First Love Wild Love

by Janelle Taylor

  Lynx walked past her several times as he retrieved and stuffed several shirts, pants, underwear, and pairs of socks into his bulging saddlebags. He added a sharp razor and shaving soap. His camping gear and supplies were packed and waiting in the stable with Star, along with a rain-slicker, his rifle, and extra ammo. He grabbed an extra vest and crammed it into the leather bag. Occasionally he would glance over at her and smile. Her gaze never left him.

  Lynx read such loneliness in her eyes that he could hardly bear to look at her; Cal was so subdued now. He mentally begged her not to cry or debate this necessary last trip, which she didn’t. He lifted his gunbelt and checked his pistols, then laid them beside his bags. He drew the large Bowie knife from its sheath and tested its sharpness with his finger, then replaced it. His keen gaze drifted along his holster belt, checking to make sure each hole contained an extra bullet.

  Lynx went to his closet one last time, seeking some papers he wished he had packed earlier. He withdrew them from a hidden pocket in a winter jacket. Calinda turned to speak to him as he approached the bed, bumping into him and sending the loosely held papers in his hand fluttering to the floor. She was about to help him gather them when he grinned and distracted her with, “I’ve got ’em, love. Grab me a few bandannas; I sweat heavily on the trail.”

  As Cal responded to his request, Lynx retrieved the papers. He folded them and stuffed them into the bag, to read later. He walked to the coat-rack near his door to get his silver spurs and black hat, adding them to the items on his bed. He glanced around the room in deep thought. “That’s about it, love. I wish I had your picture in a locket to carry with me,” he surprisingly told her.

  “I wish I had yours here,” she agreed with his touching words. “Perhaps we can have a painting done when you come home.”

  Cal’s gaze trailed Lynx as he prepared to leave. His stance and movements always suggested immense self-assurance and pride. She wondered what it was like to fear nothing and no one. Lynx was so valiant and intelligent in most areas, so why couldn’t he understand how she felt about his absences and halt them? Why weren’t she and the ranch enough for him? If he loved and needed her as vowed, how could he endure so many separations? Even now, Lynx remained a golden stranger who was as impenetrable as his black attire.

  Lynx dropped his saddlebags by the locked door and placed his hat on them. He returned to the bed to fasten on his spurs and gunbelt. Calinda went to him and murmured, “How about my farewell kiss and hug before you get all loaded down?”

  Lynx tossed the gunbelt back to the bed and reached for her. His mouth came down on hers as his arms went around her as a steely band. Her hands slipped up his back and held him tightly, dreading to release him. At first his kisses were gentle and exploratory, but soon they became forceful and demanding. Placing his palms near her shoulder blades, he crushed her to his hard frame. Silky curls danced over his hands as her head twisted to hungrily grind her mouth against his.

  He kissed the corners of her mouth, then tugged on each lip in turn. He dropped kisses on her nose, chin, and each brow before travelling to her ear. His voice was thick with emotion when he muttered, “Your lips are softer than moonlight. God, Callie, I need you …I’m hotter than a hunk of beef spit over a roasting fire.”

  “Love me before you go, Lynx,” she entreated passionately.

  He was dressed and packed, but it didn’t matter at that moment. Last night she had been restrained; presently, her need for him was urgent. He knew it wasn’t a stalling tactic; he could feel the tension and desire within her, feelings which matched his own. He pulled away and picked up his gunbelt and spurs.

  “Please, Lynx, just for a short time, let me be first in your life and thoughts,” she pleaded, thinking he was about to leave her in this highly agitated state. What if she demanded he remain home?

  “You are, Callie,” he confessed, pulling the covers aside and gingerly dropping his possessions on the floor beside the bed. He held out his inviting hand to her, tawny eyes glistening with unleashed desire.

  Tears of joy glimmered in her eyes as she placed her hand in his. He drew her forward and slowly undressed her. His smoldering gaze wandered over her body from head to foot. His hands pinned her jawline between them as he fused his eyes with hers. “Your skin is as silky and soft as a gentle rain. I can’t even glance at you without wanting you. Do you know how beautiful and bewitching you are?” he asked proudly, his embrace and gaze possessive.

  As her trembling fingers unbuttoned his ebony shirt, she replied, “Do you know how staggering you are to my senses?”

