Jenny

by Bobbi Smith

  "Why were you crying?" he asked gently. "Why are you so upset?"

  She drew a ragged breath. "I'm sorry. I was just thinking about how strange life can be."

  "What do you mean?"

  "I was thinking about how you can have something so very precious and not realize it until you've lost it." Her voice was a husky whisper.

  Cole stared down at Jenny. Her words had touched him and torn at the defenses he'd erected against her. He thought she was talking about losing her father so unexpectedly, and he was allowing himself to feel sorry for her. He wanted to soothe her somehow.

  Jenny decided to take a lesson from Rose and blurt out the truth. "I was thinking about us, Cole and what we could have had together...."

  He was caught completely off guard by her confession. He wasn't sure what to think or say, or what to feel. He just knew that he wanted to hold Jenny and kiss her and never see her cry again.

  "Jenny-"

  He reached out to draw her near, wanting to tell her with his embrace that the past was over and they couldn't change it, but they could have a future.

  "Cole! There you are!" Mira's voice was piercing as she appeared out of nowhere, closing on Cole and Jenny like a hound hot on the scent. "I've been looking for you."

  Cole stopped, his hands dropping away from Jenny even before he could touch her.

  Mira marched right up to them, a woman determined. She took Cole's arm in a possessive grip as she turned a cold, dismissive glare on Jenny.

  "You will excuse us, won't you, Jenny?" she said indifferently, then gazed up at Cole, her expression one of open adoration. "Cole, darling, I was so worried about you. I didn't know where you'd gone."

  She tried to press his arm to the side of her breast as she held on to him, but he resisted her efforts.

  "Jenny-I-" Cole began.

  Jenny just smiled and walked away from them. She didn't look back. She was concentrating too hard on keeping her expression blank. She didn't know that Cole's gaze followed her until he lost sight of her in the crowd.

  "Jenny! What happened? Did dancing with Cole help? Where is he?" Rose came hurrying toward her, eager to learn all the details of their time together. She had seen Jenny leave and had watched as Cole followed her.

  "Well, I'm not sure," Jenny told her as they stood together a little ways from the dance floor and out of sight of Cole and Mira. "Cole did come after me, and I really think he was about to kiss me, but then Mira showed up."

  "Oh, no," Rose groaned in sympathy. "I should have thought of that. I should have suggested to Clint that he dance with Mira next! I didn't think she'd be keeping such a close watch on Cole."

  "Obviously she was, but at least I did get one dance with him," Jenny said triumphantly. "That's more than I would have gotten a week or so ago, and I'm certain it's all because of you."

  "Me?" Rose tried to look innocent.

  "Yes, you. How did you convince Cole to cut in on me and Clint? What did you say to him? Whatever logic you used, it must have been good."

  "All I told him was that it was up to him to keep you safe and that I'd heard how dangerous it could be for any woman to dance with Clint."

  Jenny couldn't help herself. She laughed out loud. "I guess he must at least care about my physical welfare."

  "He could have refused, you know. So I think the fact that he did save you from Clint means a lot."

  "We can only hope," Jenny said, still smiling. "And just how did you fare, taking on Clint for me and putting yourself in harm's way like that? That's the mark of a true friend, you know. I owe you."

  "I suffered no lasting damage. My quick reflexes kept me safe and sound."

  "I'm proud of you," Jenny declared.

  "And so am I," Aubrey put in as he walked up to join them. "But just what am I proud about?"

  "Of how good a dancer Rose is," Jenny told him.

  "Then I think it's time I found out for myself. Rose, may I have the honor?" he asked gallantly.

  "It will be my pleasure."

  Rose and Aubrey moved out onto the dance floor, leaving Jenny alone with her thoughts.

  Jenny tried to forget what had just happened with Cole and Mira, but it proved difficult to do. She was certain that Cole had almost been ready to kiss her, and she'd been ready, too. But then Mira had come....

