by Sara Orwig
“Nonetheless, I’m about to become engaged to him.”
“You don’t love him. You barely know the man.”
“I love him.”
Reuben stared at her and suddenly yanked her to him, kissing her passionately until her head was spinning and her desire flamed once more. He stopped as abruptly as he’d started, “Tell me you love him and can kiss me like that, Louisa! It’s me you love, isn’t it?”
“No, Reuben,” she whispered. He kissed her again, pushing her down in the carriage, fondling her. He raised his head. “Say you love me.”
“I love you,” she whispered, loving to be kissed. “I think I love you both.”
“You can’t. You need to be married, but to me, not to a man no one knows, who has nothing. He’s a penniless builder.”
“He isn’t penniless. He’s going to build a house for Benjamin Corning!”
“Corning? I don’t believe it.”
“He is. And he has thousands of dollars in Papa’s bank!”
“Is he already commissioned to build the Corning house?”
“No, but Corning asked Dan to draw up some plans.” She lay on the seat of the carriage and realized she had allowed Reuben to gain the upper hand. She was at a disadvantage, disheveled beneath him. She pushed at him, trying to sit up, but he pushed her back down as a frosty smile crossed his face. “When is the engagement to be announced?”
“Let me up, Reuben.”
“Answer my question. Maybe there isn’t actually an engagement after all.”
“Yes, there is.” She squirmed as he kept her pinned down. “Reuben, I shall look—”
“As if I tumbled you in the carriage. Answer my question before I do something you don’t like.”
“We can get engaged three months from yesterday.”
“Three months! So why won’t you go out with me during that time? Either you’re engaged or you’re not. And you’re not.” Reuben laughed again, moving away. “A damned postponed engagement, and you melt with my kisses! Your parents don’t want you to marry him. They’re biding for time to prove he’s the wrong man for you. And why you want this engagement, I can’t imagine. The man is nobody, drifting in out of nowhere. You know nothing about him. He can’t take care of you, Louisa. And beware, in three months I may forget all about you.”
She drew herself up, angry with him. She had wanted a different reaction. She had expected Reuben to grovel and beg and hang on her every word, not gaze at her with sardonic amusement lighting his eyes. “Dan will be wealthy when he builds Benjamin Corning’s house, because if Corning’s house is good, others will flock to him to build.”
“Time will tell,” Reuben said coldly, making a mental note to have his father talk to Benjamin Corning. He gazed at Louisa. She was the most beautiful woman in town, and damned if he would hand her over to Castle! He would deflower her first. He could control her. She was determined to be a leader in society, and she was sensual, beautiful, educated. He expected to marry her, and now that a threat loomed, he realized he did want to marry her. He wasn’t going to allow a drifter to come into town and take Louisa right out of his arms. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and he suspected she relished trying to stir his jealousy. “There are other beautiful women here,” he said calmly. “Marian Comber, for one.”
Louisa drew a sharp breath. “Dan Castle is dashing! He makes me faint with his kisses. He knows what pleases women.”
Reuben’s amusement vanished while his gray eyes flashed with anger. He leaned close.
“You’re playing a dangerous game, Louisa. Your future is at stake. You don’t act as if you find disfavor in my kisses either. Perhaps you’re just a beautiful little slut who likes all men to handle you.”
Enraged, she reached out to slap him. He caught her wrist and twisted it, making her gasp.
“No, you won’t strike me. I know what you need, Louisa. And it isn’t a long trial engagement.” He bent down to kiss her breasts, holding her while she struggled and called him names. Finally her struggles ceased and she closed her eyes. She relished his kisses, wishing she could marry tomorrow. She wanted to be kissed and held and touched. Her senses were stormed by Reuben as his hands were everywhere, daring to touch her in places he never had before. His hands slipped beneath her skirts, stroking her legs, moving between them.
“No! Reuben, stop.”
His hands moved over her, touching her. She grasped his wrists and twisted away to sit up, gasping as she straightened her clothing. “You shouldn’t have taken such liberties.”
