Mack stopped the instant they stepped inside, his gaze scanning the room, heart pounding when he saw her sharing a table with May. “Come on.”
Caleb shrugged, following him to the back, a rush of air leaving his lungs when he realized Mack’s destination. A few seconds later, the two men stood next to the table.
“Good evening, Miss Lucero.” A jolt of satisfaction rushed through him when Sylvia looked up, surprise mixed with concern on her face.
“Deputy Mackey.” Sylvia breathed out his name, relief flooding her. “I haven’t seen you in a few days.”
Taking off his hat, he motioned to the two empty chairs. “I’ll tell you all about it. Do you mind if Caleb and I join you?”
Sylvia didn’t consider checking with May. “Please. Tabitha just took our order.” She started to push away from the table. “I’ll go get her so you two can order.”
Before Mack could stop her, she’d dashed off toward the kitchen, stopping Tabitha as she walked out. A moment later, both women were back at the table.
“Good evening, Deputy Mackey, Deputy Covington. We have roast, quail, and chicken tonight. What would you like?”
Both ordered the roast, Sylvia not missing the way Tabitha’s gaze lingered on Mack a little longer than necessary. Nor did she miss the way he grinned back at the attractive young woman. Sylvia kept her features neutral, even though their silent interaction angered her. Tabitha had never mentioned Mack taking her to supper or showing any interest in her. Still…
“Were you both gone?” May asked, unaware of Sylvia’s internal battle.
Caleb nodded. “Yes, ma’am. Gabe sent us to a ranch south of town for a couple days. We just got back a little bit ago.”
“I hope it wasn’t anything serious.” May picked up her tea and took a sip.
Caleb’s mouth twisted in disgust. “I’m afraid it was.” He didn’t say any more, not wanting to discuss the gruesome scene with the women.
Sylvia’s gaze locked on Mack. “Will you need to go back?” She worked to keep her voice calm, fighting the dread she felt at the danger always stalking a lawman.
He shrugged. “There’s a good chance we will.” Seeing the worry on Sylvia’s face, Mack knew he needed to change the subject. “Tell us what you two ladies have been doing.”
May opened her mouth to speak, shutting it when Tabitha set plates in front of her and Sylvia. “I’ll be right back with your food, gentlemen.”
Again, she lingered, gracing Mack with a warm smile, which he returned. Sylvia’s heart sank at his obvious attraction to her friend. And who could blame him. Tabitha’s soft brown hair, caramel eyes, and ivory skin had attracted a good deal of attention on the way west. All she had to do was smile to gain someone’s notice. It seemed to be working too well with Mack. Swallowing the ache in her throat, Sylvia conceded the supper they’d shared hadn’t meant as much to him as it did to her.
Caleb waited until Tabitha had walked away before giving Mack a wry grin. “Seems Miss Beekman has an interest in you.”
Before Mack could reply, Sylvia picked up her fork, stabbing a piece of chicken. “And it appears you share her interest, Deputy Mackey. Perhaps you’d like to take her to supper at the Eagle’s Nest.”
May bit her lip, doing her best to hide her amusement. Sylvia had shared her interest in Mack with the condition the information not be shared with either Tabitha or Deborah.
“Here you are.” Tabitha set down Caleb’s plate, then moved to Mack, brushing his shoulder as she set his down. “You be sure and let me know if you’d like anything else, Deputy Mackey.” She brushed his shoulder again before returning to the kitchen.
A sick feeling built in Mack’s gut. Until Sylvia’s sarcastic comment, he hadn’t realized the impact his innocent flirting with Tabitha had on her. Staring across the table, he noticed the tensing of her shoulders, features grim as she chewed her food. After swallowing, she set down her fork.
“If you all will excuse me, I’m a little tired.”
May’s eyes widened. “But, Sylvia, what about your supper?”
Glancing at the almost full plate, she shook her head. “I’ll stop by the kitchen. Perhaps Tabitha would have a moment to join you.” She looked at Caleb, avoiding moving her gaze to Mack. “Good night, Deputy Covington, Deputy Mackey.”