  Jenny was almost glad when Richard appeared before her and invited her to dance. It would distract her for a while. Accepting his offer, she allowed him to lead her out onto the floor, but as he twirled her expertly around, she saw Cole and Mira join the dancers, too.

  "Where did you go?" Richard asked. "I was looking for you but couldn't find you."

  "I had to talk with Cole for a minute."

  "It must be difficult for you to have to deal with him so much. After what happened between you, I know how you both must feel about each other."

  He sounded very confident of his opinion.

  "What do you mean?" Jenny bristled at Richard's assuming he knew anything about her or her life.

  "Well, when you think about it, if it hadn't been for your father's will, you two probably wouldn't even be speaking to each other right now. I know I certainly wouldn't want to have anything to do with a woman who'd broken an engagement with me."

  Jenny was tempted to tell Richard that he didn't have to worry, he would never have that problem with her, but she controlled herself. "That was a long time ago. Cole and I have both gotten past that. We're mature adults, and we deal with one another as such."

  Richard definitely didn't want to spend his time talking about Cole. He sensed there was still something between Cole and Jenny, despite her denials. He decided to use the rest of the evening to his advantage. He was going to find a way to have a romantic moment with her and make her forget all about the other man.

  Earlier when Richard had seen Jenny with Cole, he'd actually felt a twinge of jealousy. That was very unusual for him. As he danced with her now, he pondered even more deeply Aubrey's advice to propose to her. This might just be the night if he got the opportunity.

  He would see.

  It was a little after ten p.m. when Sam, the owner of the High Time Saloon, stopped in to talk with Dan for a minute.

  "Fernada said she thought you weren't feeling too well tonight," Sam said. He was concerned about his bartender, for he'd never known Dan to be less than the best when it came to his job.

  Dan glanced toward Fernada standing farther down the bar. He understood what she was trying to do for him, but he didn't like to lie. He'd always found that the plain truth served him best.

  "I have to tell you, Sam, I'm not glad to be here tonight, but it's not because I'm sick." He served another drink to a thirsty cowboy as he spoke with his boss.

  "Is something wrong?"

  "There was something I wanted to do tonight, and it looks like I won't be able to do it."

  Sam frowned thoughtfully. In all the years Dan had worked for him, Dan had never taken advantage or done less than his full share of work. "Do you want me to take over for you here?"

  Dan was surprised by his offer. "You wouldn't mind?"

  "How long do you need to be away?"

  "Just a couple of hours should do it," Dan said, suddenly excited about the possibility of seeing Rose again.

  "Go. Just be back here by twelve-thirty," Sam growled good-naturedly. "What's got you so agitated? A woman?"

  "Not just any woman," he answered. "A very special woman."

  With that, Dan handed Sam the towel he'd been using to wipe the bar. It seemed almost a ritual passing of arms.

  "I'll be back."

  "And I'll be right here serving drinks."

  Dan hurried home and quickly washed up. He shaved and changed clothes. He spent an extra minute in front of the mirror, checking to make sure he'd shaved close enough. Then, realizing he was wasting time, he made his way to the dance.

  The sound of the music came to Dan from several blocks away, and his anticipation grew as he drew closer.
Though he had only seen Rose twice, there was something about her that set her apart. He was looking forward to having a dance with her tonight and spending as much time with her as he could.

  Dan reached the dance floor and stood quietly at the side, scanning the couples, looking for Rose. He heard her before he saw her. From somewhere behind him near the refreshment table, the lilting sound of her laugh came to him. His reaction surprised him. It was almost as if his soul recognized the sound.

  Turning away from the dancers, Dan was drawn to her. He found her surrounded by three other men, and all were laughing at something she'd said.

  "Are you sure you have to go back to Philadelphia, Rose?" one of the men asked.

  "Oh, yes. Philadelphia's my home, but I must tell you, I'm enjoying my time in Durango very much."

