by Jet MacLeod
Also by Jet MacLeod
Rainbow Cove
Trial by Fire
Twin Embers
Morgan’s Treasure
Junction City Cowboy
Junction City Cowboy
JET MacLeod
Copyright © 2012, Jet MacLeod
All rights reserved
Printed in the USA
Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the copyright owner and author of this book.
This is a work of Fiction. names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used factiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Dedicated to:
A special thank you to all my beta readers, who took the time and patience to deal with me during the writing process. Thank you for all your help, love and praise.
And, as always, for mi amour, Stephanie
Author’s Note:
This is a story of love and life. It is told by both of the women involved. I let them tell the story as it progressed. Forgive me if it seems jumpy or there are things left out. I am sure that there are. Reece and Rayne told the story, their way. They take turns making their collective story known. I let you know which one is telling the story at the beginning of each chapter. Please enjoy.
Prologue
San Francisco, CA 1872
Teresa
“God, I hate that man,” I said, walking back into my hotel room, “Who the hell does he think he is?
“Ugh!!! Damn, him, I will not be abused that way!” I screamed as I slammed the door to my hotel room. I turned to find Tommy right behind me. He had been silent while I had my rant. It was a little unnerving.
“Damn it, Tommy, you scared me. Do you always have to be right there? I mean, can’t you find something better to do with your time then follow me to the ends of the Earth?” I asked him.
“Well, no ma’am, I can’t say that I can. You know I made a promise to George and I intend on keeping it,” he told me, very matter-of-factly.
I knew that he meant every word that he said. Tommy was going to make sure I was taken care of until he died. He loved George and he loved me. It was the only thing he could do, now, for the both us. I was glittered but at the same time I was annoyed. I just shook my head.
I was so tired of it all. I just wanted out. I hated being a woman. I couldn’t take it anymore. Men were all pigs to quote my friend Heidi. Especially, when they were named Jameson Baker. Not only was he a pig, he was an ass as well.
“What the hell is wrong with men?” I asked. It was a rhetorical question. I wasn’t looking for answer. I knew that no one could ever really, truly answer it, besides they were the bane of the universe.
I was digressing from my point. Jameson was the enemy. He had to be stopped. No, I just needed to get away from him. I couldn’t move where he would not find me. He was just dumb enough to try and follow me. I would have to…
“Umm…not sure, I can answer that,” he replied, interrupting my thoughts.
I looked at him. He looked perplexed at what to do for me. I almost laughed at the sight, but smirked instead. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. I had to love Thomas for trying to do whatever he could. He was a man of his word. I knew that was something rare and I didn’t want to hurt his male ego, but he knew that he had no chance with me. I smiled at him and he smiled back at me.
“I didn’t mean you, Tommy. I meant Jameson. What the hell is he thinking?”
“Can’t say for him, but you are kinda pretty, Miss Teresa, if you don’t mind me saying,” he explained.
He knew how to make me smile. He was one of the few that I let near enough to me, after George…. I didn’t want to think about that now. I had enough to deal with Jameson.
“No, not from you, Tommy. I don’t think you could ever upset me. He…ah, never mind…I don’t want to deal with him,” I stated, exasperated.
It was the truth. I hated Jameson Baker with a singularly destructive hatred, I was actually afraid for the man. I mean: who did he honestly think he was? He must be just plain dumb.
“I am sorry, ma’am,” he said.
“Haven’t I been through enough?” I questioned him, “Don’t I get to do things my way for once?”
“I don’t make the rules, Teresa,” he told me.
“I didn’t say you did, but I am not going to marry that sniveling idiot just because he was friends with George. He is disgusting and vile,” I replied.
“Would you like me to do something about him?” Thomas James asked me.
I did, but I knew that I would never say it. It would be bad and I knew it. I didn’t want the man hurt; I just wanted him to understand that I didn’t want him. I didn’t think that was too much to ask of someone. Evidentially, Jameson did, and didn’t know when to stop and take “no” for an answer.
“If you would, then I would be accountable and I can’t have that. My name is still good here, but with him around, I can’t say for how long,” I told him.
“Miss Teresa, it can’t be that bad,” he said.
“You don’t know his kind, Tommy, I do. He is trying to get to my money. He’ll sell the ranch and the next thing I know everyone I care for back in Texas will be poor. I can’t have that, I won’t let him bully me just because he is a man,” I stated.
I wasn’t going to let him near my ranch. It was my ranch, mine, and no one else’s. I’d be damned before I would share that with the likes of him.
“No, ma’am, I don’t think you will,” he stated.
“I am a woman, yes, but I am no fool. I have good business sense. I can run a ranch on my own. I have taken care of myself since…since…” I started.
“It’s okay, ma’am, I know,” he replied.
“I know what I am going to do, then,” I told him.
“Kick him very hard?” he questioned.
“No, however that would be funny,” I said, laughing, “Tommy, I think it was time I went back.”
“You mean to Texas?” he asked.
