To Love a Stranger

by Connie Mason

  “Go to town and get yourself a woman,” Ryan suggested after he’d taken all he could of Pierce’s foul temper. “Dinah down at the saloon always had a soft spot for you. Take her to bed, work out your frustrations. Brooding isn’t going to bring Chad back. And it won’t make you miss Zoey any less.”

  Pierce’s head shot up. “Who says I miss Zoey?”

  “I do!” Ryan shot back. “Don’t deny it, brother. I know you too well.”

  “You don’t know me at all. A wife is the last thing I need right now. As for bedding a woman, you might have something there. If I recall, Dinah is obliging as well as accomplished. Want to come to town with me tonight?”

  Ryan gave him a cocky grin. “Sure! Just like old times. There’s a girl named Tess working for Jake I’d like to get to know better. While we’re there, maybe we can find a fight.”

  They parted company. Ryan headed to the barn, and Pierce to the corral to break a horse. He decided the hands would like him better if he took his frustrations out on an animal. He was half out of his mind with worry and couldn’t help his dark mood. Where was Chad now? Pierce wondered. Was he in trouble? In need of money? Hungry?

  But mostly he couldn’t stop thinking about Zoey. Had she reached the Circle F without mishap? Did she miss him? Was she happy to be home? There were so many questions and so few answers where Zoey was concerned. He’d never forget the first time he saw her, dressed in denim pants and flannel shirt. Her taut little bottom and bouncing breasts had enticed and beguiled him. He had set out to seduce her and succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. Once stripped of her virginity, Zoey had turned to living flame in his arms.

  One by one he withdrew his private memories, examining each treasure jealously before sending it back into the dark recesses of his mind where he could draw on them whenever he dared to remember. He groaned aloud, then looked around sheepishly to see if anyone had heard. Ryan was right, he decided, a woman was exactly what he needed.

  Pierce glanced out over the corral fence and saw a horse and buggy coming down the road. The driver of the rig saw Pierce and swung around in his direction. Pierce waved to Warren Chambers, his lawyer, and waited with no small amount of curiosity.

  “Howdy, Pierce,” Chambers said as he pulled up and climbed down from the buggy. “You didn’t come to town to see me, so I came out here to see you.”

  Pierce gave him a puzzled look. “Did we have an appointment?”

  “Not exactly. Judge Walters arrived in town the day before yesterday, and he’s agreed to see us tomorrow at two o’clock.”

  “For what reason?” Pierce asked, still clueless. “Are there still charges pending against me? I thought that was all cleared up.”

  Chambers reached into the buggy and pulled a sheaf of papers from a portfolio he’d left on the seat. “No, no, nothing like that. It’s about your divorce. The papers are all drawn up and awaiting your signature.” He handed them to Pierce. “Just see that they’re signed before you appear before the judge tomorrow. Given the circumstances of your marriage, there should be no difficulty. Tell the judge the truth. Your wife already explained it all to me.”

  Dumbfounded, Pierce merely stared at Chambers.

  “Is something wrong, Pierce? This is what you wanted, isn’t it?”

  Pierce’s mouth snapped shut. “Of course it’s what I want. You just took me by surprise. My wife left several days ago, and with Chad gone, the work has piled up. I’ve had damn little time to think of the future. What did Zoey say?”

  “Read the divorce decree. I think you’ll find everything in order. Your wife was surprisingly candid. See you tomorrow. The judge is holding court in the new courthouse on Second Street.”

  “I know where it is.”

  Chambers climbed back into the buggy and picked up the reins. “Oh, by the way, Chad stopped by before he left town and signed a power of attorney so you can conduct business on his behalf during his absence.”

  Pierce was stunned. He didn’t think Chad was thinking all that clearly when he lit out of town. “Thanks for telling me. How did Chad look to you?”

  “Upset, but who can blame him? I wouldn’t worry about Chad. He’s got a good head on his shoulders.”

  “Is it true that the Doolittle ranch belongs to Chad now?” Pierce asked.

  “To my knowledge, the Doolittles had no relatives. None have stepped forward yet. I was told that Cora Lee was the last to die. Chad was her legal husband at the time, so it would seem the ranch belongs to Chad.”

