by Kris Norris
“Again, wh-whose fault i-is that?”
“And now, you’re stutterin’ from it.” He weighed his options, sliding off to one side when words carried across the water. He didn’t need to see the people to know they were part of Buford’s gang. He’d recognize the younger brother’s voice anywhere.
He kept his arm over Hollis’ chest, motioning her to stay as he shrugged out of his jacket. He handed it to her, mouthing for her to put it on, then drew his gun, crawling toward the river, careful to stay amidst the tall grass. Men rustled the reeds on the other side, a few hushed curses reaching Cullen. He scented the air, allowing his other half as much freedom as possible without actually shifting. The noises around him sharpened, the distinctive aroma of three men hanging in the air.
He lined up where his bear suspected the gang was hiding, waiting to see if they’d pop out, when the sounds faded, nothing but the echo of horses clopping away reaching him.
He stayed there, his gun at the ready, until he was sure it was clear before twisting to face Hollis. She’d slipped on his jacket, her guns shaking in her grasp as she copied his approach, constantly scanning the other side of the bank. There was no missing the pale cast of her skin or how her teeth chattered.
He took one last look then stood, helping her to her feet. “Christ, you’re damn near blue.”
She shrugged, trying to holster her weapons, only to miss.
He tsked, taking them from her and jamming them in the leather pouches. “Come on. Let’s get you back to the office and warmed up.” He gathered her clothes before she could argue. “You can dress there.”
“B-but I-I’m…”
He merely smiled before he picked her up, ignoring her startled gasp. Her hands instinctively went around his neck as he hurried back along the trail, then onto the street, holding her close in the hopes of sharing some of his body heat.
She snorted against his neck, the soft caress of air sending a rash of goosebumps along his arms. “I c-can w-walk.”
“You can barely talk.” He shook his head. “No arguing. Yes, I know your near frozen state is partly my fault, but…safety, first. Modesty and pride second. Besides, we’re almost there.”
He jogged down the road, hoping he didn’t drop any of her things as he neared the sheriff’s building. As if on cue, Lucas opened the door, frowning when he took them both in. His gaze rose to Cullen’s, before he motioned them inside, closing the door behind them.
Cullen walked straight over to the stove, placing Hollis on her feet in front. She swayed for a moment then let go, tugging his jacket tighter around her. He grabbed a chair and dragged it across the floor, laying her belongings across the seat, and her boots and guns beneath it.
He backed up a few feet. “We’ll step outside for a minute and give you some privacy. But you’re not going anywhere until some color returns to your cheeks and you’re no longer shiverin’.” He headed for the door, taking Lucas with him. “And we’re going to have a chat about putting yourself at risk once we get back, so get everything straight inside that pretty head of yours before we return.”
CHAPTER FIVE
“Of all the…”
Hollis stuck out her tongue at the closed door. While she realized it was a somewhat childish act, it eased the fluttering sensations in her stomach that felt like a thousand butterflies taking flight. And all because of the two men standing on the other side of the door.
She groaned, tugging Cullen’s coat a bit tighter. The rich scent of worn leather and spicy man wrapped around her, and she wondered if he’d let her put the damn thing back on once she’d dressed.
The thought caught her by surprise, and she shrugged out of the heavy garment, stepping clear of it once it hit the floor. She needed to remember both men had yet to fully apologize for dismissing her. And after all she’d done in the saloon, they should be the last ones to lecture her on safety. She’d proven she could handle herself and more.
She reached for her clothes, wiggling into her pants. Her damp skin caught on the rough fabric, making it hard to tug over her hips. She left them hanging open as she slipped on her chemise, tucking the end into her trousers. Her hands shook as tightened the laces as best as she could, then pulled on her shirt, cursing when the buttons refused to slide through the holes.
The door creaked, making her jump. She glanced at the opening, her breath catching when both men appeared in the sliver of space. They gave her a quick once-over then strode inside, a gust of cold air prickling her skin as shivers racked her body.
Lucas tsked, quickly walking over to her and tugging her against his body. “Christ, you’re still a dozen shades of blue.”
