by Bobbi Smith
Jack's mood was confident when he returned to the Half-Moon late that afternoon. His deal with Edmund had made him feel powerful. For the first time since he'd returned, he felt like the man in charge, and it felt good.
Jack was drunk when he dismounted in front of the house. He stood there looking around for a moment, taking pride in what he owned. Bottle in hand, he went inside and stashed the whiskey in his room. Since it was so quiet in the house, he figured Abby and Brent were both out working. He was surprised when he returned to the living room and came face-to-face with Abby.
"I was worried about you," Abby told him.
"You shouldn't have been."
When he spoke, her expression darkened. "You've been drinking again."
"Whether -I had a few drinks or not is none of your business, little girl," he said. "Where's your brother?"
"Gone." Her tone was flat, displaying little emotion.
"Well, go get him. I've got something I want to tell him," he said arrogantly.
"Brent moved out. If you want him, you'll have to go get him yourself. He's living down at the cabin." She started to walk away, but her father's next words stopped her.
"Don't walk away from me! I'm your father."
She turned and glared at him. She wished he had been the one who'd left. "Brent has been like a father to me for the last ten years, and now you've driven him away."
"Driven him away? What are you talking about?"
Abby went on, "After his fight with you this morning, he packed up his things and moved out. He's going to live in the cabin down at the creek."
"Let him move out. Who cares what he does?" Jack couldn't decide if he was glad Brent was gone or angry because he'd dared to leave.
Abby looked at him coldly. "I care."
You can think what you want, little girl," he replied snidely. "But I've got big plans. You'll see."
Abby had had enough. There were horses to groom and work to do. It wasn't going to get done if she stayed there listening to her father's boasting. She walked out of the house.
Crystal completed her final performance on Friday night and left the stage to mingle with the customers. Outwardly she was smiling and friendly, yet deep within, she was filled with disappointment.
Once again, Brent had not shown up. He hadn't come to see her all week.
Crystal greeted the men by name now as she circulated around the room, flirting outrageously with them, as was her trademark. They responded eagerly to her warmth.
"You're doing a good job, Ruby," Ken told her when she came to the bar for her sarsaparilla. "I'm glad I hired you."
"Thanks, Ken." Crystal managed to smile at him, but her heart wasn't in it.
She looked around the crowded saloon and wondered how she could be with so many people and still feel alone.
She wasn't sure she liked caring so much for Brent.
Late Saturday night Crystal spotted Brent entering the Lone Star during her performance. Her heart lightened and her spirits soared. Her fears of the night before disappeared. Brent had come back to her! That was all that mattered.
Brent went to stand at the bar, but he didn't take his eyes off Crystal as she sang for her audience. The Lone Star was as crowded as the Six Gun had been that first night they'd met, and he knew the men were there to hear her.
"What'll it be?" Ken asked as he came to wait on him. "You want a beer?"
"Sure," Brent answered. "And give me a sarsaparilla, too."
"Coming right up." He quickly brought the drinks and Brent paid him. "Did your pa come with you tonight?"
"No. Why?"
"He was in the other day, and I was just wondering if he bought the property."
"What property?" Brent was suddenly wary.
"Looks like he didn't buy it if you don't know about it. Edmund Montgomery came in while your pa was here, and they started talking about improving your ranch. Edmund mentioned buying some land before they went off together. Your pa didn't come back, so I didn't hear any more. It probably was nothing. Your pa was drinking pretty heavily that day."
"We haven't bought any more property," Brent stated firmly, but he felt uneasy. The first chance he got, he was going to ask his father about it. For right now, though, he had only one thing on his mind-and that was enjoying an evening with Crystal.
"I guess they were just talking then." Ken looked back up at the stage and Ruby. "Well, enjoy the show."
"There's no doubt about that. She sure puts on a good show."
"Yes, she does," the bartender agreed.
Crystal was singing even more enthusiastically now that Brent was there, watching her from where he stood at the bar. The rest of her performance seemed to take forever, but finally she finished her last song and left the stage. It took her a few minutes to work her way through the crowd of admirers to where Brent awaited her.
"You came," Crystal said breathlessly. She wanted to kiss him right there in front of everybody, but she knew she couldn't. Any kiss she gave Brent would not be an "Andy" kiss.
"You knew I would." He handed her the sarsaparilla he had ordered for her.
"Thank you. I missed you." She looked up at Brent, feasting her eyes upon him, ashamed, now, that she'd ever doubted him.
"A lot happened this week-there was no time to leave the Half-Moon. But what about tomorrow? Can you get away? I'd like to take you out to the ranch again. There's something I want to show you," Brent said as they went to sit at a table where they could talk for a while.
"I'd love to. Are your father and Abby with you? Did they come into town, too?" Crystal was looking forward to seeing them again.
"No. I made the trip alone. You're the only reason I'm here."
Their gazes met and locked, and they shared a look of longing and remembrance.
Brent wanted to tell Crystal about moving into the cabin, but he decided to just wait and show her. He stayed on at the Lone Star until she got off work and then escorted her to the boardinghouse. They made arrangements to leave bright and early for the ranch, for they wanted to have as much time together as they could manage.
