Chase The Wind

by Janelle Taylor

  As Navarro’s lips nuzzled her breasts, Beth’s tension was laced with anticipation. She was eager to explore and to gather all treasures of lovemaking with him. Her hands played in his midnight hair and stroked his bronzed frame. She enjoyed the way his muscles moved beneath her fingers. When his mouth returned to hers, she murmured between heady kisses, “You amaze me, Navarro Breed. You sap my will and wits. When you touch me and kiss me, all I can do is respond; all I want to do is respond.”

  “Are you sure you aren’t too tired and sleepy for this, love?”

  Her voice was constricted by desire as she replied, “Never, never with you.” Without shame or reservation, she entreated, “Teach me all you know in this area, too; I want to experience every sensation possible.”

  That plea captivated and thrilled him. “You will, Beth.” His fingers caressed her flushed cheek as he told her, “All you have to do is relax and enjoy yourself, -Tsíné. Do whatever seems natural or pleasing. Later I’ll teach you anything you don’t know or learn along the way.” She was eager to savor everything with him, and he wouldn’t disappoint her.

  She responded to and devoured each kiss and caress, every unspoken promise of what was to come. Her hands roamed his neck and shoulders. Her fingers played in the black curls at his nape, then traveled his hard, muscled back. Navarro’s body was splendid, too tempting not to investigate. The bud of her womanhood tingled and pulsed with pleasure as he stroked it. Every spot he touched was, alive and aflame. Navarro was pure passion and raw power. He was blissful enchantment and scorching fire. He was verdant earth, gusting wind, and glorious sky. He was brilliant lightning and refreshing dew and colorful rainbow. He was like all of the forces of nature combined, and he was assailing the core of her being.

  Navarro had difficulty breathing, thinking, and mastering himself. The range of emotions he experienced astonished him. When his lips and hands aroused her to writhing and coaxings, his knee parted her thighs to connect their bodies.

  Beth arched to meet his approach. As he entered and withdrew many times, a curling tension built within her. She clung to him and responded at an increasingly feverish pitch.

  Navarro moved with caution and gentleness, but he didn’t know how much longer he could control his passion. His rhythmic strokes were sending her along an upward spiral, but he was traveling just as fast as she was. He took her with an intensity that was new and stirring. He scaled heights he had never reached before this night and this woman.

  Beth moaned as her climax seized her and carried her away in a flood of ecstasy. Her breath caught in her throat as the powerful sensations assailed her body and stole it. She clung to him and savored his kisses.

  Control deserted Navarro. He plundered her mouth and womanhood until every ounce of need was sated. The release was so powerful and stunning that he trembled from the force of it.

  A golden aftermath settled around and within them as she lay in his arms, as breathless and tranquil as he was. Navarro continued to trail kisses and fingers over her flushed face and body, and she did the same to him.

  “Whew, woman, that was something. Thanks.”

  Beth was confused by his tenderness and gentleness. How could anything this powerful and special, she mused, not be real? “I should be the one thanking you. I never expected anyone like you to come into my life, partner. I hope you don’t leave it too fast. I hate to think about finishing this role and mission.”

  “The same goes for you, woman.”

  “Maybe we’ll find a way to visit between assignments so we can share some more wonderful and satisfying times.”

  “Sounds good to me.” He cuddled her against him and said, “We’d best get to sleep; we have a criminal to investigate tomorrow.”

  After breakfast, Matt told everyone he and his brother were taking a ride alone, just the two of them, so they could chat; but the agents noticed that their target’s three men trailed them at a distance. Jessica said she was going to begin her Monday chores and went to gather her laundry.

  Before Navarro left to help Big John in the blacksmith shed, he whispered to Beth, “There’s no way I can saddle Night Cloud and follow them without being seen, so we’ll miss this chance to study them together and pick up clues. Just be on alert for anything Matt told Jessie since his arrival; she may confide it to you. It’s for sure Charles must have enemies or he wouldn’t need constant guards in a safe area. I’ll see you later, love.”