  "We're enjoying having you here," another man replied.

  "Can I have this dance?" the first man asked as a new melody began.

  "Of course," she accepted, taking his hand and allowing him to draw her away.

  As Rose was being led to the dance floor, an unusual feeling came over her. She looked back over her shoulder, wondering what it was that was troubling her. It was then that she saw Dan standing off to the side, watching her.

  For an instant across the distance, their gazes met.

  Dan had come to her!

  Rose knew the dance she was about to dance was going to be the longest in her life. She didn't want to be with this man, she wanted to be with Dan....

  Rose was spun away then and lost sight of Dan. She kept trying to locate him in the crowd, but couldn't find him. She felt almost bereft.

  "Are you all right?" her dance partner asked, noticing that she seemed to be looking for someone.

  "Oh, yes. I thought I saw Jenny, but I was mistaken."

  "Jenny's over there," he said, nodding behind her.

  Rose cast a glance that way and saw Jenny dancing with Richard again. She pretended to be satisfied with spotting her girlfriend, but in truth, she still longed to know where Dan had gone.

  When the music ended, Rose thanked her partner and started back to the side of the dance floor. She didn't have long to worry about Dan. He appeared by her side.

  "May I have the next dance?" he asked in a courtly manner.

  "Yes," she breathed, her eyes aglow as she gazed up at him. "You came."

  "I couldn't stay away," he answered, surprising himself when he realized it was the truth.

  As the music began again, he swept her into his arms without another word, and they moved out among the other dancers. It was a slow, lilting melody, and they circled the floor in perfect union.

  Rose had often heard of love at first sight, and thought it a fantasy. She had now become a believer. She didn't know how or why this was happening to her, but Dan was the man she'd waited her whole life for. It didn't matter that they were so different. What mattered was that they were soul mates.

  Gazing up at him as they continued to dance, Rose studied the hard, lean line of his jaw and felt the hardmuscled strength of him against her as they moved as one. His shoulder beneath her hand was powerful. She didn't want to speak, for she didn't want to break the spell. This dance, this moment, was too magical, too special.

  Dan had come for her.

  The music ended, and Rose felt almost lost when his arms dropped away from her.

  "Would you like a cup of punch?" he asked, wanting to keep her by his side, fearful that some other man would try to take her away from him.

  Rose found herself smiling at his offer to serve her. "I thought if you were here, you were off work," she quipped.

  At her quick wit, Dan grinned back. "My job is to make people happy, and that's what I want to do for you."

  Her expression turned serious as she told him, "If you want to make me happy, then let's go for a walk, just the two of us-somewhere where we can talk somewhere away from here." Rose knew she was being brazen, but it didn't matter. She just wanted to be with him.

  Dan wondered how Rose had managed to read his thoughts. All he wanted was to be alone with her. He held out his hand to her in unspoken invitation.

  Rose took it without hesitation and felt a surprising jolt of excitement at that simple contact. She had a distant thought that she should check on Jenny and see how her friend was doing, but dismissed it. Jenny was a grown woman, and she could handle herself quite nicely. Rose knew she would never have another night like this one-another chance to be with Dan. She wanted to take advantage of every minute they had together. She didn't want to waste a second.

  Dan led Rose off, away from the glow of the lanterns, away from the notice of any townsfolk. He needed to have her to himself for what was left of his two-hour reprieve.

  "How did you get away from work?" Rose asked, surprised and delighted that he was there.

  "I told my boss I had something very important to take care of"

  "You did?"

  "Yes." He paused and looked at her. "You." Dan started off again down the street toward a quiet parklike area.

  Rose went willingly, smiling the whole while. She had a fleeting thought that Aunt Tillie might miss her, but quickly put it from her. She was with Dan. Nothing else mattered.

  When they reached the secluded grove, Dan stopped, but he didn't release her hand.

  "I've always liked it here," he said simply.

  "It's quiet."

