WG2E All-For-Indies Anthologies: Summer Fling Edition

by Scott, D. D.

  She wanted to get married, be a June bride like Catherine. But mostly to be out from under her brother’s thumb. Richard, her stomach clenched at the thought of his name. Older by ten years, he treated her just like their long dead father had. She was a cook and housekeeper, a feeder of livestock and all round slave. Richard didn’t care about her, her hands fisted involuntarily, and he didn’t keep her safe.

  Unfortunately, she knew she’d have to go back home, leaving her sanctuary at Catherine’s ranch behind. The thought made bile rise in her throat and her stomach twist in knots. Richard was her legal guardian until she married or turned twenty-five, only a year from now. Marriage was the quicker option to escape his control. If only she could find someone she could love. She could hide out at the JC ranch for only so long before Richard would hunt her down and drag her back home for more drudgery.

  “A penny for your thoughts, pretty lady.”RafeMontoya, foreman on the JC, had walked up to her side without her even hearing him. He was so handsome with his broad shoulders, skin the color of rich caramel and black eyes that twinkled with amusement. He was so damn sexy. She’d seen him earlier tonight with Mary Jane Baker, tall, svelte with raven black hair. What would he want with someone like her? Short, round with her families strawberry blonde hair and of course, the freckles to go with it.As different from Mary Jane as you could get. The only thing beautiful about her was her hair, or as Catherine called it, “your crowning glory of shimmering red silk.”

  Startled, Jenny gasped, then relaxed. “Hello, Mr. Montoya. Enjoying the party?” She clasped her hands together so he wouldn’t see them shake.

  “I am now, Miss Cooper.” He smiled showing beautiful straight white teeth.

  “Please call me, Jenny.”

  “Jenny. A beautiful name for a beautiful lady. You must call me Rafe.”

  “Rafe. You could charm the socks off me, if I let you.” She smiled shyly.

  “And will you let me, Jenny?” He whispered in her ear, heat from his body warming her and yet making her shiver at the same time.

  She stepped away putting space between them before she laughed. A nervous giggle she couldn’t stop. Definitely not the sound she wanted to make. “I just might, Rafe, I just might.”

  He smiled that smile again, making her tingle all over. Butterflies flew around in her stomach, diving here and there.

  “Dance with me.”

  Before she could answer he took her hand in his warm one and led her to the make-shift dance floor in the middle of the ranch yard. The town blacksmith called a square dance. They danced that one and the next one and finally a waltz.

  Rafe held her close and Jenny was in heaven. She couldn’t explain it but she felt safe, really safe for the first time in weeks. She didn’t cringe at his touch or worry about Richard. Yes, it was definitely heaven.

  * * * *

  All too soon the music ended. Rafe hesitated to let her out of his arms. He wanted to ask to see her again. He was just a ranch foreman and she was a high class lady, but it didn’t matter. He had to try. She wasn’t the gold digger type sotelling her he was descended from Spanish nobility and his father was one of the wealthiest ranchers in Colorado wouldn’t make a difference. It was one of the things that drew him to her like a moth to flame. With Jenny, what you saw is what you got. There was no pretense about her.

  The morning after the wedding reception, he stepped into the kitchen for coffee and breakfast. He was surprised to see Jenny rather than Alice, the Evans’ housekeeper, cook and mother figure to everyone at the ranch. He stopped in the doorway, poleaxed by the beautiful sight of her. He remembered how perfect she’d felt in his arms the night before and wanted to hold her again but….

  “Hi, Rafe.Coffee?”

  “Yes, please.” She poured a cup and handed it to him. “It’s good to see you this morning. Where’s Alice?”

  “I gave her the morning off. She worked so hard getting ready for that party, I told her I could do breakfast. I’m used to feeding the men at home.”

  He sniffed the air. “Smells great.” He meant her and the faint scent of lilacs she wore, not the food. It didn’t matter how good the food was, it would seem great, with her to share it.

  “Sit down and I’ll get you a plate.” She frowned a little. “I wish the rest of the men would hurry up. It’s all going to be cold if they don’t get here soon.”

