The smell of him, the taste of him, the feel of him was nothing short of exquisite, and as his arms tightened around her, she experienced none of the nervousness from the night before. Instead she shared his excitement, knowing what was to come.
With her arms locked around his neck, her breasts pressed tight against the hard wall of his chest, she marveled at his strength. He kissed the tip of her nose. "I thought about you all day."
"And I thought about you."
His hands moved to the buttons on the back of her dress, his excitement obvious as he quickly pulled it from her shoulders, until it pooled around her feet. She noticed his eyes darken as they moved down her body. With lithe fingers, he took off her chemise until she stood naked before him.
He kissed her, his hands moving down her bare back, splaying at her waist before moving over her hips. He stepped away and started shedding his clothes.
Jordan's heart hammered heavily as she stared at his beautiful body, and that part of him that had brought her to a pinnacle she'd never known possible. When she thought she could no longer stand the waiting, he pulled her down with him to the ground.
He wanted her to feel, to know the extent he cared for her, and he showed her with his hands, his lips, and his tongue, until Jordan's passion was at a fever pitch. "Please," she whispered as his mouth once again returned to her lips.
"What do you want?" he asked against her mouth, hovering, waiting for her answer as his rigid manhood pressed against her slippery warmth.
"I want you."
Gray Hawk hadn't intended to make love to her tonight, knowing that she was probably sore from the night before. He also didn't want her to think that this was all he cared about, because it wasn't. But when he saw her standing there, looking so beautiful, remembering the feel of her soft skin, he couldn't help himself. And her response to him made him realize that she wanted the same.
Kissing her softly, he reveled in the feel of her body at his side. His hands moved over her ripe young breasts, her nipples swelling under his touch.
When her fingers moved tentatively to his chest and further down, his breath caught in his throat. A second later she wrapped her fingers around his hard arousal. Covering her hand with his, he guided her, teaching her how to bring him to the edge of climax.
Jordan thrilled to the feel of his rock hard manhood in her grasp. Glancing up, she saw the fire in his eyes, could hear his ragged breathing and was awed that she could have such power over him.
His fingers moved down her ribs, past her belly, to the very core of her, playing with her until she writhed against his hand. His lips claimed hers, and then nudging her knees apart, he thrust within her.
Jordan wasn't sure if it was the anticipation she'd been feeling all day, or her need for him that sent her spiraling to climax so quickly. But soon the sensations began to build all over again, with even more power than moments ago. With a few quick thrusts, he took them both to the heights of passion.
Her fingers threaded through his hair, savoring the weight of his body on top of her. He kissed her neck, then pulled her to his side. She was so happy. She yearned to tell him exactly what she was feeling, but was afraid to share her thoughts so soon.
She smiled as his hand moved lazily up and down her back. Resting her head on his shoulder, she closed her eyes feeling more relaxed than she'd been in a long while. All the months of being scared and looking over her shoulder faded away like a morning mist as she lay in his strong arms.
That was her last thought before Gray Hawk woke her, telling her it was time to return to the ranch. "Why didn't you wake me?" she asked, as he helped her into her dress.
"I know you haven't been sleeping very well and you looked so content, I couldn't wake you. Plus, you felt so good in my arms, I didn't want to let you go."
Gray Hawk had enjoyed watching her the last hour. In sleep she looked so innocent and fragile, yet he knew the woman had nerves of steel. When she started talking in her sleep, he found it endearing, especially when she'd spoke his name and then whispered I love you. Though he knew it was only a dream, the words had a twofold effect on him. What they shared was more than just shared physical attraction. There was a bond between them that went beyond lovemaking--but was it love? The last time he had given his heart, it had been thrown back in his face. Samantha had loved him behind closed doors, telling him all her secret desires, promising him that she would leave her husband for him. Everything she said had been a lie. She never intended for anyone to ever find out about their affair. She had simply used him.