Anne was home this evening, so Brent did not go inside. He stole only one quick kiss before bidding Crystal a reluctant good-night.
Crystal's mood was light as she quietly went up to her room and got ready for bed. Any doubts she'd had were gone.
Brent had come to her.
She slept deeply that night, her dreams sweet.
Brent returned to his hotel room and bedded down. He was eager for the new day to come. He wanted only to spend time with Crystal. Morning couldn't arrive fast enough to suit him.
Brent awoke at dawn as he usually did, but he knew it was too early to pick Crystal up. He lay in bed and tried to relax and bide his time, but his overactive imagination would not rest. He pictured himself arriving at the boardinghouse early, only to discover that Crystal was still asleep and he would have to go up to her bedroom and awaken her. Memories of the last time he had been in her bedroom returned, and Brent was driven from his own bed. He busied himself packing up and getting ready for the trek back to the ranch.
Crystal woke early and dressed in the clothes Abby had given her. She was ready for her excursion to the Half-Moon. When Brent drove up in the buckboard, she had been watching from the parlor window and hurried out to meet him.
"Good morning," Crystal said with a smile as he helped her up to sit beside him.
"Yes, it is a good morning-now that you're here with me."
"You are a charmer, Brent Hunter."
"I only tell the truth, ma'am," he drawled.
Brent urged the team on, and they rode for the ranch. The miles passed quickly as they enjoyed each other's company.
"Where are we going?" Crystal asked when he didn't follow the main road that led to the house.
"There's something I want to show you."
"What?" She was curious.
"You'll see."
Brent said no more until they reached the stream
and she could see the cabin in the distance.
"I've been working on it all week. What do you think?" he asked as they drove up and stopped out front.
"It looks wonderful, but why did you fix it up?" She jumped down by herself and went to take a look around.
"This is my new home."
"You're living here now? But why?"
"I decided it was time I moved out on my own."
Crystal went up the newly repaired steps and crossed the porch to let herself in. She was delightfully surprised when she stepped inside.
"So this is why you were so busy all week," Crystal said as he joined her there.
"It took some work, that's for sure."
"You did a good job. I wouldn't have guessed that it would turn out so well."
The main room was spotlessly clean. It was dominated by a kitchen table and two chairs. She cast a quick glance into the bedroom and saw his bed and a trunk in there. He had even hung some plain sheets at the windows for curtains.
"It is clean-and the roof had better not leak." Brent grinned. "It wasn't easy getting it ready. Hank and Curly worked with me the first day on the major repairs, and I've done the rest. I know it could still use a woman's touch, though."
Crystal would have loved nothing more than to be the woman giving him the "woman's touch" he wanted, but that was a dream she knew would never come true for her. The lightness of her mood fled as she mentally struggled to suppress thoughts of her past.
Brent saw the change in her and was sorry he'd even mentioned it. He hadn't wanted to put any pressure on her. He wanted to enjoy their time together.
"What about Abby? She could help you, couldn't she?" Crystal asked.
"The `woman's touch' I was wanting isn't the kind my sister could give me," he said in a lower, seductive voice.
"It isn't?" She looked up at him and saw the glimmer of intent in his eyes. When Brent looked at her that way, her heartbeat quickened, and it was easy for her to forget everything but the joy she would ultimately find in his arms. She smiled invitingly in return. "Then what kind of `woman's touch' were you hoping for?"
He needed no further invitation to take her in his arms. He'd been thinking about this moment all week as he'd worked on the cabin. He didn't want to wait any longer.
"Any kind of touch you want to give me," Brent said in a low voice just as his lips claimed hers.
The past seven days had seemed an eternity to Crystal as she'd waited in vain each night for Brent to come to her. But now they were finally together again.
It didn't matter that it was broad daylight outside. Being in his embrace was heaven.
With eager hands they stripped away their clothes and came together in a blaze of glory. Fiery kisses and searing caresses flamed the heat of their passion. A fever burned within him at her womanly touch.
They found their way to the bed and lay together on its feather mattress.
Crystal held Brent close and thrilled to the touch of his hard body against her. She caressed him daringly, sliding her hands over his broad shoulders and down his back. She found she loved to touch himhe was so solid, so strong.
Brent responded to her caress, his need for her growing more and more powerful. His mouth claimed hers in a demanding kiss that left them both breathless and hungry for more. He pressed hungry kisses to her throat and then lower....
Crystal gasped at his intimate touch and arched beneath him. She was desperate to be even closer to him.
Brent moved over her and made her his.
They came together, two becoming one. A rapturous blending of male and female. A perfect union.
And then he began his rhythm.
It was a sensuous waltz that took them higher and higher. Passion lifted them. Ecstasy awaited them.
And they reached it together-the peak of bliss.
Heart-stopping excitement coursed through them. They held tightly to each other, finding the perfection that is love.
Brent shifted onto his side, keeping Crystal cradled against him. He wanted to stay as they were forever-their bodies joined, their limbs entwined, their hearts beating as one.
