Lawfully Admired

by Ginny Sterling

  “You’ll have to lead, Miss Melissa. I don’t know the way,” Gideon began politely and dipped his head down towards her. “But I hope it’s some ways off. I rather like you walking with me.”

  “We don’t have to walk fast,” Melissa volunteered, causing him to chuckle.

  “Sounds good to me!”

  They strolled for quite some way silently, and then she listened as he told her about his day at the ranch. One of the older cowboys had been thrown, severely injuring himself. It was nothing compared to what he had seen on the battlefield, but disturbing nonetheless. “You just never know,” he trailed off, sadly.

  “No, I know,” she admitted as she stopped in front of her home. “My mother is inside.”

  “May I walk you to the door then? Perhaps I could meet her?”

  “I’d like that, but I will need to find out if she is available to receiving.”

  As they walked forward, her heart hammered. Why would he want to meet her mother? Was her mother even dressed or still lying about? She had fits of depression where the loneliness was overwhelming for her and would stay in bed.

  “I would have to check with her,” she stammered. His warm brown eyes crinkled at the edges when he smiled at her. He caught her hands as she pulled them from his arm and held them. The warm skin of his palms seemed incredibly intimate against her bare hands, and she now realized why women wore gloves all the time.

  “You know? If she isn’t available for company,” he began, “that just means I get to walk you home again tomorrow.” She felt his thumb smooth over her knuckles, tracing each bump delicately.

  “Maybe,” she hedged, feeling suddenly shy. “Perhaps you could join us for dinner tomorrow since I know ahead of time you’ll be here. If you want, that is?”

  “I’d appreciate that,” he breathed as his head descended towards hers. Melissa’s heart hammered in her ears as her pulse raced. Gideon’s warm lips brushed against hers and she about melted into a puddle. When they sighed together at the same time in response to the contact, both chuckled and smiled, just before his kissed her again. This time with a bit more earnestness.

  “Eh-hem! Young lady!” her mother exclaimed as she peeked from behind the open door. Melissa almost groaned aloud at the realization that she had just kissed Gideon in front of her mother, who was obviously still in her wrapper. Today must have been a bad day for her mother, if she had not dressed yet.

  “Mother, I apologize,” she began quickly. “This is Mr. Ashton. He was walking me home.”

  “Young lady, I didn’t fall off a wagon last night! I saw exactly what you were doing! How do you think you came into this world? It all starts just. like. that!” she scolded, waving her bony finger out the doorframe at her. Melissa began to stammer and blush wildly.

  “Mother!”

  “Mrs. Miller?” Gideon stepped in quickly. “I didn’t want Miss Miller walking home in the dark. She was bragging to me about how wonderful a cook you were. I told her I missed my mother’s home cooking and one thing led to another. You are so right, Mrs. Miller,” he said smoothly. “I was quite swept away and it was a good thing you opened the door, saving her.”

  “My, my! You’re a slick one, aren’t you?” her mother said smiling. “You remind me of my late husband. He was a wily one too! Come by for dinner tomorrow and you can tell me of your family. Mr. Ashton, was it?”

  “Yes ma’am!” he confirmed with a wide smile and a conspirator’s wink towards Melissa, who stood there stunned. “Run on inside, Miss Miller, before I forget myself with all the lovely young ladies suddenly around me. I am overcome by all the beauty I see!”

  Her mother began laughing and grabbing Melissa by the arm. Melissa walked forward blankly at the exchange. What just happened? Where was the weeping woman? Melissa heard the door shut behind her and instead of a tirade on sin and what her father would have done?

  Her mother calmly started a kettle and sat down expectantly at the table, her wrapper buttoned to her neck for modesty and her braid ran down the length of her back, prepared for bed. She looked like the queen of England as she sat there expectantly, preening. “Well?”

  “Well nothing!”

  “Don’t you ‘nothing’ me, young lady! I saw that kiss between you two?” Eleanor began. “When did you meet him? Where is he from?”

  “I don’t know. I only met him yesterday,” Melissa began and winced at how forward that sounded. Her mother must have agreed because her eyes rolled back in her head as she crossed herself repeatedly.