“No, to Mississippi, of course to Texas, you nimrod. I am sick of San Francisco and its ‘City Air.’ I want to feel the wind in my hair and a horse between my legs. Don’t let this little lady fool you, deep down, I am still a Country Girl,” I told him.
Truth be told, I was tired. I was sick of the city. The air didn’t flow right. It smelled funny. I missed nature. I missed being able to spend time with my horses. I wanted to ride the pastures. I wanted to feel the sun on me. I wanted to smell the prairie grasses. I wanted to go back to Texas. I had dreamt about it for days. It was starting to consume me and with Jameson’s idiotic wanting of me, I decided that it was time to go. I couldn’t think of any other course of action.
“Are you sure you want to do this, Miss Teresa?”
“I can’t stay here, anymore. George is dead. I have been widowed, twice, Tommy. I am tired of being someone’s wife. I want to live my life now, without the necessity of a man,” I answered.
“That is all fine and dandy with me, Miss Teresa, but what will you do?” Tommy asked.
“I am going to go back to Texas, Tommy. George’s land is still mine. The ranch is now mine, but I have people taking care of it for me. The money goes to my own account in Amarillo. I am not going to Amarillo, though. I don’t want to go back to that right now,” I said.
“I know about the ranch, remember? I used to work there, too. I am sure that Eli is doing a good job for you,
too. But if you aren’t going to back to Amarillo, where are you going to go in Texas?” Tommy asked me.
“I am not sure, yet. But, I’ll know it when I get there,” I replied.
I just wanted to ride. I just wanted to get away from everything. I didn’t want to go back to the ranch yet, but I did want it to be there when I did want to go back. I knew that it would be there. Eli would make sure of that. He was doing his part, while Thomas did his. I had to admire the James’ brothers, when they gave their word, they stood by it. I couldn’t say that for many Southern gentlemen, anymore. And, Jameson Baker was one of those gentlemen whose word meant diddley-squat to me. His word was worse than a Yankee’s during the Occupation. He couldn’t be trusted for anything, and I wasn’t about to try.
“Well, Miss Teresa, at least let me ride with you. I would feel better knowing that you made it to where ever it is you are going to be going,” Tommy said, “Plus, I made a promise to George. If anything were to happen to you, ma’am, I just wouldn’t be able to stand myself.”
The fact was I was kind of happy that Tommy wanted to escort me home. With him around, I didn’t have to worry about anyone trying to mess with me on the way home. I was flattered in a way. It also made perfect sense for someone of my age to have an escort. It would be welcome comfort for me on the way home.
“If you insist, I can’t stop you,” I answered, “And, you and I both know that.”
He laughed at the comment, but he knew I wouldn’t try and stop him, not now. I could tell that he knew that I didn’t want him to go with me, but he knew I wouldn’t stop him as long as Jameson was harassing me. I couldn’t help but take him with me, but I could pretend to be upset about it now, couldn’t I?
The truth was I that I couldn’t stop him. He was his own person and even if I had tried, he would have followed me anyway. He had already proven that when he showed up in Santa Fe and then again proved it in San Francisco. I might as well let him go with me; it would be safer for us both.
Chapter One
Rayne, Junction City, 1873
I rode my horse into the town. I pulled up to the mercantile. I wanted to place an order for what I would need at the ranch for the next weeks. The round up in Houston was just a few weeks away. I needed to make sure that I had everything that I needed for the ranch and for the drive to Houston.
“Hey, Rayne, whatcha need today?” Loren Dell, the owner of the mercantile, asked.
“Just placing my order to be delivered out to the ranch,” I answered.
“Whatcha needin’ this time?” Loren asked.
“Just some supplies that would help me out for a while,” I replied.
“So you’re heading out for that round up then?” Loren questioned.
“Yeah, just need enough to get me through,” I answered.
“Well, go and see Nancy inside and give her your order, Rayne. I’ll get it together, and I’ll have Reece drive it out to your place tomorrow,” Loren told me.
“Alright, Loren,” I responded as I walked in to the mercantile.
I walked right up to the counter. I saw Nancy putting up some items up behind the counter. She didn’t see me when I came in.
“Excuse me, Nancy,” I said.
“Yes, Miss Whittacre, what do you need?” Nancy asked.
“Just the usual, but double the amounts, it is going to be awhile before I can get back into town for another order,” I replied.
“Not a problem, Rayne. I’ll get Reece right on this for you,” she replied as she wrote down some notes on a piece of paper.
“Reece?” I asked Nancy.
“Yeah, new kid came in from Santa Fe or somewhere. Said he needed a job and was willing to work hard. Got to say that boy does more before lunch time then Loren could do in two days,” Nancy told me.
“Really?” I questioned; my curiosity piqued.
“Yeah, he’s a good lad. And, I don’t mind saying that he is good to look at as well,” Nancy added.
“I must meet him,” I said out loud.
“Well, he should be down at the livery, getting the horses ready. He has a delivery out to the Junction Star this afternoon. We should be able to get everything together and sent out to you tomorrow, Miss Rayne,” she replied.
