Fiery Passion
Page 28
Carrie slouched in a show of defeat. “Promise me you’ll take care to not get into trouble. If you see the man from the platform, tell Simon. Don’t go getting yourself killed.”
“Of course. I’m not a fool. I have no intention of getting myself into trouble.”
“But how will you pass as a man? With your curves and long hair, you’re the perfect example of a woman.” Carrie waved toward Beth’s hair, piled high on top of her head in the latest fashion.
With a secretive smile, Beth reached into the satchel and searched through the clothing within to pull out her mother’s old silver-handled scissors. She reached up to her perfect coif, a style she often worked hours on perfecting. How would she feel without the familiar weight of her hair?
Carrie eyed the sharp tool. “Please tell me you brought those to cut paper.”
“Not paper.” Beth forced a smile. If she was going to do this, she would do it right. Although set in her decision, she reached up to touch the silky tendrils she’d grown to love. Her best feature. She forced back the tears burning behind her eyes. The sacrifice of her hair was worth saving her brother and his job. She firmed her lips, and held the scissors out to Carrie.
“What will your nana say?” Carrie asked.
“She has taken to her bed as of late, and only leaves to visit her matron friends for tea on Tuesdays. Her maid is there with her every second of the day, so I’m of little help. I asked her if I could accompany you to visit your sister for the spring, and she agreed. I’ll come home after the drive, and she’ll be none the wiser. My hair will grow again, and I’ll either pin it back, or I’ll say your little niece Tawny cut my hair while I slept because she wanted it for her doll. Your niece is quite the troublemaker. Nana will have no trouble believing me.”
“Tawny’s done worse, I suppose.” Carrie pinched her lips shut and stared with a calculating, but disapproving, look. Beth smiled as Carrie plucked the scissors from her hand with a sigh. She could always count on her dear friend to cave when logic and passion were at the heart of her arguments.
Two hours later, Beth sauntered down the stairs and out the door like she’d seen her brother do on many occasions. She enjoyed the feel of the trousers tight against her legs. The harsh scratch of the blue denim a vast difference from the soft cotton of her dresses—not to mention a distinct lack of a bustle strapped to her backside. The sensation of nothing but the rough work pants lent a sort of wicked freedom she could get accustomed to. The satchel swung as she walked, and she ignored the odd looks from the women passing by on their way to the shops—a few of which she recognized from the Missoula Women’s Society tea three weeks past. Did they recognize her? Even if they did, she didn’t care. In a few days she would be on her way to Bonner to work for the Big Mountain Lumber Mill.
Beth rushed home and snuck up the stairs leading to her room. After she made certain no one was around, she eased the door shut.
She tossed the satchel on the bed, stared into her long dressing mirror, and ruffled her short, spiky hair. Turning to her armoire, she took out an old petticoat and plopped down on the side of her bed to tear the strips of cloth that would bind her breasts. What would the gossiping ninnies of the town think of her now? Scandal followed Beth’s family like a hungry dog. Not that she personally deserved the stigma, but with her parents’ deaths, and Simon’s debauchery whenever he was home, the town gossips painted all the Sanders in the same tainted light. An escapade like this wouldn’t come as a surprise.
A knock sounded, and she scrambled to stuff the cloth under her pillow and yank on the hat from atop her dressing table. She pulled the brim over her ears. “Come in.”
The door slid open, and her brother Simon peeked in.
“Hey, Lizbe. It’s all set through the big bugs at the mill. I thought maybe we could go out and practice tonight. My secret’s safe, right? You aren’t going to tell the mayor?”
With a sigh of relief, Beth pulled her hat from her head. “It’s safe for now. Practice what? And you know I hate that nickname. It makes me sound like I’m twelve.”
Simon grimaced as his gaze skimmed her head. “Practice being a man. Meet me by the front door after Nana goes to bed.” He studied her a moment longer, and then frowned. “Did you steal those trousers from the twelve-year-old neighbor? You look like a blacksmith’s errand boy.”
Beth stuck out her tongue as Simon twisted on his heels. She could hear the angry click of his boots as he disappeared down the hallway. She had no idea what he’d planned, but she wasn’t about to let his reluctance or insults get in the way. Simon had no clue about the saboteur and catastrophe in the making. Eventually he’d appreciate what she’d sacrificed, after she saved his job, the lumber camp, and the entire town.
About the Author
A country girl born and bred, Dawn Luedecke has spent most of her life surrounded by horses, country folk, and the wild terrain of Nevada, Idaho and Montana. She enjoys writing historical and contemporary romance and spends as much time as she can working on her current manuscript. For more information visit www.dawnluedeckebooks.com.
One of the last outposts of the American West, the Montana Territory is filled with promise and adventure for those with brave souls—and open hearts…
Leader of the Timberbeasts, logger Simon Sanders’s biggest problem a year ago was deciding which willing woman to seduce. But since being mauled by a cougar he’s become a pariah in Missoula’s social circuit—and to himself. All he wants is to hide his scarred face and disappear into the bottom of a whisky bottle. His plan is going well—until his sister’s best friend, Carrie Kerr, kidnaps him and forces him to deal with his demons. If he didn’t know better, Simon would swear the bossy beauty is a demon herself…
Carrie doesn’t like to use the word kidnap. Unknowingly transport, perhaps. In any case, she can no longer watch Simon destroy himself in self-pity. Not since she lost her heart to him as she nursed him back to health. Now, whatever happens between them, she’s determined to bring him back to the one place he swore he’d never return to, the place she’s sure will reignite his spirit. But if things go awry, will she will she lose all hope for him to win back his life—much less share it with her?