  “Since Chad gave me power of attorney, I’d like to lease the ranch to Otto Zigler for the time being. Chad gave me permission to handle the property in any way I thought best. Will you draw up the papers?”

  “Sure thing, Pierce. I’d best be getting along. See you in town tomorrow.”

  “Yeah,” Pierce muttered, scowling at the divorce document as if he expected it to bite him. “Tomorrow.”

  Pierce and Ryan rode into town right after supper that night. They ambled into Jake’s Saloon and looked around, spoiling for trouble. The fierce look on Pierce’s face gave ample proof of his mood, and most of Jake’s customers gave him a wide berth. Few men in Dry Gulch were willing to tangle with the Delaneys when they were in a fighting mood.

  “There’s Dinah by the bar, Pierce,” Ryan said, calling Pierce’s attention to a pert redhead with a wide mouth, sharp blue eyes, and a voluptuous figure. “Go on over and talk to her. She’s looking at you like she’d like to have you for dinner.”

  Pierce had little inclination to bed the beautiful whore, but he’d never admit it to Ryan. Though he’d bought Dinah’s favors many times in the past and had no complaints, she suddenly looked coarse and unappetizing to him.

  “Go on,” Ryan urged, giving Pierce a nudge. “I see Tess by the poker table. I hope she’s not already engaged for the night.” He wandered off to pursue his own interests.

  Pierce’s feet refused to move in Dinah’s direction. Instead, he bellied up to the bar and ordered a whiskey. He gulped it down and motioned for another.

  “Trying to tie one on, cowboy?”

  Dinah stood at his elbow, smiling up at him in blatant invitation. “You gonna buy me a drink?”

  Pierce nodded at the bartender, who poured Dinah a drink. She sipped it, gazing at Pierce through long, feathery lashes.

  “How are you, Dinah?”

  “How do I look?” She spun on her heel for his benefit, her short skirt swirling around her legs to reveal smooth white thighs.

  Pierce gave her a leering grin. “Damn good.”

  “Haven’t seen you around town in a coon’s age. Heard you got yourself hitched.”

  “It was a mistake. Won’t be hitched after tomorrow.”

  Dinah lifted her drink in salute, her eyes sparkling. “Congratulations. Shall we celebrate your freedom up in my room?”

  Five girls made their living at Jake’s Saloon. All were professional whores who paid a portion of their earnings to Jake for the use of the rooms abovestairs. Dinah and Tess were the most popular because they were still young and attractive. They were also the most expensive. But expense meant nothing to Pierce. He needed to purge Zoey from his system, to prove to himself that Zoey wasn’t the only woman who could please him. Why did he need a wife when he could have Dinah any time he wanted her, with none of the responsibility or permanency that went along with marriage?

  “Are you free?” Pierce asked.

  “I’m always free for you.” She took his arm and led him toward the stairs. “You’re the best, Pierce. You know how to please a lady.”

  Pierce tried to summon passion as they ascended the stairs to Dinah’s room. God knew he wanted to experience that special rush he’d always felt just thinking about making love to Zoey. Unfortunately it didn’t come. He felt dull and listless. To his embarrassment, he remained unaroused as Dinah slowly stripped and pushed him down onto the bed.

  She has a nice body, Pierce thought dispassionately. Not as good as Zoey’s firm you
ng curves, but fully capable of arousing most men. And Dinah was experienced. As she undressed him she used her hands and mouth with expertise and cunning. When Pierce remained unmoved by her ministrations, she looked at him curiously.

  “What’s the matter, Pierce? Have I done something wrong?”

  “You’ve done everything right,” Pierce said, removing her hands from his body. “It’s just me. I reckon I’m not in the mood. How about another time?”

  “Sure, honey, but I don’t think that’s necessary. Just lie back and let me work on you. I’ll have you up and running in no time at all.” Her mouth descended on him, her lips ripe and red and willing.

  Suddenly Pierce shoved her away. “No! I’m sorry,” he said, his tone gentling, “not tonight.” He rose from bed and gathered up his clothing. When he was fully dressed he pulled a small wad of bills from his pocket and peeled off a ten-dollar bill. “This should more than cover the time we spent together.”

