Teton Romance Trilogy Bundle: Includes Yellowstone Proposal (Short Story)

by Peggy L Henderson

  How the hell was he going to convince her not to strike out on her own again? He couldn’t hold her prisoner, and he wouldn’t be able to stay in the valley more than a few days. He would have to leave again to reach Fort Pierre in time to meet Captain Raynolds and his expedition. While he’d had plenty of time when he left the homestead several weeks ago, if he lingered too long now, he’d be late for his assignment.

  If Tori wanted to leave, there would be nothing he could do to stop her. She was too stubborn to realize that the likelihood of dying at the hands of a Blackfoot warrior was greater than someone from St. Louis discovering her and taking her back to be hanged.

  Lucas still didn’t know the full story as to why she was accused of killing her intended. She’d refused to talk to him again after she stormed off the night before. Why couldn’t she simply trust him? It seemed as if every time she realized she was letting her guard down, she clammed up again.

  He ground his teeth. Just thinking of the man who had managed to win favor with Tori consumed him with jealousy. Had she kissed Timothy with the same innocent passion as she’d kissed him several days ago?

  What the hell was he thinking? Lucas groaned in frustration. Dammit! Tori was a distraction he didn’t need, and couldn’t afford. Hadn’t the last few days been proof of that? He didn’t want a woman in his life.

  You want Tori Williams.

  Since his capture by Black Sparrow, he’d been aware that he was afflicted with the same illness that had consumed his brother, Joseph, when he met Sophie. Something Lucas had sworn adamantly would never happen to him. Heat consumed him each time he’d held Tori in his arms, scalding his body much like the time when a fever had weakened him as a boy. He’d shaken that sickness just fine. Surely there was a cure for what ailed him now.

  With each passing hour he’d spent in Tori’s company, it became clearer to him that his mind and body were ravaged by an illness he didn’t want to name. That’s why he hadn’t been able to think clearly, been making so many careless mistakes, and needed Buffalo Horn to save his and Tori’s hide from freezing to death. Damn. He’d have to ask his brother how to stave off all these crazy feelings swirling around inside him. Joseph’s brain had been addled just as badly, but he seemed to have recovered. He didn’t act like the absent-minded fool he’d been over a year ago when he brought Sophie to the mountains. Not since he’d married her.

  Marriage! Was that the cure for this type of affliction? Lucas gripped the reins tighter, and the gelding tossed his head and balked. He’d sworn he’d never let a woman get to him, but damn if Tori hadn’t worked her way firmly under his skin. How the hell had he let that happen? He couldn’t continue like this, with his mind unfocused. He had a job to do. People were counting on him to lead them safely through the mountains. If he hadn’t managed to keep himself or Tori safe over the last few days, how did he hope to get an entire expedition through hostile Indian Territory when his thoughts were constantly on the girl sitting right behind him?

  Lucas nudged his gelding in the sides to keep the horse moving forward. When had he ever let his guard down enough for someone to steal his clothes? Or be captured by a handful of Blackfoot warriors?

  You have to marry her. It’s the only solution. Tori wouldn’t be the type of woman to keep him tied down in one place. He could easily bring her along when the urge to wander struck him. He shook his head and chuckled.

  “What’s so funny?” Tori asked behind him.

  Lucas’ face sobered. He pointed straight ahead, and cleared his throat. “We’re almost at the homestead.” He couldn’t possibly say what was really on his mind. Not yet.

  “Are you sure it’ll be all right, bringing me here?” Her voice held a note of uncertainty.

  “Why wouldn’t it be all right?” Lucas glanced over his shoulder. Tori stared off into the distance, avoiding eye contact. “My folks’ll be pleased to have you. My pa and your pa go back a long time.”

  She darted a glance his way, and their eyes met. Something close to panic clouded her gaze. Lucas reined the gelding to a stop. He threw his right leg over the horse’s neck and slid to the ground, then grabbed for Tori’s waist. He pulled her from the saddle, and set her on her feet directly in front of him.

  “What are you doing, Lucas?” Annoyance replaced the fear in her voice. She braced her hands against his chest. Lucas smiled. His own hands lingered at her hips, and he leaned forward.

