by Jet MacLeod
“Don’t know yet,” I answered, “I’ll tell you later.”
“Watch yourself, kid; she ain’t nothing to mess with. That one will eat you for dinner,” he told me.
“Dear God, I hope so,” I replied in my stupor.
He let a roar of laughter as I stood up. I flipped him another coin and walked out of the saloon. I could still hear him laughing as I walked down the board walk in the moonlight. I could only manage to shake my head.
I could swear that it was sloshing as I walked. I decided that maybe I had had too much liquid refreshment. I shook my head to try and clear it and only succeeded in making it worse.
“Man,” I said out loud, “That is some strong stuff.”
“Want some company, big boy?” a voice asked.
I turned to find one of Sam’s girls watching me.
“No, ma’am, not tonight,” I answered.
“Too bad, stud, I was hoping for a good time,” she told me.
“I don’t think that I would be what you are looking for anyway,” I replied, tipping my hat, “Goodnight, then.”
“See you later, then, big boy,” she called walking off. She was amusing, but not what I was looking for.
I was looking for Rayne. I wanted to stare into her green eyes for days. I wanted to wrap my hand solidly in her sable hair. I stood up a little bit more. I wanted to be hers. I didn’t know where that came from, but I wasn’t about to deny it, either.
Chapter Three
Rayne, Junction City, late night
I watched him walk out of the saloon and down that boardwalk. I saw him turn away the whore that was sent to him by Sam to entertain him. I watched her walk back into the saloon and tell Sam that he didn’t want any company. I glanced back at Reece, walking down the street in such a drunken stupor. I could hear the raucous laughter of Sam and the whore pouring through the saloon’s doors.
I decided to follow him. I wanted to know what he was up to. I figured I had a right because I had offered him a job on my ranch. I didn’t do that lightly, but then again I wasn’t thinking clearly when I did that to him.
He was walking to Brown’s stables. I guessed he was going to check on his horse. I snuck in behind him and hid in a stall a few down.
“Hey, there boy, how are you?” he asked.
The horse neighed in response. He reached up and petted the muzzle. Reece had a way with the horse, there was no denying it. He reached into a bucket and pulled out a curry comb.
“I know, Scout, I know,” he told him, “I should have done this, hours ago. I’ll bring you some carrots in the morning. You’ll just have to wait for Loren to open up so I can buy you some.”
The horse shook his head in an approval and Reece smiled. He ran his hands down the neck of the horse. The only think I could think of was having Reece run his hands down me like that.
It was starting to get warm, there in the stable. I decided it was time to leave. I made a mental note to have some carrots sent over to the stable for Scout. If I was going to get the man, I’d better start with the horse.
Suddenly, the horse’s ears turned back and Reece began to look around. I knew it wouldn’t take long for him to find me standing there, watching him. I was puzzled about what I should do in my situation.
“Is someone there?” he asked drawing his sidearm.
I stood still, not wanting to provoke him.
“Is someone there?” he asked again.
He started to walk towards me. All I could see was the gun in his hand. I decided that it was better for me to show myself then get blown against the wall.
“It’s just me,” I said, stepping out where he could see me.
He looked shocked and re-holstered his gun.
“I am sorry, Miss Rayne, it’s just with rustlers and all, one can’t be too careful,” he said.
“I understand,” I replied.
“Umm…Miss Rayne, what are you doing out here this late? Shouldn’t you be back at your ranch by now?” he asked.
“I can’t say I know,” I said, coyly.
“Well, then, I think that I should escort you back,” he stated, “To your ranch that is.”
“If you insist,” I said.
“I don’t think it would be right for anyone to see you, here, now, this late, Miss Rayne. I wouldn’t want your reputation to be tarnished by something so trivial. I think you should let me do this for you,” he told me.
“Why aren’t you such the gentleman?” I replied.
“Yes, ma’am, I do try,” he responded.
“Where are you from exactly, Reece?” I asked.