  “They were right behind me.”

  The door opened and fifteen men filed in. They took seats at a long wooden table. There were chairs instead of the hard wood benches as most people would have in a working kitchen like this one. James Evans insisted on chairs because they were more comfortable. He always took care of his employees. The family took their meals with the ranch cowboys, except dinner. The cowboys ate early. The family gathered in the formal dining room for their evening meal. Family included Alice and Rafe on most evenings.

  * * * *

  It had been a long day. He’d green broke two horses, gotten thrown several times with each horse. His body ached from landing on the hard ground and he’d have plenty of bruises tomorrow, but they were good saddle horses now.

  That didn’t matter to Rafe right now. Tonight Rafe would join the family for supper and see Jenny. He dressed with care, shaved, rinsed the dust from his mouth and brushed with his tooth powder, wanting to make the best impression possible. The wedding reception last nightwas the first time he’d spoken to Jenny in weeks and he craved to hear her sweet voice say his name.

  Tonight Alice placed him beside Jenny. He sat down determined to make a move. Unfortunately, he knocked over his empty glass, fumbling like an untried youth. It wasn’t the impression he was trying to make. She reached to right the glass at the same time he did and his hand covered hers. It was so warm or maybe nerves just made his cold. Did he linger a little too long? He didn’t think so, but her face was flushed and he released her. He felt heat on his neck. He was always nervous around her. He took a deep breath, tried to settle his nerves. It wasn’t the move he’d anticipated, but it had worked. He’d touched her hand. It was a start.

  They’d almost finished the meal before he finally got enough courage to say, “Jenny, I wondered if you might like to join me for a picnic tomorrow. I’ve got the day off and I…”

  “I…” she interrupted, “I’d rather stay here. I’m not…perhaps you could join me for midday dinner instead?”

  Rafe smiled, relieved. It amazed him that she’d agreed to see him. It wasn’t just his fantasy. “I’d like that. See you at noon.” Rafe rose from the table, his chair scraped against the polished oak floor. He kissed Jenny’s hand, the same one he’d held briefly earlier, small and pale compared to his sun and work hardened one, so soft against his lips. Jenny was a gentle lady and brought out all his protective instincts. He wanted to whisk her away to his hacienda and keep her safe from all harm, including her brother. Whatever the hell the man had done to her, he’d find out and make her worries go away. Just brushing his lips chastely against her soft hand stirred him and made his heart ache for more.

  He turned to Alice. “Thank you for a wonderful meal, even more spectacular than usual.”

  “You’re welcome, Rafe.” Alice winked at him. He cocked an eyebrow at her, but she just smiled. He left, excitement pumping through his veins. Excitement at the prospect of spending time with Jenny. His whistle split the air.

  * * * *

  Jenny looked over the nice midday dinner Alice had fixed for her and Rafe. She was in the parlor where they’d have some privacy. The thought of being alone with Rafe made her a little nervous. She wasn’t sure if she could eat a bite of the delicious food Alice had worked hard to prepare. Alice had put flowers on the table, cheering the room with Indian paintbrushes, columbines and wild bluebells. The white candle between the place settings was too much though and Jenny blew it out, moved it back to the mantel above the fireplace. Alice made comfort foods she knew Jenny liked. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, biscuits, some of A
lice’s Grandpa Ben’s old fashioned tea cakes for dessert. Her favorites. Hopefully Rafe would like the food, too.

  * * * *

  Rafe came to the front door of the main house and knocked. He’d been in the house many times but this time he was calling on Jenny and was doing it properly. She was pleased he was treating her with respect. Something she’d never gotten from her brother or his ranch hands. She felt special

  Rafe stood, hat in hand, when Jenny opened the door. She’d always thought him handsome but today…today he took her breath away. He wore snug denim trousers, a well fitting chambray shirt and black boots, freshly polished if she wasn’t mistaken. His short black hair was parted on the right side and shone in the morning light. He smelled of the sandalwood, the fresh outdoors and something that was entirely him. His scent intoxicated her.

