“I’d prefer not,” he replied quickly, looking a bit surprised at the suggestion.
“Oh, don’t worry, there is a lock and no one will disturb you. I promise the corpses really don’t care,” she said lightly trying to make him feel more comfortable. “I have slept there when I was exhausted.”
“Ava, after someone broke into your home, you shouldn’t be alone.”
“I can’t have you stay there! It’s unseemly!” she protested.
“And sleeping ten feet from a body is socially acceptable?” he teased.
“Jeremiah, its best if you sleep under a different roof. If this does not agree with you there is always the ranch. The men, I’m sure, can make room for one more soul.”
“And I disagree,” he said calmly. “I understand you are not ready to marry and I won’t press the issue. However, I do not like the idea of you being left alone. That simply does not sit well at all. I believe if you told any man out there that someone had entered their home, any man worth his salt would insist that his wife be protected.”
“So, you think it’s better that you stay with me? That would ruin my good name!” she protested.
“Then go ahead and marry me. Save your name and I will stay in another room,”
“You are just wanting to force your way,” she muttered under her breath, turning her back towards him.
“Yes and no,” he admitted gently, resting his hands on her shoulders. “Ava, I am wanting you to be safe and yes, I would like to court you with the intention to earn your hand someday.” She felt his warm hands and the comfort they brought. She’d missed that. Closing her eyes, she felt him urge her to turn around. As she turned, she was very aware that she was alone with a handsome man.
“I just can’t yet,” she whispered. “I need to think. You are a stranger to me.”
“I understand that but promise me you’ll consider it. It would not be so bad to be my wife.” She heard his deep voice, full of emotion, wash over her. His warm lips gently touched hers and then pulled back, just as quickly. “Just consider it?” She heard him repeat and found herself answering.
“I promise.”
Ava left him there alone. There was nothing he could do or say that would change her mind. Jeremiah said he needed a bit of time to get his bearings and he wanted a bath. She offered to wash his clothing to which he denied promptly. This told her that what he had on were the only pieces of clothing he had. She didn’t press the fact any farther, instead she nodded and headed back home. One thing she had plenty of was male clothing. Her husband had been a similar size and would not be using his things any longer.
While it hurt to think of it, it also made her feel good to be helping someone getting started again. She had once thought of donating the clothing, but decided against it simply because if Peter had come home he would have been crushed. He had been very proud of how he carried himself and the image he presented. Letting out a sigh, she picked out the most serviceable items and folded them carefully. She would take the necessities back to Jeremiah to see if they worked for him. If not, then she would take him to the general store and use some of her precious funds.
Walking downstairs, she found that the stove was still warm from cooking not long ago. It would be perfect to set out some bread to rise. It had been so long since she had anyone to cook for, so she had avoided doing so at any cost. Instead, she existed on vegetables, eggs and other items. Setting the clothing down, she quickly whipped up a thick bread dough and placed it in a large ceramic bowl she had greased. Covering it with a cloth, she reminisced of the days before when she would make raisin bread with her family or cookies for a holiday. Perhaps those days would come back eventually. Shaking her head at her wistfulness, she picked up the clothing and grabbed Peter’s shaving kit, just in case. Heading back across the street, she entered the front parlor.
“Jeremiah? I have a few things for you,” Ava called out as she strode through the front entrance. She walked through the doors at the back and stopped in her tracks. “You’re in the trough?” she screeched indelicately at the top of her lungs.
“And naked? Oh, goodness! Lordy have mercy poo!” she cried, crossing herself and shutting her eyes. He was tanned everywhere!
“I thought I could use a bath!” he retorted. “Admit it, you did, too!”
“Well, yes! No? Yes! Yes, I did! But, my goodness, you might warn someone! It’s chilly in here!”
“Warn who? You? I had no idea you were coming back so quickly and I just wanted to clean up. I pumped the cold water in here and dunked myself when, suddenly, you came right through the door.”
“I went and got you some clothing, you ungrateful lout,” she said, pinching her nose indelicately. “I think perhaps you should burn the other clothing if this fits you.”
“No! It’s what is left of my uniform!” he exclaimed, aghast.
“Then let me clean it for you,” she offered quickly at the horror in his voice. He must have been outraged because she heard a huge swoosh of water indicating that he had jumped out of the trough. Ava crossed herself again at the mental image she got.
“I’d be much obliged. Just don’t burn it,” he replied, sounding infinitely close by. Ava slapped her hands on her face to prevent her from seeing his form.
“Are you running around naked as you were born?” she exclaimed, shocked. His laughter boomed out beside her, causing her to jump. “Get back in the trough, heathen!”
“Yes, ma’am,” she heard whispered in her left ear, causing her to shiver. “Good Lord! There is a window in here, Jeremiah! Cover yourself!” she muttered, appalled. She suddenly had a large pile of clothing nudging against her stomach that smelled something fierce.
“Don’t do that!” she said quickly, uncovering her face and grabbing the clothing to keep it from rubbing sweat or debris on her gown. She managed to keep her eyes squeezed shut as she took the clothing from him.
