by Maggie Ryan
Finished securing his own bundle behind the saddle on Shadow, his black and gray dappled horse, Gabe accepted the reins of Jewel’s golden roan from the new owner of the livery. “Those women aren’t Jewel. I promise that she is very much looking forward to this trip.”
The owner of the livery walked out with him, still shaking his head. “I do believe I’ll mosey on down to the saloon in a few days to discover the truth myself.”
Gabe mounted his horse and looked down at the man. “I’m betting you’ll be moseying down to the Petticoat way before then, but don’t you dare up and marry her before we get back. Jewel would never forgive me if she missed one of her girls fulfilling their dream.”
Both men chuckled and Gabe tipped his hat to a man whose visits to the saloon had dramatically increased ever since Damaris Donahue had begun to deal cards. Damaris was the sister of Delaney, a gem known as Diamond, before she left to wed the marshal. Since her rescue from the Shotgun Slick Gang, Damaris had taken her sister’s place at the card tables but had refused to be named anything other than Coal. Though not a gemstone, anyone who knew Ben, could see he was slowly bringing out the jewel beneath the dark surface. He’d made it known that the quiet beauty was his and his alone, spending most every evening sitting at her card table, ready to remind any unfortunate soul who attempted to flirt with his gal that the color of her petticoat was pink—not red.
“Have a good holiday then,” Ben said, giving Gabe a wave as he made a clicking sound that had Shadow moving forward.
“Believe me, I plan on having an extremely good holiday, my friend.” Halfway down the street, he noticed a woman walking… well, more like waddling across the street, occasionally turning her head to look over her shoulder as if making sure she wasn’t being pursued. As well she should. The woman slowed her gait to carefully climb the steps up to the porch. “Hold it right there, Ruby,” he called out. He had absolutely no doubt that she’d heard him because her head whipped in his direction and she gave a small “eek” but instead of stopping, she pushed through the batwing doors, entering the saloon.
He shook his head, already forming words in his head. They’d discussed the fact that, with her time drawing near, she did not need to continue working and he knew that her husband, Jebidiah Justice had set his foot down about that very fact. Then again, that little redhead had a tendency to act before thinking. Dismounting, he looped both horses’ reins over the hitching post. He was halfway to the jail when he saw the sheriff striding towards him.
“Looking awful serious there, Sheriff. Out to arrest someone?” Gabe teased.
“Very funny. Red is gonna wish I was only planning on arresting her. You were supposed to keep her out of the saloon.”
Holding his hands up, Gabe said, “Don’t blame me. I told her to stay home but,” he shrugged, “seems like she doesn’t take me seriously.”
Jeb huffed. “Yeah, she minds the doc’s orders about the same. Anson came by on his way to see a patient to tell me he’d spotted her coming this way.” The two were almost at the saloon when he added, “I thought you’d be gone by now.”
“Trying to get gone,” Gabe said, hoping that Jewel was ready to leave. With the days growing shorter, and with it being a few hours ride up to the mine, he wanted to get there before it got dark. As they entered the saloon and walked through the main parlor and then through the card room, he suddenly wondered where everybody was. The saloon wouldn’t begin to fill until later but it was unusual not to run into at least one or two gems. Laughter had Jeb’s jaw clenching and Gabe knowing that whatever struck the occupants of the kitchen as funny, there was going to be one redhead who was about to discover that her husband didn’t appear the least bit amused.
Gabe followed Jeb into the kitchen and promptly stopped, absorbing the scene in an instant but not quite assimilating all he saw. Some gems were seated around the large kitchen table, Opal was perched on John’s knee, Nettie was stirring something in a pot hanging over the fire, and Ruby was standing at the large work table next to what at first appeared to be a rather shapely man. Gabe might not recognize the pants but he definitely recognized the well-rounded ass the fabric was molded against. After all, he’d had his hands all over it only a short time earlier. However, he had to admit the shape did look a bit different.
Before he could move, Ruby squealed as she was scooped off her feet into her husband’s arms.