  Jenny took his hat, the brim stiff beneath her fingers and hung it on one of the pegs behind the door, then led him to the parlor. The butterflies had returned and were flying around in her stomach. It made her sound breathless. “Please come and have a seat. Alice thought this would be a little more private. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all. It will give us a chance to talk and get to know each other a little better.”

  “You shouldn’t want to know me, Rafe. My brother–”

  “Is not here,” he said gently.

  “Yes, but he will be. It’s only a matter of time before his pride will force him to come get me. He probably thinks I’m here spying for him and that’s why he hasn’t come yet.”

  “Why are you here? I figured you came to help Catherine with the wedding, but you don’t seem happy. Weddings are supposed to be happy occasions.”

  “I’m happy for Cat and Duncan, really I am. My brother sent me here. You know we have a small ranch on the other side of Creede. It’s just an investment for Richard now. It was our parents homestead at one time. Richard spends time there in the summer. I haven’t been back in a long while. Most of the time we live in Chicago.” She looked away. Felt the bitter taste of shame. She bit her lip to keep the tears from falling. “This past spring, I was caught in a trap not of my making. I was found in a compromising position with a man. Nothing happened but it looked bad on the surface. Which is exactly what Farley Smith wanted it to look like.”

  “Go on,” he took her small hand in his large one and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I’ll help if I can.”

  Jenny snatched back her hand, abruptly stood and walked to the window. Keeping her back to Rafe, so he couldn’t see her face, see the tears that streamed down it, she said, “You’ll find out soon enough anyway. It’ll be over the whole valley soon. Secrets never stay secret in a small town.”

  Jenny continued to stare out the window into the front yard though she wasn’t seeing. She could barely breathe. Her heart pounded and the nausea took over while she relived the beating she’d received when she fought for her life. She couldn’t face Rafe, didn’t want him to see her shame. “Farley only wanted to ruin Richard’s chances to marry Gwendolyn Chase. Part of one of the families that are the cream of Chicago society. He never wanted me.”

  “Why would ruining your reputation harm your brother’s chances to marry this woman?”

  “Gwen’s parents are very proper. Nothing even hinting at scandal would be acceptable so Richard bundled me off to our ranch here. I didn’t even know about Catherine’s wedding until I got here.”

  “What will happen if this Gwendolyn’s parents don’t allow Richard to marry her?”

  “Then Richard will need a quick source of cash. My trust would be the easiest for him to get at. He’ll sell me to the highest bidder.”

  “Why would he do that?”

  “To make sure it’s someone he can control. My dowry is $5,000. That’s a lot of money.”

  Rafe whistled. “I’ll say.”

  She couldn’t turn around. Didn’t want to see the disgust on his handsome face when he looked at her.

  Hearing him get up, she knew he was leaving, too revolted by her to stay. The scent of sandalwood preceded him yet she flinched when he put his hands on her shoulders.

  “Jenny. Look at me.” His voice was low and gentle. Persuasive.

  She shook her head.

  “Please. Turn around.” He gave her shoulders a little squeeze.

  She turned but couldn’t look up at him.

  He nudged her chin up with his knuckle. “You did nothing wrong. You were a pawn in this man’s game. That’s all. I care for you, Jenny. I’d like to court you, if you’ll let me. I know I’m only a ranch hand but–”

  “Don’t. Please don’t.” She finally let the tears fall. She didn’t want his pity and ran from the room.

  Rafe stood there. Unsure what to do. In the end he let her go. It took a lot of courage for her to tell him, regardless of her reasoning. He respected and admired her all the more.

  CHAPTER 2

  Jenny ran from the parlor. Blinded by her tears, she didn’t know how she got there, but before her was the corral holding Catherines beautiful palomino mare. Jenny loved the animal and already had asked for a foal when they decided to breed her. She braced against the rough wood of the fence surrounding the corral. The splinters bit into her hand. The horse looked up shook her head acknowledging Jenny’s presence and then went back to her feeding trough.

