Loud snores from the opposite side of the campfire mixed with the sounds of the night. Evelyn squeezed her eyes shut, and the more she wished for sleep to overtake her, the more awake she became. Memories of Alex kissing her, holding her, telling her that he loved her wouldn’t allow her mind any rest. When Laurent grunted and stirred under his blankets, and muffled voices reached her ear, her heart pounded in her chest. Had she lain awake for two hours already? Would Alex come to her now and expect his rights as her husband?
Evelyn bit her lower lip. It’s what you want. You want to be his wife in all ways. She wouldn’t refuse him. She was ready for him this time, unlike the previous night when he’d startled her awake. Her heart raced with anticipation of what was to come. She only hoped that she wouldn’t disappoint him.
The covers behind her lifted slightly, and Evelyn held her breath. She hadn’t even heard Alex approach. Every nerve ending on her skin snapped to awareness of the man who slid under the covers next to her. Perspiration beaded on her forehead, and she wished she wasn’t under the heavy buffalo robe. It had become much too hot all of a sudden.
Evelyn exhaled slowly. She scarcely dared to breathe. Nothing happened. Alex remained immobile a few inches from her. His body heat burned right into her. He rolled to his side, facing away from her, and sudden tears spilled from her eyes. Crying silently, she swallowed her disappointment, and stared into the darkness. As exhausted as she was from the day’s events, sleep would be a long time coming.
Chapter 14
The horses splashed cautiously through the water, picking their way slowly over the abundant rocks that lined the river bottom. Evelyn held tight to the horn of her saddle, keeping her focus on the mountains ahead. She tried to let their beauty sweep away the apprehension in her mind. Laurent had called this the Snake River, and it was the widest body of water they had to cross so far. The uneven, rocky footing gave her cause for alarm, even if the water level wasn’t all that high. All it took was one slip of a hoof, and one of the animals could take a fall.
The majestic mountain range of the Teewinots loomed ever closer. For three days, they had traveled toward the towering snow-capped peaks. Evelyn gazed in amazement at nature’s splendor before her. She was used to seeing mountains, but foothills and lower outlying hills usually preceded the taller ranges. These mountains rose abruptly out of the ground before them, as if some invisible force had lifted them in this location. No wonder the trappers chose to congregate here. It was the perfect landmark to draw men from hundreds of miles away.
Evelyn’s horse took an abrupt misstep, its head bobbing to catch its balance, which launched her forward in the saddle. An involuntary squeal escaped her mouth, and her hands tightened around the saddle horn as if it would prevent the animal from collapsing completely. Recovering its footing, the horse scrambled on. Up ahead of her, Alex’s upper body rotated in the saddle, and he shot a worried glance her way. He halted his mount mid-stream, and his two packhorses came to a stop beside him.
“You all right?” he called.
Evelyn nodded vigorously. Determined to prove herself capable of traveling with the men, she wasn’t about to show her apprehension. Laurent’s horse moved past her, and he offered a smile of encouragement. Yancey guided his own horse awkwardly behind the Frenchman’s set of mules, his upper body hanging stooped-over in the saddle. Evelyn wondered how much longer he could remain in the saddle before he dropped from his horse’s back. Laurent had built a travois for the injured easterner, on which Yancey had ridden since they left the camp where the bear had nearly mauled him to death. Today was the first time he was back in the saddle. Everyone had agreed that a travois could not be pulled through this wide river.
Alex waited for Evelyn’s horse to reach him, then he guided his own mount close to her.
“We’re almost across,” he said, concern etched on his face. “It’s not as far as it looks. I should have stayed beside you.” His eyes roamed her face.
Evelyn glanced up at him briefly, then forced a smile. “I know,” she said, and eased her tight grip on the saddle. “The horse stumbled and it was unexpected. I’m all right.”
Alex reached out and touched her arm, letting his hand slide from her shoulder to her elbow. Evelyn pressed her lips together, and tried to avoid the renewed jolt of adrenaline that rushed through her. This time it had nothing to do with fear of falling from her horse into the frigid water. It was a familiar reaction whenever Alex touched her. A sudden burst of annoyance swept over her, and she nudged her horse in the ribs with her heels, determined to reach the opposite riverbank on her own.