  “I wouldn’t put it past you to run again the first chance you get. My advice to you is, don’t.”

  His words had their desired effect. Anger and defiance brewed in her eyes, and her lips pressed together in a tight line. He’d much rather see her angry than with fear on her pretty face.

  “I already told you that I’m not staying. When will you get it through your thick head that I can take care of myself?”

  “I know you can take care of yourself,” Lucas replied calmly. He couldn’t stop looking into her eyes, which betrayed her words. Under all that tough outer skin, she was a soft and vulnerable female, and she wanted someone to take care of her. Why couldn’t she see that he wanted to protect her? “But that don’t mean that you should have to.”

  Tori dropped her gaze. Lucas lifted her chin with his fingers. “I meant what I said yesterday, Tori. I want to help you clear your name so you can stop running. You’ll come with me when I leave for Fort Pierre in a few days. In the meantime, you can tell me exactly why you’re being accused of murder.”

  Lucas couldn’t tell her yet that he planned to marry her. He still needed to think on it some more, but the idea became oddly appealing with each minute that passed.

  Tori stepped back, her wide-eyed stare filled with renewed panic. Lucas swore under his breath.

  She shook her head. “I’m not going with you. You never said anything about going further than this valley. You lied to me.” Fire blazed in her eyes, and she pulled away from him. Lucas reached for her arm. Dammit. Why the hell was it so difficult to communicate with her? He hadn’t lied to her. The idea to bring her along had just popped into his mind seconds before he spoke it out loud. At least he’d had enough sense not to mention anything yet about getting hitched.

  “I have work waiting for me at Fort Pierre. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for you to clear your name.”

  Tori stared at him. She seemed to be at a loss for words. Indecision passed through her eyes. Her body stood rigid, and Lucas was certain she wanted to bolt and run right here and now.

  “I’m not the enemy, Tori,” he said, his voice low. “I want to help you. I don’t know what I can say or do to make you believe me.”

  She shook her head again. “There’s nothing you can do, other than just leave me be.”

  His eyes narrowed, and he leaned toward her. His voice was hushed, almost reverent. “You snuck into a camp of hostile Indians. You jumped off a frigid waterfall. You survived an entire winter on your own in the high country. What could you possibly be afraid of?” With each word he spoke out loud, reminding himself and her of her bravery and what an incredible woman she was, Lucas’ heart jumped in his chest. He chuckled. “Hell, the Bannock think you’re a spirit.” After a quick pause, he added, “Who are you so afraid of?”

  “Things are different in St. Louis, Lucas,” she said simply. “Out here, in the mountains, I can make my own choice whether I want to die or live.” She raised her chin, and the fire in her eyes that always drew him to her extinguished. “In St. Louis, I was faced with a choice that would have killed me no matter what.”

  “Someday you’re going to tell me exactly what that means,” he whispered and leaned in closer. His hand slid from her arm up to her neck. He cupped her cheek, and lowered his mouth to hers. He’d wanted to kiss her again for the last two days. Instantly, his gut twisted, and heat shot through him. A low rumble escaped his throat.

  Tori stood stiffly, her hands braced against his chest. Lucas moved in closer and wrapped his other arm around her waist, pulling her
up against him. He couldn’t stop now. He had to have more, convince himself, and her, that she hadn’t simply allowed him to kiss her before because she was tired.

  He drew back a fraction of an inch, inhaled a deep breath, then covered her mouth again. His tongue slid along her lower lip while his fingers wrapped around the hair at the back of her head. Slowly, her body relaxed, and she melted against him. Her mouth parted slightly, and she tilted her head, leaning into him. The feel of her hands inching up his chest until her arms wrapped around his neck drove him nearly mad.

  Encouraged, Lucas renewed his tender assault on her lips. His heart pounded in his ears. His chest was about to explode with a sensation that overshadowed anything else he’d ever experienced. Nothing compared to what this woman in his embrace ignited inside him.

  The fever in him threatened to boil over. He couldn’t get close enough to her, couldn’t get Tori close enough to him. His arm wrapped more firmly around her waist, crushing her to him. Her arms around his neck tightened as if she wanted to mold him to her forever.

