn’t get any better. The odds were in Pa’s favor for a quick recovery. She crossed her fingers, too.
The kitchen door opened to a familiar sight. Cook busied herself setting the table with the supper plates. An array of delicious aromas rumbled Ellie’s stomach.
Cook turned when Ellie entered. “Well if you don’t look like the barn cat that caught a mouse. From that smile on your face, I’d say you’ve had a good afternoon.” The woman bent to check rolls baking in the oven then straightened and tightened the sash on her apron.
Ellie encompassed the woman with a big hug. “I had a wonderful day. How’s Pa?”
“He seems to be doing some better. He gobbled up all his soup and he’s been asleep for the past couple of hours. I crept in and felt his forehead and the fever seems to be gone.”
Her words were music to Ellie’s ears. Pa appeared to be on the mend and she could go to the dance with Ty.
Clasping hands with Cook, Ellie danced her around in a circle until the woman pulled free.
She chuckled and grasped her forehead. “Goodness girl, you’re gonna make me so dizzy I won’t be able to see straight. There’s no time for dancing. I’ve got to get the food on the table. I’ll have a stampede of hungry men in here in a few minutes.”
Ellie giggled and stole a green bean from a nearby bowl. The older woman used the corner of her apron to wipe perspiration from her brow, and then turned to set the steaming vegetables on the long wooden table.
Ellie studied the woman—her gray hair neatly gathered into a bun at the back of her head, her pensive brow, perfectly rounded nose and a small birthmark on her shoulder Ellie had not noticed before.
As if feeling the heat of Ellie’s gaze, Cook tugged at the neck of her dress, concealing the strawberry mark.
“Here, let me help.” Ellie offered to take a platter of pork chops from Cook.
Cook yanked the dish from Ellie’s reach. “Not until you wash those hands. I’ll not have my dinner tasting like horse hair and dirt.”
If Ellie could pick a mother, she’d choose one just like Cook. Ellie grinned. Earlier she had experienced something very adult and now she was being chastised like a child. She hurried to the sink and lathered her hands, her smile undimmed. Nothing could spoil
this day. Nothing!
* * * * *
Ellie’s stomach felt stretched tight as a drum from dinner. After helping with a quick cleanup, she went to check on Pa. She poked her head through the doorway and saw his eyes open. “Hey, Pa, how ya feelin’?”
He propped himself higher against his pillows. “Much better, daughter, come sit for a spell. I’m about bored to death. Never have been one for layin’ up when there are things to be done.”
“Now, now.” Ellie perched on the side of the bed. “There’s no need to rush things. Doc says you should rest and get better, and that’s what I aim to see you do. Everything that needed to be done got done by the ranch hands. Ty saw to it. Give yourself some time off.”
“You sounded a lot like your Ma just then—telling me what to do.” He reached and patted Ellie’s hand. “I wish you could have known her.”
“Me too, Pa.” Ellie’s mood turned somber for a moment, but she quickly turned her attention back to him, plumping his pillow and tucking in his covers. “But seeing as you’re the only parent I have left, I insist you take it easy and get better.” She was about to mention the dance when Ty appeared in the doorway, hat in hand.
“You feelin’ better, Ben?”
The older man swiped at Ellie’s hands. “Stop fussin’ over me, girl.” He pushed himself higher against his downy backrest. “C’mon in here, Ty, and have a seat. I feel like I’ve been asleep for weeks.”
Ellie moved to the other side of the bed and sat on her mother’s cedar chest. Unable to take her eyes from Ty, her heart skipped a beat when she remembered how his lips felt. She traced her own and recalled how his tongue sparked a fire within her.
The heady aroma of leather, sweat and soap that followed him into the room reignited the flame. Her heart warmed at the way his handsome face beamed when he pulled a chair up next to Pa’s bedside.
Ellie's Legacy Page 11