Since his declaration of love, Alex had been nothing but the perfect gentleman. Evelyn imagined that even a properly courting couple back in St. Louis would touch and kiss more than what she and the man who called himself her husband were doing. Every night, he sent her to their common sleeping area, bid her goodnight with a light kiss, and stood watch for hours before waking Laurent or Jasper to take a turn. He’d crawl under their blanket and roll to his side, facing away from her, leaving her to stare into the darkness until sleep finally claimed her.
True, he watched over her like a hawk, and saw to her every need, but he made no move to claim her as his wife in every sense of the word. The few times she caught him far enough away from camp to do more than hold casual conversations, he’d pulled her into his arms and kissed her with such tender restraint, Evelyn thought she would go mad with need. Once, she’d tried to prolong their kiss by wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, and just when she thought he would answer her unspoken request, Alex had pulled away abruptly and declared they needed to return to camp.
Evelyn’s horse finally reached the safety of dry land, and she inhaled a deep breath of relief. Her frustration with Alex grew, however, when he rode past her and resumed his position at the head of the group.
Jasper parted ways with them after crossing a wide open sedge-covered meadow several hours later. He tipped his furry hat at her, then slapped Alex on the back.
“Take good care a that wife a yer’s, Walker,” he said loudly as his parting words, and raised his arm in the air in a departing wave.
“Why does he travel by himself?” Evelyn whispered to Laurent.
“He prefers the solitude, I believe. Some men would much rather be alone than in the company of others.”
Evelyn shot a quick glance at Alex’s back. Was he a man who preferred the solitude? Was she merely a burden to him? He’d already told her that here in the mountains he had no one to answer to. He told her that he loved her, but did he truly want her to be with him?
You have to find a way to make him see you as his wife. Was she bold enough to try seducing her husband? Evelyn absently licked her lips. She didn’t know the first thing about seducing a man. She knew she enjoyed his strong arms around her. His kisses made her go weak in the knees and her heart race in her chest. What did Alex like? It had taken a kidnapping to get him to finally admit that he loved her. What would it take for him to truly see her as a woman? She nudged her horse in the sides to catch up to him. What did she have to lose? If she failed, perhaps nothing would change. If she somehow succeeded . . .
Alex’s head turned her way when she rode up beside him. The corners of his mouth curved in a soft grin, and his eyes roamed her face appreciatively. Evelyn smiled brightly at him, and Alex’s eyebrows rose.
“You seem more at ease now that the river is behind us.” He cleared his throat, and focused his attention straight ahead again. “I didn’t know you were afraid of water.”
Was that a hint of teasing in his tone? Evelyn’s heart sped up. He was usually so reserved and serious. Encouraged, she guided her horse closer to his. Her lower leg brushed up against his, and Alex shot her another quick look, then glanced down at their legs.
“You should know I’m not afraid of water,” she said. She raised her chin and shook some lose strands of hair from her face, and stared straight ahead.
“How would I know
that?”
“Remember the summer you and Henry hung that rope over that big sycamore tree down by Willow Creek? It was a really hot day, and you were both nude from the waist up, and Henry suggested you should remove all your clothing, and . . .” Evelyn glanced to the side at him. Her face flamed. Alex looked straight at her, and the smile vanished from his face. His eyes locked onto hers, and Evelyn thought she might drown in their blue depths. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she laughed.
“You were spying on us?” he asked, his eyes wide.
“No.” She quickly shook her head in denial. “I was . . . ah . . . merely coming to the creek for a drink of water, and I overheard. I left immediately.” Evelyn wished she had a cool glass of water available to her at this very moment. Her attempt at seduction wasn’t going so well.
“Is that why I saw you sitting by the creek in that same spot later that day in only your shift?”
Evelyn’s head snapped to the side. Her mouth fell open. “Alex Walker,” she feigned outrage. “Now who’s the one who was spying? Besides, I know you were watching me.”
