Trail of Golden Dreams

by Coverstone, Stacey

  “Come on, Grey. I know how you like to eat.” Josie smiled and pulled him toward the table.

  Moments ago, he’d been as hungry as a bear. Now, his appetite was only for her.

  * * * *

  When the meal concluded, the mariachi band began to play and couples paired off to dance. Josie and Grey sat next to each other at the table. Did he know how to dance? She glanced at him, wondering if he was going to ask her.

  He had inhaled two plates of food and several mugs of beer and was now leaning back in the chair with one long leg crossed over his knee. It did her good to see him full and satisfied. She could swear the color had returned to his handsome, clean-shaven face. She thought she’d seen him grow pale when she’d walked onto the patio. No wonder. She smiled, knowing she’d looked like an orphan the whole time they’d been together. It had to have been a shock for him to see her spiffed up in a dress. He’d told her she was as pretty as a picture and that his heart was beating like a drum. She’d about fainted when he’d said that.

  How she wished he’d take her hand and lead her onto the dance floor! An ache to be held in his arms pulsed through her. She wanted the other girls there to know he was hers, even though he really wasn’t. She’d seen many of the sporting women gawking at Grey as they ate supper. Not discreet glances either, but outright ogling the man, like they were wolves and he was a hunk of rare meat. It made her burn inside! She wanted him to hold her close and sweep her around like she was a princess and he was her prince.

  As if he could read her mind, his head turned and he looked at her. Flashing that lopsided smile, her insides melted like butter in a fry pan. She could hardly stand it when he gave her that look. Goose pimples peppered her arms. She waited, with her heart in her throat, for him to open his mouth and ask her to dance.

  “Are you two having fun?” Juanita swooped in like a hawk and bent over their shoulders.

  “This is the best night of my life,” Josie answered, wiping the corner of her mouth with a linen napkin.

  Juanita’s dark eyes enlarged, and tears sprang into them. “Why, Josephine! You’re as sweet as Leroy said you were. Sweeter than pie! I’m so glad you and Mr. Paladin decided to come visit.” She leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

  Josie touched her cheek with two fingers, sealing Juanita’s kiss like a brand. The scent of Juanita’s lilac body powder wafted into her nostrils. It had been so long since another woman had touched her or kissed her. The kindness reminded her of how she’d missed her mama and longed for a mother through the lonely years. But this was no time for sad memories.

  Juanita pulled Grey up by the arm. “You two should dance. You do know how to dance, don’t you, Mr. Paladin?” She didn’t wait for an answer. She’d gotten him on his feet. Nodding to Josie, Josie stood, and Juanita wedged the two of them together like a sandwich.

  Josie felt one of Grey’s hands slip into hers as the other circled her waist. She placed her palm on his shoulder, and they started to sway to the music. The song was a waltz, and though she didn’t know the right steps, her feet seemed to move on their own. Grey, it seemed, did know how to dance. In fact, he was a very good dancer. She felt like a feather in his arms as they twirled and weaved between other couples. A light breeze blew her hair with every spin and turn. The pulse throbbed in her neck when he drew her closer. Her head was even with his breastbone. She peered up and asked, “Who taught you to dance?” She felt him squeeze her waist tighter.

  “My ma.”

  “That’s nice. You learned well.”

  “You?” he queried.

  “Me, what?” She couldn’t think straight from being dizzy with excitement.

  He chuckled. “Who taught you to dance the waltz?”

  “No one,” she admitted. “This is the first time I’ve ever had the pleasure.”

  “You don’t say?” His eyebrow arched. “Well, you’re a quick study, Josie. I’d say you’re a natural born dancer.”

  “You would?” She smiled. It was important he feel proud of her. He was an educated man. He’d want a woman who was willing to discover life the way he did. “I like to learn new things,” she offered.

  He bent his head and huskily whispered in her ear, “I can teach you some things.” When his lips brushed across her cheek, she felt his hot breath slither down her neck, and her legs grew weak. Remembering the way he tasted and how his tongue had felt probing her mouth before caused her to shiver uncontrollably.