“Good, good,” I answered absent-mindedly, already heading out the door and down the street to the livery to see this new boy.
I walked down the dusty streets of Junction until I came to the Livery. I stopped short when I saw a young blond man talking to Matthew Brown, the town stables owner. I didn’t care what they were talking about, I wanted that boy.
“Yes, Mr. Brown, I’ll get them mucked out as soon as I get back from the Junction Star. I hope that won’t be a problem,” the boy said.
“Not the way you muck out stalls, Reece,” Matthew answered, “You do better than my hands and you’ve earned another weeks stabling for your horse, son. Go on and finish your deliveries. I’ll see you next Tuesday.”
“Thank you, sir,” he said, turning around and noticing me, he tipped his hat,” Ma’am.”
I was amazed. The boy couldn’t be older than sixteen. He was built of pure muscle. His pants rode low on his hips with his six shooter belted firmly in place. His golden hair shown in the sunlight like spun wheat and his blue eyes were the color of the sky. He had to be mine.
He walked off from Matthew’s place with a purpose and a stagger I am not sure any seasoned cowboy could muster. The boy oozed charm, strength, and confidence. I may not have known him, but I was going to make a point to get to know him.
Maybe it was the way that boy walked. Maybe it was the way he filled his Levi’s, but damn he was good to look at. I know I must have been a sight, standing there in the middle of the street gawking after that boy.
I picked up my skirts and made my way back towards Loren’s store. I was following him and I didn’t care who saw me. I wanted to know more. Little did I that while he looked like some sort of cowboy god or Adonis, he was just like every other blasted cowboy in Texas trying to make a name for himself. I watched to my dismay as the beautiful boy waltzed right into the Shooting Star Saloon, like he did that often. My heart was crushed there in the middle of that dusty Texas railroad depot town road.
I got back on my horse. I decided to keep my dismay to myself and I left town. I couldn’t handle the fact that he liked the whores. But, damn it, why did he have to look so damn good in those jeans?
I was lost and I knew it. I had to find a way to get him near me. I would make him forget the women in that saloon and only think of me. I would reel him in and make him mine. Reece may be a cowboy stud, but he ain’t never met Miss Rayne Whittacre. I would make that boy beg…I wanted to make him want, need, and desire me.
*****
I was getting ready for calving and the round up. I needed some good hands to be on the ranch while my main boys took the cattle to rodeo in Dallas. I didn’t feel like going this time. I decided that I would only go on the trail to go to the main round up near Amarillo at the end of the summer.
I would need good help. That would be the ruse that I would use to get him on the ranch with me. I decided that I would ask him to help me out when he showed up with my supplies later in the afternoon. It would be a valid question. Everyone in town knew that I took on extra help near the round ups, rodeos, and towards the end of summer. That was how I always ended up with wannabes.
I was sitting on the front porch of the main house, my house, playing with my dogs, Tito and Storm. I should have known it was him pulling up when the dogs turned and started barking. I covered my eyes with my hand, shielding them from the harsh midday sun, as I walked out to greet him.
“Hello,” I stated.
“Good afternoon, Ma’am,” he replied, “I’ve brought the supplies that Loren said you’ve asked for. Where would you like them?”
“Just pull the buckboard over there,” I stated pointing towards the barn, “Jed will unload it. Don’t worry about it. Come inside, and have
a glass of lemonade before you go.”
He made no sign of protest as he drove the buckboard off to park it. I watched Jed and Juan look him over as he dismounted the buckboard wagon. He landed squarely on his feet, knocked the dust off his pants, and righted his hat as he walked towards me.
“Ma’am,” he stated, again, tipping his hat to me.
“Come on in,” I said, grabbing his gloved hand and ushering him into the house.
Once I had him in the kitchen, I had him sit at the table while I poured him a glass of lemonade. I gave it to him. He finished it in three gulps. I poured him another glass.
“Thank you, ma’am, this is mighty good,” he answered in his deep Southern drawl.
“You’re welcome, boy,” I said.
“The name’s Reece, ma’am, Reece Bradley,” he told me.
“I am Miss Rayne Whittacre, Reece,” I replied.
“Nice to be able to help you, Miss Rayne,” he said politely as he stood.
I watched him walk across the room to look out my kitchen window. He stood there for a moment with his Stetson in his hand. He raked a hand through his sandy blond hair and turned back to me.
“Well, ma’am, they finished unloading. I’ll just be going. If you need anything, just ask Loren and I’ll get it to you as soon as I can,” he stated, putting his white, sweat stained Stetson back on, and headed for the door.
“Wait, a minute, boy, I don’t remember dismissing you yet,” I said walking over to him.
I could tell that he was on edge. He didn’t know what to do. I had him.
“Where are you going?” I demanded.
“Well, Miss Rayne, I must be getting back to Loren’s soon. I am sure he has some more chores for me to do before we close up for the night. I wouldn’t want to disappoint him.”
