Jenny

by Bobbi Smith

  Dan crushed Rose to him as his mouth moved hungrily over hers, plundering her delicious sweetness and branding her as his.

  It was with an effort that he finally put her from him.

  "I think we need to go back and dance some more," he said with gruff good nature.

  "I like kissing you better," Rose said forthrightly.

  "Trust me, I like kissing you better, too."

  They started back, each regretting the loss of their intimacy. They walked slowly, for they were in no hurry to return to the crowd. They liked being in each other's company better.

  "Dan-" she said his name softly. "How did you come to be here in Durango? Did you grow up around here?"

  "No. Actually, I'm from St. Louis. When I was young, I had heard a lot about Colorado and the mountains. All the talk fascinated me. I knew I had to see for myself. As soon as I was old enough, I came West, and all it took was one trip. I made the move permanent about eight years ago. I started off in Denver and then came here with the railroad. I've been here ever since. Durango is right for me. It's where I belong."

  "But why did you become a bartender? Didn't you ever want to do anything else?" She'd never known anyone else who'd worked in a saloon, and his choice of jobs intrigued her.

  Dan was quiet for a minute. A lot of people looked down on him because of where he worked, and usually sophisticated women like Rose would have nothing to do with him, considering him to be beneath them socially. Dan considered the possibility that Rose was toying with him that he was a lark for her an adventure and nothing more. Someone she could enjoy being with while on vacation in the Wild West, but who she'd soon forget once she'd returned home. It surprised him that the possibility had the power to disturb him.

  "I've asked myself the same thing occasionally, but I like what I do and the pay is good," he told her simply.

  "Do you have any family back in St. Louis?"

  "My mother and sister are there. What about you?"

  "I live with my parents, but I enjoy traveling. This trip to Durango has convinced me of that." She didn't add what she was truly thinking-that her travels had brought her to Dan and that was the real reason she was enjoying this particular trip so much.

  "Do you plan to organize more groups to come to the Lazy S?" he asked, hoping she'd be returning to Durango regularly, so he could see her.

  "I want to help Jenny as much as I can. That's why I was so excited about taking the photographs today. I know my photographs can show how beautiful everything is much better than words. But as far as being in charge of any more of the groups that come, I don't think so. My lifelong dream has been to have my very own photographic studio, and I think with the pictures I've taken on this trip, I can do it."

  "Have you developed them yet?"

  "Not yet. I'm going to do that when I get back to the ranch."

  "Won't it take a lot of money to open a studio?" He wondered where she'd find the financing to do it.

  "Once my father sees what I've accomplished, he'll realize how good I am. He'll know that I'm not playing, that I'm really serious about photography, and he'll help me. He's always supported my decisions in the past, so there's no reason why he shouldn't back me now."

  Dan had known from the beginning that Rose was a lady, but he'd never thought about the possibility that she came from a wealthy family. The revelation emphasized how impossible any real relationship would be between them.

  Rose lived a moneyed, sophisticated life in the East.

  He was the bartender at the High Time.

  "Let's just hope Fernada and I didn't break your camera when you took our photograph today," he said with a smile, trying to lighten his own mood. "I'd hate to end your career before it started."

  "As handsome as you are, that would never happen," she replied.

  Then on sudden impulse, she grabbed his hand and tugged, wanting him to follow her into a dark alleyway. Dan wasn't about to resist her. Alone for a moment, Rose looped her arms around his neck and brazenly kissed him.

  It was a wild thing for her to do.

  It was a crazy thing for her to do.

  And she loved every second of it.

  They were quite near the dance and might be discovered, but Rose didn't care. She didn't know when she'd ever see him again after he left her tonight.

  Dan reveled in her spontaneous embrace. His grin was lopsided when she released him.

  "I don't know what I did to deserve that, but whatever it was, I'll gladly do it again."

  He noticed when he stopped speaking that Rose looked a bit sad.

  "What if we never get to see each other again?" she asked, lifting her troubled gaze to his.

