Harder Than the Rest

by Shirleen Davies

  He did not want to get on too-friendly-terms with this woman, but her frustration and exhaustion were apparent and he just didn’t have it in him to fight her on this one, small point. “If you’re sure, Amanda, but you have to call me Will.” He dropped down next to her and let his eyes wander over the still-very-pretty but tired features. He was sure he knew the cause. “If it makes you feel better, I didn’t sleep last night either.”

  Her eyes snapped up to his. “I didn’t say I didn’t sleep…”

  “Amanda, we both know what happened last night, and I doubt either of us slept much.” He held up his hand at her confused expression. “You’re a beautiful woman, and any man would want to have you. Seeing you last night, well, let’s just say you were a vision I had a hard time getting out of my head.”

  “Oh, I see. At least I think I do.” She smiled up at him. It was the same smile which first hooked him the day he helped pull the heifer from the mud, and the same smile she threw over her shoulder when she told him good morning. It was like the sun, pouring heat through his body and warming his blood.

  Their eyes locked and held. Both tried to hold their ground, but neither could counter the attraction they felt. Almost too slow to notice, they leaned into each other and their lips touched. Soft strokes at first, a leisurely brushing of lips, then more pressure. Will trailed his tongue across her lower lip, coaxing her to open for him. When she did, he reached around and pulled her closer, learning the taste of her, the feel of her pressed against him.

  The kiss seemed to go on and on. She’d never been kissed like this before. Her head spun, her senses were in shambles. Her hands moved up his arms to rest on his shoulders. He took control of the kiss only for a minute before she captured his tongue between her lips. The action caused Will to pull her even tighter and deepen the kiss. His hands moved up and down her back, creating heat that radiated through her body.

  She let her body mold further to his as her hands crept from his shoulders to encircle his neck. His solid chest felt wonderful against the soft mounds of her breasts, and for the first time in her life she wished she knew how to make love to a man, to this man.

  Will couldn’t believe what was happening to him. He’d been with other women since Emily, but all had been paid for. They’d served a need. Not one had been a woman he could ever feel anything for, which is how he liked it. No ties, no emotions. But Amanda, he felt things for her he thought he’d never feel again, thought he’d never want to feel again, and certainly didn’t want to feel now.

  He needed space, to stop whatever was happening between them before she got the idea he’d stay and be here for her. Will knew that wouldn’t happen. He ended the kiss and pulled free, looking down into her passion glazed eyes and wishing things could be different.

  “We have to stop, Amanda.” Will’s voice was soft, with none of the hardness she’d become so accustomed to.

  She stared up at him, trying to clear her mind. “Yes, of course, you’re right. We should start back.” She pushed herself up and hurried toward the horses.

  “Amanda…”

  “We won’t speak of this again,” she called over her shoulder. She mounted Angel and tried to distance herself from what had just happened. She didn’t know how she’d let down her guard and let this man become someone she wanted. The experience back East should have taught her something, but apparently she was just as naïve now as she had been then. At least this time she knew the man she wanted had no intention of staying in Cold Creek. He was as drifter, pure and simple. He’d stay a while, then be gone. It was best this way.

  Will knew she was right to ignore the feelings between them, act like they didn’t exist, and forget the passion that flared each time they were together. The reason he’d come to Cold Creek had nothing to do with finding someone, building any type of life in Colorado. It was about revenge, and revenge had no place in Amanda’s world. Will would finish what needed to be done and ride out, leaving her to find someone else—someone with a clean soul and a clear conscious.

  ******

  “I’ll be back as soon as I can, Mr. Dunnigan, but this is something that needs to be done. He can’t be left to face it alone.” Drew prepared to board the westbound train, toward Cold Creek and his brother. He was certain whatever Will planned included confronting Hawley, killing him, and ending a journey that had already taken five years of his life.

