Sarah sighed and picked up the empty clothes basket. She would have to give it some more thought. She headed back towards the cabin. Two figures walked side by side along the riverbank from the west. The blonde haired man was taller than the other, whose raven hair waved gently in the breeze. It was her father and Chase! She smiled brightly, and her heart sped up. The cabin door opened and her mother emerged. She must have seen them from the window.
“They’re home, mama,” Sarah called and ran to her mother’s side.
“I would have expected them to come from the other direction,” her mother remarked. “They must have gone to the village first, since Elk Runner and Hawk aren’t with them.”
Something was wrong. Both her father and Chase had somber looks on their faces when they approached. The hunt must not have been a success. They weren’t carrying any meat.
“Welcome home,” her mother called and headed out to meet her father. Sarah stayed by the door, watching her parents embrace when they met across the yard. Chase kept walking, his eyes on her. The hard expression on his face softened. Without hesitation, he strode up to her and wordlessly pulled her into a fierce embrace. His body trembled. Her arms reached around his waist.
“You feel so good,” he whispered against her ear. Slowly, he pulled away, and stared into her eyes. He didn’t smile.
“What’s wrong?” Sarah asked, looking up at his subdued face.
Chase turned his head when her parents reached the cabin. There was no hint of joy on her father’s face, either. She hastily stepped away from Chase.
“Let’s go inside,” her father said, and motioned with his head to the door. “We have things to tell you.”
Sarah followed her parents into the cabin. Chase brought up the rear.
‘What happened, Daniel?” her mother asked the moment everyone stood in the room. Her eyes darted from him to Chase. Chase sat at the table, his head between his hands, his back to them.
“Hawk Soaring is dead,” her father said in his quiet voice.
Sarah gasped, and her hand flew to her mouth. Her mother quietly said, “Oh, no.”
“A cougar,” her father continued. “We returned his body to his family. We stayed for the burial. That is why we are back so late.”
Chase stood abruptly and left the cabin. Sarah moved to follow him, but her father’s hand reached out and held her back.
“He blames himself,” he said. “Leave him. He wants to be alone. He has much to think about.”
“Why does he blame himself?” Sarah asked.
Her father moved to sit at the table.
“Would you like some tea or coffee, or something to eat?” her mother asked, standing behind him and rubbing his shoulders.
“Some coffee,” he answered, before he looked at Sarah. “He was with Hawk Soaring when the cougar attacked. Chase was brave and acted selflessly. He killed the cat, but it was too late. He believes he didn’t act quick enough.” He sighed. “He continues to only see his failures, not his successes. He has told me much about his past…in the future.”
“What did he tell you?” Sarah asked tentatively. Chase hadn’t told her anything about his past.
“If he wishes for you to know, he will tell you himself, Sarah. I cannot speak for him. I can only say that he has suffered the loss of a person close to him, a man who guided him. After his death, Chase struggled and lost his way. He needs to find his path again.” He looked directly at her. “You have given him a purpose, Sarah, a way to get back on the right track, but his fear of loss and failure is still holding him back.”
Sarah stared at her father, not knowing what to say. She wanted to go to Chase, comfort him, and tell him he was a good man. All the things he had accomplished since his arrival spoke of greatness. Guilt consumed her. Hawk Soaring’s tragic death should be foremost in her mind. Although she felt sad, she couldn’t bring herself to properly mourn his death.
Chapter 31
Sarah watched Chase. His back was to her, a sheen of sweat covering his muscular shoulders and back as he repeatedly swung the ax. Each log split in two with a single blow. Two weeks had gone by since his return from the sheep hunt. Most days, Chase roamed the woods with her father, leaving early and sometimes returning well after dark. She often wondered what they did all day, but never asked.
Chase ate his evening meals with them, and then invited Sarah to sit with him outside for a while before he retired to his cabin. Those were the times she looked forward to the most. He would hold her in his arms, tell her how much she meant to him, and that he loved her. His kisses were restrained most of the time. Sarah could tell he wanted to kiss her like he’d done on a few occasions in the past, when their bodies clung to each other, leaving them both breathless. He always stopped himself before he let it get to that point.
Sarah wondered at her father’s complete tolerance of Chase’s attentions. He had to know they kissed and touched. Her father knew everything that went on around here. Not that she would bring it up with him and, as her mother would say, stir the pot. Her mother only shrugged when she asked her about it, and said she didn’t know.
Chase refused to talk about Hawk Soaring’s death. She’d tried to get him to tell her about the accident, but he only said he’d get over it. She took that to mean he had accepted the fact that it wasn’t his fault or lack of ability that caused his death.
Chase split the last log, and set the ax against the chopping block, wiping the back of his hand across his forehead. Sarah approached him. “I have water for you,” she said, holding out a cup. He smiled at her and accepted the drink.
“Thanks.” He drank and handed the empty cup back to her.
“You aren’t out in the woods with my father today,” she remarked, when he didn’t speak.
“No. I thought I’d spend the afternoon with you.”
“Really?” she smiled brightly.
“Really,” he said, running the back of his fingers across her cheek. “Unless you have something better to do.”