He sat in his corner watching her. “For all practical purposes, you’re engaged to be engaged. That’s absurd.”
“I won’t go out with you again.”
“Three months. We’ll see how successful your Dan Castle is while you’re engaged, Louisa. If he isn’t one of the leading men in Denver, you know your father won’t allow the engagement. If you don’t break it off first.”
“I shan’t. Dan Castle will succeed. You’ll see.”
She saw the dark anger burning in Reuben’s eyes and felt a flash of excitement.
As Dan worked, his chisel slipped. He swore, shaking his hand, turning around to see Mary enter the room.
“What happened?”
“I cut my hand.” He pulled out a handkerchief and she came across the room to take his hand and look at it. “Come here and let me wash it and bind it up for you.”
“It’s all right.”
“Come along. You sound like Brian.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said with amusement as she took his wrist and walked down the hall to her room. A fire burned low in the grate, and as she washed his cut, he gazed around the room and was surprised at how cheerful it was, more so than the rest of the house. A blue-and-white quilt served as a coverlet on the iron bed. The curtains were pale blue, plants grew in the windows, and there were bright cushions on the rocking chair. One wall was lined with bookshelves. He turned his attention back to her.
“You have a nice room.”
She stood close beside him, his arm tucked against her side as she worked. Her fingers were warm and soft. He looked at her lashes, which were feathered shadows above her cheeks. Her nape was bare, her neck slender and delicate, and he felt a warmth toward her.
She finished wrapping his hand, tying the strip of clean cotton cloth. “There. You’ll be well in no time.”
As he looked into her eyes, he thought she had beautiful eyes, more so each time he paused to gaze into them. “Thanks, Mary. This room is different from the rest of the house.”
“It’s my own special place when I have to get away from the others.”
“I used to have a place like that, only mine was outside on a mountain.”
“Why did you leave home?” Instantly she frowned, her straight reddish-brown brows drawing closer together. “I’m sorry. I don’t ever mean to pry.”
“If there was ever anyone on earth who could keep a secret, I’d guess it’s you. I got in trouble and had to leave.”
“I didn’t mean to ask,” she said, putting her hand on his wrist. “And I’m sorry.”
He was aware of her nearness, of her wide eyes searching his, her sweetness. “It was a long time ago,” he answered abruptly. “I should get back to work. Thanks for the bandage. Come talk to me while I work.” Afraid he had sounded harsh or angry, he smiled, placing his arm casually across her shoulders. She walked with him down the hall and sat to watch him as he returned to work. In minutes she was helping him.
The last week in March, Dan had letters to post. He usually took them to Lyle Workman’s store, where the mail service was located. This time, as Lyle weighed a package Dan was mailing to San Antonio, Dan stood talking to him about the fall weather and the new businesses that had just opened. Dan glanced down at two stacks of posters tied in twine that were the new mail that had just arrived. His blood ran cold as he saw the picture and name on a poster—Tigre Danby Castillo. The room seemed to spin, and he took a deep breath a
nd glanced at Lyle, who stood with his back turned while he adjusted the scales.
Dan looked at his picture. It was a drawing of him with long hair, a beard, and a mustache. He wore the bear-claw necklace, and his hat was pulled low over his forehead. He wondered if anyone could see the resemblance. After all this time, he had almost forgotten the past. He felt safer in Denver than he had anywhere since he had started running, and now there would be a poster of him in the sheriff’s office, perhaps in the store.
“That will be seventy-five cents.”
“Fine. How’s business?” he asked, barely knowing what he said, wishing he had turned over the stack.
“Going right along. Every time new travelers arrive, I sell more goods. I may expand. I’m thinking about moving from here by the stage depot over to the new train depot. Sold three more of Paddy’s wooden animals this last week. And someone else wants him to do a special carving. I told them to hunt him down in the Lazy Dog or the Missouri House. Here’s your change.”