  “I’ll be helping Jessica with the washing and ironing. Put anything dirty on the floor by the bed and I’ll fetch our clothes in a minute.”

  “That isn’t necessary.”

  “Yes, it is. We’ll be hitting the trail soon and need everything clean. Besides, how would it look if I washed my own clothes and not my husband’s?”

  “You’re right, as always. Glad you have a smart and clear head, Beth.”

  “Except for when you daze my wits, Mister Breed,” she jested.

  Navarro grinned and caressed her cheek. “I’ll try to remember to do that only at safe times.” They laughed before he headed for the cabin.

  As the two women worked over wash and rinse tubs, Beth said, “I hope Charles doesn’t try to talk Matt into accepting another hazardous gift. He shouldn’t be making suggestions when he knows nothing about ranching; that would be like me trying to convince Matt to buy cows as steers. I’m sorry, Jessica, but he makes me nervous. I don’t think he’s trustworthy. Men who live by schemes and daring ideas are deceivers.”

  “I agree. I told Matt not to be taken in by his brother again.”

  “You told him you’re suspicious of Charles?”

  “Not exactly. I only mentioned something similar to what you just said. I’m sure Matt would never repeat a mistake like his first one.”

  “Let’s pray Charles doesn’t suggest a second one that sounds too appealing to be resisted.”

  “I doubt Matt would make any new decisions without asking me.”

  Beth realized Jessica didn’t sound convinced of that statement. “I hope you don’t mind me making this offer, Jessica, but I can loan you the money to replace your cattle. Stephen left me plenty; it’s in the Tucson bank. I never touched it because I thought I might need it in my old age or if I got injured and couldn’t work. Navarro has enough to pay for our fresh start, so my savings are available to you and Matt as a loan.”

  Jessie stared at her. “That’s much too generous, Beth. Why?”

  “Because I like you and your family and this ranch; you’re the best friend I’ve had in years. I don’t want Matt being susceptible to any more of his brother’s wild ideas just to recover from your losses. Please accept my offer. I know you’ll pay it back when things are normal again.”

  “We couldn’t, Beth; Matt’s too proud to take money from anybody except the bank.”

  “If the bank won’t loan you what you need, please let me help. It’s the least I can do to thank you for my happiness and Navarro’s life.”

  “I’ll think about it, but only if it comes to that.”

  “Agreed, and we won’t mention it again unless you change your mind.”

  They chatted about other things as they completed the task. After the clothes and linens were hanging out to dry, Beth said she was going to wash her hair and let the sun dry it before the others returned.

  She lathered her long and thick tresses near the well so she’d have an ample water supply at hand. As she was doing so, she didn’t know Navarro was in the kitchen speaking in private with Jessica while Lance was playing with Biscuit Hank’s wife near the chuckhouse.

  “I wish Miguel could see you now. He wouldn’t believe his eyes. I recall what he told me about you after our return from San Angelo.”

  Navarro leaned against a cabinet. “What was that, Jess?”

  “He said that you were a man with a troubled spirit, one who’d kill to survive, who’d been hurt many times and in many ways, a man from two worlds who fit in neither, the kind of man who destroyed himsel
f.”

  “He was right, Jess.”

  “Back then, but not anymore. He said you couldn’t survive if you changed and you’d never find what you were searching for. You proved him wrong.”

  “If I hadn’t met you, Matt, and the boys, he would still be right.”

  “Miguel really liked you. He respected you. From the start, he believed you’d never break your word and you’d fight to the death for us.”

  “I would have.”

  “I know. I hope you understand what happened after you left. I hope you forgive me for hurting you. I never meant to do that, Navarro, never.”

  “You did what was best for everyone, even us.”

  “I realize it was hard on you and I’m sorry you had to suffer so much, a lot of it because of me. I’m glad our past is settled.”

  “You really didn’t mind us coming for a visit?”

  “I’m delighted you did. Beth is a wonderful person, perfect for you.”