Her hands hit his chest, the firm flex of muscles beneath her palms making the room feel as if it were spinning slightly. She’d never met men as large as him and Cullen, with strength to match their frames. Cullen had carried her as if it’d barely taken any effort, and she was certain Lucas could do the same.
Hollis thought about shoving the sheriff away when Cullen moved in behind her, trapping her between them. Two sets of hands rubbed the length of her arms and torso, obviously trying to generate some much-needed warmth into her body.
Cullen’s breath tickled her nape as he leaned in close. “You’re still barefooted.”
“I w-was getting t-there.” She groaned at the stuttered reply, knowing it’d only fuel their side of the argument more.
Lucas chuckled. “You are a stubborn soul. Come on, let’s get you all the way dressed.”
He picked her up then turned, placing her in his lap before wrapping his arms around her, again. Heat seeped through her clothes as the scent of gun oil filled her senses, and she couldn’t resist from resting her head on his shoulder for a moment. The bone-deep chill from the water and grass finally ebbed, a soothing warmth spreading through her.
A throaty hum vibrated Lucas’ chest. The low sound spiked another round of butterflies in her stomach as a needy ache settled in her groin. She wasn’t sure why she reacted to both men on such an intrinsic level, but her inability to control her body’s arousal was more than frustrating.
Hands landed on her feet, and she snapped her head around, staring into Cullen’s hazel eyes. He held up a sock, a bemused smile curving his lips before he smoothed it over her foot and up her calf. The soft glide of his fingers against her skin sent a rash of goosebumps beading down her arms.
Cullen sighed. “This is supposed to warm you up, not make you colder.”
Hollis dampened her lips, cursing when Cullen’s gaze fell to her mouth then back to her eyes. “Have you stopped to consider it tickles?”
He laughed. “You shouldn’t tell me that when there’s another foot to go.”
She glared at him, despite the grin that lifted the corners of her mouth. “You did see the shot I made last night, didn’t you? Might be wise not to upset me.”
Cullen arched a brow, glancing at the floor. “Pistols are still by your boots, sweetheart. Thinkin’ I’ll risk it.” He held up the other sock. “Ready?”
She pursed her lips at the endearment. Having him call her sweetheart shouldn’t feel as right as it did. Similar to how her heart had kicked up when Lucas had called her “darlin’” the previous night, though she’d played her response off to the adrenaline rush from the fight. But now…now, it didn’t feel quite so innocent.
Cullen cupped her heel, holding her still as he eased the fabric over her toes then up her leg. His touch was firmer this time, the sensuous caress increasing the needy sensation in her core. She forced herself to swallow past the tight feeling in her chest, her gaze never leaving Cullen’s.
The man eased back, then grabbed her boots, helping her into both before standing. He offered her his hand, practically yanking her into his chest as Lucas set her on her feet.
He leaned in from behind. “Cullen can button your shirt and trousers while I get you some coffee. Maybe it will finally drive away the chill.”
She wanted to say that she felt
strangely hot, not cold, but the words got lost as Cullen gripped the sides of her shirt, holding them together as he meticulously closed her top.
Unexpected disappointment settled in her gut when Cullen secured the last button on her pants then stepped back, reaching for her pistols. She glanced down at her torso when he strapped them around her waist, suddenly wishing he’d gather her in close, again. Only this time, she wanted to him to remove her clothes.
Hollis gave herself a mental shake. Obviously, the fatigue was catching up with her. That was the reason her thoughts were so scattered. All she needed was some sleep, and she’d go back to wanting to knock the men on their asses.
“Here you go, darlin’.”
A mug appeared in front of her, the steam blurring Lucas’ face as he smiled at her, his fingers brushing against hers when she accepted the cup. The brief contact quickened her pulse, and it was all she could do to manage a raspy, “Thanks,” past her clenched lips.
Cullen sighed. “You’d best drink all of that before just holdin’ it cools it down.”
“I’m not that cold. In fact, I feel much better already.”