“Jeb!” she squealed, pressing a hand to her breast. “You scared me!”
“Scared you?” he parroted. “Young lady, you are going to put me in an early grave. I can’t believe you snuck out of the house.”
Her hand transferred to Jeb’s chest. “Honey, remember what the doctor said. I’m not to get overly… um, stimulated.”
“Oh, don’t you fret, honey,” Jeb drawled. “I remember exactly what Anson said.”
“Jeb, it’s my fault,” Jewel said. “Yesterday when I was visiting, I completely forget to pick up my final order so that… well, so that my pants would fit properly.”
Gabe walked up behind her and placed his hands on her butt, giving it a squeeze. His brow furrowed. “What the hell? I sure don’t remember your ass being lumpy.”
“Gabriel!” Jewel exclaimed, twisting away. “My bottom is not lumpy!”
“I beg to differ; it is most definitely lumpy.”
“That’s her drawers,” Ruby volunteered, pointing to the table’s surface. “I finished making her a new pair to wear under her pants but we were having such a nice visit and then Jeb came in and caught me…”
“Yes?” Jeb asked when she suddenly stopped speaking.
Sighing, her face flushing, she said, “I’ll add this to my book.”
“You most certainly will,” he agreed. “Say your goodbyes, Red, because you, young lady, are under arrest.”
“Arrest! You can’t arrest me! I’m your wife!”
The room erupted into laughter as the sheriff just grinned. There was not a single woman in the room who didn’t know that not only could Jeb arrest her, he’d already done so… along with each and every one of them. Sighing, Ruby rested her cheek against Jeb’s shoulder. “But the jail is… is dirty.”
“Don’t worry. I’m putting you under house arrest and Della has agreed to come sit with you while I’m on duty.”
“Oh, that will be nice. I can practice holding a baby,” Ruby said, lifting her head and giving a small wave. “You all can take turns visiting me.”
“We will,” Opal assured her, giving her a hug.
Jeb was halfway across the kitchen when he turned around, pinning Nettie with a stare. “By the way, any future culinary offerings are to be healthy and nutritious.”
“Like apples, cherries, or pears,” Ruby added and then giggled. “Just make sure they come wrapped in flaky pie crust.” The gems laughed as Jeb rolled his eyes and Ruby squealed as his hand descended on her rear.
“You are incorrigible,” Jeb said with a shake of his head, leaving the saloon to take the mother of his future children home where she belonged.
Once they were gone, Gabe turned back to his own love. “Care to explain?”
Jewel reached for the item on the tabletop and shook it out, holding it up against her body. “I wanted something comfortable to ride in and Ruby made me a pair of pants. We didn’t consider the fact that men do not wear bloomers under their trousers… hence, the lumps. So, Ruby designed a pair of underpants that are much sleeker.”
“Basing her design on a union suit,” Gabe said, his eyes raking up and down the garment. “Well, half of one anyway.” He took the garment from Jewel and grinned. “And, querida, I’m not altogether sure I approve of you dressing like a man, but at least I’ll know that even though you are wearing pants, it will only take a bit more effort to get to your little behind.” He saw the look of both embarrassment, confusion and, yes… he was sure there was some definite arousal in Jewel’s eyes. “So nice of Ruby to provide a drop seat, don’t you think? Knowing my girl, I’m su
re it will come in quite handy.”
“Gabriel! One does not discuss bodily needs standing in the middle of the kitchen!” She reached to snatch the garment away but Gabe held them out of her reach.
“Who’s speaking of such things? Evidently, you are unaware of the additional benefits of such a design. All I’ll need do is pop a button free…” he demonstrated by doing exactly that and the flap dropped to reveal a rectangular opening, “and presta someone’s little bottom is bared and prepared to receive her spanking.”
Her mouth dropped open and when she looked around the room, he supposed seeking support, Gabe grinned when every gem in attendance suddenly appeared to be engrossed in something… anything else.
