Jed laughed, relieving the tightness in his chest. “I’d surely like to see her pull a weapon on those varmints.”
Alvin also seemed to relax a might. “She’s quite a gal. Had those two eating out of her hand, she did.”
Jed could believe it. Her skills as a seductress couldn’t be ignored by any man worth his salt. He sat down. He wouldn’t press Alvin any further about setting him free. He couldn’t ask the barkeep to do something he wouldn’t do.
The marshal would be back with two more prisoners shortly, giving Jed a chance to ask them some pointed questions.
If they harmed even a hair on Carly’s head, the crowded jail cell would get pretty lively. To hell with the marshal.
Alvin stared out the window.
“I heard you have a wife and children,” Jed said.
“Yes sir. Four young ‘uns any man would be proud of.”
Jed rubbed his stubble. He’d like to fill a house with some young’uns of his own one of these days.
Alvin straightened and opened the door. Jack Finney came in, carrying a china plate covered with a red-checked cloth.
“Hello, Alvin.”
“Mighty glad to see you, son. The marshal’s gone down to the Lonesome to make an arrest. If you’ll watch the prisoner, I’ll skedaddle.”
Without waiting for a reply, he hurried out the door. Jed knew his loyalty was with those saloon dollies and he didn’t fault him.
Jack kicked the door shut. “Ma thought you’d like some of her chicken and biscuits.”
“She thought correctly.”
The boy slipped the plate under the cell door. Jed picked up the food and sat back on his cot. The smell of fried chicken set his stomach to rumbling.
Jed opened his mouth to take a juicy bite when a shot rang out. He sprang from his seat and the plate crashed on the floor.
Jack went to the window. “Who do you think is shooting?”
“Stay away from that window, deputy.”
Jack jumped back—staring fixedly on that window—on what was happening outside. The minutes ticked by.
Not knowing where the shot came from or who it was intended for was killing Jed.
“Let me out, boy.”
“You know I can’t. I promised to uphold the law and that’s what I intend to do.”
Jed shook his head. He had trained him too well.
“Have you been practicing with your sidearm?” he asked him.
“Yes sir.”
“You’d better go and see if the marshal needs help.”
Jack drew his weapon from his holster and opened the door.
Jed cursed. He should be the one running to help.
The boy stopped in his tracks. “Don’t think the marshal needs me at all.”
He stepped aside. Two men, hands tied together behind their backs, shuffled inside, followed by Carly toting a shotgun aimed at their backsides.
Their eyes widened when they saw Jed Poole in the cell. When Jed curled his lip into a snarl, the varmints dug in their heels.
Carly shoved the shotgun barrel into the tall one’s back. “Jack, open that cell door. I’ve got prisoners.”
The deputy found the keys in the middle drawer of the desk.
Jed’s gaze connected with hers. He couldn’t have been more proud.
“These are the two men you’ve been searching for, Sheriff Poole. They murdered old man Crowley for money.”
Jack fumbled with the iron key until the lock slid free. The cell door swung wide but the two men balked.
“Go on,” Carly said. “I ain’t got all day.”
They stepped over the chicken and gravy on the cell floor and slumped against the far wall of the cell. They watched Jed warily, as if he was a sidewinder ready to strike.
“What was all that shooting about?” Jed had to ask.
“We had a difference of opinion about their trip to the jail.”
Jed shook his head. “Where’s the marshal?”
“I shot my weapon high, of course. I didn’t want anyone to get hurt.” She grimaced. “A chunk of adobe fell and beaned the marshal in the head. The town doc is seeing to his cuts.”
Jed shifted his stance. Sutton wouldn’t ever live this down. “You should’ve come and got me. I’m still the law in this town.”
She lowered the shotgun and winked. “I’m a law-abiding citizen, Sheriff. Busting you out of here would’ve meant breaking the law—and I didn’t exactly have time.”
Jack chuckled as he locked the door.
