Echoes of the Heart

by Webb, Carole

  A near presence drew her instantly back to reality. She stared into heavily lashed dark eyes.

  Cash spoke in a casual voice. “Mind if I join you?” He wore fresh cloths and smelled of soap when he sat next to her at the table. She felt drawn like a magnet to the aura engulfing him. This is not going to happen.

  “Yes, I do mind. Just who do you think you are to disturb me while eating?” Embarrassment flared into anger making her quiver. “Marshal, I think you are an animal!”

  He peered through shuttered eyes, squinted in amusement. With no more words, she pounded a fist on the table, jumped to her feet then ran to the store without looking back. As long as life pumped through her veins, no meal would ever again be shared with that lascivious man.

  As if chased by a wild animal, Raeden stormed into the store. “Aunt Diane, do you mind if I go home? I would like to exercise Arte then take a long hot bath.”

  She stomped through the room her mind churning with hatred, gathering her belongings. She could not endure the aura in the back room for one more second.

  Looking weary, Mike stepped beside her. “I will drive you home. You’ve worked hard today.” He couldn’t help noticing her disturbing behavior. “Has something happened to upset you?”

  “No, I’m fine, just hungry. The vermin at the hotel drove me away.”

  Mike’s face creased, the look in his eyes betrayed confusion making her feel she belonged in an asylum, just what she needed to complete this horrific day.

  Twelve

  Sitting alone with his thoughts, Cash finished lunch at the hotel, paying also for the meal Raeden had left. She sure is a sassy one.

  Surprised by the way she applied herself at the store, he had presumed she would be spoiled, thinking of herself too good for hard labor. He found her rumpled hair and dusty face from climbing into the attic endearing. And damn, he found her the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her jade green eyes drew him into their infinite depths and those sensual lips curving at the corners begged for a man’s kisses.

  He had never observed anyone with green eyes before and except for a blind man, no one could possibly fail to notice their mesmerizing effect. Her hair—that gorgeous hair. He wanted to bury his face in it and run his fingers through long wavy locks smelling of roses.

  When his mind drifted to her soft opalescent skin and round breasts imploring attention, he felt himself swell. Attempting to cast aside images of her body and the way she had accepted his advances, he questioned why she had come here. What about the marriage? In truth, he had expected her to be frigid, reticent but the way she reacted gave him pause to think. As regards to her innocence, perhaps he had been mistaken.

  He lit a cigar then pushed from the table and walked out in the street, glancing down alleyways confidently strolling in the bank’s direction. Making the rounds, his gaze settled on a group of unfamiliar men, not seeming herdsmen, who had ridden into town that morning. He peered from corner to corner when he entered the building to investigate.

  When extensive herd sales transpired, the bank held greater deposits. Knowing he could not be too cautious, he made the decision to discuss the strangers with John.

  He entered the office to find his deputy cleaning rifles he had taken from the cabinet near the door. While wiping gun oil from a shiny blue metal barrel, he looked up at Cash with a tight-lipped grin.

  “Thought I would get these ready, just in case.”

  “Guess you noticed them, too.” He checked his revolver making sure it carried a full load.

  “I’ll talk to Angie later. Maybe she knows something.” Sliding his gun back into the leather holster, he turned to the door.

  “I need to tell Slim, Chuck will stop by to pick up my bull for breeding, so I am headed to the ranch.”

  John continued cleaning. “I’ll keep things under control here. By the way, did you talk to Chad?”

  “He’ll stop by when they bring in the herd today. Fill him in if I’m not here when he arrives.”

  He adjusted his gun belt while walking to saddle Rabbit for the ride to his ranch. The spirited Appaloosa set out at a slow gait heading westward, breaking into a run at the edge of town.

  Thirteen

  A cat on fire, Raeden ran up the staircase, undoing buttons along the way and tore to her room. She kicked off shoes in the corner and yanked the dress off her shoulders letting it fall in a heap on the floor. Attempting to remove the lingering scent of Cash off her skin, she splashed water over her body then hastily slipped into riding apparel. Still pulling the last boot, she hopped to the door.

