by Maggie Ryan
“That I can do,” Jewel agreed.
“I want to thank all of you again,” Gabe said, looking at each of the men. “This would not have been possible without you. You’ve worked tirelessly from the beginning and I want you to know that from this point forward, you will each receive a percentage of the profits as well as double the salary you are making now.”
“That’s… that’s too much, boss,” Carlos said, the other two men nodding in agreement.
“You and Miss Jewel are the ones who’ve poured money into the mine. You’ve never failed to pay us even when we didn’t find a single grain of gold for weeks,” Sam added.
“And I haven’t been here from the beginning,” John said.
“We insist,” Jewel said. “And, if you know Gabe, you’ll know that arguing will be worthless. He might not turn you over his knee but he’s likely to lecture ad nauseam until you see things his way. You might as well save the poor man’s breath and accept the fact that you’ve all earned every penny and more.”
The men all shook Gabe’s hand and hugged Jewel, thanking them. As John kissed her cheek, Jewel said, “Perhaps you can think of something worthwhile to use a share of your new wealth for, Jonathan Harrison. I believe gold and opals go beautifully together, don’t you?”
John didn’t answer verbally, but grinned and nodded. Refusing the men’s generous offer to vacate the cabin, allowing the couple to take the bedroom, they said their goodbyes and returned to their meadow.
Gabe set the large pot of water he’d been heating on the ground beside him. “You’ve had cowboy coffee, now it’s time for you to experience a cowboy bath. Come sit in front of me.”
Jewel moved to kneel before him, still a bit leery but as he dipped a cloth in the water, wrung it out and then, cupping the back of her head and pressing the cloth to her face, she sighed in contentment. “Ah, that does feel good. I feel ten pounds heavier with all the dirt and dust from the mine.”
Continuing to wash her face, Gabe said, “Though it would be faster to just jump into the river, I’m afraid you’d freeze to death. Unbutton your blouse.”
“Gabe, what if one of the men comes by?” Jewel asked, looking around as if expecting to see a ring of gawking men just outside the light provided by their fire.
“Honey, trust me, the men wouldn’t dare disturb us unless it was some sort of emergency.”
As she began to slip the buttons free, Gabe watched, his eyes following the movement of her fingers. He loved the fact that though they’d seen each other stark naked a hundred times, had shared many a bath, she was still modest. Once the last button was free, he reached to pull apart the halves of the garment, baring her breasts to his view before he slipped the fabric from her shoulders, the blouse falling to her waist. His cock quickened thinking of how she appeared almost bound, her wrists remaining trapped by the cuffs of her blouse.
“You are so beautiful,” he said, wringing out the cloth, placing it against her skin to follow the path his eyes had taken. He ran it over her shoulders, smiling as she shuddered with the trickle of water that dripped over the rounded mounds of her breasts, droplets clinging to her nipples before falling away. “Your nipples are hard as diamonds.”
“That’s just because it’s cold!”
“Hmm, it’s not that cold,” Gabe said, his tone teasing as he began to move the cloth in circles across her left breast, moving ever closer to the taut bud of her nipple. She gasped as the warmth of the cloth covered the jutting tip. “What’s this?” he asked, lifting the cloth from her flesh. “Oh, my darling girl, haven’t you learned what happens when you tell fibs? Despite its warm bath, your nipple is hard, nice and fat, like a ripe berry ready to be plucked.” Jewel gave a soft moan when his head bent and his lips engulfed her nipple. Flicking his tongue across the pebbled surface only made it grow tighter, harder. When he lifted his head, he met her eyes. “I asked you a question, my love.”
“You… you did?” she stammered, her back arching as he began to wash her other breast.
Chuckling, he said, “Yes, but since you seem to be having a bit of a problem concentrating, I’ll answer for you. Naughty little girls who fib get their little bottoms heated in quite a different way than from just their bath.”
“I-I didn’t fib…”
“So, you really are freezing?” Gabe asked, taking her right nipple into his mouth, suckling for several minutes as the cloth moved to circle along the flat plane of her abdomen.