  “Believe me, Drew, I understand your need to assist family, but I must also consider the business interests of Dunnigan Enterprises. We’ve already discussed how this will work for both of us as I don’t want to lose you. You’ve been a valuable addition to the company, and if all goes as it appears, a valuable addition to my family. I’m sure you know Patricia won’t be pleased you’ve left without seeing her, but it has to be done. You take this trip, assist your brother, and look into the business dealings we’ve discussed. Keep me informed.” Louis Dunnigan shook Drew’s hand and clapped him on the shoulder. “Good luck to you. Come back as soon as you can.”

  Drew cringed at the mention of Patricia, Louis Dunnigan’s young, beautiful, and very spoiled daughter. A woman who made no secret of her desire to wed the young attorney. But it was a one-sided desire. Drew had no interest in spending his life with a pampered, temperamental female, no matter what wealth she’d bring to a marriage. Besides, Drew knew that eventually he would move back home and take on his responsibilities at the ranch. If he could convince Will to give up his need for revenge and move home, then perhaps Drew would speed up his timing and leave Dunnigan Enterprises sooner than expected.

  Dunnigan had always been a fair and honest boss, two traits that were the main reasons Drew stayed. The pay was good and the work challenging, but he understood that some day the pull back to Fire Mountain would cause him to sever his ties with the man.

  The train traveled through the majestic peaks between Denver and the western region of Colorado. It followed the same path as the Eagle River and at times, the sides of the mountains appeared to close in, almost trapping those positioned in between. He’d traveled this way before, but only to handle Dunnigan business, nothing as critical as the task before him now. Drew wondered what Will had found to convince him the man who’d killed Emily was still alive and hiding in Cold Creek. The information must be substantial. His brother wasn’t one to jump in without considering the consequences of his actions. This time, however, Drew worried about the emotions that would drive Will’s actions if he confirmed that Hollis was, in fact, the same man who had murdered Emily. What would I do if it were me? Clarity washed through Drew’s mind and in an instant he knew exactly what he’d do. The realization surprised him, but made him all the more determined to get to his brother before the MacLarens lost anyone else.

  ******

  “I’m sorry, Torie, but I can’t leave Will to face Hawley alone. With my background and skills, I’m the right person to go, and Niall’s the best person to stay. The rest of the family will be here for you if the baby comes early.” Jamie didn’t like leaving his pregnant wife and young son, but Will was in over his head—he just hadn’t figured it out yet. “It’s something I must do.”

  “Jamie, it’s all right. I’ll be fine. Plus, you know that Kate and Aunt Alicia won’t let me out of their sight with you gone.” Torie understood that her husband needed to leave and supported his decision to go to Colorado. He was right that Will needed him. Jamie’s quick mind and fast gun might provide the advantage his brother needed to come out of this with the murderer in jail and Will back home where he belonged.

  “I plan to be back in plenty of time before the baby’s due, sweetheart, and I don’t want you to worry about anything. It’ll all work out fine.”

  Jamie had always been confident in his skills. She’d been on the receiving end of them at one point, and knew first hand how he handled dangerous situations and ruthless killers. “I know it will. Just take care of yourself, and Will, and get home as soon as you can.” She smiled into his clear, grey
eyes, and tried to memorize them for the long nights ahead. He was the man she’d always loved, and now that they were finally together, she had no wish to lose him to an outlaw’s gun.

  Chapter Nine

  “What’s it say, Amanda?” Joey was as anxious for news as everyone else.

  “Says they’re in New York and will be headed home later this week.” She beamed at her brother and felt the excitement of seeing their parents again. “They expect the trip to Cold Creek to take about a week. This is great news.”

  “What’s that you have there, Miss Taylor? Good news I hope.”

  Oh no, not Chet. “A message from our parents, Mr. Hollis. They’re back in the states and will be home real soon.” She folded the missive and tucked it in her reticule. “Come on, Joey. I believe we’re ready to start home now.” She wanted to be as far away from Chet Hollis as possible. The man was a nuisance and refused to take her hints that she had no interest in him whatsoever.

  “I’d be honored to take you to dinner, Miss Taylor. Your brother, too.”

  “Thank you, but that’s not necessary. We’ll be going now.” She turned to leave but the man grabbed her arm to pull her closer to him. “What are you doing, Chet? Let go of me.” Her voice rose at the physical intrusion.