Cullen arched a brow. “Then, why are your lips still blue?” He moved before she could reply, bending low to grab his jacket. Then, he shifted behind her, draping the coat over her shoulders. “You can wear that until you’re warm enough.”
His scent infused her senses, again, mingling with the hint of Lucas’ that seemed to have rubbed off onto her shirt while she’d been curled up in his lap. The aromas wove together, creating a new one that eased the restless feeling still churning her stomach. The one she didn’t want to investigate too closely, right now.
She took a sip of the coffee, moaning as the rich flavor burst along her tongue. A low chuckle drew her gaze to Lucas.
He smiled, reigniting the butterflies in her stomach. “I’ll assume by that noise you approve of my brewing techniques.”
She laughed. “I wasn’t expectin’ it to be this sweet. All the coffee I’ve had at other rail camps is quite bitter.”
“The secret’s in not boiling the beans directly in the water. Of course, adding sugar helps. Perhaps this can be our atonement. A steady supply of good coffee. Might save you getting shot at by Caleb, to boot.”
“Not getting shot is definitely an added bonus, but the coffee’s good enough, I’d except your offer on its merit, alone.”
Cullen moved in beside Lucas. “Does that imply we’re forgiven?”
She lifted the cup, hiding her grin. “As long as the sheriff can keep his end of the bargain, I’ll agree to not threaten to shoot you both on sight.”
“That’s not exactly the agreement we were lookin’ for, but I reckon it’s a start. Now, about your tendency to find trouble…”
Hollis took another swig, cradling the mug in her hands for warmth as she faced the men. “I don’t go lookin’ for trouble. It just sometimes finds me.”
“Maybe that’s because you make rash decisions. Rush headlong into a situation without any concern for your well-being.”
“I don’t consider wanting to wash off the filth from travelin’—from this camp—a rash decision. And I heard those men. I would have taken appropriate measures to ensure my safety.”
“Was that before or after I had to pry your guns from your shaking hands because you were so damn cold?”
“So, you would have preferred I stay dirty? Risk spreadin’ infection to my patients?”
Cullen took a step forward. “I seem to recall offerin’ to draw you a bath in my quarters.”
Hollis sighed. Damn she hated being wrong. She glanced up at the man, noting that Lucas had moved forward, too. Like a unified wall of male muscle standing in front of her. “Perhaps choosin’ to bathe in the river wasn’t one of my better ideas. I didn’t realize how cold the water got around here.”
Cullen cracked a slight grin. “Is that your roundabout way of admittin’ you were wrong?”
“I wasn’t wrong. You were simply more right. Regardless, I don’t believe I thanked you for making sure I was safe, or carryin’ me back here. So, thank you. Though, I still contest that if you hadn’t bowled me to the ground while I was naked, I wouldn’t have gotten as cold as I did.”
Both men looked at each other then laughed, shaking their heads as they stared at her.
Hollis frowned. “I’m not sure what you find so funny.”
Lucas did his best to school his features. “It’s you, darlin’. You are, without a doubt, the most unique woman we’ve ever met. Feisty, stubborn, but with enough skill to back up your reckless nature. I have a feeling you’re going to be quite the force to be reckoned with, and a constant test of our sanity.”
“I won’t apologize for the choices I’ve made, even the questionable ones, or I never would have had the courage to go to medical school in the first place.” She smiled. “My mother always did say I have too much of my father in me.”
“We wouldn’t want you to change, Hollis. Just try to keep it from getting you into dangerous situations.”
She sauntered closer, placing her hand on Lucas’ arm. “I’m a female doctor trying to make a life for herself out west. Just doing my job is dangerous. Men like Frank are the norm out here, which means every new case I get is another test I have to pass or risk getting fired.” She looked them both in the eyes. “Or worse.” She backed away, cradling the cup in both hands, again. “It’s like I said last night. I’ve done all I can to tip the cards in my favor.” She shrugged “The rest…”
“The rest is to realize when to let others give you a hand.” Lucas motioned to Cullen. “Even if the men in question are a bit late with their support. Though, once we give it…we don’t back down. I meant what I said in the tavern last night. If anyone lays a finger on you, they’ll have to answer to me and Cullen. Period. And I can promise you it won’t end well for them.”