  Plagued by hunger, she dashed to the kitchen to slap some cold bacon between slices of bread, consuming the last bite before reaching the barn.

  With her arm extended, Arte snickered his greeting while stepping closer and pressed a soft muzzle into her hand. She laid her cheek softly on his forehead, happy to be with her friend.

  The bridle hung over one shoulder when she entered the stall. He pawed the earth in anticipation as she raised it over his proud chiseled head. She lifted his chin blowing a slight breath into his nostril to calm him and walked him out to the tack room where Nick stood, waiting with the saddle.

  His expression appeared grim while he tightened the straps around Arte’s expansive girth. “Nice day for a ride. Are you going alone?”

  Raeden pulled on riding gloves and walked toward her mount. “Yes, it’s a beautiful day. Where do you suggest? I have no desire to get lost.”

  Gathering the reins tightly around Arte’s sleek muscled neck, she mounted while he pranced in a circle before facing Nick. Hesitating for a moment, Nick spoke. “If you head north you’ll find a stand of trees to serve as a marker, a little farther, there’s a large ranch. You can’t miss it.”

  Arte circled, pivoting on hindquarters and hopping on front legs while she pulled his chin to his neck to maintain control. He skipped in place and his head bobbed against his restraints then snorted his discontent.

  Watching Raeden, Nick’s mouth fell open, his hands limp at his sides, staring wide-eyed in amazement as Raeden controlled the restive steed. “It’s not always safe around here. Maybe I should ride with you.”

  “No thanks, Nick. You have my promise I will not go too far, just enough to start getting my bearings.”

  She reined in a northerly direction while the anxious horse pushed forward then leapt into a gallop when Raeden gave him his head. The powerful rhythm of Arte’s hooves beneath and wind through her hair did wonders for Raeden’s disposition.—not to mention the scant sandwich she had devoured like a school of piranha that had not eaten for weeks.

  Time seemed to stand still. They raced over the grasslands then in the distance she spotted a thicket of Box Elder showing their fall colors and slowed Arte’s pace. A clear rippling creek meandered in from the east through the grove, lush green meadow grass spread along the banks.

  Halting to rest in the shade, she led Arte to the stream for a drink. He pawed at the water splashing droplets up to his chest and blowing bubbles through his submerged nostrils then grazed on the blades spiking through musty loam.

  Raeden drank from the brook before remounting Arte. Following the streambed, she made the decision to continue the ride knowing it impossible to get lost as long as she stayed near the water. With the oasis behind them, her mount pranced forward. Raeden absorbed the splendid panorama encircling their space. The pampas spread for miles around them touching the blue sky along the horizon broken only by dots of trees and rock formations jutting from the earth.

  ***

  Cash scanned the horizon, breathing fresh air deep into his lungs and feeling at ease with the sun on his face. He knew this land like the back of his hand, having lived here most of his life. The beauty never ceased to amaze him.

  The rugged landscape changed drastically from season to season, giving no quarter to those unable to survive under extreme conditions.

  He followed the stream running through his spread to the main ho
use, inspecting the grounds finding them in good repair, as usual, under the care of his foreman.

  Beneath a spreading tree, a distance from the house stood the family cemetery, scattered with wild flowers and manicured shrubs. He felt a knot in his stomach when he turned his gaze in the direction of the graveyard and considered if he could ever live here again.

  Like his father and his father before him, ranching remained in his blood, but the pangs of remorse pierced with a vengeance deep in his center, the loss of his wife and newborn kept forcing him away.

  Spotting the caretaker moving Samson, his prize Hereford bull, he reined toward him, dismounting to shake hands with Slim. “Hi, Slim, the place looks great.” He scratched Samson’s ears then led his cowpony to water, dropping the reins before her, knowing she would not move.