  “Now, Miss Taylor, Amanda, all I’m asking is to buy you a meal. What’s so wrong with that?”

  “Because the lady already told you no. Let go of her, now.” The hard, raspy voice came from only inches behind Hollis. Chet knew without turning who stood at his back.

  Chet dropped his hand from Amanda’s arm and spun around to face the one man who still pursued him for the murder in Arizona. He recovered in seconds to plaster a thin smile on his face. “I don’t believe I know you, mister. I’m Chet Hollis.” Will ignored the extended hand.

  “I know who you are, and you already know who I am. We’ll meet again, but for now, leave Miss Taylor and Joey alone. Don’t ever touch her again. You understand me?” Will’s threat was implied but he knew Hollis got the meaning.

  “Sure, stranger. I understand you just fine.” He tipped his hat to Amanda before walking in the opposite direction, toward the sheriff’s office.

  Amanda had stood by, listening to the exchange. “You know him, Will?”

  “Let’s just say I know of him. Keep away from him, Amanda. He’s bad news.” He continued to watch the killer walk down the dusty boardwalk until he’d disappeared into Dutton’s office. Interesting that the first place Hollis would go was the sheriff’s office. “If you two are ready, let’s grab dinner and head back.”

  “I’m starved,” Joey said and started off toward the hotel restaurant.

  Amanda continued to stare at Will, knowing there was much more to the confrontation than he was willing to share. “Thank you for stepping in, but I could’ve handled the man myself. I’ve done it many times in the past. You’d think he’d get the message.”

  Will felt his gut clench at the thought of Hollis anywhere near Amanda, touching her. She was a kind, honest person, and much too trusting to have to confront a lowlife like him. The man needed to be taken care of, and soon.

  ******

  Will rose from the table. “I’ll be back in a few minutes, then we’ll start for the ranch.”

  He’d only been gone a short time when Amanda looked up to see him walking towards her but from the front of the restaurant. He’d changed clothes. Everything, including the hat, was different. “Well, that didn’t take long,” Amanda said as he approached their table.

  “Ma’am? Were you speaking to me?” He took off his hat and looked around to see if there was anyone else she might have addressed.

  “Very, funny. You changed clothes, but the joke is over now. Let’s get going.” Amanda started to rise and nodded to Joey to do the same, but Joey just sat, staring at the man with a confused expression.

  “Joey?”

  “Who are you, Mister?” Joey asked as the man continued to survey the room as if looking for someone.

  “His name’s MacLaren, Joey, and he’s my brother. My twin brother, Drew.” Will walked up and clapped Drew on the shoulder, then pulled him in for a hug. “Not that I’m not glad to see you, but what are you doing here? Didn’t you get my message?”

  “I got it and ignored it.” Drew smiled before turning back to the woman and boy who sat with their mouths agape. “Are you going to finish the introductions, Will?”

  Will saw the look on his brother’s face as his eyes traveled over Amanda. It was not an offensive perusal, but one Will didn’t appreciate.

  “Amanda, I’d like you to meet my brother, Drew MacLaren. Drew, this is Amanda Taylor. You’ve already met Joey. I work for their father at the Big G Ranch.”

  Amanda stared at the image the two men made standing side by side. One brother wore working clothes common to all ranch hands, serviceable clothes that withstood everything from herding cattle to fixing fences—canvas pants and jacket, dark blue striped shirt, scuffed boots, leather gloves tucked into a back pocket, neckerchief, a well-used brown hat, and his side arm.

  The second brother wore clothes common to a city life, but not that of a dandy. No, this man was no dandy. Black pants, coat, brocade vest, white shirt, and black tie. She saw the chain of a gold pocket watch before her eyes moved down to see shiny black boots. Her eyes moved back up and she noticed he held a stylish black hat with a small feather in one hand, while the other hand rested on the butt of his Colt Peacemaker. It was the same gun Will used.

  “Pleased to meet you, Miss Taylor.”

  Drew’s words pulled her gaze back to his face. Amanda wondered how anyone could tell these two apart if they happened to be wearing the same clothing. “My pleasure, Mr. MacLaren. We didn’t know Will had a twin. It’s quite remarkable how much alike you are.”