  “Well, we’d best be prepared to find out some information since you are already kissing him like… like… one of those nanny’s your father warned you about. If he was here?” The threat hung in the air, causing Melissa to look at her mother’s broken expression. “If he was here, he would have expected more from you. He’d want you happy, but properly so!”

  “I know, mother,” she sighed. “I know.” Feeling torn, Melissa poured the hot tea in the waiting cups. Grabbing a thick slice of bread and some cheese, she sat down to eat with her. They sat silently for some time and Melissa could feel her mother’s eyes burning on her, making her feel like a child again. She looked anywhere but at her mother’s prying eyes. She could always read her like a book from the very beginning. Melissa recalled the one time she had lied to her; it resulted in her being marched to Pastor Smith’s house for a sermon on sin and the effects. Her mother always seemed to know and it just boggled the mind at how accurate it was.

  Heaven help her, she was feeling mighty sinful right now! She kept thinking of Gideon’s kiss and how happy it made her feel. She felt downright spiteful, thinking of how much tastier her cake would be this weekend at the picnic, rather than the vinegary eggs. She felt envy for the desire between Mr. Ellington and Mrs. Buchannan -and she felt very wanton for her own Mr. Ashton.

  “Do we need to see Pastor Smith?” her mother asked silently, breaking the line of thoughts she was having.

  “Ohmygoshno!” she breathed, glancing up at her mother’s knowing expression, horrified at the accuracy. She felt faint at just the idea of having to explain the kiss to Pastor Smith and the thoughts that came with it. She could only imagine how embarrassing a sermon on carnal lust would be. Oh, goodness! “Mother, no. I promise you it’s nothing like that! Hand on the Bible, I promise you!”

  “Good! Remember, if I am not watching? He most certainly is,” she said simply, taking a sip of her tea.

  How could she ever forget?

  5

  All day long, Melissa was distracted by the horrified thought that she might have to discuss anything with Pastor Smith. She had been thinking of how Mr. Ashton’s lips had felt against hers. That exact moment where they had both let a little laugh escape in happiness, and how he had pulled her to him yet again. The way his lips felt, made her heart sing in delight. She found herself humming absently to herself all day long. She had cut several men’s hair today, several strangers that had arrived, but none - none struck her fancy like Mr. Ashton had.

  Melissa had fully intended to open the letter yesterday, but after the silent scolding she had created in her own mind under her mother’s watchful eye? She didn’t feel like she could. She had flayed herself mentally for quite a while thinking of how many sins she had experienced recently since meeting Mr. Ashton. She had even gone back to referring to him as Mr. Ashton because calling him Gideon seemed so forward and informal.

  “Miss, could you focus please before you shave me?” the cowboy squeaked, causing the other man that waited patiently to laugh aloud. “Shut up over there and wait your turn! She’s not even lookin’ at me and she is gonna put that razor up here?” he cried out, pointing at his neck where his large Adam’s apple moved.

  “My apologies, you are quite right,” Melissa stammered, mortified that she had indeed been caught daydreaming.

  “Just don’t cut me and we’ll be just fine,” he announced, settling down back in the chair. The other man watched silently, causing Melissa to fe
el very self-conscious about how closely she was shaving him. She anticipated nicking his large Adam’s apple and was very relieved to have not done so. As he was wiping his face, she ran to get a wet towel when the bell rang.

  “Sir, just have a seat and I will be with you shortly,” she called out, grabbing the hot towel with wooden tongs. She stepped back out and swaddled his face in the hot towel momentarily before pulling it off. Clinically, she swiped aftershave on him and wiped her hands on the apron.

  “Next?” she called out, glancing up at the other cowboy that waited, and then spotted the handsome Mr. Ashton watching her. Her breath caught at his knowing smile and imperceptible nod.

  “That will be a quarter?” she said absently, and it was handed to her by the cowboy. He said not a word, just removed his hat and set it on his stomach. “You need to get some hooks for hats,” he finally commented idly. “Men’s hats don’t go on the floor, nor do they get soap on ‘em.”