“Meridian, Mississippi,” he answered.
He was a Southern boy. He probably got here after the war or just before it. He was alone. His parents were probably dead and he was doing what he could to survive.
“What are you doing here, then?’ I asked.
“Long story, ma’am,” he answered, “I’d better mount up Scout, so I can take you home.”
“That would help,” I replied.
I am not sure that I cared about going home tonight. I was beginning to wonder what it would feel like to be in his arms, in his bed, and wake up there in the morning. I didn’t care what the town would think of me in the morning. In fact, I didn’t care what the town would think about most things, my reputation was high upon that list. I could only think about Reece and how delicious he must be. I think maybe it was because he was such a perfect gentleman that it made me want him more.
“Miss Rayne,” he said, bringing me out of my reverie.
“Yes, boy,” I replied.
“We can go now. Scout is ready,” he told me.
“All right then,” I replied.
“Would you like to ride in front or back?”
“Well, now, that is an interesting question,” I replied cocking my eyebrow at him.
“It is just a matter of what is comfortable for you,” he stated as he adjusted the reins.
“Whichever is easier for you,” I answered.
He mounted quickly. He took off his coat and handed it to me. Then, he offered me his hand.
“What’s this for?” I asked him.
“It gets cold at night, riding. I don’t want you to get cold on the way home. It might take you a while to get warm again. So just put it on,” he told me.
I put the coat on and then took his arm. He swung me up behind him on his horse. He waited until I was as comfortable as I could be behind him on the horse before he nudged him out of the stables. Before in knew it we were out of town and he was right about it being cold.
I must have fallen asleep. His warmth permeated me though. I looked up just in time to see the Double Bar Ranch posts and sign as we rode underneath it. He pulled up to the main house and dismounted. He then reached up to help me down.
Did he have to feel so good? Why did he have to be so damn good, too? What would I have to do to him?
“Here, we are, ma’am,” he stated the obvious.
“Yes, I see that,” I replied.
“Well, good night, then, Miss Rayne,” he said, turning to mount his horse again.
“Off so soon?” I asked him.
“Yes, ma’am, I think it would be for the best,” he replied, “I wouldn’t want to upset any of your hands.”
“Upset them?” I questioned.
“Yes, Miss Rayne, by being seen with you, later in the evening or in the morning. I know how some hands think of the Mistresses as their sisters or mothers. I wouldn’t want to infringe on that,” he answered.
Damn him for being so cute. Damn him for being a gentleman. Damn him for being a Southern Gentleman.
“Well, I think that is my problem, don’t you?” I questioned him, walking closer to him.
I was only a breath away. I could feel the heat coming from his body. I could smell the scents of leather and horse. He smelled like wind, too.
“Ma’am?” he choked and swallowed hard.
“You heard me,” I replied.
>
“Ma’am, I think I should go. I have to be a Loren’s in the morning to take out some deliveries. I need to get some sleep. I wouldn’t want to be late,” he told me.
“No, I wouldn’t want you to be late, now would I?” I asked him, pinning him against Scout, “I wouldn’t want you to be late at all. Have you thought about my proposition, yet?”
“Yes, ma’am, I have,” he told me, ducking around me and saddling up from the other side.
“Do I get an answer?” I asked.
“Yes, ma’am, you will, when I am done thinking about it. Until then, I can’t say anything definite,” he said.
“Well, think hard, boy, and come to me when you are ready, then,” I explained.
“Yes, Miss Rayne, I intend on doing just that,” he replied and then rode off.
I stood there for a good amount of time watching his dust cloud fade into the distance. I thought about how it felt to be so close to him on the horse. I liked the way it felt to have my arms around him. I liked the way his warmth filled me.
A chill made me shiver. I decided that it was time for me to go inside. I was pleased to see that Jed left me the whiskey. I poured myself a shot to warm up before bed. I gathered up a book or two, a lamp, and went down the hallway to my bedroom.