  “A man’s gotta’ do somthun’ seein’ it’s a little slow since you don’t do much ranchin.” Slim, an aging black cowboy spent numerous hard years in the saddle before coming to work for his father. Cash was only seventeen when he went away to the university after the death of his mother, Samantha Cash Rydell. She had tutored him at home until she passed away.

  Both parents came from old money, leaving him with wealth and estates in Europe once belonging to the Cash family. He had not traveled there yet, but planned to some time in the future, if he ever got his head back on straight.

  His grandfather, a thrill seeker had moved from back east to South Dakota with his wife to start the cattle ranch with their only child Cash’s father, who loved this wild country and stayed on after they passed.

  Cash’s father had died from a fall from a horse five years before. Slim stayed on as foreman. Cash felt fortunate having him at the ranch, a friend he knew could be trusted with his very life if necessary.

  Cash walked to Rabbit. “I have had my fill of full-time ranching. Just wanted to let you know Chuck will be picking up Samson.” A light hint of sarcasm played in his tone. “Didn’t want you to think him a rustler and shoot him.”

  Filling the canteen at the pump, he took a long drink. “I’m going right back, there’s some new faces in town. In case there is trouble, I need to be there.”

  “I be needin’ sum provisions. You wudn’t happen to have sum’ whiskey in those saddle bags?”

  Cash never brought anything with him for Slim. Preferring to be a recluse, the man would never come into town if he did.

  Reaching the reins, he swung into the saddle. “See you around when you come in for supplies. We can get drunk and maybe you can call on one of those new girls at Angie’s place. I’ll set you up at the hotel, stay as long as you like.”

  Slim stood head held high, grinning and gave him a casual salute.

  His return passed easily, Rabbit’s gait steady when he neared the familiar stand of trees. Cash’s gaze caught the small figure riding on horseback along the creek bed, perhaps a young lad. Ever cautious, he placed a hand near the rifle and waited for the boy to come close.

  Recognizing the blood bay from St. Louis, he bolted ahead toward the unconcealed feminine curves in tight pants. The notion he should protect her sparked fury. What in the hell is she doing out here riding alone?

  Panic grabbed her throat when Raeden eyed the rider dashing toward her, and the feelings did not change when she recognized Cash on horseback. Nowhere to hide, she dismounted Arte and straight as an arrow stood her ground. Dust surged around Rabbit as she skidded to a halt, Cash leapt off before coming to a standstill.

  Raeden hoped the pounding in her chest would not give her away as she stood to face him with her chin held high.

  No emotion showed on his face as he approached, his eyes roamed freely over her. “What brings you out here, Miss Newell? Not enough excitement at the store? I didn’t think you would follow me this far.”

  She stomped a foot, hands balled at her sides. “I’m taking a ride, if it’s any of your business.” Still embarrassed by her earlier behavior, she dropped her eyes to the ground, avoiding his leer. She had let him touch her in places no lady would allow. Just the thought made her tingle all over.

  “Aren’t you afraid you’ll get lost or taken hostage by some savage?” The tone of his voice grew serious and his features relaxed. “You don’t even carry a gun, you little fool.”

  Is that a note of concern in his voice? “It appears the only danger I need be concerned with is you, Marshal.” The muscles in her face tensed. “I know exactly where I am, sir, and if you will kindly leave me alone, I will be heading back home.”

  A hint of arrogant satisfaction emerged in his voice. “Great, I’m going the same way myself. We can ride together.”

  Rabbit stepped timidly forward and pushed Raeden backwards with her muzzle. The sudden movement caused her to stumble and fall flat on her rump. She jumped up laughing, brushing dust from her rear then moved to the filly. Rabbit lowered her head and allowed Raeden to rub her under her forelock and whisper in her ear.

  Cash reached for her reins looking bewildered.

  “She is a beautiful horse, Cash. I’ve never seen such markings.”

  “Rabbit is an Appaloosa, a favorite of the Indians.”

  “Rabbit—that’s a strange name.”

  Cash chuckled. “Actually, her name is Little Rabbit. An Indian name, Dull Knife made me a gift of her a few years back.”

