by Jodi Thomas
When he took her in his arms, she pulled away far enough to see her feet and stepped onto the toes of his boots.
He laughed and began to move across the floor.
Rowdy smiled at Laurel. “It appears you lost your partner.”
“I’m not sure I would have survived another round.”
He saw the banker coming toward them and knew he had little time. Turning his back to the banker, he said low and urgent, “Meet me by the cottonwoods tonight.”
“I don’t know how long I’ll be.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’ll wait.”
She didn’t have time to answer. Rowdy could feel the banker standing behind him and he didn’t like the fear he saw in Laurel’s eyes.
Chapter 6
Laurel listened to her father rant all the way home. Her sisters had danced with half the cowboys at the rodeo and he hadn’t said a word. She’d danced with one and now he swore she would be marked as a tramp. “Why’d you have to pick the pig farmer? One of my men would have asked you eventually.”
Laurel didn’t answer and her father never gave her long enough to even if she had wanted to.
By the time they reached the ranch, he’d decided that she would attend no more dances until she was married and no longer his problem. When Laurel asked if it were the dance or the man she danced with that made him so angry, the captain said the man, of course.
“I have nothing against Dan O’Brien, but you are engaged. You should only be seen with Jeffery Filmore. He’s a fine man and one of the most powerful figures in town. In ten years I wouldn’t be surprised if he owns half the land around here and I plan to have the other half. Marrying him would be smart, girl.”
“But he’s never asked me to marry him,” she tried to reason. How could she be engaged if she’d never been asked?
“He asked me,” her father announced. “And that is enough. A man like him doesn’t have time to waste.”
That wasn’t enough by a long shot, she thought, but didn’t bother to argue. Once her father made up his mind about something, hell or high water couldn’t change him. He was still set on building his spread when most men his age were looking for a rocking chair.
“I always thought if I married it would be for love.”
“Don’t be a fool. You’re not the type men marry for love.”
When they reached the house, the captain stormed to his study and slammed the door.
Laurel walked through the house and closed the back door softly as she left for the barn. She saddled her own horse and rode out toward the creek, knowing that once her father started drinking he’d forget all about her.
As she rode, she remembered how Jeffery Filmore had gripped her arm just like her father did when he wanted her to follow orders. The banker had walked her all the way to the buggy and hadn’t said a word to her. She couldn’t tell if he were angry or simply wanted to get her out of the way so he could enjoy the dance with the other older men who sat about drinking and talking without really watching the dancing.
When they’d reached the buggy, he’d pressed her against it before she’d had time to climb in. “Good night,” he said and kissed her hard on the mouth. So hard she’d felt his teeth beneath his thin lip.
She’d shoved away, but it took her a few seconds to push his mass off her.
He’d tried to use his weight to hold her between him and the buggy. He fought her for a moment before letting her slip away. She hated the kiss and the feeling. It was as if he was proving something to her.
Filmore had said good night to her father and walked away without ever saying one word to her. She was a thing to him, nothing more.
When she reached the creek, she splashed across suddenly in a hurry to get away from her life and from the memory of Filmore’s kiss. She wished she could erase the feel of him from her mind. His body had been heavy and shifting like a huge flour sack pressing against her.
When the cottonwoods blocked the moon, she saw Rowdy waiting for her. His arms went up to gently help her down.
“I didn’t know if you’d come,” he said as he lowered her beside him.
For once in her life, Laurel didn’t think. She knew what she needed and wanted.
“I’m glad—” he got out before she rose to her toes and kissed him.
It took a few seconds for Rowdy to react. Then, as if he’d also been hungry for another kiss, he pulled her against him and gave her what she wanted. A long, sweet kiss that made her forget to breathe.
When he finally straightened and pulled away, she could see his gaze still staring at her mouth. She’d shocked him.
Laughing, she pretended to pout. “Sorry I forced myself on you.”
A slow smile spread across his lips. “You’re not sorry at all and neither am I.”
“Good.” She closed the distance between them. Her words brushed against his mouth. “Then would you mind kissing me again?”
“How do you want to be kissed, gentle Laurel?” he answered.
“Completely,” she whispered, leaving her mouth slightly open in invitation.
He met her challenge. With his body pressing like a wall against hers, he kissed her, widening her mouth until he’d tasted all he wanted, then teasing her until she answered in kind. He tugged the ribbon from her hair and wrapped his fingers in the softness.
When she pulled away to breathe, he whispered, “I love your hair. The warmth of it, the softness of it. The way I feel with my hands wrapped in it.”
“I could cut it off and give you a few strands.” She laughed.
He kissed her quick and hard. “No thanks. I prefer it attached to you. There are a few other parts of you I’m growing fond of having near. This partnership has some very interesting side benefits.”
“Like what?” She knew she was fishing, but she needed to hear something other than she was smart and practical.
He hesitated, brushing her cheek with his knuckles. “I like how your mouth fits against mine. I like watching your thoughts sparkle in the pale sunrise blue of your eyes.”
“And?”
“Are you sure you want the list?”