  “Duly noted. Thank you,” she replied. It was actually a really good idea that he had. A few more hooks would give her a bit more room to hang an apron or two, or a towel, if needed?

  Focused solely on the mole upon his nose, she stared at him as she ran the blade over his thin face. Angular cheeks made it a bit more of a challenge to shave, but she finished quickly. Again, she wrapped his face in the hot towel and chanced a glance at Mr. Ashton. His chocolate colored eyes watched her every move, making her feel short of breath. He certainly was eye-catching.

  Behave! Melissa thought, glancing away. Focus on your task at hand and finish with your customer. She yanked the towel off gracefully and quickly applied his aftershave. Mr. Ashton smiled warmly, meeting her eyes and causing her to flush.

  “Thanks lady,” the cowboy said, leaving her alone with Gideon Ashton.

  “Hello,” she said simply, wiping down the chair.

  “Hello, Melissa.”

  “I think maybe we should go back to using our surnames, Mr. Ashton.”

  “I think not.”

  “Oh,” she breathed, surprised at the quick denial. “My mother won’t think it appropriate.”

  “I think it’s more appropriate for me to call the woman I plan on kissing by her first name.”

  “I don’t think we should kiss again.”

  “I plan to kiss you, and often. Every chance I get, actually.”

  “You are a bit forward, aren’t you, Mr. Ashton?”

  “Gideon, remember? Very much so,” he agreed, walking past the counter towards her. “I like hearing you say my name.” He stood very close to Melissa, to where she could faintly smell the horse on him, causing her nose to crinkle. “Almost as much as I like the way you respond when you kiss me,” he bent, capturing her lips again.

  “Mr. Ashton, you’ll get me in trouble,” she breathed, pulling away. She stared at his shirt, simply to avoid looking into his dark eyes that made her feel like she was drowning. His finger touched her chin, turning her eyes upwards.

  “You have the most beautiful eyes, Melissa,” he breathed. “Don’t ever be afraid to look at me. If I’m too forward for you, then I will stop.” His dark eyes burned into hers, as if it reading what she couldn’t say. He leaned down once again, this time kissing her tenderly and nipping at her lower lip.

  “I dreamt of this,” he whispered, opening his eyes slowly as he released her. It was a good thing the wall was behind Melissa, or she might have collapsed. Instead, she stepped forward and grasped the arm of the chair, pulling herself into it and sitting until her knees quit knocking together.

  It barely registered in her mind that she heard water pumping and a thud. It wasn’t until she dazedly saw the curtain drawn and his boots appeared underneath that she realized he was going to bathe.

  “What are you doing?” she exclaimed, seeing his pants drop onto the floor underneath the curtain. “Gideon? What are you doing?”

  “It takes me getting out of my pants to hear you say my name?” she heard his voice carry, making her blush. “Why didn’t you say so, darlin?” he teased. Melissa blushed furiously at the lewd comment.

  “Mr. Ashton! What on earth are you doing?”

  “Miss Miller,” he said pointedly, peering around the makeshift curtain at her with a wicked smile. “I plan on getting a bath before I have dinner with your mother. Is a bath a quarter too?” He darted behind the curtain modestly. A single coin came rolling out under the curtain, followed by another. “I’m using the soap too, darlin’.”

  “Don’t call me that. I can’t believe you are taking a bath!”

  “Shave, bath, haircut? Right?”

  “Well, yes. But it’s different!”

  “How? I know that people have bathed here before, I’m sure of it. I’m also positive that is why you have a curtain? Their modesty…and yours. It was a very clever thing for you to do.”

  “Yes,” she agreed exasperated.

  “Then how is it different?” She heard him splash and saw his shirt land on the ground near the curtain. “Awwww Melissa, if I had more time? I can’t imagine how good a proper hot bath would feel. The water is lukewarm and it still feels amazing. Do you ever take a hot bath? I bet you do, with that pretty brown hair all piled high on your head?”