He knew he was Jordan's only lover, but would that still make a difference? And would she go with him to his village if he desired to return? Would his love be enough?
"What's the matter?"
He lifted a brow, not realizing his thoughts were clearly written on his face. "Nothing." He smiled reassuringly and she grinned, going into his outstretched arms.
"Tomorrow I have a day off. What do you say we spend it together?"
"I'd love that," she said, hugging him tighter. "I have to run into Brogan in the morning to pick up some supplies. Why don't you come with me?"
Since he'd been at the ranch, he'd never once ventured off Shane's property. The thought of seeing the town, and meeting other people made him hesitate, but seeing her wishful expression, he said yes.
GERALD KINCAIDE, Sheriff of Brogan, lounged against a post outside his office. Lately things had been awful slow, and he secretly yearned for some kind of argument to break out, maybe even a shooting.
He crushed his cigarette beneath the heel of his boot, watching with boredom as a rather large woman made her way into Mrs. Craven's dress shop across the street. He could see Kari Hoffman standing near the window. A bright smile lit her face as she talked with a customer.
For weeks now he'd been watching Kari, hoping that she would notice him. Unfortunately, aside from a friendly wave, she never spoke to him, and he still hadn't got up the nerve to ask her to lunch.
Kari Hoffman was by far the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and he secretly yearned to make her his wife. He knew he wasn't handsome, but he did have a lot to offer a woman. For one, if she were married to him, she wouldn't be working as an apprentice in a dress shop. Instead, she'd keep his house and raise his children...their children. The thought of her round with child was heartening, and fire raced through his veins at the thought of bedding her. He would be the envy of every man in Brogan.
He'd asked Mrs. Craven questions about Kari, but she didn't know very much, aside from the fact that she was staying at the Triple T ranch, along with her family. He wondered where exactly she was sleeping. Surely she didn't sleep in the bunkhouse with all those men? It disturbed him to know she lived under the same roof with Shane Catalono. The rancher had been a confirmed bachelor since the death of his wife. He'd come close to marriage one time, but apparently had been spooked since the wedding was called off and his fiancée abruptly left town, a woman Gerald at one time coveted as his own. A fact that burned him to no end.
Nodding to a few passersby, he walked down the street toward the livery. Kari was coming out with her wagon just as he was heading in. Her smile was warm as she looked at him from the wagon where she was seated. "Sheriff Kincaide, how are you?"
He tipped his hat. "Just fine, Miss Hoffman. It's a beautiful day now, isn't it?" he said, staring at her delicate features, wanting desperately to touch her.
"Indeed," she replied, shifting the reins from one hand to the other. A few awkward moments of silence followed before she said, "Well, I really do need to get going."
"Oh, right." Stepping back from the wagon, he nodded as she circled around and headed down the dirt road. "Miss Hoffman," he yelled before he could stop himself.
She pulled upon the reins, stopping in the middle of the road. She turned toward him, her brows furrowed together. "Yes, Sheriff?"
Her face was pale despite the warm sun, which was odd, especially when he was sweating bullets. He a
pproached her, wiping the sweat with his handkerchief before reaching her. "I was wanting to know." He ripped his hat from his head. Here he was thirty-two and acting like a schoolboy with his first crush. "Well, that is...would you have lunch with me tomorrow?"
Relief etched her features and she sat up straight. "Well, I sometimes don't get a chance to stop for lunch. I'll just have to see how busy we are tomorrow."
"Surely Mrs. Craven will allow you time to eat," he said, hoping his objections would spark an acceptance.
"We'll see," she repeated, before setting out again. "Good day, Sheriff."
A `we'll see' was better than a flat out no. "I'll be waiting for your answer," he called after her. To his disappointment she didn't turn as she made her way out of town.
ALL THE WAY home Kari thought about the sheriff's offer, even after picking up the children. Though she made small talk with them, her mind was elsewhere. She'd managed up to this point to avoid the sheriff, yet today it had been impossible. It seemed every time she looked out the window, there he was watching her, making her wonder if he suspected that she and Jordan were on the run.