  “Don’t let the looks fool you, Miss Taylor. Other than our looks, we are nothing alike, are we, Will?” The words were for his brother but Drew’s eyes never left Amanda.

  “No, Drew, we are nothing alike. At least not anymore.” Will couldn’t hide the sadness in his voice.

  Drew’s eyes snapped from Amanda to Will at the tone in his brother’s voice. He spoke the truth when he stated they were no longer anything alike, but Drew knew it was more than just their personalities––so much more.

  “Amanda, would you mind getting back to the ranch on your own?” Will needed to spend time with Drew, get to the truth of his arrival in Cold Creek.

  “No, of course not.” Her gaze shifted to Drew. “Mr. MacLaren, we’ll expect you tonight for supper, and you’ll be staying at the ranch. A brother of Will’s won’t be staying in the local hotel. Joey, let’s get going.” Amanda wasted not another word but walked out with Joey right behind.

  “Not your typical invitation, but then I’m guessing she’s not typical in a lot of ways.” Drew smiled at the woman’s departing back.

  “No, not typical at all. Come on, I’ll buy you a drink and you can explain to me what the hell you’re doing here.”

  ******

  “Tess, you’re back!” Amanda jumped off the wagon and ran to her closest friend, Tessa Kelly, giving her a warm hug. “I expected you back a week ago.”

  “Me too, but Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary insisted I stay until my cousins could visit. They’ve all changed so much I’m glad I stayed, but happy to be home.” Tessa turned to see Joey standing a few feet away. “Well, Sir Joey, don’t I get a hug from my best man?”

  “Hey, Tess.” Joey ran up to wrap his arms around her waist.

  The three had always been close, more like siblings than friends. Tessa was about two years younger than Amanda, and like her friend, had been born on the ranch. Her father, Robert—or Bobby, as the ranch hands called him—had held the chief wrangler job until he died when Tess was thirteen. A fever had taken her mother a year later and she’d lived with the Taylor’s ever since. She could ride as well as Amanda, and knew how to run a household, a skill Eleanor Taylor required of both young ladies
, but her real love had always centered on two things—horses and books. Her dream was to breed the best ranch horses in Colorado and Grant Taylor had always encouraged her.

  “Oh, Amanda, you should’ve seen the library in Chicago. I’ve never been in such a magnificent building. There were rows of books on ranching and horses, and Uncle Joe and Aunt Mary allowed me to visit it several times.” Tess beamed as she spoke of her time spent researching breeds, lineage, and how best to produce the type of horses she saw as the future of the Big G. She grabbed Amanda’s arm and walked with her into the house as she continued on about the wonders of Chicago. “Okay, enough about my trip. What’s been happening here since I left?”

  “Not much. Same old stuff that always happens on the ranch.”

  “We got a new ranch hand, and Amanda’s sweet on him.” Joey threw this out just before he took off toward the barn so as to miss his sister’s reaction.

  “What? Is that true, Amanda?”

  Amanda continued to glare at her brother’s departing back while she answered. “No, it certainly is not true. We do have a new ranch hand but I am not sweet on him or anyone else.”

  “Well, tell me about him.” Unlike Amanda, Tess had never been courted. She’d never seemed to care one way or the other about men, settling down, or raising a family. She wasn’t confortable speaking with men, or anyone, for that matter, other than her close friends and family. Tess had always been more focused on her dream of horse breeding.

  “Not much to tell. Name’s Will MacLaren and he’s a good hand. Knows his trade, works hard, and keeps to himself. Oh yes, and he has a twin brother who showed up in town today. Pretty unexpected, judging by Will’s reaction. I invited him to supper and to stay at the ranch while he’s in Cold Creek. He makes quite an impression.” Amanda smiled. She’d been impressed with Drew’s appearance but what had caught her attention was the obvious fact that he’d been well educated. “Let’s let Maria know you’re back and we’re having a guest. We’ll get you unpacked so you have time to rest before supper. We’ve got so much more to talk about.”