She nodded.
He tugged her a little tighter to him. “I like the feel of your body against me.”
She buried her face in his shoulder.
His fingers moved gently along her back. “You asked,” he whispered against her ear. “And you didn’t pull away so I’m guessing you like it too.”
He held her for a while, playing with her hair, caressing her gently; then he held her at arm’s length. “Want to tell me what’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she lied.
“You rode in here like the devil was chasing you, Laurel. Something happened.”
He was right. She couldn’t believe she was so easy to read. She’d wanted to wash the feel of Jeffery from her and she’d used Rowdy to do just that. Maybe she’d needed affection that had never come from her father. Maybe she wanted to feel like a woman for once and not a thing. Maybe she wanted to prove her father wrong, that she was desirable.
If she told Rowdy any of those reasons he’d think he was being used and she didn’t want to make him feel that way.
She couldn’t lie to him and she wouldn’t tell him the truth. “If I don’t tell you, will you still kiss me again?”
He grinned. “Sure. I kind of like communicating without words. Talking is overrated anyway.” He kissed her nose. “When I was waiting for you, I was wondering if you’d let me kiss you again. I wasn’t prepared for you to attack me.”
She started to argue, then reconsidered. She liked the way this conversation was going. “That’s me. I look all shy but underneath I’m a wild woman.”
He raised an eyebrow. “How many people know about this secret of yours?”
She rubbed her cheek against his and whispered in his ear. “You’re the first so far.”
He caught her jaw and kissed her playfully, then whispered, “If I give you what you want, maybe this se
cret can stay between us.”
“I want lots of kisses,” she announced. “I can be very demanding.”
“I think I can handle that, darling.”
She felt like she was melting. Locking her arms around his neck, she let him lift her off the ground and whirl her around. When they were both laughing, he said, “Laurel Hayes, you are a wonder in this world.”
They stood in the moonlight staring at each other. She brushed his hair off his forehead. He tucked a wild strand of hers behind her ear. When their lips touched, it was as if they had a lifetime to finish one kiss.
When he finally broke the kiss, she sighed and moved away. “Thank you,” she said.
He still held her hand. “For what?”
“For making me feel good all the way to my toes.”
He raised a wicked eyebrow. “I wouldn’t mind testing to see if that’s true. From what I’ve touched so far, I’d guess you do feel good all the way to your toes. You’re tall and slim, but you seem to fit against me in all the right places.”
She blushed and turned to her horse. “I have to go. It’s late.”
He stepped behind her as she reached for the saddle horn. His hand glided from her shoulder to her waist. She leaned against the saddle, loving the feel of his fingers moving down her back. His hands spread wide and made a slow journey along her sides. She caught her breath when the tips of his fingers moved around her enough to brush the sides of her breasts.
“Rowdy,” she whispered.
He was so close she could feel his breath brushing her hair at the back of her neck. “Do you want me to apologize?”
She tried to control her breathing, her knuckles white as they gripped the saddle. “No,” she finally answered.
His hands moved once more along her sides, only this time, when he reached her breasts, he slowed, tenderly feeling the sides, pressing gently as he tested the softness beneath her blouse.
She was glad he couldn’t see her face for she felt like it was on fire. No one had ever touched her as he was now.
He leaned down and kissed the side of her throat. “You feel like heaven come to earth, woman. I could spend all night doing this.”
“Then do it once more before I go.” She couldn’t believe her own words. “So I’ll remember exactly how it feels.”
With the same gentleness, he moved his hand up from her waist, only this time his fingers covered her breasts, cupping each. As she gulped for air, she pressed into his palms and his grip tightened.
Neither said a word as he held her in his tender grip. As her breathing calmed, she felt his fingers gently brushing against her breasts.
Finally, he pulled his hands away. When he turned her to face him, she rested her head on his shoulder and they simply held each other. What they’d done hadn’t been a casual or an accidental touch. She had a feeling they’d both remember it all their lives.
“I’m not sure . . .” He took a deep breath. “I haven’t been around many women. I . . .”
She moved so that he could feel her smile against his skin. “I think you did it just right,” she whispered and felt him relax against her.
His lips brushed her cheek. “If you get another urge to let that wild woman inside of you come out, you know where to find me. I’ll always be there if you need me.”
She couldn’t believe she’d been so honest with him. In the clear sober light of day she wasn’t sure she could face him. But now, right now, she didn’t regret anything.
Putting her foot in the stirrup, she felt his hands tighten around her as he lifted her up. “Thank you,” she whispered. “For making me feel like a woman.”
“You’re welcome,” he said as if he didn’t understand exactly what she was thanking him for. “And believe me, Laurel, you feel very much like a woman.”
Leaning down, she brushed his mouth one last time. “Good luck tomorrow.”
“Will I see you at the dance?”
“No.” She didn’t want a repeat of the lecture her father had given her. “I’ll meet you here if I can.”
He stood on the edge of the creek and watched her ride away. When she looked back, he was still there.