  Dan grew very serious. He knew there was no future for them. They were worlds apart. They were two very different people, and yet he also knew that he couldn't just let her go.

  "We will," he said seriously. He drew her gently to him. "I promise you."

  His mouth sought hers in a soft, cherishing kiss. Then he slowly and regretfully let her go.

  "We'd better go back."

  "I know," she agreed.

  They returned to the social and joined the other couples on the dance floor. They remained together, dancing every dance, dreading the moment when Dan would have to leave and return to the High Time.

  Cole was beginning to believe the night would never end. All he wanted was for it to be over. Ever since he'd tried to talk to Jenny and Mira had interrupted them, Mira had not let him out of her sight. He had made the mistake of inviting her, so there was no way out of it now, but after tonight he would make sure he never got himself in this situation again.

  Cole had learned a lot about himself tonight, and what he'd learned had been a revelation to him. He wasn't quite sure what he was going to do about it, but he had to do something.

  "I'm having such a wonderful time, Cole," Mira told him. "Thank you for bringing me."

  "It's been an enjoyable evening," he lied.

  "I think so, too," she agreed.

  Certainly, Mira knew things could have gone better, but there had been no way she could have prevented Jenny from showing up. Even though Cole had stayed with her since the incident, it infuriated her that he'd gone chasing after Jenny in the first place. This was the woman who'd dumped him at the altar, and Cole had acted like a lovesick fool! Mira was certain that if he got involved with Jenny again, he would be the laughingstock of the whole town, and that would be very humiliating to her knowing that he wanted Jenny more than he wanted her. There was no way she was going to stand by and let herself be embarrassed like that.

  "Would you like more punch?" Cole offered. At least, if he went after refreshments, he might have a moment away from her.

  "That would be nice." She noticed her brother Wayne making his way toward her. She wasn't sure if she was glad to see him or not. When he drank, he could be trouble. "Where have you been all evening?"

  "Just having a good time, sis." He grinned at her, revealing that he'd had too much to drink. "Evenin', Cole."

  "Wayne." Cole nodded in return. "I'll be right back with your punch, Mira." He was glad her brother had shown up, for it gave him the opportunity to escape.

  Mira was tempted to go with him, but stayed to talk with her brother.

  "I can't believe Jenny showed up tonight."

  "So?"

  "So Cole went after her earlier, and I got there just in time."

  "In time to do what?" Wayne was curious.

  "He looked like he was about to kiss her, and ever since we came back to the dance, I've caught him glancing her way."

  Wayne heard the unspoken fury in his sister's voice and knew trouble was brewing. "What do you plan to do about it?"

  "I've been thinking about that, and right now seems to be the perfect time to have a little talk with her. I'm going to put an end to this right here and now. I'll see you later."

  With steely determination, Mira made her way to where Jenny was standing alone on the far side of the
dance floor.

  "Good evening, Jenny," Mira said with fake sweetness.

  "Hello, Mira," Jenny said with little enthusiasm, wondering what the woman wanted.

  "You know, Jenny, you had your chance to marry Cole and you chose not to," Mira said, getting straight to the point. "While you've been gone, Cole and I have grown close very close. Why, I've even en joyed a good night's sleep in his bed if you know what I mean." She looked at Jenny, her gaze piercing and hard as she watched for her reaction.

  Somehow, Jenny managed to keep her true emotions hidden. She'd suspected that the other woman wanted Cole badly, but she'd never thought they were really lovers.

  "I am very happy for you, Mira," Jenny said coolly with a slight smile. "You just need to understand that any dealings Cole and I have are strictly business. Since he is the executor of my father's estate, we are being forced to work with one another on ranch business."

  "Good. He's mine, and I intend to keep him."

  With that, Mira gave her a victorious smile and walked away.

  Jenny watched her go and couldn't decide if she was angry or heartbroken. She knew she had no claim on Cole. She had no right to be jealous of him. But the thought of Cole making love to Mira was devastating.