  He yanked his shirt off, dropping it to the floor, his boots and dark pants quickly following it. He lifted her and lay her down, then joined her. His tongue flicked over her breasts and she quivered. His mouth captured one peak and tantalized it, then stimulated the other one. His hands caressed her body, fondling each curve and mound it encountered. It wasn’t necessary to arouse her, but he savored his stirring effect on her. He played and tempted her until she was breathless and pleading. Her body was as thirsty as a desert; her skin as smooth as a serene pond. Her mood was as fiery as her hair when the blazing sun caressed it. His manhood entered into her gently. He charged and retreated leisurely until their passions demanded he hasten his feverish task. Tingles and warmth covered her body as the delightful series of sensations attacked her senses.

  Cal arched to meet his entries, wanting nothing more than his total love and commitment to her. For a time, he was her entire world and being as their joined bodies strove for mutual completion. When tormented desires were appeased, they lay locked in each other’s arms. Neither spoke for a time, relishing this special sharing.

  When she shifted her head to look into his face, he smiled and said, “I love you, Callie; don’t ever doubt it or forget it.”

  She wondered if he had been about to add, no matter what happens. She smiled tenderly and caressed his cheek. “I love you, too.”

  Lynx rolled to his back and placed one hand beneath his head. “Whew, now I need a bath and a nap. I’m drenched and exhausted.”

  “I could wash your back; I’m very good in the tub,” she hinted seductively, her gaze exposing mischief and contentment.

  “Oh, no, you won’t,” he wailed humorously. “If I let you join me, I’d never get going today.”

  “Perhaps next time?” Cal speculated mockingly.

  “I’ll hold you to that promise. Right now, I’d best get busy.”

  When she started to rise, Lynx pushed her into the mattress and pinned her beneath his body. “You stay here and rest, woman; I don’t trust that gleam in those green eyes.” He kissed the tip of her nose.

  When he moved to get out of bed, she caught his arm and chided, “What’s this, Lynx? No farewell kiss?”

  He eyed her suspiciously. “That’s why I’m in bed rather than on the trail. I don’t dare risk taking one.”

  “How about accepting one?” she teased, undaunted.

  “The next kiss you get from me, woman, will be a greeting. You rest; you’re pale and you’ve got dark smudges beneath your eyes. And this time, don’t drive yourself into the ground,” he cautioned.

  “Yes sir,” she stated gaily at his pleasing perceptions.

  Lynx stood up and pulled on his clothes. When he glanced down at her, Cal was grinning at him. “Don’t you dare cast those bewitching eyes on me,” he playfully warned. “I’m getting a bath and leaving while I can. Keep the bed warm; I’ll be home soon. And I’ll send you a telegram every few days,” he added, winking at her.

  She snuggled into her pillow. “Good. That might help me remember I have a carefree husband somewhere.”

  “Forget it one minute, and I’ll thrash you soundly,” he jested, trying to glare sternly at her, but laughing instead.

  As he reached the door to gather his things, she called out, “Lynx, please be careful. I love you.”

  Lynx threw the saddlebag over his shoulder and put his hat on his tawny head. With t
he gunbelt swinging over one arm, he came over to the bed. He bent over and kissed her lightly. “I love you, Callie.”

  When the brief kiss ended, Lynx studied her face once more, then left. After a quick rinse in the watershed, he headed for the stable to complete his preparations. Rankin joined him. Lynx asked his father to watch after Calinda, telling him she seemed overly tired and pale. Rankin credited her appearance to her recent fall and emotional upheavals.

  “Keep a guard posted around the house. I don’t want her getting any more of those strange notes; they frighten her. If she gets any mail, hold it until I come home. I don’t want her upset while I’m away. And make certain she never goes riding alone,” Lynx requested.

  “Not to worry, son; she’ll be fine,” Rankin assured him.

  Calinda decided she would dress and wave goodbye to her husband. She stood up and swayed precariously, grabbing the post to steady herself. Her head was swimming. She sat down, then reclined. Maybe it was just the heat or excitement. Or maybe she was pushing herself too hard with unfamiliar strenuous chores. She had been feeling slightly weak and very sleepy lately. As she heard the pounding hooves of a departing horse, she realized it was too late to see him. She sighed wearily and curled into bed, falling asleep within minutes.