“Thanks, Lyle.” Dan left, striding out into warm sunshine, wondering how much risk he faced. He barely knew the sheriff, steering clear of lawmen if possible.
“Well, I do declare, aren’t you the busy man!”
11
He looked up to see Louisa seated in an open carriage. “Louisa, Sorry, I didn’t see you.”
“I know,” she said, smiling. “You were about to walk right past me without so much as a good-afternoon.”
“Sorry, my mind was on business. We go to the Gaithers’ dinner party tomorrow night. I won’t be able to be alone with you because your parents are going too.”
“You might,” she said, smiling at him. Although he was usually captivated by her, today Dan couldn’t keep his attention on her. At the moment he was disturbed over the poster and he wished he could confide in her. Somehow he couldn’t imagine Louisa being anything except shocked, because she had led a sheltered, secure life. Even so, he wished he could unburden himself to her.
“Today a new shipment of goods arrived from the East, and Papa bought Mama and me two beautiful new pairs of shoes and material for the most gorgeous dresses. This has been a perfect day so far. Who’s going tomorrow night?”
“I don’t really know, Louisa.”
“I know Annabelle and Emily both will be there. They’ll turn green with envy when they see my new shoes.”
Dan couldn’t keep his attention on ladies’ shoes. He nodded to her. I’ll see you tomorrow night.” He winked and strode away, realizing he could tell Dulcie, but not Louisa. Dulcie understood trouble. Louisa had never known any, and Dan knew he shouldn’t expect her to understand a past like his.
His thoughts shifted to his plans for Ringwood and Corning. Every time he thought of the two entirely different types of houses he was designing, his blood raced in anticipation. If he could build those two houses, his future was secure. He mounted his horse to ride to work.
It was late when he stopped at the O’Malleys’. He washed his hands at the pump outside, and was glad Mary had the luxury of a well and pump at the back door and didn’t always have to rely on the water wagon. Spring was in the air. It was a pleasant time of year as the days grew longer. He had put in a long hard day, and realized for the first time how dusty his clothing was. He knocked and stepped inside the kitchen.
“Mary?”
“I’m here, Dan,” she called. The lilt in her voice gave him renewed energy.
She came into sight, a dish towel in her hand.
“I washed at the pump, but I’m dusty all over,” he said, holding out his arms. “Will you let me in like this? I can eat back here if you like.”
“Come in,” she said, laughing. “You’re no more dusty than some of my customers. And they’re all gone anyway. Go sit in the dining room.”
“Let’s eat here in the kitchen.”
“I have yours and mine ready. Want a glass of milk?”
“Yes.” Hunger attacked him as he smelled the tempting aromas of roast turkey and hot bread. “Brian’s been turkey hunting, I see.”
“Yes. Brian keeps meat on our table and he helps with my garden in the summer. I know I can’t expect him to stay here for too many more years, and I don’t know what I’ll do when he goes. He’s more of a help in many ways than Michael ever was. Michael was the one who did repairs.”
“Does Michael ever come home?” Dan asked. He sat down across from her, relaxing as he watched her move around the kitchen. She set plates and a platter piled high with slices of turkey on the table.
“He hasn’t in over a year now. He’s like Silas, off chasing dreams.”
“What are your dreams, Mary?” Dan asked, serving her turnips and dressing.
“I don’t have time for dreams. Maybe for a little while, when Silas was here—” Abruptly she bit off her words. “I know what you dream. You want to build the biggest, finest houses in Denver.”
“You’re right. I dream about that and about a family.” His thoughts shifted to the wanted poster and he became quiet, eating in silence.
“Did you get the order of lumber you’ve been waiting for?”
“Yes. It came in late yesterday afternoon,” he said. He couldn’t stop thinking about the poster. He had hoped all traces of the past had been left behind and he wouldn’t have to live his life constantly watching for bounty hunters and lawmen. In a few more minutes he realized how quiet he was, and that Mary had grown quiet also.