“Thank you, ma’am,” he whispered in the other ear, causing her to jump and cross herself again.
“Ava,” she repeated with a frustrated sigh. “Maybe staying at the hotel or ranch would be ideal after all. You could stay with the rest of the animals!”
“Ava, I’d rather stay here,” he breathed against her cheek and kissed it. His cool lips and the intimacy caused her eyes to shoot wide open in surprise. In that brief moment, she saw his mischievous face alit with humor not far from where she stood, as well as his tanned physique. Snapping her eyes shut, she did a complete about face and ran right into the door of the mortuary.
“Mercy me!” she exclaimed at the smarting pain she felt momentarily. She heard him call out asking if she was injured, but she did not stay around to respond. Instead, she ran from the room, shielding her eyes with her free hand. As she slammed the door behind her, she heard his laughter once again.
Ava smiled.
5
Ava vowed she would not head into the mortuary again without knocking. She didn’t want to be surprised by Jeremiah again, nor did she want to participate in another prep for burial. Maybe she would become numb to it over time. But for now, she hated how emotionally wrung out she felt after each preparation.
Racing across the street like a pack of dogs chasing her, she stepped into her house and locked the door behind her. Her heart was racing from what she hoped was the exercise that running in a corset caused. However, she knew in her mind it was from the playfulness that Jeremiah demonstrated today. He was not only handsome, but endearing. It had been a long time since she genuinely felt sheer happiness. And when he laughed, she felt lighter than air.
Taking a deep breath, Ava sighed. She would roll up her sleeves and throw herself into keeping busy. She had his tattered uniform to clean as well as the bread that was rising on the warm oven. Opening all the windows, she let a breeze through the house to help it cool off as the spring temperatures climbed. It would be better if there was no cooking whatsoever because it would help keep the house livable. Perhaps if she made the br
ead and that was it. She had no real plans on cooking an actual meal any time soon. Grabbing the bowl, she began to punch down the dough with vigor.
She was confused.
Peter had been her life, her rock, for the last seven years and now she was just letting him slip away. Well, the idea of Peter Buchannan. They had only been married scant weeks when he left for the war. She knew more about the business than him, or so it seemed. She had ideas, thoughts and memories of him but there was no telling if they were accurate or not. And now, she’d never know. Ava slammed her fist painfully into the dough again. It wasn’t delicate or gentile but it sure felt satisfying to hit it.
Now there was Jeremiah Ellington. A brash stranger that was handsome and endearing, tormented and strong all rolled into one, or so it seemed. His words touched her soul. She related to them: the need, the wants he expressed. He seemed like hope in a bottle. But was it too good to be true?
Picking up the dough, she twisted it and placed it in the small loaf pans. Placing them back on the stove, she poked the dying coals and saw them flare to life. It would be just enough to get the yeast to rise, but not enough to boil water. She threw another log on the coals to stir the flames and moved the loaves to the windowsill in the sun instead of on top of the stove that would soon be piping hot.
Pumping the water, she washed off her arms to free them of the flour and dough. Jeremiah had taken a cool bath and, frankly, she was a mite jealous. She filled a large pot and set it on the stovetop to boil. Filling another basin, she carried it to the back door of the house and set it on the ground. Grabbing her washboard, she placed it in the water and inspected Jeremiah’s clothing. He had said that it was all he had left of his uniform, but it didn’t look like one. The pants were certainly grey, but the shirt looked like a simple four-button shirt. She hadn’t noticed him carrying a jacket. She would have to be very careful washing the pieces because the wool and cotton looked to be quite ragged. There was a scattering of patches on the left leg and she realized that must have been from his injury. Taking the brick of soap, she carefully doused the pieces and gently rubbed the soap on them. Rinsing them, she poured out the soapy water and fetched the warmed-up water. It hadn’t boiled yet, but it would be sufficient for washing. Pouring the water into the tub, she once again began scrubbing the clothing with the soap in the water.
“How’s it looking?” she heard Jeremiah’s voice call out nearby. Ava glanced up to see him walking around the side of the house.
“I knocked but I think you might not have heard me.”
“No, I didn’t. I was washing these.”
“Thank you again. I know they were filthy.”
Ava didn’t say anything, but instead looked away from the handsome man that stood before her. Peter’s clothes fit him perfectly. Probably better than how he wore them. Jeremiah’s dark black hair had been finger-combed, leaving great swirls from the faint curls he had shown before. The scruff on his face was gone, and in its place was a strong, firm jawline that was completely appealing.
“I’m sorry about earlier,” Jeremiah began. “Did you hurt yourself?” Instead of replying, she just scrubbed harder on the washboard. “Ava, I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
“You didn’t.”
“Then why do I feel like you are taking your frustration out on my uniform pants?”
Glancing up, she stared at his smiling face dumbfounded. “I am not taking my frustration out on your clothing, sir.”
“Then talk to me,” he invited, holding out his hand. “Leave the pants and talk to me.” Ava placed her wet hand in his with an almost deliberate smack, causing him to grin. “You’re mad.”
“No. I’m mortified that you could …”
“What? Take a bath when I thought I was alone?”