“Um… no… but…”
“Speaking of butts, stand up and take off your pants.”
Jewel’s skin broke out in gooseflesh as she removed the rest of her clothing, the chill of the evening air returning whenever the warm cloth lifted from her skin. Still, she wouldn’t say she was freezing any longer. No, she was growing warmer by the minute. When the cloth ran up her inner thigh and paused, cupping her sex, she moaned.
“Gabe, I-I don’t see how any dust could get into my pants. Let’s go into the tent…”
“In time,” Gabe said, pulling her closer with an arm around her hips. “Spread your legs for me.”
Jewel shuffled her feet apart, her hands on his shoulders as she stood in front of him. Her gasp as a different wetness touched her had, her fingers sliding into the black curls of his head as his tongue laved her cunny. She had no idea, nor cared, where the cloth had gone as his hands moved to grip her hips, holding her to his mouth. His broad tongue swiped through her pussy lips, spreading them open as he took a long, slow circuit around her pulsing clitoris. When he pushed his tongue deep inside of her sex, she felt the coiling that had begun with his first lick of her nipple grow stronger, her knees threatening to buckle as he drew her closer and closer to the pinnacle of the cliff.
“Gabe… I-I… oh, God, that feels so good,” she moaned, arching her back, pressing herself to him.
“Come for me, niña de oro. Come for me, my little golden girl.” She shrieked as two fingers thrust into her, his lips capturing her clit, his teeth giving gentle nibbles of the incredibly sensitive bundle of nerves until she flew from the peak into the abyss of bliss he never failed to take her to. When her legs gave way, he caught her, drawing her down to kneel before him, cupping her cheeks with his palms, kissing her, sharing her unique nectar with her as his tongue thrust into her mouth.
“Ga… Gabe, I need you,” she said, her hand moving to caress his erection that hid behind the closure of his pants. “Please…”
Laying her back on the quilt, he stood and stripped before joining her beside the fire. Gabe slid into her, his body covering hers, their fingers entwined as he pressed her arms over her head. She wrapped her legs around him, her body arching to match his rhythm, his strokes going deep as he made slow love to her. He placed kisses on her cheeks, her forehead, all along the column of her throat. She moaned when he took the lobe of her ear between his teeth, nibbling on the soft skin.
Her nipples, hard as little stones, pressed against his chest, her head tossing from side to side as he continued to stroke in and out, in no rush, wanting to watch her eyes as she surrendered to the building orgasm until she came with a crescendo, calling out his name. Only then did he begin to quicken his pace, pumping his hips faster, harder.
“Come again,” he said into her ear. “I want you to come for me, Jewel. I want to feel your pussy squeezing my cock.”
“Oh… oh, God,” she moaned, attempting to pull her hands free but he held them tight. He was in control and knew she loved that fact. Feeling his end drawing near, he licked a long path from her collarbone to her ear, blowing his breath along the wetness, feeling her tremble and hearing her gasp as her pussy tightened around him.
“That’s right, take your pleasure, querida. Take it now or know that I’ll turn you over and warm your little ass in a different way.” He stroked again, then once more before bending to her ear again. “Is that what you need? A spanking? Do you need me to use my hand against your flesh? To paint your bottom, to heat it like the embers i
n the fire?”
She writhed beneath him, arching up, her legs tightening around him. “Harder, deeper,” she begged. “More…”
Gabe granted her request, slamming in and out of her, their mating going from gentle to primal until she arched her head back and screamed. Her body bucked and contracted, milking him to his own end until his call of her name completed the act. They were both breathing hard as he sank down on her, his lips continuing to kiss her skin. Releasing her hands, smiling when her arms immediately wrapped around his neck, he rolled to his back, taking her with him. They lay in each other’s arms as they recovered their strength. Jewel spoke first.
“Well, I’m definitely not the least bit cold any more.” She lifted her head only enough to place a kiss on his chest. “And, it didn’t even take a spanking!”
Chuckling, he shook his head. “Only because I really would hate to have you uncomfortable in the saddle tomorrow.”
She laughed with him and after kissing him again. “You are the most considerate man on the Earth.”