  She wanted to get on the mares back and just ride and ride, so fast and far that the stench of what happened would blow away as she rode. She knew that wasn’t possible. The shame would always be with her. Not for what she’d done because she hadn’t actually done anything, regardless of what it looked like. No, the shame she felt was for what she might have done. She’d been so sure that Farley was in love with her, though he’d never actually said it. She thought he just didn’t know how. She’d been so naïve. Never again.

  It was late by the time she got to her bedroom. Unsure of how long she watched the mare, dreaming of escape, now she laid on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Sleep evaded her. The quilt beneath her was soft but provided no comfort. She planned Farley Smith’s death. It kept her sane. Thinking how if things were different, she’d protect herself. Protect her heart and her body. She’d never be unprepared again. With her decision made she finally let sleep claim her.

  Rafe waited for Jenny to come down to breakfast. He’d gotten up early to do his morning chores so he could see her and spend some time with her this morning. He needed to alleviate her fears and he figured the best way to do that was to spend time with her. Time where she wouldn’t feel threatened.

  When she entered the kitchen he noticed the dark circles under her eyes. He’d been so besotted yesterday he hadn’t noticed them. Today they were prominent, dark purple at the inner corners, fading as they went out toward her temple.

  “Good morning,” he said, waiting to see what her mood was. “How are you?”

  “I’m fine or I will be. Would you like some coffee? It’s probably not fresh but it’s hot.”

  He nodded. “Jenny. Please listen to me. What happened to you doesn’t matter to me for any reason other than I’m furious on your behalf. Your brother should have protected you. He should have sought justice for you.”

  She set the coffee cup on the table determination written across her face. “But he didn’t. I have to protect myself. I can’t continue to depend on other people. I’m learning that the hard way.”

  * * * *

  Rafe called on Jenny every night. After supper he would go and get what ever he had for her that day. Usually it was fragrant wildflowers he’d picked for her and put in a mason jar. One day it was sour lemon drops candy he’d gotten at the general store in Creede.

  After dinner they would go sit in the porch swing. Every night he’d sit a little closer, until one night their thighs touched and she didn’t scoot away.

  Each time he called on her, he knocked on the front door and asked for Jenny. He’d been in the house a thousand times, but he always knocked and paid her the respect of as
king if she would see him. He didn’t want to assume anything. This was too important.

  This night, as most nights, they sat on the porch swing, with its familiar squeak, squeak as it went back and forth. They talked about everything. He shared his vision for a horse farm, down to describing the green, fertile valley he’d picked out nearby.

  He also shared his fears. “I’m Spanish. There’s a lot of prejudice against my people.”

  “I’m not prejudiced.”

  “I know. James and Catherine aren’t either. They gave me a chance when other ranchers turned me away. Did you know I applied for the foreman position at your ranch? Your brother flat refused to talk to me because my name is Montoya.”

  “I’m sorry. Richard is a cruel and petty man. Prejudiced against anyone who’s different.”

  “I’ll figure out a way to overcome his bias. There is someone very precious to me I must get him to relinquish. I’m not going to beat around the bush with you, Jenny.” He rose from the swing and got down on one knee on the hard porch in front of her. “I want to marry you, if you’ll have me.”

  Her eyes filled with tears. He wanted to kiss away the salty trails they made down her beautiful face. “Oh, Rafe. I can’t. Richard will never allow it and I must do what he says for now. One more year and then I’m free.” She tilted her head back and closed her eyes. “Just one more year.”

  “What happens in one year?”

  “I’ll be twenty-five and I’ll get my trust, if I’m still unmarried. It will be my dowry and go to my husband if I marry before then. My mother set it up so Richard can’t touch it. But he controls who I marry. So far he’s had enough of his own money and didn’t need mine.” She looked away, like she was seeing something far off. “Recently, I think he’s made some bad decisions. I told you about those. He’s going to want to recoup his losses. Especially since he’s spending so much money courting Gwendolyn.The easiest way to do that is with my dowry. Myinheritance.”