Alex grinned broadly, and Evelyn thought her heart would melt. She hadn’t seen such a devilish smile on his face, ever. Abruptly, he leaned over toward her, and his hand reached for the back of her head. He pulled her toward him, and kissed her softly on the mouth. Evelyn stopped breathing. When had the tables been turned on her? She didn’t even have the chance to try her hand at a game of seduction, and Alex had managed to seduce her. Not that he needed to.
“Relax, Evie,” he whispered. “You were, what, twelve years old at the time? Not much to look at . . . I mean, unlike now.” He pulled away from her, averting his eyes. “Ah, hell,” he growled, and kicked his horse into a faster pace.
Evelyn stared after him, her mouth open. Had he just told her she was attractive? His annoying habit of walking away from her was getting . . . well, annoying. “You’re not running away this time,” she said under her breath, and urged her horse forward. Finally, he’d shown her a side of him that wasn’t dark and moody, and she would not allow him to clam up again.
Alex looked surprised when she pulled her horse up alongside him a second time. His forehead wrinkled, and a frown marred his handsome face.
“How much longer until we make camp?” she asked, glancing at the sky. It had to be getting close to early evening. The sun reached far into the western horizon, already casting shadows along the snow-tipped peaks of the mountains.
“See those woods up ahead?” Alex nodded toward the forest. “Nestled amongst the trees, just at the base of the mountains, is a series of small lakes.” He turned to look at her. “It’s where I plan to build my . . . our cabin. We’ll be there within the hour.”
Evelyn stared at him. Our cabin. Her lips parted in a wide smile. “Why didn’t you like--”
A loud thump and a groan interrupted what she was about to say. Alex reined in his horse and twisted his body to look behind him. Evelyn did the same.
“Oh dear God! Yancey,” she called.
Laurent jumped from his horse and ran to where Yancey had fallen from his mount. He groaned again, in obvious pain. Laurent looked up, his eyes darting from Evelyn to Alex.
“He cannot go on today,” Laurent said, concern etched on his face. “He and I will rest here. You and Madame Evelyn go ahead. I know you are eager to reach your destination. I will tend to this greenhorn and catch up with you in the morning.”
Alex dismounted his horse, and knelt beside Yancey. He glanced at Laurent. “Are you sure?”
“We will be fine,” the Frenchman answered. Alex nodded, and squeezed Yancey’s arm. “I was counting on your help to build my cabin before winter,” he said. Evelyn was glad to see Alex smile at the injured man.
“I’ll be good as new in the morning,” Yancey answered weakly, his face glistening with perspiration.
Alex stood, and exchanged a look with Laurent that she couldn’t interpret, then remounted his horse.
“Will they be all right here?” Evelyn glanced around. While there were tall shrubs that could serve as shelter, there was no water that she could see.
“They’ll be fine. Laurent will see Yancey through the night, and they’ll be along in the morning. If we hurry, we’ll get to the lake before dusk.” Without waiting for a reply, he kicked his horse into a fast trot.
****
Evelyn gaped at the crystal clear waters of the narrow lake nestled between tall lodgepole pines. She had to tilt her head back to see the tips of the Teewinots through the dense conifers. They had reached the forest about an hour ago, and Alex led the way along the shores of an azure alpine lake. The rocky banks of the lake were too steep in most areas to get near the water, but Evelyn enjoyed the serene view. Several eagles soared above the water, looking for their next meal.
After riding around nearly half of the lake’s perimeter, Alex guided his horse away from the shore and followed what looked to be a fast-flowing inlet. Heading upstream, the waters became much calmer, and the stream widened into a narrow lake that appeared to be rather shallow. Every rock and every fish was visible beneath the crystal clear water. The snowy mountain peaks and the surrounding trees reflected artistically off the water like a mirror image.
“We’ll set up camp here tonight,” Alex said, halting his horse and pack animals near the sandy shore of the lake. Birds chirped loudly in the tree branches above, and a soft rustling of the breeze completed the peaceful atmosphere.