  Richard was as ready as he would ever be. His frustration had grown as the evening passed and Jenny continued to dance with other men. Each time he'd been forced to stand aside and watch her being held in another man's arms, he'd grown more angry.

  Now that he had finally decided she was the woman for him, he wanted her all to himself. He had made up his mind at long last. Tonight, he was going to propose.

  Richard knew he would have to convince Jenny to give up any ideas she had about living in Durango for the rest of her life, but he was certain that would be easy once she realized how wealthy she would be as his wife. In Philadelphia, as Mrs. Richard Donathan III, she would be sought after; she would com mand respect and attention. He was certain she would love every minute of it.

  "Jenny? May I have this dance, please?" Richard asked. He'd waited until the woman she'd been talking to had walked away before approaching her.

  "Of course, Richard," Jenny said, needing and wanting to be distracted from her thoughts of Cole and Mira.

  Richard took Jenny in his arms and danced her out onto the floor. He held her closer than usual, wanting to feel her against him. He had made his plan, and he was ready. At a strategic moment, he was going to waltz her away from everyone. He'd been looking around and had found a private spot close by. Once he got Jenny where they could speak without being interrupted, he was going to propose.

  Richard's eagerness grew as they danced. Jenny didn't seem to notice that he was trying to dance them toward a particular side of the floor. When he reached the spot where he could sneak off with her, he stopped dancing and took her hand.

  "Richard what are you doing?" Jenny balked, resisting a bit as he drew her away.

  "I want to talk to you alone for a moment."

  "What's wrong with right here?" she asked.

  "I wanted our conversation to be private, Jenny."

  He did not relent and grew more than a little annoyed when she still held back.

  "You can talk to me here," Jenny said.

  Her refusal to cooperate with him enraged Richard. His anger and his passion came together, and strong emotion rushed through him. He tightened his grip on her hand and pulled her with more effort. He was not accustomed to being denied. He was used to women falling at his feet.

  Jenny didn't want to cause a scene, but she didn't want to be alone with Richard, either. Still, short of screaming, there was no getting away from him, so she finally went along. When he led her to a darkened corner, she hesitated again.

  "Richard whatever it is you have to say-" she began.

  "Needs to be said right now." he finished for her.

  And with that, Richard grabbed her and kissed her. It was a hot, savage kiss that reflected exactly the way he was feeling. His mouth ground down on hers punishingly. He wanted her to be his-his wife, his lover and his possession. He meant to have her-one way or another.

  Evelyn was standing with Tillie, happily watching all the dancing couples. Rose was with her cowboy, Melanie was dancing with one of the men from town, and Jenny was dancing again with Richard. Everything seemed fine, but then Evelyn grew worried when she saw Richard stop dancing and practically force Jenny off the dance floor. She knew Jenny was capable of taking care of herself in most circumstances, but there was something about the look on Richard's face that troubled her.

  "Tillie, did you see that?"

  "What?"

  "Richard. It looked like he was practically dragging Jenny off somewhere that she didn't want to go. I'd better go after them and see what's going on."

  "I'll come with you."

  They were following the couple when Evelyn noticed Cole standing with Mira. Thinking she just might need his help, she sought him out.

  "Cole! Could I speak with you privately for a moment?" Evelyn asked.

  "Mira, if you'll excuse me?"

  "Of course," she answered, but she wasn't pleased. She knew this woman was Jenny's aunt.

  Cole moved a few steps away with Evelyn and Tillie.

  "What is it?" he asked.

  "I'm sorry to bother you, but I didn't know who else to ask for help."

  "Is something wrong?"

  "It's Jenny. She was dancing with Richard when suddenly it seemed he was forcing her to leave the dance with him," she explained. "I'm worried about her and wanted to go check on her."

  "You stay here. I'll handle it."

  "Oh, thank you, Cole."

  "Which way did he take her?" Cole asked in a tight voice.

