Western Seduction (The Seduction Series Book 2)

by Brenda Jernigan

  “That's not fair.” Toby protested. “I want a turn.”

  “Aye, but 'tis. If I lose my balance or step on a line or miss the block then 'tis yer turn. I’ll warn ye, I used tae be pretty good at this game when I was small,” she boasted.

  She tossed the stone and once again hitched up her skirts, taking a running leap to jump over the first two blocks and make it safely to the third. She wobbled, flailing her arms, as she tried to regain her balance. She made it and began to hop again.

  After she picked up her stone and got ready to make her third throw, she noticed the two very long faces of her students. So she deliberately tossed the stone astray. It landed on the line, and she had to forfeit her turn.

  “Goodie. It’s my turn,” Toby announced.

  “No, it isn’t! It’s mine,” Molly argued.

  “Girls first.” Both children whipped around to face Shannon.

  “Molly can go first this time, and the next game Toby will be first,” Shannon told them firmly, her tone brooking no argument. Surprisingly, neither protested the decision. Instead, they began to play.

  They both were quite good, and before long, they were on their third game of hopscotch. Molly had won the first game and Toby the second. It was a draw, and it was time for a tiebreaker. This time, Shannon would show no mercy. After all, she had to show them who was best.

  As Luke rode toward the ranch, he had to admit he was glad to be heading home because he’d had to force himself to concentrate on the fence job all morning. His mind kept wondering on how the children were doing. That’s why he jumped on the chance to go and fetch dinner for the crew.

  He spotted the children and Shannon doing something beside the house. He turned his horse so that he rode up behind the barn. This would give him a chance to observe without being noticed.

  Luke stood at the corner of the barn watching his children and his nanny hopping around like a bunch of rabbits.

  What in the world were they doing? Hopping?

  He watched a while longer, amazed that they were so engaged in whatever they were doing instead of fighting. The best he could tell, they seemed to be playing a game, but what they were playing puzzled him. To his surprise, the children were laughing and enjoying themselves. How long had it been since they were so carefree? Usually they were in trouble. Sometimes Luke felt all he did was yell at them.

  And the nanny was still here. It was downright amazing.

  He figured she’d be long gone by the time he came back to the house.

  Then to Luke’s amazement, Shannon hiked up her skirts exposing delicate ankles . . . a very nice sight indeed. She began hopping on one foot just as the children had. Puzzled, he decided to watch for a few minutes more unobserved, and see how they were getting along.

  “I thought you were good at this game, Miss Shannon,” Molly teased.

  “I used tae be,” Shannon retorted as she struggled to keep her balance. “But somehow it seems different than what I remember. ’Tis what happens when ye get older.”

  “How has it gotten different?” Toby asked, then yelled, “Watch out! You almost stepped on the line.”

  “I missed it, though.” Shannon paused a moment, frowning down at him. “Wull, fer one thing, I’ve gotten taller and my feet are much bigger, sae I’m at a disadvantage,” she said, making her excuses as she made it to the top of the squares. Then she turned. “All I huv tae do is make it back, and I’ll win.”

  She started hopping again. Luke could tell that Shannon was tired by the way her foot kept easing lower. That she was playing with his children, at all, surprised him. The other nannies hadn’t bothered. Shannon only had a few more squares to go when she lost her balance and fell backwards to the ground, landing on her bottom and sending puffs of dust in the air.

  The children giggled. Then Molly shouted gleefully, “I win! I win! Let’s play again.”

  Sensing that Miss Shannon needed to rest, Luke strolled around the corner toward them. “Now, now. It isn't nice to laugh when someone falls,” he told the children as he bent down, offering Shannon his hand. She took it gratefully, and he hauled her to her feet.

  “But she's laughing,” Toby said.

  And sure enough, once she had swept that glorious red hair from her face, he could see she was laughing, too. It was a refreshing sound, and not often heard around his home.