  "And private."

  "That's what I like about it most," Dan said as he took her in his arms.

  Above them the moon shone brightly in a starry sky. The faintest of breezes stirred the trees. It was a haven, a romantic retreat made just for them.

  "I've wanted to do this ever since the first time I saw you."

  There was no need to say more as Dan bent to her and claimed her lips in a kiss. It was a gentle, testing exchange, as if he thought her fragile and feared he might harm her. But when she shifted closer to him and wrapped her arms around him, urging him on, he eagerly deepened the kiss.

  Rose was shocked by the power of her reaction to Dan. It was elemental and undeniable. Excitement shivered through her. The instincts that had been driving her came fully to life as she found herself caught up in the ecstasy of his embrace. She had never known a man's kiss could be so arousing.

  Lost in a rapturous storm, they shared kiss after hungry kiss.

  Dan had never known anyone like Rose before. She was open and warm and giving and loving. He wanted her more than he'd ever wanted any woman, and she was there, in his arms.

  Unable to resist the temptation, his hands began a restless foray. He wanted her he wanted to make love to her he wanted to lose himself within her-

  When he sought the soft curve of her breast, Rose gasped and tensed. No man had ever taken such liberties with her but this was Dan. She relaxed, wanting him near, needing him near

  Her initial reaction stopped Dan cold and made him realize just how truly innocent she was.

  Dan knew he had to stop the madness between them now, before things got out of control and they both forgot who they were and gave themselves over to the power of their desire for each other. Dan went still, breaking off the kiss, just quietly holding her.

  "Dan?" Rose whispered his name as she drew back to look up at him in the moonlight.

  He gave her a quick, gentle kiss, then only held her quietly, waiting for his passion to cool.

  In her innocence, Rose didn't understand why he'd suddenly stopped kissing her. His kisses had been wonderful, and she didn't want him to quit. If she could have had her way, she would have stayed in his embrace forever.

  "I like kissing you," Rose said, lifting one hand to caress his cheek. "Why did you stop?"

  Dan gave a guttural groan as he captured her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. "I have to stop."

  "But why?"

  He smiled gently at her. "Because if I don't stop now, your virtue would be in danger."

  Had there been enough light, he would have seen her
blush.

  "Oh."

  Dan kept his arms around Rose, cradling her close, enjoying the scent of her perfume. She'd worn a fragrance of roses, and the scent would forever be emblazoned in his mind and his heart-after this night.

  Rose had kissed a number of men during the lessthan-exciting courtships she'd endured through the years, but no man had ever thrilled her the way Dan did. She wondered what she was supposed to do next. She had no idea, and it was completely out of character for her to be helpless. She always took charge and forged ahead. She always knew what she wanted and had a plan how to get it. Right now, though, she was at a loss. She realized she wanted to get to know him better, to spend as much time with him as she could until it was time for her to go.

  Go

  It suddenly occurred to Rose that there would have to be an end to their relationship. She had to go back to Philadelphia. She didn't like that thought at all, so she put it from her mind. She would take each day as it came and enjoy to the fullest what time she did have there in Durango with Dan.

  "I guess we'd better head back," Dan finally said. Regret sounded in his tone. He didn't trust himself to stay there alone with Rose any longer. She was too tempting for his peace of mind.

  "I know," Rose sighed, not wanting to see this moment end, either. As disconcerted as she was by her tumultuous emotions, she always believed that if she wanted something, she should go after it. Resuming her normal ways, she gave him a slow smile as she asked, "But before we go back, could you kiss me one more time?"

  Dan realized she didn't know what she was doing, but her smile was so inviting, hinting at the undeniable pleasure he knew would be theirs if he obeyed her request, that a shaft of heat seared straight through him.

  "It would be my pleasure," he told her, and he meant it. Still, he knew he had to keep a tight rein on the passion he felt for her. Otherwise it would shatter his most honorable intentions.