Slipping between the tables, she headed toward the steps, her chest squeezing with every movement. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, a strong hand tightened on her arm, turning her around.
“Do you want to tell me what that was about, Miss Lucero?” Mack’s jaw tensed, his gaze boring into hers.
She glanced behind him, seeing Caleb and May staring, but no one else. Keeping her voice low and even, she tugged at his grip. “Would you please let go of me?”
“Outside.”
Her brows furrowed. “What?”
“We’re going outside where we can have some privacy.”
“I don’t want to go outside with you.” She tried and failed to pull her arm free. It wasn’t a painful grip, angering her more than it hurt.
“You don’t have a choice.” Opening the door, he guided her past him into the cooling evening air. Walking down the boardwalk away from the restaurant, he stopped in front of the darkened clinic. Drawing her to face him, he leaned down. “Now, tell me what all that nonsense was about.”
The hurt turned to anger, her chest heaving in outrage. “I don’t owe you an explanation. Besides, I’d think someone of your intelligence would understand simple English.”
He closed the gap between them to mere inches, his gaze locked on hers. “Simple English?”
“I only stated what everyone else at the table heard and saw. You are obviously attracted to Tabitha, and she seems to return your interest.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm, her eyes sparking. “Perhaps she’d enjoy an evening out with you at the—”
He didn’t let her finish, stopping the tirade as his mouth covered hers. What he’d intended to be a convenient way to stop the outburst quickly turned into something more, hearing her soft moan. Without breaking contact, he moved her into the darkness at the side of the clinic. Loosening his grip on her arm, his hands moved to her back, drawing her close. He smiled against her lips, feeling her arms wrap around his neck, pulling him down.
Letting his tongue graze across her lips, he groaned in satisfaction when she opened to him. He’d never tasted anything so sweet. Moving his hands down her back to rest on the soft swell of her hips, he pulled her tight, hearing her quick intake of breath at the feel of his hardened body. When one hand moved down her dress, caressing her thigh, a whimper escaped a moment before she stiffened. He felt her arms drop away from his neck, her hands moving to his chest.
“Mack.” She broke the kiss, her body stilling as she pushed against him. “Mack, let go.” Her voice was hard, unyielding.
It took him a moment to realize what she asked. Dropping his arms, he stepped back. “I’m sorry…” His voice trailed off at the frightened look on her face.
Glancing away, Sylvia sucked in several breaths to clear the desire still pulsing through her. “I’m not…”
He tilted his head, trying to get her to look at him. “You’re not what, sweetheart?”
The endearment drew her attention back to him. Keeping her voice even and low, she stepped farther away. “I’m not your sweetheart, and I’m not one of your women at Ruby’s.”
His features turned to granite, body stilling as if he’d been slapped. “What did you say?”
Blinking, she took a deep breath. “I believe you heard me.” Sylvia tried to sound indignant. Instead, her voice came out shaky and weak.
“You’re right. I did,” he growled. Placing fisted hands on his hips, he tilted his head up, drawing in a deep, ragged breath before returning his gaze to hers. “I apologize, Miss Lucero. My actions were inappropriate. I’ll not let it happen again.” His voice was stilted, unyielding. “I’ll take you back to the boardinghouse.”
Placing a hand on her elbow, he guided Sylvia to the front door of Suzanne’s. Taking her chin between his fingers, he lifted her face to meet his. “Good night, Miss Lucero. And to clarify any misunderstanding, I’ve never once considered you to be anything like my women at Ruby’s.” Stepping back, he turned away, leaving her standing alone.
Sylvia continued to push her hand against her chest, hoping the unremitting pain would stop. She’d lain awake for hours, hurt coursing through her at how he’d walked away, not looking back as he shoved open the doors of the Wild Rose and slipped inside.
Forcing herself not to watch the saloon from her bedroom window, Sylvia dressed for bed. Sleep never came, at least not until an hour or two before dawn. Staring at the ceiling, she berated herself for her careless comment about his saloon women. It was uncalled for, and unlike her to say something so mean spirited. The look on Mack’s face continued to stab through her hours later. He’d been stunned, confused, then enraged at the outburst. She didn’t blame him. He’d done nothing wrong, even if they had gone a little far in the dark space outside the clinic.