  Life and laughter seemed to sparkle in her eyes and radiated from somewhere deep inside Shannon. No matter how prim and proper she tried to be, that sparkle always broke though. The sparkle that made her different.

  Dang, she was beautiful. He’d have to be dead not to notice the rose color in her cheeks and the brightness of her eyes. And her mouth was much too inviting. It made him think of things he hadn’t thought about in quite a long time.

  Things he had no right to think about.

  “’Tis all right for them tae laugh,” Shannon said in the children’s defense. She brushed off her skirts. “We were playing a game, and I simply lost my balance,” she explained in a voice that was becoming all too familiar to him. A problem, he realized.

  Toby was tossing his rock in the air and catching it when he said, “You should see the new game we just learned.”

  “A game?” Luke turned to Shannon. “I thought you were going to teach them from books,” he said, his tone accusing.

  “We’re learning, Pa,” Molly informed him, then pointed to the drawing in the dirt. “This is what Roman soldiers used to do.”

  “See.” Toby tossed his stone in the first square. “You do it like this.”

  Luke patiently watched his son hop flawlessly through the course. When Toby had finished, he handed his father a stone. “You try, Pa. It’s lots of fun.”

  “From the laughter I just heard, I can see it was. But I'll have to take your word for it now because I need to ride back out. I just came to fetch some grub,” Luke said. He reached for Shannon’s elbow, then addressed the children. “Go ahead and finish your game. I’m going to borrow Miss Shannon for a moment.”

  As they walked away from the children, Shannon challenged, “Are ye afraid tae play a game?”

  “I’m too old for such nonsense,” Luke stated firmly. “Besides, I have too much work to do.”

  She stopped and looked at him. “I thought that is why ye huv ranch hands.” She saw that her remark irritated him but then again, what didn’t? “Besides, yer not that old. Ye know, sometimes I think ye’ve forgotten how tae smile.”

  Luke caught her arm so suddenly that it made her want to jump back. He led her farther away from the children before he turned on her. “Let me tell you something, Miss McKinley. You’ve only been here a day and a half, so I’ll let your comment slide as ignorance.”

  Shannon drew back to give him a piece of her mind, but he anticipated her move and placed his finger across her lips. One touch sent cold shivers skittering down her spine in spite of her anger.

  “Let me finish. You’re not in your fancy ballrooms anymore. You’re in a rough country that was wild only a few years ago. There isn’t a lot to smile about out here . . . just damned hard work. And when there isn’t work, there are skirmishes with the Mexicans who want to take back their land. If you get sick, the nearest doctor is in Cottonwood, and you have to be real lucky not to die before he drives out here. So I’m sorry that we can’t be more entertaining, Miss McKinley.” Luke didn’t add that there used to be laugher in his house when his wife was alive. Since her death he’d been even more determined to make a success of this ranch.

  Shannon folded her arms across her chest as she waited for Luke to finish his rant. She hadn’t taken her eyes off his face and realized that if he hadn’t been so blistering mad, she was close enough to kiss him. That thought almost made her smile. A kiss would certainly shut him up, and quickly, too. Instead she said, “Are ye finished?”

  “Yep.”

  “I see ye must huv had a bad mornin’ and, perhaps, yer hearin’ isn’t as good as it should be. I was not
complainin’, mon. I merely pointed out that ye could smile for yer children once in awhile. Dinna ye see how their faces light up when ye come around? How proud they were tae show ye what they’d learned today? I bet ye smiled a lot before their mother died.”

  “That’s none of your business.”

  “Aye, but the children are. Dinna punish them fer their mother’s death.”

  Luke stepped closer to her, but Shannon stood her ground. “If you were a man, I’d punch you.”

  She gave him a slow smile. “Being a lady does huv its advantages,” she said sweetly. With that remark Luke felt all his bluster drift away, and he took a step back and rubbed the back of his neck.

  “I believe ye wanted tae talk tae me,” she pointed out.