Part of her wondered how she could be so free and wild with him. Then, slowly, she understood what all women come to know. A woman is a different woman in each man’s arms. She’d never be like she was tonight with Jeffery Filmore, not if they married and lived together for forty years.
This Laurel born tonight would only live in the circle of Rowdy Darnell’s embrace.
Chapter 7
Clouds blocked any sunrise, but Rowdy was up and dressed by the time the first watery light managed to show along the horizon. He’d cleaned the cabin up enough to make it livable but the place was still depressing. Despite the chill of rain, he opened the doors and welcomed the damp air.
Today he would compete in steer roping. Dan O’Brien would try for his only event, calf roping. Both had agreed to help the other. His lead in saddle bronc riding from the first night had held two days and his second place from last night’s event had a good chance of making it. The best all-around cowboy didn’t have to win every event. When all the events were over, each man competing for best all-around got three points for first, two for second, and one for third. It was possible for a rider not to place in one round and still win best overall. No man’s ranking was safe until the last entry rode.
Rowdy worked with Cinnamon all morning. He swore the horse was so smart Cinnamon would be teaching him soon.
Around noon he noticed a basket sitting on his front porch. Laurel was nowhere in sight, but he knew she’d brought it. By the time he brushed the horse down and made it to the porch he saw Dan riding up.
“Join me for lunch,” Rowdy offered, knowing Laurel would have packed more than he could eat.
Dan smiled and moved into the shade.
Rowdy set out fried chicken, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. Dan’s eyes were bulging. The quart of buttermilk made his mouth drop open.
Rowdy offered him the best plate he had and one of the two forks he owned.
Dan frowned. “Either you were raised in the kitchen and travel with a coop of chickens and a cow, or you didn’t make all this.” He looked around. “I don’t see any fire going.”
“I didn’t make this.” Rowdy laughed. “I can’t roast a rabbit fit to eat.” He took a bite and smiled. “And,” he added when he could speak, “I’m not telling you where it came from. So eat, not knowing, or watch me. It’s up to you.”
“I’ll eat.” Dan dove into the food.
Rowdy had a feeling the man hadn’t eaten all morning. They devoured the food. When they found an apple pie at the bottom of the basket, they split it in half.
Finally, Dan leaned back on the porch and stretched his long legs. “I ain’t asking no questions,” he yawned, “but if food like this falls from heaven again, would you invite me over?”
Rowdy laughed. “Sure.” He liked the big man. Dan didn’t ask too many questions.
They spent the afternoon practicing and then rode into town. Dan’s calf roping came first. His one event. His chance to win fifty dollars. Tonight was the last ride for this event because the organizers needed time to hand out awards tomorrow.
Dan was the next to the last to ride. Rain had been splattering the dirt for several minutes when they shot out after the calf. Rowdy did his part and Dan had the calf tossed and tied with smooth skill. A few minutes later, the last contestant failed to loop the calf.
Rowdy smiled, knowing he’d just moved to third place and Dan had won first. He looked for Laurel but the rain curtained the other end of the arena from sight.
Fifteen minutes later, he roped a steer almost by the time he cleared the gate and rolled in the mud to twist the horns until the animal tumbled, splattering water and dirt all over him.
Rowdy stood, waved his hat and walked to the gate knowing he’d just taken the lead in steer roping. He stepped behind the pens looking for Dan but th
e rain was driving so hard he couldn’t see more than the dark outline of the barn. He guessed most of the hands sleeping around chuck wagons would be in the dry hay tonight.
Slashing through the mud, he headed toward the barn hoping to find Dan and congratulate him. When he stepped out of the rain at the side of the corral, he heard someone coming up fast behind him.
He swung around expecting Dan, but a fist caught him so hard in the stomach he folded over. All he saw were three men in oil slickers, boots and dark rain-drenched hats. The next blow knocked him against the side of the barn and he thought he heard the chime of silver spurs.
Rowdy shook his ringing head and came up fighting. He knew he hit one man hard enough on the jaw to knock him down and felt another’s nose crack beneath his knuckles, but their fists rained down worse than the storm. Finally, when he twisted to avoid one blow, a man behind him hit him hard in the back of the head with what felt like an anvil.
Rowdy crumbled and the dark night turned black. Vaguely, from far away, he thought he felt a few kicks to his ribs and then nothing.
Chapter 8
“Miss Hayes. Laurel?”
Laurel shifted in her chair by the window and looked around the café. Everyone from the rodeo seemed to have moved into the hotel out of the rain. Most of the cowboys were in the bar in the back, but her father had insisted she stay in the parlor surrounded by nursing mothers and whining children ready to go home.
She’d heard rumors that even though the dance tonight had be cancelled, there were still games the men called “outlawed events” going on. There the betting was heavy. Those not out in the rain participating were inside awaiting the outcome.
She had no idea where her sisters were, but her father had gone upstairs with several men to drink and play poker until the rain let up enough to head for home.
Staring out the window she decided that might never be.
“Laurel?” The whisper came again as if it were drifting in the wind.
She studied the people around her. No one was even looking in her direction.