  “Thanks. I can see you and Matt are perfect for each other, too.”

  “We are. Thanks for letting us make a fresh start.”

  “It was worth what we lost to gain what we have now, right?”

  “I believe so. We helped each other through some rough times.”

  “The reason it took me so long to get over what we had was because I didn’t get to explain what happened or say goodbye. That haunted and worried me for a long time; that’s why I never gave another woman a chance to get to me until I met Beth.”

  “It all worked out as it should; it made you wait until she came along.”

  Navarro captured her hand and gazed into her blue eyes. “This will be the last time we see each other, Jess; that’s how it has to be for. Lane and Matt’s happiness. Unless there’s trouble and you need me. If that happens, send for me fast, pronto. I’ll come and stay only long enough to help, then be gone again; I promise.”

  “Don’t worry; we’ll be fine, all of us. There is something I want to tell you while we have privacy: I’m not sorry we met and shared those few months. You’ll always have a special spot in my heart and life, and I’ll never forget you. I want us to remain good friends.”

  “Me, too, Jess, and the same is true about you.”

  Their gazes locked. They smiled, recalling the best days of their past together, and embraced. Each knew they were sharing a final farewell.

  Beth entered the house to tell Jessica she was going to sit on the cabin porch to dry her hair and would return afterward to help with chores. As she reached the archway into the dining room, she halted and remained out of sight. From the way the two doors were positioned, she noticed her lover and friend embracing in the kitchen. They didn’t know she was there, and her partner’s wits were too dazed by his love, it seemed, to detect her presence. The two shared a brief kiss and hugged again. With silence and dismay, Beth sneaked from the house and tormenting sight.

  “Be safe and happy, Navarro,” Jessie murmured.

  “You too, Jess. This time we can say goodbye in the right way, without pain and suffering and confusion.”

  They hugged again, then shared another short kiss; it proved to both that the fiery passion they had once shared was gone. Their hearts and bodies now belonged to others. They smiled and nodded in acceptance of the reality.

  “It was kind and generous of Beth to offer to loan us money to replace our herd. You won yourself a real prize in her, Navarro.”

  “She didn’t mention it, but that’s a good solution to your problem.”

  After chatting a few more minutes, Navarro went to locate Beth. He found her sitting on the cabin porch.

  Her head was bent over and she was brushing tangles from her damp locks.

  He placed his boot near her hips and leaned against a wooden post. He tipped back his hat and observed his partner. “I was just talking with Jessie. She told me about your loan offer. What was that about?”

  “So she and Matt wouldn’t become desperate and get involved with Charles’s schemes. You can’t offer a loan; I thought mine would stall any problems until you can.”

  “It won’t be necessary; Charles gave Matt money last night.”

  Beth halted her task and looked up at him in befuddlement. “He hasn’t told Jessica; I’m sure of it. I wonder why.”

  “I don’t know, but I don’t like it.” He related the talk he had overheard last night between the brothers.

  “It looks bad for him, but maybe there’s a logical explanation.”

  “I hope so for Jessie and the children’s sake.”

  Do you? “So do I.”

  He reached out his hand and played with a wet curl. “Beth?”

  “Yes?”

  Navarro ruffled his hair and said, “Never mind. I’ll see you later.”

  Beth watched him return to the smithy shed. She pondered what it was about him that made her feel so alive, desirable, feminine. Navarro had an overwhelming and wondrous power over her, but it wasn’t only a physical attraction, yet that facet of their relationship was splendid. With Navarro, she didn’t experience even the smallest fear for her life and safety; she had total faith in him. But there were two obstacles between them and she feared those barriers were too strong to shatter. How could she battle his desire for his love and his son? If only Navarro would realize it was possible to love more than one woman during his lifetime.

  By the time her hair was dried and brushed and braided, the brothers had returned and everyone had a light meal before Matt left to check on fence repairs. The rancher took Rusty, Carlos, and Navarro with him.