  Lynx and Star boarded the Texas & Pacific Railroad to get to Dallas late that night. While Star rode comfortably in a cattle car, the undercover Ranger relaxed in the passenger section. When the train halted in Dallas, Lynx hurried to his stealthy rendezvous with Major Jones at the Windsor Hotel. With perseverance and courage, he might have that ruthless and wily Burrow in custody before the week was out.

  After placing Star in the livery-stable, Lynx strolled down the street, his perceptive gaze and keen senses engulfing sights and sounds. He had confronted many perils and criminals, but none which sent sparks of apprehension through him as this gaunt villain with an iron nerve, a lack of feelings, and a hair-trigger. That truculent character had been known to terrorize whole areas. The one thing about Rube Burrow that worried Lynx was that the killer had no fear of dying. Normally, even the worst criminals feared capture and death, but not Rube. That made him deadly and unpredictable.

  Lynx slipped in the back door to the hotel and made his way to Jones’ room. Once inside, Lynx was given a pleasant surprise. He sat down to listen to his commanding officer’s words.

  “You don’t need to hang around Dallas, Lynx. After hitting the T & P five times, Rube made off for Mississippi and Alabama. Guess he’s getting nervous about having Rangers chasing his tail.”

  “Who’s going after him?” Lynx asked, perceiving that Jones wasn’t going to hand him that assignment.

  “He’s got the Pinkerton men and several railroad detectives in hot pursuit. We’ll let them harry Rube awhile. If he shows his guns here again, we’ll be ready and waiting.”

  “Has Tom learned anything about the telegram I sent earlier?” Lynx inquired reluctantly.

  “He’s done plenty of checking around, but nothing so far. He’s got the descriptions of the man and woman you mentioned, but they aren’t here. He’s been keeping an eye on the train depot to see if anyone seems to be waiting around for your wife.”

  “Is Deavers in town?” Lynx questioned, his eyes and voice cold.

  “I did some checking on him; he’s in San Antonio. Whatever the plot and whoever the instigator, I can’t figure them yet. It sounds to me as if someone just wants her off the ranch, or in trouble with you. Anyone come to mind with that speculation?”

  Lynx frowned. “Salina,” he concluded. When Jones questioned his assumption, Lynx explained the Mexican girl’s rivalry for him.

  Jones chuckled. “You know the old saying about a spurned woman, Lynx. That could explain the mysterious notes. Living there, she’s probably overheard enough to make them sound convincing. I think you’d best be careful with jealous ears around,” he warned astutely.

  “When I get home, I’ll settle this matter once and for all. I should have reasoned this out before,” he reprimanded himself.

  “Something tells me you have other things on your mind when you’re home,” Jones teased his good friend.

  “If Burrows is gone, does that mean I’m finished?” Lynx stated hopefully, grinning entreatingly at Jones.

  Jones thoughtfully twirled his thick mustache. “Since you’ve already set aside the time, how about handling another matter for us? You can have your choice: Jim Miller or Kid Curry. Miller’s operating around Abilene, and the Kid’s trying to take on every gunslinger near Kerrville. Since you need to finish your work in Austin, Kerrville is the nearest. We’ve decided to reveal your identity as you retire. Knowing you’re a past Ranger should make most outlaws leery of following you home to challenge that gun of yours. We want you to keep your badge just in case you need it to prevent trouble; we owe you some peace and protection after what you’ve done for us.”

  Lynx anxiously inquired, “What if Curry’s left by the time I get to Kerrville? You want me to dog him and arrest him?”

  “That won’t be necessary. I know you’re eager to get home and settle down. Just send any word you can get on him. I’ll put another Ranger on his backside. Don’t get too eager and head home before you visit the capital; you’ve got to testify for us,” Jones reminded him.

  “I’ll take care of the Kid, my court session, and retiring before I head home,” he agreed. “If you can spare him, I would appreciate it if Tom can make sure Braxton isn’t around these parts. I don’t want him interfering in Cal’s and my lives anymore. When I leave Austin, I want my next stop to be home, permanently.”

  “Consider it done. After all, Braxton is wanted for assault and robbery.”

  “If you locate him, send the message to me, not home,” Lynx cautioned. Jones nodded, then they discussed Kid Curry.