“Just don’t tell the gems,” Gabe said with a chuckle. “They learn that I’m a big softie and God knows the chaos that will ensue.”
They moved inside the tent, snuggling beneath the quilts, the fire flickering outside the opening providing light and a bit of heat. “You can tell Ben he was wrong,” Jewel said, curling into his side, her cheek on his chest. “I think any woman would adore going camping for a holiday.”
Gabe laughed, pulling her closer. “He might actually believe you if he knew there was a mountain of gold involved.”
“Who needs gold?” Jewel said with a giggle. “I was talking about the fishing…”
“Really?” he asked, lifting his head to look down at her.
Jewel giggled again, lifting her eyes to his. “Well, to be perfectly honest, I was actually thinking of the delicious, naughty sex.”
“Ah, now that I can definitely agree with,” Gabe said, drawing her up to capture her mouth and as he once again slid into her, she moaned and whispered, “You’re not such a ‘softie’ after all, Mr. Vasquez.”
Chapter 11
Gabe met with Tripp Houston at his cabin on the land he’d bought a few miles outside of Culpepper Cove to discuss the need for additional security up at the mine.
“I can offer my services for a time. The pay you’re offering will make it possible to buy more cattle to start our herd come spring,” Tripp said with a grin. “And, I can give you the names of a couple of good men I’ve worked with before.”
“I’d appreciate that,” Gabe said. “Tey gave me some names as well. I want men with experience who are willing to stay around.”
Tripp nodded. “If they are anything like me, they’d not only take the job, they are looking to put down some roots. Traveling all over the country is fine when you’re young, but it doesn’t take long to become saddle weary.” He waited until Delaney, his new bride, refilled his coffee cup before adding, “Of course, don’t be surprised if you lose another gem in the process. Men ready to leave the agency will be looking for a woman to set down roots with.”
“Is that why you married me, Tripp Houston?” Delaney asked. “I was just convenient?”
“Of course not. I married you because you dazzled me with your sparkle, Diamond,” he teased, pulling her down onto his lap. “You know you are the love of my life. I just want others o be as happy as we are.” He nuzzled her neck and Delaney smiled, kissed his cheek and then pushed up from his lap.
“In that case, I think my coffee cake is ready to come out of the oven.”
“See what I mean? What man could resist a beautiful woman who knows how to bake?”
Gabe grinned. The two were obviously very happy with their new life and he was glad to be able to add to their future. “How can I contact these men?” he asked after accepting both a refill and a large slice of cake.
“They are both currently working in San Francisco for the Gold Exchange. They go out on various jobs when needed.”
“I was trying to decide between San Francisco and Sacramento to take our first deposit so that just made up my mind.” He looked at Delaney and asked his next question of her. “I’d like it if Tripp accompanied me to the city. You could stay at the Petticoat while we’re gone.”
“Oh, that would be fun!” Delaney said. “I can visit with Damaris! I’ve missed my friends.” She turned from him to her husband. “But what about our place? I suppose I could travel back and forth, but…”
“No need,” Tripp assured her. “Until we actually get stock, there’s nothing holding you here. Besides, I’d feel much better knowing you weren’t alone.”
“That’s true,” Gabe said. “I know Jewel would be thrilled to have Delaney stay. Of course, she’ll put you to work…”
“I’m not sure I approve of that,” Tripp said instantly. “She’s Delaney now and not Diamond.”
Gabe chuckled. “I wasn’t even thinking about that. I just meant that with all the decorations and big plans Jewel has for Christmas, she could use some help.”
“I’d love to,” Delaney said, giving her husband a smile. “Please, honey?”
Tripp nodded and the men made plans to leave at the end of the following week. That would give Gabe and his men time to mine more gold and ready it for the trip. Tripp stated he’d go ahead and begin serving as protection for the mine.
As he was preparing to leave, Tripp walked Gabe out while Delaney remained inside. “While I recommend you inform Jeb, I also suggest you keep the number of people who know you’ve found a large vein of gold to the bare minimum. Patrick Tey and I have both seen men do some horrid things in the name of greed. Until you get more security, it’s important to play your cards close to your chest.”