“No,” she shook her head quickly. “What did you want to do?”
He shrugged. “Nothing. Just spend some time with you. We can go for a walk, or something.”
“That…that would be nice.”
“Let me clean up. I’ll be back in a bit.” He disappeared inside his cabin, only to reappear a moment later, a clean shirt slung over his shoulders, and headed for the river.
Warmth spread through her. Chase hadn’t said a word in weeks about wanting to go home, or finding the time travel device. For all outward appearances, he behaved like he was settled in. Her warm feeling faded. He also hadn’t indicated he intended to ask for her. Give him time. Her mother’s advice came back to her. She didn’t know how long she should wait, but time seemed to be all they had.
Sarah paced by the woodpile. She couldn’t help but wonder why he’d want to suddenly spend the day with her. Looking up when he returned from the river, she wouldn’t question it, and simply enjoy his company. Water droplets beaded in his sandy colored hair. She realized how much it had grown in the weeks since his arrival, and decided she liked his shorter hair better.
“Where would you like to go?” he asked cheerfully, strapping on his weapon belt.
Sarah shrugged. “It doesn’t matter.”
He grabbed her hand, entwining his fingers with hers. “Okay, let’s go this way then.” He led the way up the slope into the trees behind the cabin. They reached the top of the incline, the spot that Sarah often visited to be alone, before he spoke.
“Wow, you can see the entire valley from here.” His eyes scanned the distance.
“This is one of my favorite spots,” Sarah remarked.
“I can see why.” Chase turned to her, and pulled her up against him. He looked into her eyes for a long time, and Sarah suddenly felt nervous.
“You mean the world to me, Sarah. I just want you to know that.” He bent and kissed her gently on the lips. His hands at her waist sent shivers up and down her
spine. She longed for him to kiss her with the intensity of that night when he first told her he loved her. He didn’t. He pulled away from her, and took her hand again.
They continued through the forest, and Sarah was pleasantly surprised how well he navigated along almost imperceptible deer trails, avoiding most deadfall. Neither one spoke. Chase led her out of the forest, heading down a grassy incline towards the Madison River. The cabin was visible as only a small dot to the east. He eased her to the ground at the river’s edge, and they sat in silence, watching the slow current pass by. Chase tossed countless rocks into the water, making them skip across the surface.
Sarah looked over at him. Why was he so quiet? Should she speak first? Chase suddenly turned to her. The intense look of yearning and desire in his eyes startled her. He cupped her face, and scooted closer.
“I love you, Sarah,” he said huskily, and finally claimed her mouth in a way she’d longed for. She wrapped her arms around his neck and clung to him. Ripples of desire swept through her. He eased her onto the carpet of soft grasses, keeping his weight off her as he wrapped her in his arms. His lips nuzzled her neck, while his hands swept up and down along her hips and torso. Finally, he rolled onto his back and pulled her up close, his breathing ragged.
“Would you like to head back to the cabin now?” he asked after a while.
Sarah lay there, her head resting in the crook of his arm, as happiness enveloped her. “Can we stay just a little longer?” she whispered.
“Anything you want, angel,” he said, his hold on her tightening.
******
The door of the cabin groaned slowly. Chase was instantly alert. Quietly, he reached for the tomahawk lying beside his furs. Who was in his cabin in the middle of the night? His heart rate sped up as he lay still, listening. He heard the door creak again, and a soft rustling. Someone was definitely in here.
“Chase?”
A woman’s soft voice. Sarah’s voice! He bolted upright on his pallet.
“Sarah? Hold on.” Straining his eyes in the dark, he fumbled his way to the hearth and stoked the coals. Breathing air onto them, he fed some kindling to the glowing embers, and a small fire sprang to life. He added some larger pieces of wood, and the room gave off a soft glow.
Turning around, he noticed Sarah standing a few feet behind him, her eyes large and round as the flames illuminated her silhouette.
“Is everything alright? What are you doing here in the middle of the night?” Chase put his hands on her shoulders, looking down at her, trying to interpret the expression on her face. She seemed unsure of something.
“I….I came to see you,” she said, a nervous hitch in her voice. She took several steps back, and he dropped his hands.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his eyes narrowed. She wasn’t in her usual cotton shirt and britches. She wore a simple buckskin dress that fell to her knees. Chase’s gaze lingered on her loose hair that framed her face and cascaded down her front and back. His groin tightened. She looked so beautiful, standing there in the glow of the firelight, her features dancing in the shadows.
He watched as she slowly reached up with trembling hands and untied the leather thongs at her shoulders. Freed from its bindings, the dress fell slowly down her torso, exposing firm breasts, then slid past the curve of her hips to finally rest in a heap around her feet.
Chase could only stare. Her bold actions rendered him speechless. He’d never seen anything so beautiful. The blood began to pool in his loins. He swallowed, but his mouth had gone so dry, it only made his throat burn. Coming to his senses, he looked intently into her eyes. She held his gaze, and he knew she wasn’t sure what to do next.
“Sarah,” he cleared his throat, “angel, what are you doing?” His voice was raw and had a slight high pitch to it.