  He'd seen the two of them dancing together and had deliberately looked the other way. He remem bered far too well what Richard had said that day out at the Lazy S about holding Jenny in his arms.

  `They went off that way." Evelyn pointed in the direction they'd gone.

  "You wait here in case there's trouble," he dictated.

  Without a backward glance or a word to Mira, Cole went after Jenny.

  Richard was enjoying the kiss, even though Jenny didn't seem to be fully responding to him yet. He knew it was just a matter of time. There wasn't a woman in the world who could resist him.

  The hand that clamped down on Richard's shoulder was iron, the grip unyielding. With brutal force, Richard was physically torn away from Jenny.

  "What the-" Richard protested as he was spun violently around.

  He had no time to say more. Cole's fist caught him squarely in the face, and he collapsed, moaning on the ground.

  "Cole!" Jenny gasped.

  Cole was filled with blind rage. The sight of the other man kissing Jenny so forcefully infuriated him. He'd hit Richard hard enough to make sure he didn't get back up right away. He was standing over him now, his hands still clenched into fists, ready and waiting for more trouble if Richard wanted to give him any.

  "Jenny, are you all right?" Cole asked, his voice tight as he glanced her way.

  "Yes yes, thanks," she breathed.

  Cole nodded, then looked down at Richard again, who was starting to stir. Blood was streaming from his nose, and his left eye was starting to swell. Cole felt Richard deserved more, but he controlled himself.

  "Don't ever put your hands on Jenny again. Do you hear me?" he snarled.

  Richard was cursing under his breath as he slowly gathered his wits. He looked up at Cole and nodded, just wanting him to go away. His humiliation was great, and his own fury was barely in check.

  A crowd was gathering as word spread that there had been a fight. Everyone was gawking at them.

  Cole's expression was thunderous as he looked at Jenny again, but when he realized she wasn't hurt in any way, the look on his face softened. He held out an arm to her.

  Jenny hurried to his side. She felt calmer as soon as his arm came protectively around her shoulders. She went
with him willingly as they turned away from Richard, still lying miserable and bleeding on the ground.

  Jenny was emotionally numb. She couldn't believe what had happened. One minute she was being forced to suffer Richard's unwanted attentions, and the next, she was safe with Cole.

  "The show is over, folks," Cole announced to the gathered crowd.

  A murmur of interest went through the onlookers as they talked among themselves, trying to figure out what had happened.

  Evelyn, Tillie, and Melanie came rushing up.

  "Jenny! Are you all right?" Evelyn asked.

  "She's fine," Cole answered. "She's mine. I'll take care of her."

  "Thank you, Cole," Evelyn told him.

  Cole and Jenny went on only a little farther before they came face to face with Mira and her brother. The two had been hurrying over to see what all the excitement was about.

  "Cole!" Mira cried as she saw him and ran to him. "What happened?"

  "There was some trouble," he offered, not wanting to talk to her right now.

  "Someone said you were in a fight. Are you all right?" She'd been worried about him, but the sight of Jenny by his side left her outraged.

  "I'm fine." Cole looked dismissively past Mira to her brother. "Wayne, I have to help Jenny right now. Could you see that Mira gets home tonight?"

  Wayne could just imagine how his sister was feeling to be so ignored in front of the entire town. "What the hell happened?"

  "There was some trouble." Cole nodded toward Richard. "And I stopped it."

  Cole didn't even wait for Wayne to answer, but shepherded Jenny away from the scene.

  As Mira watched them walk away, her fury was boundless. She wanted to scream her frustration, but she waited, fire flashing in her eyes, murderous emotions burning in her heart. Instead, she began to plan in earnest what she was going to do to get even with Jenny. She'd been upset earlier that evening by the way Cole had acted around Jenny, but now she was furious.

  "Come on," Wayne told her. He knew she was mad and wanted to get her away before she did something she might regret. "You ready to head back home?"

  Mira shook off his hand when he touched her arm.

  "There's something I want to do, but it isn't head back home," she snapped at him.