That evening she helped Jordan set the table, and when she couldn't hold it in any longer, she blurted, "The sheriff has asked me to lunch."
Jordan's brows shot up in surprise. "The sheriff?"
Kari nodded.
"What did you say?"
"I felt so pressured that I told him maybe."
Jordan ran a hand down her face. "Do you think he suspects something?"
"I don't know. He stopped me on my out of town. I've noticed him watching me a lot lately. His office is right across from the shop, and I swear every time I look up, there he is."
"Do you think he knows something?"
Kari shrugged. "I don't know."
Shane stepped into the kitchen, putting an abrupt end to the conversation, or so Kari thought.
"Good evening, ladies." He sounded jovial as he took a seat.
"Good evening," Kari replied at the same time as Jordan.
As they waited for the children to join them, silence filled the room until Jordan said, "Maybe you should ask Shane what he thinks?"
Kari stepped on her cousin's foot beneath the table, knowing exactly what she was trying to do. Jordan pinched her thigh in return.
"Ask me what?" he asked, looking from Jordan to Kari.
"Nothing," Kari said quickly, throwing Jordan a warning glance.
"What?" Shane asked, his expression suddenly serious as the children sat down.
"Sheriff Kincaide has asked Kari to lunch," Jordan offered much to Kari's dismay.
Kari dropped her gaze to her plate, but could feel Shane's stare.
"Dad doesn't care much for the sheriff, do ya, Dad?" Tanner said, joining in on the conversation.
"He must be a good man if he's the sheriff," Jordan added.
Shane snorted.
Kari felt like sliding underneath the table. Her appetite had vanished, but she pretended interest in the roast, which she took great pains to cut into minuscule pieces. Anything to keep from looking up.
"Well, are you going to have lunch with him?" Shane asked.
She looked up and found his piercing gaze on her.
Kari opened her mouth, ready to tell him no when Jordan said, "You may as well. After all, you wouldn't want to make an enemy of the sheriff."
"Could we drop the chatter," Shane said, his voice low and ominous.
"Geez, Dad, what's the matter?" Tanner asked, his eyes wide. "Your face is turning purple."
Shane ran a hand through his hair, then sat back in his chair. "I'm tired. It's been a long day." He stood up so fast the table rocked. Everyone grabbed their glasses before they overturned, all eyes fastened on him. "I'll eat with the men."
"Well, I wonder what's the matter with him?" Jordan asked innocently, hiding a mischievous smile behind her glass as their gazes locked.
Suddenly Kari's mood took a turn for the better.
SHANE STOPPED in mid-stride to the bunkhouse. He didn't want to eat with anyone. In fact, he wasn't even hungry. He backtracked to the house and set his plate on the porch rail. An image of Kari and the sheriff sitting at a little table in a quiet corner of Oliver's Restaurant tightened his gut into a tight knot. He should have known that once the men of Brogan saw her that she'd have them falling all over her, particularly Gerald Kincaide, a man he detested, who hated Shane just as much. He resisted the urge to slam his fist into the log columns.
Through the open window he could still hear Jordan and Kari talking about the sheriff. He listened as his son shifted the conversation to his day at school.
What did he expect from Kari? He'd been nothing but sarcastic since the day he'd met her. She was a beautiful woman that any man would desire. At least Gerald Kincaide was man enough to ask her out to lunch. It was more than he had ever tried to do.
He drowned out their voices and instead listened to the sounds of the night around him. The women's laughter filtered out to him from the window and blended with the men's loud chatter coming from the bunkhouse. Although he was surrounded by the people he cared about, Shane had never felt so alone.