She raised her chin, trying to project the confidence he knew she didn’t feel. “Teach me….,” she whispered, and took a tentative step towards him.
“Teach you what?”
“Teach me how to be a woman, Chase.”
The obvious implication jolted him to the core. He had wanted her for so long, the fact that she was here, of her own will, took him a moment to comprehend. He ran a nervous hand along his jaw.
“Uh… angel, I don’t think this is such a good idea.” He laughed nervously, and turned away from her. Another second of looking at her, and he’d be a goner.
“You don’t want me?” she asked.
The hurt in her voice was unmistakable. He squeezed his eyes shut and inhaled deeply. Abruptly, he faced her again and closed the distance between them in a single stride, cupping her head between his hands. His mouth crushed down on hers as he pulled her to him. The feel of her peaked breasts against his naked chest sent an electric shockwave through him. He had to have more. He couldn’t get enough. He deepened the kiss, coaxing her lips apart, showing her how to respond. He felt her body relax, and she leaned into him, her arms coming up and tentatively encircling his neck. The entire length of her nude body was pressed against him. He felt his erection pushing against his britches, into her stomach.
He broke the kiss, panting and trembling as he ran his hands over her face, brushing her loose hair back. He tilted her head so she’d meet his eyes.
“Angel, I’ve never wanted anything the way I want you,” he whispered in a husky tone. “I think you know that.” He trailed kisses across her face and claimed her mouth again. Her response was more immediate this time. Her tongue grazed his lips. He groaned, and wrapped one arm around her slender waist, the feel of her silky skin driving him mad. His other hand raked through her hair.
He had to force himself to slow down. He wouldn’t be able to hold back if he kept up this wild and feverish assault on her lips.
“Do you know what you’re asking? Are you absolutely sure this is what you want?” he asked, pressing his forehead to hers.
“Make me your woman, Chase.” The softly spoken request pounded in his ears.
Chase pulled back. He gently removed her arms from around his neck, and took her smaller hands in his. He held them to his mouth and kissed the knuckles on each hand, never taking his eyes off her. She inhaled sharply, her breathing faster than normal. Flashing what he hoped was a reassuring smile, he led her quietly to his pallet. He ran his hand under her hair, cupping the back of her neck. Brushing his lips softly against hers, he sat and tugged her down with him.
Go slow, Russell.
Not that he had to tell himself that. She wasn’t one of his usual sorority chicks. No other girl could ever hold a candle the beautiful angel he held in his arms at this moment.
Chase eased her onto her back, and leaned over her, just looking at her. Her blue eyes stared back at him, questioning, nervous, anticipating.
“What do I have to do?” she asked, her voice faltering.
He chuckled. “Just follow my lead, angel,” he said, his own voice raspy. “You don’t have to do anything. Just feel, and let me love you.” She nodded.
“If I do anything that you’re not comfortable with, or if I hurt you at all, you tell me, okay?” He stared into her eyes, trying to imitate the look he’d seen in her father’s eyes when he meant business.
“You won’t hurt me, Chase.”
God, she was so trusting. He sure as hell hoped he could hold it together for her sake. This was uncharted territory for him, too. He’d never been with an inexperienced girl before. Most of the women in his past had taught him a trick or two. And, most importantly, it had never mattered to him before. He took what he could get. With Sarah, it mattered a whole lot. Giving her pleasure was more important than his own needs.
“Put your arms around me,” he whispered. She obeyed instantly. Chase leaned down and kissed her again, slowly at first. She responded with a fever he hadn’t expected. It was going to drive him mad. He draped one leg over her thighs, keeping his full weight off her. His hand slid down her shoulders, across her stomach, and up to cup her breast. He heard her moan and arch her back
into his hand. He kneaded gently and rubbed her nipple with his thumb.
His mouth left hers, and he trailed kisses down her neck, licking with his tongue. He felt her shudder. She moved her hands hesitantly up and down his shoulders and arms, and Chase felt a renewed tightening in his gut. His mouth found her nipple, and he ran his tongue over it until it was hard and peaked. He suckled gently, and Sarah gasped. Her hands reached up and grabbed at his head, holding him to her.
He paid the same attention to her other breast, and ran his hand down her stomach, past the slight curve in her hip, and along her thighs. Sarah squirmed underneath him.
“Easy, angel,” he whispered. He kissed the valley between her breasts, then back up her neck, and finally found her mouth again. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, kissing him like she’d been doing it forever.
He pulled his leg back, and fumbled with the thongs holding his britches. Moments later his hand found her silky thighs again, and he gently nudged them apart. His hand trailed up her inner thigh, to the juncture of her legs. She stiffened slightly.
“Remember, tell me to stop, angel,” he said, his voice hoarse.
“I don’t want you to stop,” she whispered.
Chase groaned and claimed her lips again, while his fingers probed her intimate folds. She was ready for him. He kicked his britches off and positioned himself over her, and hesitated. What if her hurt her? He knew there was no easy way the first time. All he could hope for was that he’d readied her body enough. He entered her with one swift thrust, crushing his mouth over hers to drown out her cry. Her body went rigid. So did his. He stayed motionless so she could get used to him.
Yellowstone Redemption Page 25