  Lucas stepped forward in an attempt to bring her even tighter up against him. Tori stumbled back and bumped into the horse’s hindquarters. The gelding side-stepped, sending them both off balance. Lucas gripped her firmly around the waist when her knees buckled. He was as unsteady on his legs as she, but managed to regain his footing.

  Panting, he pulled his head back and stared down at her. She still clung to his neck, even as alarm filled her eyes. It wasn’t the same as the fear he’d seen there before. Instead, this was more a look of wonder, as if she couldn’t believe what had just happened.

  His lips curved upward. His heart still beat wildly in his chest, and he forced his breathing to become steady.

  “I was right the other day,” he rasped. His hand moved from behind her neck to her cheek, his thumb slowly grazing her soft skin and tracing the outline of her jaw.

  “Right about what,” she breathed, her words as wobbly as her legs.

  “You enjoy kissing me.”

  The trance in Tori’s eyes vanished, and her face hardened. She dropped her arms from around his neck.

  “Don’t we need to get somewhere?” Her words were clipped. Lucas still had his arm wrapped around her waist, and she pushed against him.

  He refused to let go. “Admit you enjoyed that,” he challenged. “You can’t deny that there’s something between us, Tori.”

  She glared up at him, and Lucas exercised all his willpower to keep from proving to her again that he meant what he said. There was something between them, dammit, and she was fighting it worse than he’d ever fought the idea of tying himself to a woman.

  “Fine,” she finally said through gritted teeth. “I like it when you kiss me.” Her lips trembled slightly, and she blinked quickly several times. “Now will you let go of me so we can be on our way?” Her voice held an edge of fear.

  Lucas’ eyes roamed her face. How could he get her to admit that she enjoyed more than just his kiss? That she felt what he did?

  “It’s a start, at least,” he said with a smirk on his face. He eased his arm away from her, and Tori stepped out of his embrace.

  “Start of what?” Her voice trembled again.

  “For you to admit that there’s more between us than simply liking my kisses.”

  “I can’t imagine what there could ever be between us, Lucas Walker.”

  She wasn’t a good liar. The slight twitch in the corners of her eyes, and the hitch in her voice betrayed her words.

  He was about to reach for her arm again when the gelding, which had been content to crop at some of the spring grasses, lifted its head and whinnied loudly. Lucas spun around and reached for his rifle in the saddle scabbard. He squinted off into the distance, then relaxed again. A rider approached from the direction of the homestead. Even from this distance, there was no doubt in his mind that it was Joseph. Why was he leading a spare horse?

  Tori shot him a quick wide-eyed look. Lucas grinned.

  “Appears someone saw us.” He nodded toward the approaching rider. “That’s my brother, Joseph.”

  Lucas controlled the urge to pull her into a reassuring embrace. Tori would only balk at the idea, anyway. He grabbed for the gelding’s reins, and stepped out in front of her instead. Moments later, his brother reined his horse to a stop in front of him.

  “Lucas.” Joseph greeted. His eyes darted from him to Tori. “I’m surprised to see you. I thought you’d be at Fort Pierre by now.”

  “Obviously you knew I was coming.” Lucas stepped up alongside Joseph’s horse, extending his arm. His brother reached down and shook his hand.

  “Buffalo Horn sent his nephew, Two Feathers, to us last night. He told Sophie and me to expect you, along with some company.” He nodded to Tori.

  Lucas swore under his breath. It was just like that meddling Bannock to send news of his arrival to his family.

  He cleared his throat, and glanced over his shoulder at Tori. He stepped aside, and reached for her hand, then pulled her up to his side.

  “Meet Vic . . . toria Williams, Jasper Williams’ son.” To Tori, he said, “My brother, Joseph. I think you’ve met him already.”

  Joseph’s eyes widened, and so did his lips. He dismounted his horse, and studied her. Hesitantly, Tori placed her hand in the one he offered.

  “Miss Williams? I, ah . . . we all assumed you were a boy two winters ago when we met you at your cabin.”

  “Long story,” Lucas cut him off. “We’ll tell you when we get to the house.”