  “To tell you the truth, I don’t remember what I wanted you for,” he said vaguely, his thoughts obviously somewhere else. “Frankly, I’m surprised you’re still here.”

  “And exactly where would I be goin’?” she asked though she didn’t wait for his answer. “After all, I huv a job tae do.”

  As Luke watched the sassy Scot walk away from him, his gaze drifted down to hips that swayed seductively beneath the material of her skirt. “Only thirty days,” he mumbled.

  “Make that twenty-eight days,” he corrected himself. He just hoped he could survive until the stage came. Then he’d put her on it and send her back to where she came from, but with that thought came a twinge of sadness over not seeing her again. He shook his head . . . must be the sun. He needed to keep his priorities straight.

  A clump of cottonwoods surrounded by sagebrush made a perfect cover for someone to hide. It had taken Alasdair and Callum awhile to find the ranch. Why the lass would come way out here puzzled them both.

  Alasdair looked through his spyglass. “I can see the lass. Looks like she is playing with the children.”

  “Do ye see any way tae get at her?” Callum asked.

  “Nay. I saw the mon ride out this mornin’ but now he’s back. I think it best tae watch fer a few days and see what kind of routine they huv around here.”

  “Perhaps we can catch her if she goes tae the barn,” Callum said as he tugged on his shirt. “This God awful heat should tell the lass that she no belongs in this country. She needs tae go home. Maybe she wull see that herself. ’Twould make our lives easier.”

  “I dinna think so, Callum.”

  “Why do ye say that, Alasdair?”

  “’Cause the lass looks happy. When is the last time ye’ve seen her happy?”

  “Not since her mother died.”

  “Once she’s married, she wull be happy enough. Not much we can do now.” Callum reached in his bag and pulled out some bread and cheese.

  Alasdair close his spyglass. “One of us could hire on as a ranch hand sae we could get closer.”

  Callum laughed putting his hand over his mouth to keep quiet, then he handed Alasdair a slice of cheese. “Ye dinna think they’d recognize our accents? ‘Sides the lass would run as soon as she spotted us”

  Alasdair laughed too. “I’d no thought aboot how strange they sound around here. Sounds more like they are gruntin’ all the time.”

  Chapter 7

  Had it been almost a month?

  The days had whirled by for Shannon, but now she had to wonder if Luke would send her away as he’d initially threatened. There were times when she’d catch him staring at her, apparently for no reason at all. She’d thought by now she would have known him a little better, yet she was unable to tell what was on his mind. Did he think she was doing a good job? Or, did he still wish he’d left her in Cottonwood? Shannon wished she knew. The one thing she did know . . . Luke was a good person.

  Shannon had settled into the household despite the lizards and frogs put in her room two weeks ago. The children soon found out she didn’t scare easily. She smiled, remembering when she returned the favor by leaving two lizards in the children’s room. She could still hear them screaming. Shannon thought that was a good lesson they wouldn’t soon forget.

  Thankfully, Molly and Toby hadn't tried any tricks in the last couple of days, but she wasn’t sure they had completely reformed. She wasn't going to let her guard down so soon. At least, they were not rejecting her at every turn. Now it was more like a truce. But, of course, those two could have a relapse at any time.

  Shannon had to admit that she was proud of the way the children were learning to read. Molly, being the oldest, could read much better than Toby, but Toby was determined to catch up with his sister, so he kept asking for things to read. He was anxious to learn every subject, and as he put it . . . “I want to be just like Pa.”

  Shannon wanted to purchase a few books for the children. The books in Luke’s bookcases were too advanced for them to read. Of course, she realized books might be something hard to come by out here in the middle of nowhere. Perhaps, she could write, her sister, Jocelyn, and have her send a few children’s books to the ranch. Shannon needed to write her sisters anyway to let her know that she had arrived safely. She could also tell them about her cowboy. The problem was she didn’t know enough about Luke to tell anyone anything.