  Dinah stared at the money, then at Pierce. “I didn’t earn this.”

  “I want you to have it.”

  “Thanks.” She planted a wet kiss on his lips. “The next time is on me. Come back when you’re feeling better. I’ll make it up to you.”

  “Sure, Dinah,” Pierce said, anxious now to leave. He couldn’t believe what had just happened to him. It had never happened before and it frightened the hell out of him. In the past his body had never failed him. Sometimes a woman’s smile was all it took to get a rise out of him.

  This was all Zoey’s fault, Pierce thought as his mood turned from bad to worse. Maybe after tomorrow, things would change. Once he and Zoey were no longer husband and wife, he could forget she ever existed. He almost laughed out loud at that thought. He would probably remember that phase of his life forever.

  Pierce was feeling so disgruntled over his failure with a woman that he marched right over to the bar and ordered another whiskey. And another after that. After several more, his problems no longer seemed significant. What he needed now was a good fight to work off his excess energy. He found the excuse when the man next to him jostled him, making him spill good whiskey down the front of his vest.

  What happened next was inevitable. The fight that ensued soon attracted others, who squared off against one another merely for the pure joy of engaging in fisticuffs. When Ryan came downstairs a few minutes later and saw his brother about to be bashed over the head with a bottle, he eagerly joined the fray. When the time seemed right to duck out, Ryan shoved Pierce through a broken front window.

  “What in hell was that all about?” Ryan groused, nursing his scraped knuckles.

  Pierce gave a careless shrug. “Felt good. It’s been a long time since the Delaney brothers got into a good scrap.” His words were slurred as he staggered to his horse.

  “You’re drunk!” Ryan accused. “Say, what happened upstairs between you and Dinah? Was she already booked for the night?”

  “I don’t want to talk about it,” Pierce growled as he tried to mount his horse. Ryan took note of his clumsy efforts and gave him a boost up.

  Ryan shook his head in consternation. “You got it bad, brother. Why don’t you just admit it and forget about that divorce?”

  “Admit what?” Pierce mumbled. “Are you trying to saddle me with a wife I don’t want? Have you forgotten the lesson we learned at Pa’s knee? A woman has accomplished what no man had been able to do. She broke up our family. Lord knows where Chad is now, or what kind of trouble he’s in.”

  “I haven’t forgotten a damn thing. But I think you ought to consider carefully before signing those divorce papers. There comes a time in every man’s life when he has to make a decision that’s right for him without outside influence.”

  “Who in the hell made you my conscience?” Pierce muttered crossly. “I’ve already made my decision. You don’t know what it’s like being forced into marriage. I have an appointment with the judge tomorrow at two o’clock, and I aim to keep it.”

  “Suit yourself, Pierce. If it was me, I’d want to know if my wife was carrying my child.”

  Pierce had listened to all he cared to on the subject. Digging his heels into his horse’s rump, he shot past Ryan and rode hell for leather back to the ranch.

  Circle F Ranch

  Zoey had been home one week. Most of the hands had already taken their pay and left. Only Cully remained. All had expressed the desire to return in the spring should Zoey need them.

  Zoey had put off her visit to Willoughby as long as she could, but now the money situation was pressing. The taxes were due and no money remained in the bank. Winter was coming and she needed to buy feed for the animals and sufficient supplies to last during those days when making the trip to town would be dangerous. Montana winters were hard, with few breaks in the weather to allow for safe travel.

  Zoey asked Cully to saddle her horse and bring it around to the front for her. “You want me to go with you, Miz Zoey?”

  “No, Cully, that won’t be necessary.”

  “I don’t trust that banker, not after the way he tried to cheat you.”

  “I’ll be fine. I still have the confession Willoughby signed in the desk drawer. The contents would make for juicy reading should the newspaper print it. Willoughby’s reputation would be ruined once the townspeople read it.”

  “I reckon you’re right,” Cully said, doubtfully. “Do you think he’ll give you the loan?”

  “I’m sure of it.”

  Zoey should have known Samson Willoughby wasn’t a man to give up easily. The moment she was shown into his office, she realized things weren’t going to go as she’d expected.

