by Paty Jager
His body shuddered, and he moaned against her shoulder. She felt the surge of him as he spilled, again.
She took the weight of him and sank into the mattress as her spent body reveled in the aftershocks.
“Ye did well for yer first time,” she whispered, kissing his cheek and rubbing his wide, solid back. If only he could spend the night, she could discover all the muscles on his great body.
“It wasn’t my first time with a woman, but it was my first time with a woman I cared about.” His words warmed and sent off warnings as he gathered her close and turned to his side.
“’Tis only fun we are havin’. Do no’ think because o’ this we are gettin’ married.” She tried to pull out of his embrace, but he held on, fondling her breast and kissing her neck.
“I have no plans to marry. I’ve told you that. But I don’t see why I can’t have some feelings for the woman I seduce.”
She turned to peer at his face in the darkness. It was dark, but she had to try and see if he told the truth. “’Tis the truth ye are sayin’?” She felt his face with her hands, trying to decipher if he only spoke the words she wanted to hear.
“I have a large family to care for. You plan to leave when you’ve accumulated enough money. For us to think this could go anywhere other than what we just enjoyed is foolish.” His words sounded genuine, yet they settled in her stomach like week old haggis.
“Ah hope ye are sure about this. Ah’d hate to see ye suffer from layin’ with me.” She touched his lips with her thumbs as her fingers smoothed the wrinkles at the edges of his eyes.
“If you’re willing to agree to this kind of an arrangement, I don’t see how I could suffer.” His lips touched hers as he kissed her long and lingering. He raised his head.
“As much as I’d like to taste and explore more of you. I’d better get home. I told Colin I was only staying to talk with you. I don’t think he believed me, but I don’t want to get him against me.”
Aileen stiffened in his arms at the mention of her son. She held something back about the boy. And it had to do with his temper.
Ethan eased off the bed. He’d made light of the time they’d just spent together, even though he didn’t want to leave—ever.
Aileen started to follow. “Stay tucked in warm. I’ll stoke the stove on my way out.” As he groped around on the floor for his clothes, a spark snapped and the lantern soon burned low.
Aileen stood beside the bed, in nothing but the angel-kissed skin she wore into the world. The next time they made love, he wanted to do it with the light on. He wanted to watch the emotions play on her face.
Gathering her in his arms, he marveled at the ecstasy of flesh meeting flesh. Her skin ignited his in a way he’d not known till now. He bent and was rewarded with her up-turned face and lips he’d tasted thoroughly earlier.
He couldn’t get enough of her. His body responded like a randy school boy—awkward and needy. One hand cupped her bottom, pulling her tighter as his leg slid between hers. She rubbed her center against him. He raised his head and looked into her love-hazed eyes.
One for the road. He laid her back across the bed and entered as she rested her legs on his shoulders. Their fingers entwined as he watched a smile curve her lips and her eyes flutter closed. He thrust and she took all of him. Her ample breasts bobbed with each entry. Her head thrashed back and forth and her hands clutched his. She quivered and hissed a satisfied, “Aye.”
Her body went lax, and her eyes slowly opened. She licked her lips, and he thrust one last time, growling her name and collapsing across her on the bed.
“Ye have done well for no’ using that thin’ much.” She laughed her entrancing laugh and hugged his face to her breasts.
“I didn’t know I could perform that well, myself.”
Her chest vibrated under him. She slapped his backside. “Be off with ye or ye’ll never get gone.”
His muscles were loose. He’d not experienced this relaxed state before. Using the light of the lantern, he retrieved all his clothes and dressed under her watchful eye. Hat in hand, he leaned down and kissed her.
“Let’s make this a habit,” he said, drawing back and standing before her.
“Let’s no’ and it will be all the better when we do.” Her coy answer wasn’t what he’d hoped for, but she wasn’t saying it would never happen again.
She sat straight up in bed, not bothering to cover her breasts. He stared at the large, dark circles that encompassed her tantalizing nipples. Nipples he couldn’t wait to sample again.
“Ye cannae be grabbin’ at me durin’ the day with people around.” Her stern tone drew his thoughts from her provocative position to her face.
“I’ll not act like a liquored up cowboy if that’s what you’re getting at.” He grinned. “However, if I can corner you by yourself, I don’t see any reason I can’t steal a kiss.”
“We’ll see about that.” So she was back to sparring was she?
“I’ll be here first thing in the morning. We need to go over the applications.” He smiled when she sent him a questioning look.
“We? Ah thought it was to be ye and yer brothers who made the decision?” She picked at the flowered cover.
“I want your thoughts first, then I’ll go defend our choices with them.”
Her eyes sparkled, and her plump, rosy lips opened to reveal even teeth as the significance of the smile staggered him.
“Thank ye.”
“For what?”
“For takin’ my thoughts.” She slipped out of bed and crossed the room. Standing on her tiptoes, stretching her body, she placed a chaste kiss on his lips. “It means a lot.”
He wanted to drag her into his arms and curl up in the bed with her, but instead he spun her around and smacked her backside. “Hop into bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”
He pulled the chair from the door, slid his arms in the sleeves of his coat and left. Walking softly past the bedrooms, he looked toward Colin’s door before entering the main room.