“Careful, Sheriff. You might not want to put all your faith in me just yet. There’s still a lot about me you don’t know. It could turn out that I’m the dishonorable one.”
“Guess that’s a risk we’re willing to take. We’re a pretty good judge of character. More coffee?”
She held up her hand. “While I’d love some, sounds like the rest of the camp is wakin’ up. You both have work to do, and I probably shouldn’t leave Jack alone for too long. Just my luck his brother will be waitin’ for me, and I’ll have to explain why I thought it was all right to leave Jack’s side, even for a few minutes.”
“I already have more made. I’ll pour you another cup, and you can take it with you.”
“Won’t you need your mug?”
“Not while I’m out with the crew.” Lucas winked at her. “It’ll give me an excuse to drop by the clinic later.”
Cullen stepped forward. “As for Frank…he won’t bother you if he knows what’s good for him.”
A warm feeling spread through her chest. “Dear Lord, you threatened the man, didn’t you? Last night. After the fight.”
Cullen’s expression changed, and she swore another flash of red glinted in his eyes, then vanished. “Any man who’d hit a woman deserves far more than me tossin’ him on his ass with a few words of warning. The fact he hit you…”
Hollis frowned when he didn’t continue. “Why would hitting me be worse?”
Cullen glanced at Lucas, giving the other man an arch of his brow.
Lucas sighed as his gaze found hers. “Cullen just meant that Frank was lucky you were still willin’ to treat his brother after hurting you like that.”
Despite the fact Lucas had sounded sincere, Hollis couldn’t quite shake the feeling that there were other reasons behind Cullen’s statement. Ones they obviously didn’t want to divulge.
“Doesn’t seem right to fault a man for his brother’s actions. Though, I could have done without the split lip.” She grazed her fingers over her bruised flesh. “Damn thing still stings.”
Lucas frowned then stepped forward, gently cupping her chin.
He tilted her head slightly, looking at her mouth in the dawning light. “Shit. I can’t believe we didn’t notice it was still swollen. Or see that light bruising on your forehead.”
“It was dark—”
“Not that dark.” He skimmed his thumb along her lip. “It’s just been so hard to focus on anything other than your scent.”
“My scent?”
Cullen cleared his throat. “He meant your perfume.”
Hollis furrowed her brow. “I just went for a dip in the river. I’m not wearing any perfume.”
“Must be the fragrance from the soap, then. It’s very…pleasing, but distracting. Guess we’re not used to being close to anyone who doesn’t smell like sweat or liquor around here.”
“I guess, but—”
“How about I get you that coffee?” Lucas eased the cup out of her fingers then strode toward the stove.
She released a weary exhale. Maybe she was far more fatigued than she’d first thought. She nodded when he returned, placing the steaming mug in her hands. “Thank you, again.”
“Our pleasure.” He waved at the door. “We’ll walk you back to the clinic.”
“You don’t have—”
“We’re headed that way. Might as well walk together.”
She opened her mouth to comment, then closed it as they ushered her to the door. Streaks of yellow and orange filled the sky, most of the night’s shadows chased away by the muted light. Cullen moved to her left side while Lucas stayed on her right, their large forms making her feel small.
She swallowed past the thick feeling in her throat then struck off toward the clinic, noting the way they fell into perfect step beside her. They didn’t speak, just walked along, each scanning the road as if they expected to find something dangerous between every building. It wasn’t until they’d arrived at her door that they seemed to relax.
She turned to face them. “Thank you for walkin’ me back. And for the coffee.”
Lucas tipped his hat. “As I said. Our pleasure.”
She gave them a smile, grabbing the handle when she realized she was still wearing Cullen’s coat. “Damn, your jacket.” She shrugged it off her shoulders, instantly missing the comforting weight of it. She held it out to him. “You should have reminded me. I nearly walked into the clinic with it still on.”