Jed quelled the young man’s laughter with one look. “I’m putting you in charge, you and Sam, until we can get my situation cleared up.”
“Yes sir.”
He turned to Carly. Those brown eyes never failed to stir him. He would like nothing better than to take her in his arms at that moment and make love.
“As for you, I’ll deal with you later.”
Her lips curved into a luscious smile. “Whatever you say, lawman.”
Marshal Sutton left with the two prisoners the next day. The judge had been detained up in Prescott and sent a telegram levying a fine on Jed. It’d cost him most of his savings but he’d rid the town of Baxter and two members of the gang in the bargain.
His two deputies had turned into men he could rely on, so he left Sam and Jack in charge as he headed to the livery to pick up Shooter and a mild-mannered mare for Carly. Sitting in a jail cell had given him plenty of time to think about what he needed to do.
A ride into the mountains and the cooler air would be the perfect place for a conversation that’d been put off too long. He needed to lay his cards on the table and let Carly know how much she meant to him.
Chapter Thirteen
Carly watched, elbow propped on the bar, as Jed sauntered into the Lonesome looking every bit as wicked and delicious as the first time she’d decided he was a man she’d like to know better. His lips curved into a daring smile as he tipped his Stetson.
“Care to go for a ride, Miss Buchanan?”
Her flesh grew hot as she remembered the last time they’d “gone for a ride”.
She smirked, her eyelids lowering as if she were some demure maid. “What did you have in mind, Sheriff?”
He stopped before her, taking her hand in his. He pressed his warm lips to her knuckles, causing her to catch her breath.
“Got a nice little mare from the livery for you. Thought we’d ride up into the mountains. I brought some grub.”
Carly blinked in shock. “That’s mighty sweet of you.” She meant every word but an alarm twisted her gut. He was getting serious about them and he shouldn’t.
But the disarming smile he gave her, the way his eyes caressed her, the interest shining there—for her—had her melting.
“You might say that I am. You might even say I’m courting you.”
Carly sighed. It was worse than she’d thought.
“Got some fried chicken, biscuits. It’ll be time together we’ve missed out on these last couple of days. Besides, there’s something I want to show you.”
He had her interest. She’d never been courted by a man. The idea warmed her heart and made her nervous at the same time. How was it that this man, this strong, law-abiding man, had gone to all this trouble for her? Naturally, any woman would be flattered.
She wasn’t any woman.
There was another reason to accept his offer. Dr. Baxter promised he’d be done with his bottling and be on his way by nightfall. She had to keep Jed away from the saloon until Baxter was gone.
“I would love to,” she said. She turned to Alvin, who’d been listening to their conversation. “Will you watch things while I’m out?”
He nodded. “You take good care of her.”
Jed slid his fingers over the brim of his hat. “Wouldn’t dream of doing otherwise.”
Alvin didn’t look convinced. “You’ll answer to me if any harm comes to that gal.”
Carly kissed the barkeep on the cheek. “Don’t you go fretting a
bout me. I can take care of myself.”
It was the truth. She’d been sober for a good while, and liked making her own decisions.
She and Jed exited the saloon. Sure enough, tied to a post next to Shooter was a pretty dappled mare.
“Will she do? Name’s Penny.”
“She’s perfect.” Carly smiled wide, excited about their adventure. She patted Penny on her soft, warm neck. She’d ridden up into the mountains on a couple occasions with O’Dell. They’d needed to get away every once in a while, pretend they were somewhere else, that their lives were different. She wondered what O’Dell was up to now. Probably had a babe or two to bounce on her knee. When Carly got back, she’d read the new letter from O’Dell that had arrived with the post that morning. A return letter was long overdue.
Carly envied her friend. She could admit it now. A family would never be in the cards for her. She bit the inside of her cheek to keep her emotions from bubbling over.
She ran her hand over Jed’s muscled arm. “Thanks. I needed some time away. This will be fun.”
“I plan on it.” He led her to the horse’s side and gave her a lift.