“No,” she whispered, scandalized, and looked away. She tried to free her hand from his and he would not release it. “Let go, Jeremiah.”
“Ava, look at me,” he said gently, laying her wet hand on his chest. “All I’m asking for is your hand. A chance to court you like men used to do before the war. Do you remember how it was? I do. A man saw a beautiful woman he wanted to know and he’d pursue her. I am doing no differently.”
“You are bold and shameless,” she said bluntly, her face red with embarrassment. “I could not believe you kissed me, twice already, today! One of those kisses, you were naked!” she finished with a vehement whisper.
“I maybe bold, but that is because I have done without and will not do so again. I might be shameless, but that is because I have been tempted by you. I would do anything to feel those lips again. I don’t think I can ever get past how soft they are,” he admitted huskily, pulling her towards him. “Shameless? I think not. Wanton? Hungry? Those might be better words, my Ava.”
Ava melted as he held her hand against him and circled her waist with his other arm in an embrace. His lips felt incredible and the feeling of being wanted was something she had missed so very much. She felt empty and she hadn’t realized just how much until he kissed her and that desire had flared to life.
Breaking the kiss, she found herself clutching at his shoulders and her head resting on his chest as she caught her breath. She could hear the rapid beat of his heart under her cheek as it thrummed. Her knees felt weak and her arms went limp. She had never felt such desire with Peter and it was staggering.
“Ava, my dear?”
“Shhh, don’t say a word while I gather my thoughts. You distract me,” she muttered. “You’re temptation, a carnal sin. I know this. You are testing me and my resolve. How else could I be so attracted to a stranger?” The rumble in his chest caused her to grin against the cotton material.
“You’ve a bug on your loaf.”
Maybe he was the devil incarnate. Because who else would swoop in, knock her off her feet and speak in tongues?
“Excuse me?”
“Bug on your loaf.”
“What?”
“Ava, you have bread loaves in the window and there is a bug, my dear.” Shaking her head, she tried to clear the thoughts she had. It was her. She was tempted by him and did not seem to be able to fight it. Each time she talked with him or saw him, he found a way to break down her defenses. Peter courted her for months and this man was taking liberties within a day?
“Yes, the bread. I need to get back to work and you should find something to do,” she said nervously. Pushing away from him, her face was flushed with embarrassment at how she reacted to him. “Anything else to do. Why don’t you look around town, get yourself settled in or something? I need some space and you should want some, too. Right?”
“You’ll have your space, Ava. There is no need to run from me,” he said lightly and she watched as he stared at her hand that rested on his chest still. Ava yanked it away as if the touch of material scalded her.
“Dinner will be late,” she said, distracted. She wasn’t sure she should be alone with him again. Just seeing him was making her question the decision to post for a job in the paper. She watched him tip his hat and step back from her. Ava found herself staring at his back as he departed, causing her cheeks to flush again.
“Lordy have mercy poo,” she breathed aloud quietly.
6
Ava avoided Jeremiah for as long as possible. She prepared his meals and took them across the street to his location. But she refused to identify how much care and work she was putting into impressing him. Nor did she want to admit how much cooking she found herself doing now. She was taking his meals to him on the best plates she owned, taking care to cover the food with a nice napkin.
Each time she entered the parlor, she knocked politely and waited for silence or his bid to enter. Like a chicken, she would leave his plate quickly and run for the door. She was concerned that having him to dinner at her house would be a terrible mistake on her part. She needed to feel in control and clearheaded.
Jeremiah was a distraction. His roguish smile and those eyes were all too much and she found herself
stumbling over her words like a young girl, not a woman who had been married. Maybe that was why she was hesitating so much. She was not innocent. She knew what being married to him would bring and it made her heart race in excitement. This scared her.
Ava didn’t take the time to question why he was never present when she delivered a meal to him. Instead, she thanked her lucky stars that he was preoccupied. As she walked back across the street, she saw sweet Melissa Miller waving, red-faced, from the barber shop she had worked at since her pa left for the war. She had never relinquished the reins at his return due to his leg and the pain it caused him. Ava knew, simply because she had buried him not a few weeks ago. Yet here she was, not dressed in a black mourning gown but, instead, garbed in a yellow gown with a black ribbon wrapped around her throat and upper arm signifying her loss. She was waving at a freshly-shaved Jeremiah who had dashingly just kissed her knuckles. That charlatan! she thought. Was that where he had been “preoccupied at” lately?
Stopping in surprise at the scene, Ava boldly marched over. “Miss Melissa,” she acknowledged curtly. “Mr. Ellington, your supper has been delivered to your quarters next door. I should think you’d like to eat while it’s still warm.”
“My thanks, Ava.”
“It’s Mrs. Buchannan,” she said hotly, feeling aggravated and somewhat jealous. How dare he insist she refuse to consider any other men coming into town, yet here he was with another eligible woman?
Melissa stepped backwards from the daggers that must be shooting from Ava’s own eyes at the two of them. “Would your sweet pa approve of you having a man kiss your hand like that?”
“Now Ava…” Jeremiah began.
Hopefully Matched Page 5