“I’m quite sure that is not the purpose of that flap. You, sir, just have a one-track mind,” Jewel said, her face flushed as she grabbed for the garment again. “And you ladies,” Jewel said, her hands on her hips, “thanks a lot for the support. “Just don’t come whining to me the next time you are on the wrong side of Gabe.”
“Sorry, Jewel,” Amy said. “You may be wearing pants, but Gabe is wearing his belt.” The women broke out into laughter as Jewel just shook her head.
Gabe gave her a swat against her rear to send her on the way, knowing that it wouldn’t matter if Jewel wore a dozen layers of clothing… he’d enjoy peeling back every single one to tease, play, spank, and make love to the woman who owned his heart.
Chapter 5
Turning her face up, Jewel closed her eyes and welcomed the caress of the sun on her skin. While she’d been torn about leaving her gems, had worried about the possibility of some woman arriving at the Petticoat, searching for work or just for a safe place to stay, and not being there to welcome them, she could now admit that she was so very glad that Gabe had set his foot down… and his hand on her rear, insisting that they needed a few days away from Culpepper Cove. Of course, she’d spent hours talking with Opal and Amy, trusting the two women who had been with her from the beginning of her journey. It had taken both women repeatedly giving exaggerated rolls of their eyes before she finally got the message.
“Fine, but just know that if Gabe were here, you’d not be so insolent,” she said.
“Jewel, if Gabe were here, this conversation would have been over hours ago!” Opal pointed out.
“We promise to take care of everything. Just please go and enjoy yourselves,” Amy said and then giggled. “I’m pretty sure the Petticoat will still be standing when you get back.” The two gems ran to the door to make their escape before Jewel had time to consider that statement too closely.
She’d also shared many a cup of coffee with Nettie and had to smile, knowing that the woman who had become a dear friend and a surrogate mother would be there ready to open her arms to any soul who might cross the saloon’s threshold. John had come down from the mountains yesterday. He along with Charlie and Moses would stand-in for Gabe, giving their protection to all the gems under her roof. All three men had also assured her that nothing bad would happen under their watch. Smiling, knowing she could count on all her friends, she opened her eyes and turned her head to the side.
Lord, she loved the man riding beside her. His slow grin, the dimple in his cheek, the black hair falling across his forehead and those eyes… the color of the darkest chocolate, could cause her heart to pound with such force she often wondered how it stayed in her chest.
“Thank you. You were right. I needed this time.”
“We needed it.”
“Do you feel neglected?” she asked, suddenly wondering if perhaps she’d been unconsciously taking advantage of him. She honestly couldn’t remember a single moment he hadn’t been there for her. Ever since that day he’d walked into the boarding house in San Francisco in what she thought was an answer to her advertisement for someone to help transport her, Amy, Opal and John to Culpepper Cove, an unbreakable bond had drawn them together and had only grown stronger.
“Never, querida. How could anyone feel neglected in your presence? You give so much to so many, yet take so little time for yourself. You ask for nothing and yet I want to give you so much.”
Shaking her head in denial, Jewel shifted in her saddle, the soft moan she couldn’t catch at the movement deepening the dimple in his cheek. With that knowing look in his eyes, her tummy flipped and, as always, she began to think of things that most people believed should only be considered behind closed doors… things done in the dark, things one never discussed, much less admitted to enjoying. “You’ve given me more than I ever dreamed of, Gabriel Vasquez.” She giggled and reached back to rub her sore bottom. “Sometimes I wonder if perhaps you give too much.”
Gabe’s laughter rang through the hills. Moving Shadow closer, he reached over and cupped her cheek with his palm. “Never, my love. You deserve the world, querida. Every beat of my heart belongs to you and,” it was his turn to smile and quirk an eyebrow, “every stroke of my hand against your culo magnifico.” She might not be Hispanic, but she’d lived with this man long enough to understand quite a few words.
“Hmm, I distinctly remember someone who looked exactly like you stating he thought my ass was lumpy… not magnificent.”
Gabe just chuckled again. “Querida, lumpy or smooth, pale or mottled red, it is truly the most magnificent ass, attached to the loveliest lady on this Earth.”