I was too wired with want to sleep. I would have to make myself tired. Maybe, a good book would do the trick. I flipped through one and put on the table. It didn’t interest me. The other one had been a gift. I hadn’t really read it, but it could be good. I flipped through the pages. Nothing seemed to jump out at me make me want to read it. I threw it on the table as well. I lay back in the bed and hoped that sleep would come and find me.
*****
I awoke to a new morning. I felt refreshed and ready for anything. I wanted a chance to challenge Reece, again. But, I would have to wait. I wanted him to make the decision on his own and not purely from my influence. I like to have things go my way and I usually go after what I want. I wanted Reece, but only if he wanted to be wanted. I didn’t want some married man to toy with. I hoped that he wasn’t married, engaged or betrothed. I liked to play but I wasn’t about to break anyone else’s heart. Well, that was unless he helped me do it.
I could be somewhat smart and rude. I could be somewhat lacking in the social norms and the proper ways in which a “lady” was to act, but I didn’t care. I wasn’t some city girl whose Daddy arranged everything for me. I was a woman in Texas who owned a ranch. I had to take what I wanted and be quick about it or I would lose it. And, I didn’t like losing. I didn’t handle it very well.
I went out into the yard to talk to Jed about the day’s activities. I was wondering if there was any reason that I could convince him that I needed to go into to town to get something for the ranch. I knew that it wouldn’t take much to do that because we always needed something and if we didn’t then I could always feign that I needed a new dress or something. A girl has to look her best, even on a ranch, right? You never know who might be coming over.
“Jed,” I said walking up to him.
“Yes, Miss Rayne, what can I do for you?” he asked me, tipping his hat at me in greeting.
“Do we need anything from town?” I asked him.
“Don’t know yet. We are still trying to figure out what we are going to need for the rodeo in Dallas. I am sure I could get a list for you, in say about an hour. I’ll bring it to you,” he told me.
“That sounds good. That’ll give me enough time to get it to Loren so he can fill it for us in the morning,” I said.
“Yes, ma’am, it should,” he replied.
“So how’s the selection process going for the horses?” I asked him.
“Tedious,” he explained, “Some of the boys don’t want to part with the ones that they helped break. Seems some of them can’t understand that we can’t keep them all.”
“Yes, we must sell a few, in order to feed the rest,” I said and then continued sarcastically, “Because money truly is the root of all evil, is it not?”
“I don’t know about that. I thought it was the devil, Miss Rayne,” he replied.
“You may be right there. Just have that list ready. I am going to go for a ride. It is such a nice day. How’s the herd in the gulch?” I asked him.
“They’re good. That would be a good one to ride to and check on, Miss Rayne. Do you want Juan or one of the boys to ride with you down there?” he asked me.
“No, I’ll be fine. Just send someone down with the list and then I’ll go into town with it,” I answered.
“Yes, ma’am. Give me a minute and I’ll bring Whiskers around for you,” he said walking off.
I waited for him to come back before I told him, “Thank you.”
He helped me to mount. He waited until I was situated before he handed me the reins. He checked the saddle and the stirrups, once again. He gave me a nod of approval and told me to have fun.
I must have been the strangest woman that Jed had ever met. I didn’t follow the rules. But, I had to give it to him; he still treated me like a kid sister.
I rode off towards the gulch. I liked to ride and being the owner made it more of a necessity that was built on pleasure. I liked to survey my cattle and my horses. It was actually the only true hands-on duty that I had in running the ranch. It was just because I didn’t like to get dirty. I had my chances to do so, but I left it up to Jed, Juan and the boys. It was more fun for me to watch them get dirty and grimy, and then it would be for me to do it. So, I let them.
I loved riding in the gulch. The air was crisp and clear. There was no dust. It was peaceful. I liked the smell that the creek added to the prairie grasses that grew there. It was a picturesque place to be, besides being beautiful. It was like a painting I once saw as a child.