  “Two Feathers said you might need another horse.” Joseph eyed his brother through narrowed lids. “I didn’t know how far out I’d have to ride to meet you.”

  “As you can see, I managed to find my own way back to the homestead,” Lucas grumbled. Joseph smirked.

  “Well, lets head home, then.” He re-mounted his horse, and handed the reins to the other horse to Lucas.

  “I’ll ride your gelding. I’ve grown rather fond of him,” Tori said, and snatched the reins to the young horse from Lucas’ hands. She swiftly mounted the animal, and kicked him into a trot. Lucas grinned.

  “We’d better catch up before she hightails it back into the mountains. She’s got my horse and rifle again. Good thing I’m wearing my clothes.” Lucas stepped in the stirrup and swung into the saddle. He shook his head, and glanced at his brother, who studied him intently.

  “I’m dying to hear this story.” Joseph guided his horse alongside Lucas’ new mount. He continued to stare at him. “I never thought I’d see the day when you stood still long enough to notice a woman,” he finally said.

  Damn. It had taken his brother not two seconds to see right through him. Lucas grinned. He might as well be up front. “Who says I’ve been standing still? She’s kept me running through the mountains from the minute I first met her.” He turned his head to meet Joseph’s scrutiny.

  “I’m going to marry that girl.” After that kiss from a moment ago, there was no longer any doubt in his mind, and he wanted everyone to know right away that Tori was going to be his.

  Joseph shot him an incredulous stare. “Does she know that?”

  “Not yet.” Lucas grinned broadly, and nudged his horse into a run.

  Chapter 16

  Tori held the gelding to a slow lope as she guided the animal toward the homestead nestled between tall cottonwoods. The few sparse spring leaves rustled in the late morning breeze. Several outbuildings and barns stood apart from the home, and more trees lined what appeared to be a creek running through the valley. The snow-covered jagged peaks of the Teton Mountains stood as a magnificent backdrop in the distance. Ribbons of orange and golden light streamed between gaps in the clouds that hovered over the tops of the tallest peaks as the early evening sun began to set behind the mountains.

  She swiped a hasty hand across her face to wipe away the moisture on her cheeks. The closer to the buildings she came, the faster her heart pounded in her chest. The urge to point the horse i
n the opposite direction, and ask him to run as fast as his legs would carry them, fought a losing battle with her overwhelming desire to leave behind her months of loneliness in the mountains. Could she leave behind the man who had worked his way into her heart for reasons she didn’t quite understand?

  Tori gritted her teeth. Damn Lucas Walker for making her want and feel things she never thought she’d feel again. Things she had never felt before.

  Thoughts of happier times with her family, and with Timothy had sustained her through the long months she was alone and when she relied only on herself. Fear for her life, if she returned to civilization, had kept her in the mountains despite her isolation.

  As much as she tried to deny it, Lucas Walker ignited thoughts and desires in her that Timothy had failed to produce. Whenever he looked at her with such intense admiration in his eyes, her resolve to shield her heart crumbled a little more. She didn’t have the strength to fight her own body, let alone him, when he held her in his strong arms, and kissed her with such unbridled passion. It was for these very reasons that she had to leave. While they had been on the run from Black Sparrow, it had been easier to hide her feelings from him behind a façade of anger and annoyance.

  What would happen now that they were safe? If Lucas kissed her again? She hadn’t been able to fend him off a few moments ago. She hadn’t wanted to fend him off. The instant his lips had touched hers, she’d crumbled. He’d been completely correct in his assumption that she enjoyed his kisses. Thoughts of his arms around her, of the first time he kissed her after their first escape from Black Sparrow, had haunted her for the last few days despite the dangers they faced. Lucas wasn’t the only one who hadn’t paid close enough attention to their surroundings. She was just as guilty.

  She shook her head. It would do no good to remain here and allow Lucas to wreak more havoc with her heart than he already had. At the first opportunity to leave once they reached the homestead, she would be on her way. If he was leaving to head east, Lucas would not be able to stop her this time. She couldn’t stay with his family, and she certainly couldn’t go to Fort Pierre with him as he had suggested.