The incredible desire she’d felt scared her. She’d never been kissed with such passion or need, having no idea how to handle the emotions exploding through her.
Sylvia stared at the ceiling for hours, trying to find a way to fix what she’d done. Apologizing was such a weak action, but she couldn’t think of anything better. Mack seemed the type of man who would appreciate a simple, direct apology.
Dragging herself out of bed, she finished her morning ritual, slipping into the nicest day dress in her wardrobe. Sylvia took extra time with her hair, looking into the full-length mirror, pleased with what she saw.
Taking a deep breath, forcing herself to calm the thumping of her heart, she walked downstairs. Ignoring the smells of frying bacon and fresh coffee, she pushed through the doors and stepped into another of Montana’s beautiful mornings.
Her movements stalled as she stared across the street at the jail. Mack had told her about meeting with Gabe early. Reaching out, she placed a hand on the post of the handrail, steadying herself. From the moment she’d left her bed, Sylvia had been practicing what to say, how to phrase the apology in a way he’d accept.
Even if he never wanted to see her again, share any more time together, at least the apology would’ve been made. The thought didn’t provide the comfort she’d hoped.
Pushing away from the post, she stepped into the street, moving between groups of riders and wagons laden with supplies. Before Sylvia knew it, she stood in front of the jail, the pounding in her chest incessant and painful.
Straightening her spine and squaring her shoulders, a shaky hand gripped the doorknob, turning it. Disappointment clogged her throat when she stepped inside. Mack was nowhere in sight, Gabe and Caleb the only two people in the jail.
“Good morning, Miss Lucero. What can we do for you?” Gabe walked around the desk, the corners of his mouth sliding upward.
Clearing her throat, she clasped her hands together. “I was wondering if you know where I might find Deputy Mackey.”
“On his way to Big Pine. He and Cash rode out early this morning.”
A sense of defeat wrapped around her. “Do you know when he’ll return?”
Gabe leaned against the edge of his desk. “Could be more than a week. It depends on what they find.”
“Oh.” She heard the distress in her voice, determined to correct the slip. Lifting her chin, she forced a slight grin. “Thank you, Sheriff.”
“If you want to get a message to him, I’m sending a telegram to the sheriff in Big Pine. I can send another one for Mack. He’ll make sure he gets it.”
She shook her head. “Thank you, but no. I’ll let you gentlemen get back to your business.” Stepping outside, she didn’t notice Caleb following until he came up beside her. “Is there something you want, Deputy Covington?”
Crossing his arms, he stared into the street. “I haven’t seen Mack as drunk as he was last night in a long time. I’m thinking it has something to do with you.” He glanced down at her. “Am I right?”
Biting her lip, her mind reeled as she searched for an answer he might accept. “I’m sure I don’t know.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “I surely doubt that, Miss Lucero.”
Sylvia’s gaze rose to lock on his. “You wouldn’t be calling me a liar, would you, Deputy Covington?” Her voice held a hint of amusement.
His lips twitched. “I’d never call you a liar, ma’am. I do, however, believe you know exactly why Mack buried himself in two bottles of whiskey last night.”
She gasped. “Two bottles?”
“Well, one full bottle and half of another. I honestly thought I’d find him dead this morning.”
She couldn’t hold his questioning gaze. “I said something to Mack last night that angered him.” Letting out a shaky breath, she wrapped her arms around her waist. “I’d hoped to apologize this morning.”
His jaw worked, but Caleb remained silent for several long moments. After a bit, he looked back down at her. “It’s best Mack left this morning. Believe me, he wouldn’t have been in any mood to speak with you.”
The bravado she felt a few minutes before vanished. “He hates me, doesn’t he?”
“Hate is a strong word.”
A brow lifted. “Never wants to see me again?”