His gaze moved past the bunkhouse to the small rise in the hill next to a cottonwood tree. Under the light of the moon, the white marble cross was clearly visible. "Lily, help me," he whispered, feeling a lump form in his throat. He stared for a long while, remembering all the good times they shared, as well as the bad. One moment he was on the verge of laughter, the next tears. He wasn't sure how long he'd sat there when a strange thing happened--a warmth filled him as though telling him everything would be all right.
Perhaps it was time to move on with his life.
Chapter 18
THE SKY was cloudless the following morning, adding to Jordan's good mood. Having slept eight hours, she woke refreshed and excited for the day ahead, knowing she was spending the entire day with Gray Hawk.
Being a workday for Kari, she'd already left for town and the children were staying on at the ranch to spend the day with Shane. Some of the other hands had already left for Brogan, but Jordan and Gray Hawk lingered a while longer, enjoying breakfast together for once.
Though she would have preferred to ride her horse into Brogan, she had a long list of supplies, and therefore opted to take the wagon. And she was glad when Gray Hawk joined her, their legs touching as the wagon rocked along the rutted roads.
She loved the possessive feel of his long fingers on her thigh, and the heat of his body as the wagon rolled along. Gray Hawk pointed out different types of flowers, trees and birds to her. She realized how much he respected the land. She listened intently as he talked, loving the sound of his voice, enjoying being able to stare at his strong profile without seeming obvious. It brought back memories of being with him at his village where it seemed they had much more time alone. There they had at least been able to sleep in the same quarters, within inches of the other. Here, that would be unthinkable.
With every mile she yearned to ask him if he intended to stay, or if one day he would return to his people. Yet every time she opened her mouth to ask, she became too frightened of what the answer might be, so she chose instead to remain silent.
When they arrived in Brogan, she stepped down from the wagon, deciding to leave it near the mercantile. "Do you want to join me, or would you rather see what the men are up to?" she asked, knowing what his answer would be. There wasn't a man around who would willingly want to go shopping.
"I'll see what the men are up to," he said with a boyish grin.
"I'll meet you in half an hour right here," she said, flashing a smile before heading off to do the shopping.
Gray Hawk could feel the stares of the townspeople all the way to his bones. As he walked along the dusty street, he heard a man whisper `dirty breed', under his breath. A woman who had been walking toward him, saw him and crossed the street, her expression full of shock as though she couldn't believe he had the nerve to be in her town. He
r young son buried his head into his mother's skirts as though he would shrivel into nothing if he were to look Gray Hawk in the eye.
Pretending not to notice, Gray Hawk moved in long strides toward the saloon, looking forward to spending a few minutes of idle time with the men of the Triple T, all of whom had become good friends.
Brogan would be like any other town. There would be those who feared him, and those who didn't--like Shane and his men, Kari, Rebecca, and of course, Jordan. She was the only thing that felt right these days. For all that he enjoyed his life now, he missed his father, and felt with every day he stayed away, he was betraying him and his people. He should return to them, yet he couldn't when he was so unsure of the future. Never had he been so torn as he was now. For all that he enjoyed ranching, he missed his friends and family, and the hunting.
Hearing the sound of the piano coming through the swinging doors across the street, he headed in that direction when a voice stopped him.
"Can I help you, partner?"
Gray Hawk turned to face a man, who was not much older than himself. His piercing blue eyes were not kind as he lifted his chin. There was an air of arrogance about the man that set Gray Hawk's teeth on edge.
"I'm just going to the saloon," Gray Hawk said, taking another step in that direction when the man lowered his rifle, blocking his way.
"What ya doing in Brogan, boy?"
Gray Hawk's shoulders stiffened, and when he met the man's lethal glare, he noticed his thumb inching the hammer of the gun back. "I work at the Triple T."
The sheriff lifted his brow. "The Triple T, huh? We don't get much of your kind around here?"
"And what kind would that be?" Gray Hawk fought to keep the rage he felt from his voice.
The man rolled back on his heels, the corners of his mouth lifted in a smirk. "Where exactly you from, boy?"
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