“This is a beautiful area,” Evelyn said, and waited for Alex to help her off her horse. It suddenly occurred to her that they were completely alone, and her pulse quickened. Alex held her at the waist while she dismounted, the warmth of his hands seeping through her clothing. She turned to face him, and grabbed hold of his upper arms, afraid he would walk away after setting her on the ground.
Alex flinched. Startled, she realized she had touched the area on his arm where the bear had clawed him.
“I should look at those wounds,” she said quickly. “You need a fresh bandage.”
To her surprise, he didn’t argue. “I’ll get camp set up first and the horses taken care of.”
Evelyn nodded. Butterflies churned in her stomach. Would he be distant with her this night like all the others? With no one else to disturb them, this might be her best opportunity to attract his attention.
She rummaged in her leather pouch for a swath of muslin while Alex hobbled the horses and started a fire. She spread out their bedding, and filled the iron kettle with water from the lake. After a simple meal of leftover corn cakes and venison, eaten in awkward silence, Alex headed for the lakeshore. Evelyn remained by the fire, wringing her sweaty palms in her lap. She studied the flickering orange flames that danced upward, envisioning her insides burning up like the fire before her.
“You can see to my wounds now,” Alex called, his voice echoing in the serene stillness. Her head shot up, and she inhaled sharply. He stood at the water’s edge, his back turned to her. When had he removed his shirt? Her mouth suddenly went dry, and she scrambled to her feet. Warmth spread from her insides to her extremities and back, making her limbs tingly and weak. Carefully, she walked toward her husband, her eyes on his broad shoulders, watching the slight play of muscles along either side of his spine.
“I brought a fresh bandage,” she managed to whisper when she reached his side. He turned slightly toward her. Evelyn forced her eyes upward, past his lean and sculpted torso and chest. A smoldering look greeted her, more heated than the fire blazing at their camp. Her heart leapt up into her throat and pounded in her ears. Alex had once again managed to turn the tables on her. How could she possibly attempt to seduce her husband when he stared at her with such intensity? Was it even necessary to try?
With trembling hands, she reached for the bandage on Alex’s arm and fumbled with the knot. His jaw clenched tight, and the rock hard muscles on his arm tensed. Evelyn’s fingers wouldn’t cooperate. She would need a knife to slice through the bandage
in order to remove it.
To avoid his burning stare, she concentrated on his arm. With a will of their own, her fingers slid up past the bandage, up along his shoulder, and across his chest. A slight shudder passed through Alex, and his chest heaved. Emboldened by his reaction, Evelyn stepped closer, and placed her other palm in the middle of his upper body. His masculine scent penetrated her senses, and a renewed longing lodged itself firmly in her lower abdomen. His chest moved in faster succession beneath her palms, and she ran the tips of her fingers along the smooth contours of his skin.
“Evie,” Alex rasped, and his hands clamped around her waist. He clutched her hips and drew her up against him. The breath left her lungs, and she dared to look up and seek out his eyes. The hunger expressed there was unmistakable, and Evelyn’s knees went weak.
“Please kiss me, Alex,” she whispered, and leaned up toward him. Her hands gripped at his shoulders. His response to her request was immediate. Like a starved man, his mouth descended on hers. One hand reached up and cupped the back of her head, drawing her closer. Evelyn wrapped her arms around his neck, and moaned as pleasure so intense she thought she might faint rushed through her. Alex wrapped his other arm around her waist, pressing her tightly to him. His lips slanted across hers, then left her mouth to trail hot kisses along her jaw and neck. He nuzzled the sensitive spot behind her ear, and Evelyn gasped as a new wave of intense heat flushed through her. She raked her fingers through his hair and clung to him as if her life depended on it. His mouth returned to cover hers again, and she parted her lips in response.
Without breaking the kiss, Alex scooped his arm behind her knees and lifted her to his chest. He left the shore of the lake and carried her up the embankment toward their camp. Evelyn’s head spun dizzily. She was no longer aware of what direction they were headed. The only thing that mattered, the only thing her body and senses were in tune with was the man holding her, kissing her. Anticipation raced through her, and she wrapped her arms more firmly around his neck.
Teton Romance Trilogy Bundle: Includes Yellowstone Proposal (Short Story) Page 14