“This is the best dinner I’ve ever eaten.”
She laughed, a merry sound that made his spirits lift a notch. “How many times have you told me that!”
“It’s true. Dinner gets better and better. I mean it every time I say it.”
While he ate, his thoughts shifted to work, but visions of the wanted poster still plagued him. The milk was cold, the turkey tender and succulent. It was so delicious, Dan wanted a second helping.
Mary cast surreptitious glances at him, finally watching him openly because he was so preoccupied he didn’t notice. Something was worrying him. He always talked to her, either idle chatter or talk relating to his day at work and his plans for houses. He never sat in brooding silence, oblivious of her presence, his blue eyes full of worry. His hair was tangled, and the shoulder of his shirt was ripped. He was as dusty as he claimed, but he looked wonderful. She worried about him, though, because it was obvious that something had disturbed him badly.
“How’s the cut on your hand?”
“It’s fine. I had to get rid of the bandage.” He lapsed back into silence.
“Have you had a bad day?” She sat quietly leaning back in her chair. Her helpings were always tiny and she was finished, her plate clean.
He shrugged. “No, just a lot of hard work.”
“Something’s worrying you, and I’m sorry,” she said.
Startled, Dan lowered his glass of milk and stared at her. “What in sweet hell makes you think something is worrying me? I guess I’ve been quiet,” he added, as if answering his own question.
“Whatever it is, I’m sorry,” she said gently. “Is there anything I can do?”
“No, there’s nothing,” he said, smiling at her. “I’m tired and we had problems crop up at work.” He studied her, shocked that she could tell so easily that something was wrong, while Louisa hadn’t had an inkling. “No. I had a long day at work,” he lied.
Her gaze slid away and she flushed. “I’m sorry. Once again, I wasn’t prying,” she replied, realizing it was none of her concern, and she shouldn’t have quizzed him. Perhaps he had had cross words with Louisa or had difficulties in his business. She had gone beyond the bounds of her slight friendship with him by asking personal questions, and she felt hot with embarrassment.
Dan drew a sharp breath, realizing she had taken his answer as a rebuff.
“Mary,” he asked quietly, and she met his gaze. “How did you know something was bothering me?”
“I’m sorry I asked. It wasn’t my place.”
“I’v
e had bad news and I’m worried about it.”
“I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do? Do you need funds?”
“Now I answered your question. You answer mine, because I want to know. How did you know I was worried?”
“There are several reasons,” she answered forth-rightly, realizing it was important to him, but unable to fathom why it would be. “You’re acting differently tonight. You’re eating in silence, your thoughts seem to be elsewhere. You look worried.”
“Ahh, so that’s how,” he said, leaning back to look at her.
“Yes, and I didn’t mean to pry. Would you like some cobbler?”
“Do you need to ask?” he answered.
She stood up to take their dishes. He stood and took them from her hands. “I’ll wait on you tonight,” he said.
“We’ll both do it, and it’ll be faster,” she said. She dished up two bowls of steaming golden apple cobbler and turned around. “Would you like cream on yours?”
He came to her and braced his hands on both sides of her on the counter, standing close and hemming her in. Mary gazed into his eyes as he leaned down slightly toward her. Her heart pounded because he stood so close to her. She pressed back against the counter until she was unable to retreat any farther.
“I want you to understand something.”
“Yes,” she said breathlessly, wanting to tell him to move away, yet embarrassed to say so because she didn’t want him to realize how his presence disturbed her. He did disturb her, though, and she was fully aware of it.
“I’m glad we’re friends and that I had a chance to get to know you,” he said softly, studying her.
“It’s been nice for me too,” she replied. Her nerves were stretched raw by his proximity. As she gazed at him, she wondered if any woman could ever become accustomed to his handsome features or if the women in his life stayed permanently awed by them. A faint blond stubble was beginning to show on his jaw.
“You work too hard, Mary. I want you to take Silas’ money and use it.”