She swung her leg over the saddle horn and settled in the ladies’ saddle until the fluid motion of Jed swinging up onto his horse distracted her. She never tired of watching him move. Just watching Jed on his horse, his muscles braced, his lips quirked in such a naughty way, she wanted to share that saddle with him.
Jed nudged his horse into a trot. Carly followed, trying to catch up. She’d never ridden a horse faster than a trot, any faster and she’d be sure to fall off.
She was about to tell him when he prodded his horse into a canter. Not to be outdone, she urged Penny into a faster pace. The horse was game. They sailed over the desert, the blowing sand at their backs, and Carly hanging on for dear life.
They rode for maybe a half hour through the desert, over sagebrush-choked trails and dry gullies until they reached the base of a trail climbing into the mountains. Jed reined in his horse. Carly pulled Penny to a stop and closed her eyes for a moment. She breathed the fresh air, glad to be here. The sun was high but not as blazing hot as it usually was in town at this time of day.
Jed started up a rocky embankment. Carly clucked to her horse and followed. The horses picked their way up the mountain pass at a slow pace.
“How are you enjoying your ride so far?” Jed asked. He turned in his saddle and gave her a good look.
“It’s wonderful. I feel so alive.”
A thoughtful expression fluttered over Jed’s features before he turned back around.
A silence ensued for several minutes. Carly scanned the landscape. They were high up on the mountain now. The brambles and a few scattered mesquite bushes were minuscule compared to the tall cedars and pine trees. The sun glistened off the rocks, and in the distance Tucson appeared as if a mirage.
“Think you might ever settle down?”
“What?” she asked, wrinkling her forehead. What had brought this on?
“Settle down.” Jed repeated it casually but the set of his shoulders, the rigidness of his spine relayed much more.
The answer was no. She didn’t see herself settling down, as much as she’d dreamed of a life with a family when she was younger. As much as O’Dell had told Carly often that she deserved happiness with a man of her own.
She didn’t want to ruin the glorious afternoon Jed planned with her with a hefty explanation. She had an inkling he wanted to change her. He wanted her to settle down with him and whip out a brood of Poole children. But he’d set his sight on the wrong woman. She wasn’t the marrying kind. She was bad news to anyone who became her friend. Just ask O’Dell.
“I hadn’t really ever thought about it,” she answered instead of telling him the truth.
“Maybe it’s time you did.”
She kept her voice playful. “Why? Seems I have everything I need.”
“What happens when you get older, Carly? Who’s gonna take care of you then?”
She frowned. Women in her line of work didn’t tend to live into old age. She always figured she’d live the way she did now until she died. She bit her lip, unsure how to answer or what kind of answer would satisfy him.
Jed spoke up. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. You’re a damn resourceful woman, I reckon you don’t need anybody. Although…might be nice to have someone take care of you. I’d take care of you, Carly.”
Her stomach flipped. Had he really just said that? Did he really mean it?
“Oh, Sheriff, how you do go on,” she teased, trying to lighten the conversation. He’d become way too serious.
Jed stopped when they reached the top of the ridge. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Carly, but I do intend for us to get to know each other better.”
Carly walked Penny beside Jed and stopped. “I’d like that.”
“Will you look at this sight? Isn’t it something?” Jed pointed out over the expanse below. “Tucson. Our town.”
“I’m glad you are our sheriff.”
“I’m glad I took the job. Wouldn’t have met you otherwise. Wouldn’t have done a lot of things.” He chuckled. “And I suspect with you around, I’ll probably end up doing a lot more.”
“I hope they are all good things. And fun things too. Nobody should live without having fun. You work mighty hard, lawman. I’d hate to see you turn into a man who was all business and no pleasure.”
Jed turned a crooked smile on her. “I think most will be good—and pleasurable. But I have an inkling you’ll be getting me into more trouble before my days are done.”
Now he was talking about a long-term relationship. He was planning on them being together until they were old and ornery.