  The music stopped and he drew back. “Are you cold?”

  “A little,” she fibbed.

  “Let’s get your shawl and take a walk. Would you like that?”

  “Yes.”

  He collected her shawl from the back of the chair and draped it across her shoulders. They started strolling down a path that led away from the house.

  “I think I saw a pond back here earlier today,” Grey said. “I hope it wasn’t a mirage, but it could have been. My brain had turned to mush from the sun.”

  Josie chuckled and pulled the shawl tighter, not wishing to speak. She was lost in the magic of walking with him and being near him on such a perfect evening. She was also thinking about what he’d just said as the dance ended. He’d told her he could teach her some things. What things would those be? More ways to kiss? Or was he referring to lovemaking? Heaven knew she’d need lessons in that when the time came. The thought of him being her teacher in love caused her to shudder with longing.

  Images of Grey making love to her made her head spin and her heart pound. He was so handsome, strong and brave, and tenderhearted, too. Before they’d even met officially in the cave, she’d been drawn to him in Dry Gulch. She hadn’t understood why at the time. She’d only known there was a connection between them. And she hadn’t been wrong. The more time she spent with him, the more she felt they were like two pieces of a puzzle. She fit inside his arms like he was her home. There was no doubt he’d be able to satisfy her physically, but would she be enough for him? He was worldly, having spent time adventuring in unknown parts. Probably some of those adventures involved women.

  She was inexperienced in love and the ways between a woman and man. What if she disappointed him? She couldn’t bear to think of losing him. Did he even feel the same way she did? She thought so, but wasn’t sure.

  “Look,” he said, pointing. “I guess I wasn’t imagining things after all.” They walked to the edge of a pond. As the sun sank in one half of the sky, the moon lifted in the other, as if an invisible thread pulled it upward. Casting a coppery glow over the water, the tranquil water shimmered under the pale moonbeams.

  Josie’s breath hitched. “Oh, Grey! It’s so beautiful. I love it here.” Joyous tears stung the backs of her eyes. Everything about this day had been ideal. She wondered how it could possibly get any better. If would, of course, if Grey kissed her again. She let her gaze fall to the water. Pa had been right. The trail had been long and difficult so far, and there were still many miles to travel. But as she stood there in the moonlight next to Grey, she thought she’d almost be willing to give up the gold and her dreams of San Francisco if she could hold onto this moment forever.

  “What are you thinking about?” he asked, snatching her from her contemplation. He turned her toward him and slid his fingers through her hair.

  Her body grew hot under his touch. “I was thinking about how far we’ve come, and how far we’ve yet to go. I was thinking about San Francisco.”

  “Oh?” His hand grazed the back of her neck, and he rolled her earlobe between his thumb and forefinger. He seemed uninterested in conversation and distracted by everything except the way her skin felt.

  “Y-y-yes,” she stammered. “I wonder if the bay is as pretty in the moonlight as this pond.”

  “I don’t know,” he whispered. “I’ve never been to San Francisco.”

  “Would you like to go?” she asked softly.

  He slid the shawl off her shoulders and let it slide to the ground, and then cupped the back
of her head with his large palm. “Perhaps.”

  Her heart leapt with hope, while the rest of her trembled with anticipation at what he was going to do next. Her wait was not long. Grey pulled her close and covered her mouth with his. As he smothered her with kisses, his hands moved up and down her back before resting on her bottom. He cupped her bottom through her dress. When he began to grind his long, lean frame into her, her eyes fluttered shut. She wondered if the beers had made him amorous. Moaning softly, she arched her back, prepared for whatever Grey had in store for her.

  As his hands roved from her bottom to the curves of her hips, his lips moved down her jaw line. He suckled the delicate skin covering the slender arch of her neck. The sensation drove her wild. She felt her thighs spasm and clench together as pools of moisture gathered between her legs. Suddenly, he picked her up off the ground, grasped her under her thighs, and lifted her onto him, giving her no option but to wrap her legs around his waist. It didn’t matter that her dress hitched up above her knees. She felt as free and unconstrained as a bird.