  Calinda lazed around most of Saturday and Sunday. She couldn’t seem to shake this sluggishness which was plaguing her. Between nightly slumber and naps, she was getting plenty of sleep; so why was she so tired and drowsy all the time?

  On Monday, she decided to deny her annoying weakness by cleaning her room. As she was sweeping, she heard a rustle under the bed. She sat on the floor and peered beneath it. Sighting a paper, she used the broom to retrieve it. Evidently Lynx had dropped it while packing. She lifted it and glanced at the telegram. Dismay filled her. He wouldn’t break his word to her; besides, he had sent her a telegram this morning from Waco. He couldn’t be in Dallas!

  Lynx,

  Urgent. Waiting in Dallas. Windsor Hotel. Come Saturday. B running. Must pursue. News in Austin after Dallas. J.B.J.

  That last mysterious message had summoned Cal to Dallas. Kyle Yancey was in Austin. Was Lynx chasing the unexpected clue to her father? Had he sent someone a telegram to investigate matters in Dallas for him? Was that why he hadn’t taken off last Monday? Was he waiting for a reply and allowing time to mislead her? Who was this “B”? Brax? This “J.B.J.”? How could she discover if Lynx was in Dallas? How could she reveal mistrust in him? Yet, her suspicions were overwhelming.

  There was only one way to end her doubts and assuage her fears; send a telegram to the sheriff in Dallas. She could say it was urgent to locate her husband. She could wait at the telegraph office for a reply. Yes, she would do just that tomorrow…

  Tuesday morning in the telegraph office, Calinda paced the floor while she awaited an answer from Dallas. Each time the keys clicked noisily, she became excited and frightened. One hour later, the agent smiled ruefully and handed her the sheriff’s reply: he was sorry he couldn’t help her, but Lynx Cardone had left Dallas on Monday, and his location was unknown.

  Calinda was crushed by this staggering news. Lynx had lied to her. She wanted to send another telegram to ask if there had been trouble or a shooting there, but she couldn’t. Lynx couldn’t kill her father in revenge; Laura was just as guilty! Cal had to face an indisputable reality; if Lynx had deceived her about Dallas, what else had he lied about or secretly
done? She reflected on their days together.

  Austin! The word rifled through her mind. Was Lynx heading for Austin? Had Lynx learned about Kyle Yancey? Was her disloyal husband stalking her father at this very minute?

  Cal unsteadily approached the agent once more, to send another telegram. She wrote out the message and handed it to him?

  Mr. Kyle Yancey, Lawyer, Austin.

  Told to contact you by Elliott Braxton. Please send his address. Urgent I locate father. Waiting your reply in Fort Worth station. Calinda Braxton.

  This time, Calinda was given a curious response within forty-five minutes:

  Calinda Braxton. Have important papers for you. Will deliver. Explain. Meet where, Thursday. Awaiting response. Kyle Yancey.

  Without hesitation or remorse, Calinda instantly fired a telegram back to the lawyer, requesting they meet in Fort Worth at the Canton Hotel. There was only one way to solve this weighty enigma and to halt its power over them; she must meet with this Kyle Yancey. If her love couldn’t or wouldn’t be honest with her, she would find someone else to do so! Perhaps then she might understand Lynx’s deceptions and reluctance. God, how she despised and dreaded this furtive path of action, but Lynx was making it necessary.

  As Charlie drove Cal home in the buggy, a flood of emotions and thoughts saturated her body and mind. What papers? What explanation? Why a lawyer? Why in person? Why was she being so secretive? There was an answer only to the last question…

  Chapter Twenty

  When Calinda received a telegram on Wednesday from Lynx, she realized how beguiling he was; clearly someone was helping him send messages from where he was supposed to be, not where he actually was. The first one had said Waco, when Lynx was in Dallas. This one alleged San Antonio, when she suspected he was in Austin. Cal agonized over her mistrust and her furtive actions. She fumed at Lynx and Rankin for compelling her to investigate like this. But this destructive mystery must be conquered and dismissed promptly. She and Lynx could never be happy as long as the dark past continued to assail them, and Lynx willfully created new mysteries. She prayed Kyle Yancey had left Austin before Lynx’s arrival. When her husband came home, she wouldn’t be so gullible and lenient. This time, she would demand frank answers.