Enough of this serious talk. She dropped a shoulder, her gown slipped ever so slightly to show off the swell of her breasts. “Is that what you brought me all the way up here for? To talk?”
Jed shook his head. Obviously, what had worked in the past no longer interested him. Was he tired of her already?
“Are you hungry, Carly?”
Carly ran her tongue around her lips. “What do you think?”
He helped her dismount. To her surprise, he didn’t take her in his arms. Instead he took the canteen off his saddle horn and gave it to her. Then he led the horses to a shady spot next to a stand of pines.
She waited for him to return, taking in the view. He’d called her resourceful. She hadn’t always been, relying on O’Dell and Big Jim to make all the decisions, to tell her what to do. Lately, that’d changed. She’d been damn proud to help in the arrest of the two varmints who’d killed Mr. Crowley.
She was a woman of means now. With hard work, the saloon would turn into a fine establishment. She was no longer a prisoner to her drink. She was more in control now than ever. Did Jed understand how important this was to her?
Leaves crunched and twigs cracked behind her. She spun around. Jed carried a bedroll and basket. What kind of man went to this kind of trouble?
He spread the bedroll on the ground. “I haven’t been on a picnic since I was a kid.”
She plopped down on the soft flannel. She tried hard not to think about when she was a child. Flashes of a mother’s soft smile and the great big bear hugs her father used to give made Carly cringe. If only they hadn’t been taken from her at such an early age.
He sat next to her. He was hot and sweaty but she didn’t mind. He appealed to her every which way.
“Rosy fixed up some chicken, my favorite,” he said. He opened the basket and handed her a square of calico.
Carly sighed as she arranged the piece of cloth in her lap. He piled fried chicken on a plate along with a half-dozen biscuits.
“How many were you expecting,” she said with a laugh.
“Just you and me.” He opened the canteen and took a gulp. When he finished, Jed held the canteen to her lips, tipping it back so the sweet water could drip on her parched lips.
She licked the drop
lets from her lips and gasped as Jed leaned forward, flicking his tongue over hers before capturing her mouth for a carnal kiss. She loved the way he kissed. The way his mouth slid against her, his tongue delving inside to ignite her fire. She stroked tenderly over his jaw then through his hair. Jed pulled her against him then lay back on the blanket, their food tumbling to the side. She lay on top of him, kissing, sucking, stroking. He traced a path up and down her spine, caressing her ass, tucking her closer to him. His cock was hard, ready and pressed against her mound with delicious intent.
When her stomach growled, Jed laughed and sat her upright.
“What you do that for? I’m just hungry for you, cowboy.”
“Is that right?” He looked so happy. “I’d be more than willing to let you feast on me for days but I think you might blow away if I did. Let’s get some sustenance into you.”
He picked up their chicken and biscuits and they ate, listening to the breeze in the tops of the trees, and Jed feeding her bites of chicken when she stopped.
She fed him a morsel of biscuit and he licked her fingers before eating it. His expression turned serious and he took her hand in his.
“Let’s make this permanent.”
She snatched her hand back. Immediately, her brain was on alert, the tranquil moment lost by the thundering in her heart. “What the hell for?”
Jed grabbed her hand again. Irritation flitted over his face, but it quickly dissipated and once more he gazed at her intensely. “What do you think?”
She shook her head. “I’m not a woman who you want to hang your ambitions on.”
“Let me be the judge of that.”
She’d known this day was coming, maybe even hoped it might, but she couldn’t let Jed believe there was more to their sex play than there was. It’d only hurt him eventually.
“You see, Jed, I’m not interested in settling down to one man.”
He frowned, the lines in his forehead deepening. What she’d said hurt him. Better he find out now before he entertained any ideas she could be his woman.
He let her go and stood. A red-tailed hawk screamed overhead. He looked up and followed its flight.
Carly wished she knew how to explain. Some people just are no good at relationships.
Annabelle Weston Page 15