  “Don’t say that! That is none of your business,” she whispered aghast, completely scandalized. She was glad that she was sitting because the thought of him picturing her in the tub was certain to knock her knees out from underneath her. She was certain her entire face was flaming red in embarrassment. Of course, she had locked the doors before and indulged in a deep hot bath, especially when it was cold out. The hot water felt so good! She even had some lemon verbena soap hidden away just for her use.

  “Alright, alright,” he called out, laughing. “You are quiet now and I know when I have gone too far, Melissa.”

  “It’s Miss Miller!” she called out heatedly, fanning her flushed face. “I can’t believe how obnoxious you are, Mr. Ashton? Forward and obnoxious! I suggest you behave, Mr. Ashton, lest I retract the offer to join us for dinner? I am sure my mother would understand the reasoning,” she reprimanded primly. Sitting there, she found herself staring at the curtain as if she couldn’t help herself. Jumping out of the chair, she spent several minutes straightening up the containers on the shelf to avoid the temptation beyond the curtain.

  “I now know what Eve felt like,” she whispered to herself, shaking her head. “The apple sure is tempting.”

  “I’m glad,” Gideon’s voice rumbled deeply, causing her to glance over. Melissa crossed herself and closed her eyes, but not before she saw the wide expanse of skin that was exposed from his missing shirt. He had come out from behind the curtain with just his pants on. “Give me a moment to make myself presentable to your shocked eyes.”

  “Too late for that,” she quipped, covering them for good measure as she kept them pinched shut. “I’ve seen too much already.”

  “I think maybe you should see a bit more of me… and find out what real temptation is,” he whispered in her ear, causing her to leap at the intimacy and nearness. Her hand made contact with skin, as she flew around instinctively.

  “I probably deserved that,” he said with a wide satisfied grin, once Melissa opened her eyes. Her handprint was bright on his face.

  “Oh, my goodness! I’m so sorry! Did that hurt?” she asked, horrified at the outline. “Gideon, I’m sorry!” Melissa stepped back away from him, staring at the mark. Tears sprang up as she realized that she had actually struck a person! He’d pushed and pushed to where she had finally reacted. She was mortified beyond belief.

  “Shhhh, darling,” he crooned, pulling her into his arms. Melissa struggled for a moment as she realized he had yet to button his shirt. She was against his chest, and her heart hammered nervously as she breathed in his scent. “Darling, it’s nothing that I didn’t deserve. It’s been a long time since I have spoken to a woman…longer yet, since I have spoken with a true lady. I should be apologizing to you.”

 
; “Can you just… behave?” she whispered, feeling her fingers curl in his chest hair. The feel of his skin was absolutely divine, and she didn’t think that anything in the world could make a person feel more deliciously satisfied.

  Except maybe pie.

  Blueberry pie. Blueberries were scarce and when you could get blueberry pie, it was divine. Oh yes, Gideon’s arms around her was her weakness. Her own blueberry pie with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

  “It’s kind of hard to behave when I can feel your heart racing and that sweet hitch to your breath. It makes me want to kiss you till I hear you gasping. That and your fingers are doing a number on me, darling,” he whispered against the top of her head. “I think we need to get to your mother’s sooner, rather than later.”

  Nodding, she stepped back, but not before he pulled her forward again to kiss her. His kiss made her knees weak, and she slipped her hand against the bare skin of his chest again. Pulling free, Melissa smiled as he rested his chin against her forehead, kissing her lightly.

  “I can’t do that later when I am at your mother’s home.”

  “No, you can’t,” she chuckled, hearing his laugh rumble in his chest.

  “Melissa, you are something else,” he admitted. “I’ve never met anyone as perfect as you.”

  “I am far from perfect, but I will let you think that for as long as you want,” she teased, breaking contact with Gideon. “Now, make yourself presentable so we can walk to my home or else the Sherriff will be sent to look for us.”

  Melissa kept her back turned while he straightened his clothing. This made her smile to herself thinking of how scandalous it would seem, yet how innocent it actually was. She was determined to keep him in line; there would be no sermons other than what normally came on Sundays. Now, Gideon? That might be a different story! She almost laughed aloud as she pictured it. Biting her knuckle, she finally turned around to see him presentable and ready to go.