  Tension broken, they walked side-by-side leading their horses along the stream, Cash at a slow pace to allow Raeden to keep up. “What brings you out here, Marshal? Looking for bandits or cattle rustlers?”

  He glanced at Raeden. “I thought I would rescue a damsel in distress.” His reply made her smile. His voice softened. “I went out to my ranch to discuss a matter with my foreman.”

  Raeden playfully kicked up a small rock scattering small chips of dirt. “I didn’t realize you ranched along with your job as marshal. Do you come often?”

  “No, not often. I gave up ranching a few years ago.” He rolled the reins between his fingers. “Now there are just a few dozen head and a small string of horses. Slim, my foreman, keeps the place.”

  “Why did you give up ranching? Did the urge to be a lawman lure you away?” Her first impression faded when she realized he actually had a place to call home. What kind of man is he to leave his ranch to serve others?

  She saw his jaw tighten and his shoulders become rigid. “Let’s just say I needed a change.”

  When she turned to face him, she somehow knew the conversation ended but the lust in his eyes frightened her. Remembering the tryst in the back room, she wondered if he would dare molest her out here. Being in the middle of nowhere, no one would notice.

  Cash sullen and Raeden baffled, they mounted their horses continuing the trek, silence thick in the air. On occasion Raeden glanced in his direction to find him staring. His unrelenting gaze made her edgy. She felt she might jump out of her skin. She could almost feel his hands upon her body and the memories of the morning caused gooseflesh to rise on her arms.

  It seemed to take forever to get back, the deep tension making her uneasy.

  When they neared the house, Cash broke the weighty silence. “Why don’t you go change? I’ll be by later to pick you up for dinner, say around eight.”

  Before she could decline, he rode away. The setting sun reflected a confident horseman. When she turned toward home, thoughts clouded her mind of his lips on her own, demanding surrender.

  Fourteen

  After a bath, Raeden stood checking her wardrobe. She chose a lavender dress with a low cut neckline and narrow puffed sleeves draping off the shoulders then prepared for her engagement wondering what had gotten into Cash to ask her to dinner. Well, he did not actually ask. It had been more like a demand.

  Turning in front of the mirror, she smoothed her hands over the snug fit of her narrow waist then arranged the folds of her dress falling provocatively over the curve of her hips. Satisfied with her reflection, she reached in her jewel case for the lavender jade pendant to settle just above her cleav
age and matching earrings

  At the sound voices downstairs, she inhaled a deep breath, almost afraid to face him. She considered the vivid pictures in her mind and the thoughts of his hands roaming over her burning flesh and the effect of his kisses, vanquishing her resolve to remain chaste.

  A white shawl draped over one arm, she entered the study. Both men stood at her entrance, Cash’s hat in his hand. She stood under the gaze of approving eyes, making her flush. When he looked at her that way, she did not know what to think. Nothing had ever caused such disquiet. She had men gape at her in the past when they thought she could not see them, but no one had ever made her skin burn with fever or cause her to desire advances no lady would permit.

  Dressed in black, he appeared more like a bandit with rakish good looks and his low-slung gun belt and self-assured stride.

  Her uncle stepped forward. “Rae, you look stunning.”

  Diane rose from the sofa and spoke in a lighthearted manner. “I hear you will not be here for supper tonight.” She smiled and gave her a light peck on the cheek. “You two have a good time. We won’t wait up.”

  Still silent, Cash adjusted his hat over his thick mane of jet-black hair. He reached for her wrap placing it over her shoulders and extended an elbow for Raeden to grasp. The air around him held the scent of soap mingled with his masculine essence. His lips curved into a smile. His mild manner confused her and she wondered where the sarcastic rogue hid while he escorted her to the waiting buckboard outside.

  Hard muscled arms lifted her into the seat. The mere touch of his hands made her quiver. Jumping in the seat, he grabbed the reins and urged the horses into a canter. She watched his skillful maneuvers before deciding to break the silence. “Where will we be going?”