The stove door squeaked when he opened it. He glanced over his shoulder. When no one came to see about the noise, he shoved in wood until the door barely shut. It would be cold in the morning, and he wanted enough coals to make starting the fire easier.
Outside, he climbed onto the wagon and headed the team home with his horse still tied to the back. He pulled gloves out of his coat pocket and hunkered down into his jacket, hiding from the cold night air. Before long snow would be falling if he judged the weather right.
They’d been lucky to get the stamp mill finished and nearly all the tracks from the surrounding mines operational. He’d kept his promise and finished the project before winter. Hank and Clay worked just as hard as him and deserved a break. When they made their first week’s profit he’d split it between the two of them and send them off to have some fun.
He’d also have to thank Hank for staying with Colin while he collected Aileen and Shayla from town. If he was lucky, Hank probably gave up on him showing. But he’d no doubt drill him with questions in the morning—a morning that would come within hours from the position of the moon.
His sated body slumped with fatigue. But it was a welcome exhaustion, one he’d been working himself to the bone to achieve. Reliving the intimacies he’d just experienced with Aileen, his chest ached with contentment.
The two times he’d lain with a prostitute he’d never thought of her or the event afterwards. Every detail of his coupling with Aileen was etched in his mind.
He’d experienced more than lust. He’d become a part of her and wanted to continue that intimacy—that bond. Even though he made light of what they did and told her he didn’t want to marry, if he were to marry—it could be to no one but her.
The thought of her leaving dampened his spirits as he pulled in front of the barn and climbed out of the wagon. Before he could sink into his bed the horses had to be unhitched, put in the corral, and fed.
When the animals were cared for, he wandered t
o the cabin and found the lantern sitting on the table turned low. He hung up his hat and coat. As he lower his tired body to the cot, Hank sat up.
“Good thing I didn’t wait for you.” The sarcasm in his voice didn’t escape Ethan.
“Can we talk about this in the morning?” He sat on the cot and wished he were sliding into bed with Aileen and not sharing a cabin with his brothers.
Chapter 25
“It is morning.” Hank reclined back on the bed.
“Not morning enough.” Ethan unlaced his boots, pulling them and his socks off. Undressing himself was disappointing after Aileen disrobed him.
“You should have thought about that before you spent half the night in that woman’s bed.”
“She’s not that woman. Her name is Aileen, and she deserves just as much respect as any other woman in these parts.” Ethan stood to step out of his pants and turned to his brother. “And if she’s so bad you didn’t have to hang out with her son as long as you did.”
“She makes good cookies and there’s something eating that boy.” Hank sat up. “Something, I’m not sure anyone is going to be able to corral.”
“Yeah, I’ve noticed. That’s why I had you stay with him.” Ethan thought about the man he’d seen on horseback not far from the stamp mill. He tossed his pants and shirt to the end of his bed. “Let’s talk in the daylight. I need sleep.” He crawled into bed and barely registered his brother’s voice as he drifted off to sleep.
****
Aileen hummed as she made the morning meal. She’d known Ethan would be giving in his love making. For as pig-headed as he was in other areas, he’d been willing to listen to her and to take initiative when he wanted something. Aye, she’d not go without her needs being fulfilled as long as she remained here.
That thought sobered her. He loved Shayla, worked at healing her laddie, and had an appetite for her. How was she to leave him when they were ready to head back to Ireland? It would be hard to find another who fit their family so well.
“Ethan stayed a long time last night,” Colin said, entering the kitchen.
She’d feared this moment since waking. Yet, she still wasn’t prepared for the anger in his young eyes.
“That he did. We were enjoyin’ each other’s company and lost track o’ the time.” She wouldn’t deny Ethan stayed. Her boy was too smart.
“Did he do anything to hurt you?” His eyes glinted like steel. Yet the wistfulness in his voice gave her hope he wanted her to find happiness.
“Nae, he dinnae harm me. He only made me feel bonnie.” She smiled, thinking of the strength and gentleness the man conveyed.
“Are you going to marry him?” The undertone of suspicion didn’t surprise her.
“Nae, Ethan and ah are friends. He’s no’ lookin’ for a wife and ah’m no’ lookin’ for a husband.” She ruffled his hair. “We both know how my last marriage went. Ah’ll no’ be tied to a man and no’ be able to get away.”
Colin nodded his head. “Good.” He picked up his spoon and dug into the bowl of porridge in front of him.
Shayla skipped into the kitchen. “Momma, my tummy is talkin’.”
“And what is yer tummy sayin’?”
“It wants ta eat.” Shayla giggled and sat at the table.
“Then ah best get yer tummy some porridge.” She turned to the stove and dished up a bowl.
A rap on the back door echoed across the room as she set the bowl in front of Shayla. Her lassie slid off her chair and skipped to the door.
“Happy Man!” she exclaimed and tugged the door wide open.
Aileen turned from the man holding her daughter and smiling at her with satisfaction warming his eyes. She placed a hand on her fluttering stomach. After the night they spent, she believed he’d make a late appearance this morning, yet here he was with the sun barely peeking over the treetops.