He snorted. “I doubt it. What Mack needs is to be away for a spell, give himself time to figure out what he wants.” His gaze narrowed on her. “You may not know, and he sure doesn’t show it, but it’s hard for him to trust anyone. Most times, he doesn’t even try. The fact he’s been trying with you says a lot.”
Her brows furrowed. “What happened to Mack to make him have such intense distrust?”
Caleb shook his head. “It’s his story to tell, Miss Lucero.”
Dread clogged her throat. “What if he won’t speak with me?”
“Then you’ll know what he’s decided.”
Chapter Seven
“You’ll know what he’s decided.”
Caleb’s words stayed with Sylvia two days later. She couldn’t shake them from her mind, not while working at the general store, eating supper with May, or taking short walks on the boardwalk as the sun set each night, as she was doing now.
She knew what Caleb meant and the thought caused her chest to squeeze. Sylvia didn’t want to consider Mack wouldn’t want to see her again, that she’d crossed a line he couldn’t forgive.
Taking a seat on an empty bench outside the St. James, she stared up, her gaze concentrating on a sky filled with bright stars and an almost full moon. Sylvia found herself wondering if Mack might be looking at the same stars and moon from wherever he happened to be in Big Pine. She doubted it.
Thick sadness washed over her, imagining what he might be doing. Playing cards, drinking, possibly getting friendly with one of the girls in a saloon. It made no sense, but the thought sickened her. They’d shared a meal, conversation, and a kiss that still played across her mind, causing her body to react in ways she didn’t understand. In truth, there’d been nothing more. Because she’d ruined it with her thoughtless comment.
“All alone out here, Miss Lucero?” A man she didn’t recognize stood over her, his gaze sparking with interest. She may not be experienced, but that didn’t mean she didn’t know when a man showed an interest in her.
“I’m sorry. Have we met?”
“At the community dance when you and the other mail order brides came to town. I’m Morgan Miller. I own a ranch south of here.” He took off his hat, nodding at the empty space on the bench next to her. “Do you mind if I join you?”
Sylvia did, but courtesy wouldn’t allow her to say no. “Not at all.” She scooted as far to one side as possible, allowing a good deal of room between them.
“Nice night.”
She glanced toward him at the comment, noticing he looked at the sky the same as she’d done before he’d arrived. For a brief moment, Syl
via studied the hard, strong lines of his face. Morgan wasn’t handsome in the normal sense. Still, she found him quite attractive in an unconventional way. Before he noticed her staring, she forced her gaze away.
“It’s beautiful. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a sky so blue during the day or bright with stars at night. There are times I believe there must be at least a million stars up there. Can you even imagine?”
He chuckled, a deep, robust sound tickling her senses. “I read there are many more than a million. There are millions up there. I don’t know how anyone would know, but the journal seemed legitimate.”
She quirked a brow. “Journal?”
Clearing his throat, he looked at her. “A few years ago, I traveled back east to attend medical school. The journal was in the library.”
“You’re a doctor?”
A sad expression crossed his face. “No. My family needed me back here. I came home before I could finish my studies. I learned a lot, but not enough to practice.” His eyes fixed on the bright sky once again.
She felt a rush of sadness at the longing in his voice. “That must have been hard, giving up your dream to be a doctor.”
Morgan didn’t stop staring at the sky. “At first. Over time, I got used to the idea of following my father and older brother in ranching.” He snorted. “Although they do call me the black sheep of the family.”
“Why’s that?”
He shook his head. “Pa and my brother agree on everything. I rarely agree with them, which isn’t easy for any of us. It’s good I own my ranch. Most of the time, I can do what I want without too much interference. It’s not easy being at odds with your father. You probably don’t understand.”
How well I know, Sylvia thought, then chuckled. “I understand better than you might think.”
Morgan looked at her, a smile tugging at his mouth. “Where is your family, Miss Lucero?”
A nervous laugh bubbled up. “I came here from Philadelphia.”
“Were you born there?”
She shook her head, deciding to tell a small part of the truth. “No.” She breathed in the cooling night air and stood, noticing him stand with her. “I need to get back to the boardinghouse. It was good speaking with you, Mr. Miller.”
Rogue Rapids Page 6