He kissed her, gently this time, adoringly. She gave a soft sigh of contentment.
"Was that the `womanly touch' you had in mind?" Crystal teased easily.
"That was exactly what I had in mind," he answered with a low chuckle.
His lips sought hers in a tender exchange.
"I think I need a `manly touch.' What do you think?" Crystal asked with a slow, enticing smile.
Brent didn't bother to answer; he just obliged.
Melinda was pouting. She didn't know why she'd been hoping Brent would be in town for church again this Sunday, but she was. She'd worn her best Sunday dress and taken extra care with her hair, just for him. And he hadn't come to church, and neither had any of his family. She was frustrated as she returned home with her parents.
Melinda was pretending to be fine, but deep inside she was upset. How was she ever going to get Brent to marry her if she never got to see him?
Melinda decided it was time she took matters into her own hands. If Brent Hunter didn't come to her, she would go to Brent Hunter.
It was a bold and daring move, and more than a little outrageous, but Melinda didn't care. When she made up her mind to get something, she got it. And she had made up her mind that she wanted Brent.
Melinda knew her parents had been invited out that afternoon, so it was the perfect opportunity for her to sneak off and find Brent. She saddled her horse and rode for the Half-Moon, excited about seeing him again. Though it was true that he had spent last Sunday with the slut from the saloon, this week it was her turn to see him.
Mrs. Brent Hunter. Melinda sighed to herself. She liked the sound of that. Now if she could only convince him.
Had she been less determined, she might have felt a bit nervous about making such a long ride on her own, but she had no time to waste worrying. She was after Brent. Nothing else mattered.
Jack saw the lone rider coming toward the house.
"Abby? You expecting some company?" he called out to her.
"No, Papa. Why?"
"There's someone riding in," Jack told her.
Abby had been in her room, at his call she came out. "Who is it?"
"It looks like that girl from town-that Melinda-and she's till by herself."
Abby went outside with him to welcome her.
"Melinda," Abby said as the other woman reined in and dismounted.
"Hello, Abby, Mr. Hunter."
"This is a surprise," Abby said.
"I know; I planned it that way. I wanted to surprise Brent. Can you get him for me?"
"Brent's not here," Jack offered.
"Oh." Melinda's disappointment was obvious. "Well, I can wait. Will he be back soon?"
"Brent doesn't live here with us anymore," he said bluntly.
"I didn't know," she said, shocked and suddenly worried that the man of her dreams was gone. "Where is he? He hasn't left the area, has he?"
"No," Jack answered, although there were times when he wished Brent were gone. "He just moved down to the old cabin by the creek. You can find him there."
"Could one of you show me how to get there?" Melinda asked. She had no idea where the cabin was and wasn't about to return home after riding all this way without seeing Brent.
"Abby, take her out to the cabin," Jack ordered.
Abby didn't really want to see Brent. She was still angry with him for moving out, but Papa had put her on the spot.
"Give me a minute to get my horse," she told Melinda. Her thoughts were not pretty as she went out to the stable to saddle up Moon Racer. The only thing that made her smile was the prospect of surprising Brent with Melinda. It was going to be interesting to see his reaction to her unexpected visit.
The day was passing blissfully for Brent and Crystal. In their own way, they had each chosen to live for the moment, and each moment they had together was paradise.
When Brent was with Crystal, he allowed himself no worries about his father or the work around the ranch. He allowed himself to relax and enjoy her company. Crystal, too, put from her any thoughts that might ruin her time with Brent. She took what pleasure she could, while she could.
With their passion for each other momentarily sated, they dressed and left the haven that was Brent's bedroom.
"Want to go for a ride? I brought Honey here for you.
"Oh, good, I'd like that." She was fond of the horse and eager to ride her again.
They left the house to saddle their horses and rode off to enjoy the peace and beauty of the countryside. They followed the stream for a few miles to a place where it formed a small pool. Crystal convinced Brent to go wading with her. She didn't splash him this time, but he still started to chase her.
This time Crystal did not run from him. This time Crystal ran to him.
Brent swept her up and carried her to the bank and laid her upon the soft grass.
"I told you wading was fun," she said, drawing him down for a provocative kiss.
Brent was tempted to take her again, right then and there. The heat of her kiss told him without words that she was ready and willing, but he held himself under restraint.
"We'd better go," he told her, standing up and moving away from her.
"Why?" Crystal asked softly. "I thought this was our day to do whatever we wanted to do."
"It is," he answered, trying to deny the passion he was feeling.
"Well, there's something I want to do." Her words were an enticement.
"What?" he asked, his voice gruff as he struggled to control his desires.
"I want to make love to you again," Crystal told him as she smiled up at him invitingly. She was feeling terribly brazen, but right then it didn't matter. All that mattered was being back in Brent's arms.
Brent had always considered himself a man of iron self-control. During the years he'd spent building up the Half-Moon and paying off its debts, he hadn't given a thought to his own pleasures. He'd cared only about providing for his family and taking care of business. And right now he knew he should deny his need to make love to Crystal, but his desire for her overruled all logic.