  “Don’t drop me!” she cried, while flinging her arms around his neck.

  “I won’t, darlin’.” He danced her around in a circle, keeping a strong grip on her.

  Josie knew she could trust him, so she loosened the strangle hold on his neck and began to laugh and enjoy the thrill ride. He joined her laughter for a few twirls and then slowed and stopped, and they kissed again while she clung to him. After a few moments, she slid down his body, and her feet touched the ground just as a voice called out from the dark.

  “Señor Paladin! Señorita Hart! Are you out here?”

  A long groan escaped through Grey’s mouth. “Dammit. That’s Ortiz, the ranch foreman,” he complained, whispering in her ear. “That Mexican has the worst timing.”

  Josie nodded in agreement and placed her head on his chest, willing her thumping heart to still itself.

  When the foreman called out again, Grey called back, “Si, señor. We’re out by the pond.”

  The foreman did not come any closer, but continued to shout from afar. “Señora Gonzales asked me to find you. She has one more surprise.”

  Grey’s chin rested on top of Josie’s head, and he stroked her hair. She could feel his heart beating as fast as hers. “Tell her we’ll be right there,” he hollered back.

  “Si, Señor Paladin.”

  When they were sure Ortiz had started back to the house, Grey tipped up Josie’s chin and kissed her soundly one more time. When their lips parted, she ran her hand over his smooth cheek. “I don’t mind you unshaven,” she told him. “In fact, I prefer you rough.”

  He rubbed his cheeks thoughtfully. “Good, because I have one dull blade, and shaving with it is a pain in the ass.”

  They grinned at one another.

  “I guess we’d better get back to the house before the Mexican army sends a search party,” he teased, picking the shawl up from the ground.

  “Guess so.” She was glad when he took her hand. It was comforting, him holding her hand that way.

  The final surprise Juanita had waiting for them was a large vanilla cake decorated with iced flowers that Josie cut with Grey standing at her side.

  Manuel Ortiz sidled up next to Grey and whispered in his ear loud enough for Josie to hear. “Are you sure this isn’t your wedding party, amigo?” He stumbled away chortling.

  When Josie looked at Grey, his face had turned as white as a sheet.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Josie brushed Traveler and Lightning as she watched the sun rise over the Gonzales Ranch. Her saddlebags were hung over the horn, and a new bag was tied behind the saddle. It contained three dresses Juanita had insisted she take with her, as well as the lapis lazuli beads she’d worn at the party and Juanita’s very own silver cross necklace. Marcella had washed her pants and long-sleeved shirt in sweet-scented soap, which she now wore.

  Earlier, Juanita had stood in the kitchen in her silk robe packing food for Josie and Grey to take on the trail. “You will be like a daughter to me from this moment on, Josephine,” she’d said. “I want you to consider me as your second mother.” When Josie had lowered her head, unable to meet Juanita’s eyes out of respect for her own ma, Juanita had quickly added, “Or, perhaps an auntie.”

  Josie hadn’t known what to say, except thank you. Juanita had been so kind to her. Josie had taken her hand and assured her she’d remember their time together for the rest of her life, and maybe they’d see one another again someday. Juanita’s sad face had brightened at that remark.

  Still unsure as to why Pa had wanted her to meet Juanita, Josie guessed she’d never know the true reasons. But after this visit, she would see her pa through different eyes—through the eyes of a woman who found the good within him, and who cared deeply for the decent man he must have been to her. Apparently Pa had never taken anything from Juanita except her heart. That spoke volumes.

  Josie snapped back to reality when Traveler brayed. “Where is Grey?” she asked the mule, while gazing around. After the party had ended the night before, he’d walked her to her room and told her they’d start out early this morning. They still had close to thirty miles to ride before reaching Santa Fe. She’d closed her eyes and puckered her lips, waiting for a goodnight kiss, but one never came. When he’d kissed the top of her head instead and left her to let herself through the door, she’d wanted to slam it in his face. Out of respect for Juanita’s home, she’d closed it normally and then stomped her foot in exasperation once she was tucked safely inside the bedroom.