“I agree,” Gabe said. “Jeb had to deal with claim jumping involving one of our gems. Crystal’s father was murdered right before her eyes by men who would rather steal than work. I’ll speak to Jeb and ask that he keep a close eye on the Petticoat and, until we can hire those men you recommended, perhaps Tey might like to pick up some extra money and help with security.”
“Can’t hurt to ask,” Tripp agreed. “I also want to say that I’m happy for you and Miss Jewel. I honestly can’t think of better people to have success. You’ve both done an awful lot for this town, including accepting my Delaney into your home.”
Gabe shook off the compliment. “It was our pleasure. We hope to be able to do more in the future.”
The men shook hands and Gabe rode back towards town. Tripp wasn’t the only man to be grateful that the Red Petticoat had opened. Gabe had been the first man to be blessed with a woman who called the saloon home. He’d been shocked to discover that his previous partner, Manuel Mendez, had sold his share of the mine and that the deed had transferred hands, to finally be wagered in a poker game… a game that his Jewel had won. She’d insisted he take half ownership in the saloon as he insisted she keep her half of the mine. When they opened the doors, they had three experienced soiled doves, Ophelia, Amelia and Dorothy who became their first gems—Opal, Amethyst, and Peridot—all three helping to transform the rundown hotel into the Red Petticoat. Nettie had also left her home in New Orleans, insisting that not only did Jewel need her, but that she was quite positive the gems would need good, home cooking. The woman was a surrogate mother to those women under their roof and without question, the best cook this side of the Rockies.
Since then, many women had found a place within its walls. Several, like Crystal and Diamond had only stayed a short while, both seeking justice for crimes against their loved ones. Topaz, a recent immigrant from Ireland had come to America with dreams of earning enough money to send home to her family, had found a new beginning with her Dirk. Coral had caught the eye and the heart of Bo Magnusson who’d sold his livery and blacksmith forge to Ben Johnson. If Jewel was right, Ben would keep courting Coal, Delaney’s sister, Damaris, until the young woman realized that he wasn’t going anywhere and agreed to marry him.
<
br /> Others had stayed in Culpepper, making their new lives with men who didn’t care that they were gems, they loved them for the women they were. Heck, Pearl, one of their first gems had wed not one but five men—all brothers, not by blood but by choice.
Sheriff Justice had reunited with a girl from his childhood, making it very clear to Ruby that she would never wear a red petticoat. They had wed and she was within weeks of giving birth to their first child. Anson Norwood, the town doctor had married the frail, sickly woman Jewel had found on the dirty streets of San Francisco, giving her the gem name of Citrine. Under Anson’s care, Della was now a healthy, happy woman with a new baby son and a mother to Anson’s six-year-old son, Stone.
Amber was now the preacher’s wife. Thomas Black had left his calling behind until the young woman reminded him that his calling wasn’t one he could turn his back on. Since then, Reverend Black had wed a great many of the gems, often reminding the townsfolk of Culpepper Cove that no one had the right to judge a soul on this Earth.
Other names came to him. Emerald, a white woman who’d been kidnapped by Indians, falling in love with her warrior, bearing him a son, was now wed as well. He chuckled, rubbing his jaw. Emerald had actually met her husband, Garrett Drake, during a huge brawl in the Petticoat. Drake and his brother, Cullen, had rescued a beautiful Chinese woman named Chin-Chin who’d sought sanctuary at the saloon only to flee when she saw a ghost from her past. Jade had been a big draw at the saloon, her exotic beauty and exquisite dances had the rowdiest men fall silent as she entranced them with the intricate weaving of her lithe form and the fans she used to tell a story. Circumstances had kept Jeb and Gabe from finding her and when Cullen assumed that Gabe had been the one to cause his new love pain, he’d not hesitated to take on a man very few men would have approached.
He laughed out loud remembering how Jewel and the other gems had come to his aid, skirts and petticoats flying as well as chairs and bottles. It had been a chaotic brawl and only the grace of God had kept anyone from being seriously injured.