“Morning, Shayla. Colin.” His deep voice warmed the room.
“Coffee?” She looked into his eyes and saw his nerves crackled as well.
“Please.” He placed Shayla in her chair and crossed the room. His fingers skimmed hers when she handed him the cup.
The charge from the touch drew her gaze to his. His eyes masked nothing. The dark windows to his emotions revealed he’d lied to her about his intentions. His eyes weren’t filled with desire this morning, they were filled with contentment and—She looked away. Nae, he couldn’t do that to her.
“Hank and Clay will be here in an hour to look over the applications. We need to talk about them.” Ethan had wanted to get her alone, now it was to question her on more than the applications. Fear had flashed in Aileen’s eyes before she turned her head. When he’d first arrived, her face had lit up. What scared her? Something he did last night? But why would she greet him with warmth then show fear?
She nodded and untied her apron, leaving the kitchen by the door leading into the main room. He followed her, uncertain what to do or say.
He stepped in front of her before she entered the office. Her eyes flickered with irritation before she lowered her lashes, concealing her emotions. Cupping her chin, he raised her face and placed a kissed on her set lips.
“I don’t know what I did to scare you this morning, but you should know by now, I’ll never hurt you.”
Her eyelids opened. Desire darkened her eyes. “Ah know ye would no’ hurt me person.”
“But?” Her words were confusing.
“In here,” she touched her chest, “Ah fear for us both.”
“I don’t—”
“Ethan, you here?” Clay called from the office.
“You’re early. Hold on.” He wasn’t ready to confront his brothers with the applications until he and Aileen had gone over her concerns. Her comment hit him like an unexpected blow to the head.
“We need to discuss the applications now, and this,” he motioned between them, “later.” He grasped her elbow and opened the door into the office. Hank and Clay were shuffling through the papers on the counter.
“Why’s there a little mark on the corner of some of these?” Clay held up three papers.
“Those men aren’t to be considered.” Ethan took the pages from his brother without looking at the names. Aileen stepped closer to him. Her way of showing her gratitude with people present.
“What do you mean? Harley is a hard worker.” Clay stared at him like he’d just spouted a profanity.
“They aren’t to be considered. Who’s left?” Ethan took the papers and noted the Irishman’s application had a corner torn. When he lifted it out of the pile, Aileen stiffened beside him.
“I’d say with tossing half the applications out without our consent we’re down to what you have in your hand.” Hank leaned over the counter to read the names.
Clay poked a finger at the Irishman’s application. “That one for sure. He knows a lot about the recovery process and can teach us.”
Ethan had to agree, but he could tell Aileen wanted to say something.
“Ah dinnae want that man around.” She stared at his brothers, then turned her angry eyes on him.
“Lady, this is one time you aren’t going to use your wiles on my brother.” Clay slapped his hands on the counter and stared back at her.
“She hasn’t used her wiles on me for anything.” Ethan put his arm around Aileen’s shoulders as she started to lean over the counter toward Clay.
He turned her to face him. “I know this man is no good. I’ve felt it. Seen it. But he does have knowledge we need.” She started to pull out of his grasp. “No, don’t run or get all riled up.” He tucked her against his side so she couldn’t run away. “We’ll hire him for two weeks. That’s it. While he’s here, you,” he pointed to Clay, “are to keep him in your sights and learn everything you can about the recovery process from him.” He squeezed Aileen’s side. “And he’s not to come near this building or Aileen or the children.” He glared at his brother. “Is that clear?”
Clay’s eyes blazed with anger. His jaw clench
ed and his hands fisted on the counter. “I don’t understand why you let this woman dictate how we run our business.”
“She isn’t dictating anything. I am.” Ethan withdrew his arm from around Aileen, pushed her behind him, and leaned over the counter. “My responsibility is to my family and to the people who have made this business a reality. Aileen and her children have as much at stake here as we do.” He glanced at Hank, who had his gaze on the woman behind him.
“Learn what you can from Healy then cut him loose. He lies and he sneaks around. I’ll not have him here any longer than we need him.” Ethan handed the remaining applications to Hank. “Hire these men.”
Without another glance at his brothers, Ethan took Aileen by the elbow, escorting her back into the living quarters.
She rounded on him as soon as the door shut behind them.
“Ah dinnae want that man here.”
“I know, but he does have knowledge we need to make this business work. He’ll only be here two weeks. And if he so much as looks this direction, I’ll take care of him.” He cupped her cheek and smoothed his thumb across the worry lines beside her eye. “I won’t let anything happen to you or the children.”
Desire lit her pale eyes before she shielded them with her eyelashes.
“Ye won’t always be around to keep us safe.” The sorrow in her voice tugged at his heart.
“I’ll always be here for you.”
“Aye, here.”
She could have slugged him in the gut her words hit so hard. “We’ll deal with that when it comes.” Even as he said it, he didn’t believe he would be able to let her go. Not now that she’d shown him contentment in a woman’s arms.
Shayla wandered out of the kitchen. “Momma, I’m lonely.”
“Where’s yer brother?” Aileen used the diversion to put distance between she and Ethan. The man had a way of crumbling her defenses by a touch and even a look.