  Even though the bed was the softest she’d ever slept in, it had taken some time for her to fall asleep, because she’d been so angry and confused. Grey had pawed her like an animal out by the pond and then refused to kiss her goodnight. She didn’t know what to think about the man, except that he could be a real jackass sometimes. One minute he’d kiss her and sweet-talk with words that sounded as close to poetry as anything she’d ever heard. The next minute, he patted her head like a dog, being as careful with his actions as a naked man climbing a barbed wire fence. She suspected his quick change in attitude had been the result of the stupid remark that Mexican ranch foreman had made about that being their wedding party.

  She jammed her cowboy hat down on her head. There was no use spending more time or energy analyzing Grey Paladin. The man was a mystery in more ways than one, but she was determined not to let his wishy-washy mood bother her today. She was so close to making her dreams come true, dreams of a new life. Anxious to get started on this next leg of the journey, exhilaration coursed through her body.

  When she heard a commotion near the outbuilding, she craned her neck around. Grey drove the buckboard wagon out, pulled by a big spotted horse. The rattling wagon was loaded down with sleepy whores. As the wagon neared, she could see they were still wearing the clothes they’d partied in last night, wrinkled as the dresses were. Some had tried to fix their hair and makeup, but most didn’t seem to care about their appearance at this early hour.

  One soiled dove, however, looked rather perky. She was a curly redhead whose merchandise tumbled out of her pink bodice. She sat next to Grey on the hard seat, snuggled a bit too close for Josie’s liking.

  “Mornin’, Josie,” Grey called from atop the seat. He touched his finger to the brim of his hat, as if he were a neighbor stopping by to say hello.

  “What’s going on here?” she demanded, frowning.

  He told the horse to whoa. “This morning, Juanita asked me if we could haul these women up to Galisteo. Apparently, Manuel got so drunk last night he stepped on a pitchfork, fell backwards into a feed trough, and broke his foot.”

  “Why can’t one of the ranch hands take them?” Josie asked, not caring that Manuel the big mouth had injured himself.

  “Every single one of ‘em is drunk. Juanita’s letting them sleep it off, but she wants the ladies out of here when they wake up. We’re going right through Galisteo anyway. I told her it’d be no problem. She said we cou
ld leave the wagon and horse at the livery and stables, and she’d send someone up for them later.”

  Josie and the redhead locked gazes. When she scooted even nearer to Grey and batted her lashes, Josie narrowed her eyes. Grey apparently got the message, because he moved as close to the edge of the seat that he could. “Alright,” Josie relented. “We can hardly turn Juanita down after all she’s done for us.”

  “I thought you’d feel that way.” When he winked, she turned away so he wouldn’t see her smile. That same shiver she was growing accustomed to when in his presence shimmied down her spine. What was it about the man that made her react this way?

  He jumped off the wagon, sauntered to her and said, “My gear’s packed already. I’ll tie Lightning to the back of the wagon, and we’ll be on our way if you’re ready.”

  “I’m ready. Do you want me to lead Lightning? I think he’d rather be trailing Traveler than a bunch of loose women.” She threw an irritated glance at the redhead again.

  Grey’s gaze ping-ponged between the two women. He chuckled. “Lightning’s a stallion, in case you’ve forgotten, Josie. He likes the female persuasion, and it’s been awhile since he’s been around any. He might enjoy their company. Take a gander at the wild look in his eye.”

  Josie took note of the horse’s enlarged pupils. “Maybe we should put blinders on him then. These aren’t the kind of females he should be keeping company with.”

  Grey’s dark eyes were full of mischief. He’d obviously caught her double meaning and decided to play along, teasing her. “I don’t think my horse is that particular when it comes to mating.”

  She gulped and felt her face warming. “Well, if you ask me, he ought to watch where he puts his pecker,” she snapped. “He’s likely to catch something real bad if he ain’t careful.” Jerking the horse’s lead rope out of Grey’s hand, she jammed her foot into her stirrup, done with the game. Her bottom smacked against leather when she sat her seat.