  Shannon sighed. She knew she’d found the man she wanted. The problem was figuring out how she could become a part of his life when he didn’t seem to want her. He was as much a mystery today as the day she arrived. The only thing she could say about him in certainty was that he was methodical, and he didn’t like surprises. How could she get Luke to open up and talk to her?

  It was almost dinnertime, a time which Shannon looked forward to because Luke always ate with them. Then she could talk to him about his day or simply watch him without his noticing, and he seemed to enjoy dinner as much as she did. She had to admit that with each day she was more and more taken with the man. Yet, there was still so much she wanted to know about him. He guarded his thoughts and emotions so well she wasn’t sure she’d ever break down the barrier he’d erected.

  Unfortunately, Luke seemed totally unaffected by her presence. It was as if he didn’t see her. He reminded her of someone just going through the motions of living.

  One night before dinner, Shannon heard Toby yell. “He's here! He's here!”

  She couldn’t imagine who the “he” was, but her curiosity made her hurry from her room. She didn’t recognize the voice as she neared the main room. She heard the children’s laughter mingled with a stranger’s voice and realized that the children really liked him. She peered around the corner to see him.

  “Do me. Do me!” Toby squealed with his arms held straight up in the air.

  She watched the tall dark-haired stranger toss each child up in the air, his muscular arms catching them with ease. The room was filled with giggles.

  The man’s hair was darker than Luke’s, and the stranger might be a little taller. But from what she could see, he was a strapping man and someone the children definitely were glad to see.

  “I see we huv company,” Shannon finally said, making her presents know.

  “No, we don't.” Toby giggled. “This is Uncle Travis. He ain’t company.”

  “He isn’t company,” Shannon automatically corrected.

  The cowboy turned toward her, his eyes a light with devilment as he said, “And who, may I ask, is this?” He directed his question to the children. “Your Pa didn't say anything about getting himself married.”

  “She's our nanny,” Molly told him. “We’ve only had her a few weeks.”

  “A few weeks,” Travis said, rubbing the top of Toby’s head. “From what I understand, that’s a record for you two.”

  “Oh, Uncle Travis,” Molly said.

  Shannon extended her hand. “Hello, my name is Shannon McKinley.”

  “You’re a brave one.” Travis took her hand and held it longer than was proper. He reminded her of some of the rakes she’d met in England. He had the same twinkle in his eye and devilish grin.

  “So I’ve been told.”

  “I can't tell you how happy I am to meet
you,” he said. “The children have needed somebody for a long time, and I can see my brother made a good choice for a change.” Travis gave her a big smile. “I think I’m going to like you.”

  Luke chose that exact moment to join them. “Unhand Miss McKinley.”

  “You're no fun, brother,” Travis said, releasing Shannon and turning toward Luke. Travis slapped Luke on the back. “Just as ornery as ever, I see.”

  “Some of us don't have a carefree life like you do,” Luke grumbled, then said, “You’re early. Didn’t expect you until tomorrow. But, you're just in time for dinner. Let's go to the dining room.” Luke motioned in that direction.

  “Sounds good. I need some of Maria’s good cooking. Speaking of which,” Travis offered his arm to Shannon, “May I escort you to dinner?”

  Shannon laughed, then placed her hand on his arm. She found Travis’s devilish personality refreshing. This house needed some laughter.

  “Why does Uncle Travis have to show Miss Shannon where to eat?” Toby asked his sister. “She already knows where the dining room is.”

  Shannon heard Luke grumble. “Your uncle is just being a jackass.”

  “That’s not nice, Pa,” Molly informed her father.

  Shannon thought Luke sounded jealous, however, she doubted that was the case, even if she did like the idea.

  She sat in her normal place, and Travis took the chair to her right, with Luke at his usual seat at the head of the table. The servants brought in two roasted chickens, rice and vegetables and placed the hot dishes on the table.

  After filling their plates, Luke asked Travis. “So what have you been up to?”

  “Volunteered to help out the Texas army,” Travis said.