“You are incorrigible, Gabe, and I do love you so.” She turned her face slightly in order to press her lips against his palm.
“You are my world, my love.”
They continued to ride for another hour, the trail becoming narrower, the slope of the mountain steeper. Conversation became more difficult as Gabe moved to take the lead, and Jewel understood that not only was his attention on the trail ahead of them, but from the way his head swiveled back and forth, knew he was keeping a look out for any dangers that might come from the woods that had begun to press in around them. Gold mining held more danger than those that came from digging in the mountainside or sluicing in a river. Thousands of men had trekked to California, willing to brave the crude living conditions and the backbreaking work to become rich men, but there were also those men who preferred taking the easier path. There had been many incidents of claim jumping and out and out murder to steal another’s claim. Despite knowing that Jeb and his deputies often had outlaws in their jail cells, Jewel was confident that she was just as safe with Gabe on the mountain as she was when they were spooned together in their bed.
Rounding a huge pile of boulders, she found Gabe had moved Shadow off the path allowing her to ride up next to him again. The river was to their left, the scattering of large stones forcing the water to surge, the rapids loud and yet fascinating to watch. She hadn’t been up the mountain in several months, preferring to allow Gabe, John, Sam and Carlos to handle the mining business while she handled the day to day running of the Red Petticoat. Still, she felt a surge of excitement as she smiled over at her partner in both ventures.
“We’re almost there!” she said and he nodded.
“About a half-mile more if we follow this trail,” Gabe concurred, nodding to the path that frequent trips had made along the river’s edge.
“Then why are we stopping?” Jewel asked, accepting the canteen he passed her and taking a long sip.
“Before I set up camp, I wanted to make sure you’d be all right…”
“Besides the fact that my butt needing a break from this saddle, I’m fine,” Jewel said, passing the canteen back. “But why are you setting up camp? Delaney said there was a cabin she stayed at when you and the others were looking for Damaris. Isn’t it up at the claim?”
“Yes, but it’s a little rough and though Carlos and Sam wouldn’t hesitate to camp out, I thought that for at least one night, it might be romantic to share a tent. There’s a meadow above where the river bends that I’d like to show you. But, it’s your choice.” He chuckled. “Ben pointed out that most women wouldn’t consider camping a holiday and he’s right.”
Jewe
l smiled and shook her head. “No, he’s not right. I think that’s a wonderful idea. I remember sleeping in a tent for the first time on our way from San Francisco to Culpepper Cove. And even though I had Opal and Amy as my tent mates, I have no doubt that I’ll be quite happy sharing a tent with you.”
“Are you sure? I didn’t think about how much colder the nights are getting… especially up in the mountains.”
Leaning sideways in the saddle, she kissed his cheek. “I’m quite sure you could figure out some way to keep me nice and warm. Lead the way.”
He cupped the back of her head in his palm, kissing her harder before releasing her and grinning. “This way.” Giving Shadow a gentle kick with his heels, he turned the horse off the path into the forest. He too remembered that night watching Jewel, a highly educated, titled English woman, crawling on her hands and knees into a small tent he’d erected for their lodging. He’d been amazed that not only had she not said a single word about the lack of a proper hotel, she’d actually been giggling and teasing with the other women about the adventure.
Chapter 6
The meadow was as idyllic as Gabe had mentioned. He’d set their tent up beneath a stand of tall pines after they’d spent a half-hour clearing the ground, lobbing pine cones at each other until one fell from the thick boughs above them to land squarely on Gabe’s head. “I think that one was thrown by a squirrel,” she teased, laughing until she was breathless.
Gabe had led her down to the river and helped her up onto a boulder. “Oh, I think I’ve got one,” Jewel squealed, yanking hard on the pole he’d fashioned from a long branch, tying a line on one end and adding a hook. Her efforts had a fish flying from the river, drops of water shimmering in the fading daylight.
“That’s my girl,” Gabe praised, setting aside his own pole and removing the fish from the hook. “It’s another fine looking trout.”