  “Sit down, Zoey. It’s good to see you again. I heard you were out of town. Why aren’t you wearing widow’s weeds?”

  “I hate to disappoint you, but Pierce was cleared of all charges. He’s still hale and hardy.”

  “Pity. I got the impression that the vigilantes were eager to lynch your husband. By the way, where is Delaney?”

  “Back in Dry Gulch, taking care of his ranch.”

  Willoughby’s eyes gleamed. “Oh? Have you separated, then? I didn’t expect the marriage to last. I knew immediately Delaney wasn’t a marrying man. You lied to me about Delaney being your fiancé of long standing, didn’t you? You never intended for your marriage to last, did you? It was just a ploy to thwart me.”

  “I don’t wish to talk about my marriage, Mr. Willoughby. I’d like to apply for a loan. The money I was expecting from the sale of my steers to the army was stolen from Cully and the boys on their way home from the fort.”

  “Really?” His gaze slid away from hers. “That’s a shame. Do they know who did it?”

  “No, the men were masked. I need a loan to see me through the winter and pay the taxes. Since yours is the only bank in town …”

  “So you finally admit to needing me,” Willoughby crowed. “A loan, eh? Well, now, why don’t you ask Delaney for a loan? Or has he washed his hands of you? Has the marriage been dissolved already?”

  “I’m not here to discuss my personal life, Mr. Willoughby. Will your bank give me a loan or won’t it? I’d think carefully before answering if I were you. I still have your signed confession in my possession. Making it public could ruin you.”

  Willoughby smirked. “Confession? Are you certain you still have it?” He opened his drawer, withdrew a sheet of paper, and dangled it before Zoey’s eyes. “Is this the confession you’re talking about?”

  Zoey made a desperate grab for the paper. “How did you get that?” Lord, why hadn’t she thought to check to see if it was still in the drawer before approaching Willoughby? How could such a thing happen twice?

  He made a show of tearing it into little pieces and letting them drift down to his desk. “You did have a confession. You went away and left your house unguarded. It was easy for one of my men to break in and find this incriminating piece of paper.” He leaned back in his chair and tented his fingers. “Now, shall we talk about a loan?”

&nbs
p; “You corrupt bastard! What is it you want from me?”

  “The same thing I’ve always wanted, my dear. You no longer have a husband to keep me from taking what I want. I know you bedded Delaney, and I don’t intend to hold it against you. Virgins are boring. I thanked Delaney for breaking you in for me. You have fire in you, Zoey, and I’m going to explore it fully.”

  Zoey leaped to her feet. “I’m leaving. I won’t listen to this … this nonsense. I … I still have a husband,” she lied.

  “Sit down, Zoey,” Willoughby said calmly. “You need a loan, don’t you? You may as well admit your marriage is over. Is Delaney the one getting the divorce?”

  “How did you—”

  “I have ways. You’re a free woman now, or will be in a day or two.”

  “What do you want?”

  “Just this. You’ve already had a man, so you can’t be frightened.” His gaze flicked over her insultingly. “By now you’re probably needing what I can give you, and I’m not just talking about money. Once you’ve had it, it’s sometimes painful to be cut off abruptly.”

  “What are you suggesting?” Zoey asked evenly.

  “What I’m suggesting is that we continue where we left off before Delaney interfered in our lives. Set a date for our wedding and my bank will loan you all the money you need.”

  Zoey stared at him in disbelief. The gall of the man! “I can go to another town for the loan. Yours isn’t the only bank in Montana.”

  “It is as far as you’re concerned. Bankers stick together. All I have to do is wire the bank and tell them you’re a bad risk. You need me, Zoey. I won’t be a harsh husband, if that’s what you’re worried about. You know I’ve always wanted you.”

  Zoey gave an inelegant snort. “You wanted my land.”

  “That, too,” he admitted. “You’ve got no choice this time, Zoey. All those stray steers Delaney rounded up to sell to the army were your last hope of hanging on to your ranch. Obviously Delaney doesn’t care what happens to you or he wouldn’t have let you go so easily. Your marriage is over, isn’t it?”