I was lost in thought when Jed pulled up. He waited for me to acknowledge him before he said anything. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was afraid of me, sometimes. But, then, again, maybe he was just a distant person like most cowboys were.
“Yes, Jedidiah,” I said.
“I’ve got that list for you, ma’am,” he said.
“Good,” I said, and then I looked up at the sky, “I guess I’ll get something to eat in town. I should be home by dinner. Tell Cookie that I want real food tonight and not some sort of trail slop,”
“I’ll do that,” he said.
Chapter Four
Reece, Junction City
I woke up, groggy and unwilling to start the day, but I did nonetheless. I wasn’t going to let that woman haunt me all the time. I did have a job to get to, as well. I quickly changed clothes and headed to Loren’s.
When I came in the front door, Loren turned and smiled. He looked a little puzzled but he was smiling at me. Then it hit me, he looked like he had won a war. He was grinning to see me. Okay, maybe it was more he was just happy to see that I was there.
“Thought you’d take Miss Whittacre up on her offer, there, Reece,” he said.
“I am still thinking about it. But, I still haven’t said yes, either, Loren,” I replied.
He smiled again and nodded. He went back to whatever it had been that he was doing. He left me to stock the shelves with what had come in on the rail the night before.
I saw Mrs. Nancy at the front counter. She was straightening everything up there. Her hand was going furiously at some spot on the counter. Her determination at removing said spot made me grin. She was nice woman. I liked working for her. She looked up at me suddenly, blushed and smiled.
I was unpacking a crate of cloth and putting it on a bench with the rest of the materials, when she walked in. I wasn’t quite sure what I should do. I wanted to hide. This woman was resilient.
“Hi, there,” she said to Nancy.
“Hello, Miss Rayne, what can I do for you, today?” Nancy asked her.
“Well, the boys decided that they needed some things before they headed down to Dallas for the rodeo. You know, boys, they are always wanting something,” she replied to N
ancy while looking at me.
I went right back to stocking. I didn’t have time to fool around with this woman. I only needed about a hundred more to pay for the rail passage to Amarillo for both me and Scout. I’d probably need more than that to pay for his feed. The sad thing was I was only ahead in my passage fund by twenty dollars. I knew one thing and it hurt to realize it. At this rate, I would be working for Loren for another two years. If I went to work for the forward Miss Rayne Whittacre, I would have the money in less than six months, depending on how she made out at the round up at the end of the season and the rodeos between then and this time next year. It was a heavy decision.
Loren came out of the back and smiled at Miss Rayne. He put the books under the counter for Nancy to make the charges into the right accounts. He looked at Rayne and then at me. He wasn’t quite sure what he wanted to do with either of us, but I know that he didn’t want to lose me as a hand at the store. I am sure that he had made that clear to Miss Rayne, who no doubt made some sort of counteroffer on my behalf, hoping that would appease the aging man.
“Well, let’s see what you got there,” Nancy said, as she read over the list.
“This is a long list for a rodeo,” Loren added looking at the note.
“The boys, what can I say?” she answered.
“I’d tell them to get their own,” he replied.
“I would if I paid them regular. See I take it out of their shares and they know it,” she stated.
“Four coils of rope, two sides of leather, a box of horseshoes, six sets of stirrups, twenty yards of white cotton cloth, a case of beans, some wine skins, one skillet, seven boxes of matches, and nine bottles of whiskey? That’s a tall order, even for your boys,” Nancy said.
“They may be true, but they’re going to Dallas this time. The rodeo is going to be big. And, this year it is lasting a week, so they need to leave earlier and they’ll be coming home later. Wouldn’t want them to be without, now would I?” she asked them both.
It was the same voice that she had used with me that night before. It had the same lilt to it that made it prevocational, sarcastic and seemingly sweet all at the same time. I hated it. She could get anyone to see her point when she used that voice, and the trouble was that she knew it.