  While Jessica was putting a tired Lance down for a nap, Beth went outside where Charles was smoking, to see if she could learn anything.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Beth decided, if necessary, she would be coquettish to evoke clues from the offensive man. Someone as cocky as Charles should make slips while trying to impress her. She halted, smiled, and remarked, “I’m sure you’re enjoying the rest and fresh air after your long and dusty trip.”

  “This is a peaceful place my brother has here, and nice friends.”

  “I’m glad you came to visit. Jessica and Matt needed cheering up after all the problems they’ve had in the last months. Drought and disease must be horrible things to endure. It takes so much time and money to recover from them. I’ve heard many ranchers and farmers never do. I can’t imagine losing everything one owns. I hope that doesn’t happen to them.”

  “It won’t; I’ll make certain it doesn’t.”

  “You’re a good man and brother, Charles. Matt’s lucky to have you.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. To be honest, I feel partly responsible for their trouble since I’m the one who sent those bad steers that killed theirs.”

  Probing for how much I know? “You? Matt said a friend did it, but he didn’t mention your name. You must feel terrible about such a mistake.”

  “I do. Hoof-and-mouth gives ranchers nightmares and heartache.”

  “I don’t know about such matters. Navarro is the knowledgeable and experienced one in our family. It seems I have a lot to learn about ranches.”

  “I doubt you’d have a problem learning anything, Beth. You have a smart head under that flaming hair. If you don’t mind my saying so, those are the most enchanting locks I’ve seen on a woman; makes a man want to run his fingers through them. Sure does set off those lovely green eyes and perfect complexion. Navarro’s a damned lucky fellow he snagged a beauty like you.”

  “That’s a nice compliment.” She pretended to be uncomfortably warmed by his admiration and to seek a distraction. “You shouldn’t blame yourself for an accident, Charles; surely Matt and Jessica don’t fault you for an error. In their place, I wouldn’t.”

  Charles mashed his cigarillo with his boot. “Matt doesn’t, but I’m not sure about his wife. She hasn’t warmed up to me yet.”

  Beth donned a mask of surprise. “I’m sure you’ve misread her. Jessica is just tired and preoccupied with company and spring ch
ores; that’s why I’ve been helping her as much as possible while we’re here. A ranch, home, husband, and children are a lot of work. She isn’t the kind of person to be unfair or ill-mannered. If you’re right, though, I’ll bet she warms up to you before long, so don’t worry. I know you’re family, but you two are strangers, and she is under a big strain these days.”

  “She has a right to be annoyed with me over that fiasco. I thought I was doing something good for them, but it turned out the opposite.”

  He shifted his position to put him closer to her, but Beth didn’t retreat an inch. “What made you think of cattle as a gift?”

  “When I was in Brazil on business, a friend of mine talked as if his breed was magic and money on hooves. Since I was planning to visit my brother soon, I thought it would be a nice surprise.”

  “It would have been a wonderful present if they hadn’t gotten sick and died; you couldn’t have foreseen such a tragedy.”

  “Matt was luckier than my Brazilian friend; he lost his entire herd before he could handle the problem. His cattle grazed free on distant hills, so the disease went unnoticed too long and every animal got infected and died. He said he tried to send us a warning; it didn’t reach me until it was too late for Matt to destroy those contagious steers I sent him. I move around a lot, so I’m hard to reach.”

  Beth grasped that he never mentioned his alleged friend’s name. “You don’t have a home or office anywhere for messages?”

  “Not really. I sold both years ago. Caught drifter’s blood, I guess. A man should have his adventures before he’s too old or settles down.”

  “That’s a wise decision, because wives dislike roaming husbands. I’m looking forward to putting down roots myself.”

  “Matt said you two are looking at ranches in San Antonio next week. I hope you find one you like. A beautiful woman like you deserves a good life.”

  “You’re too generous and charming. You swell a woman’s head.” She saw him smile. “If we don’t find what we’re seeking here in Texas, we’ll look elsewhere. We have a friend in the land business in Tucson who’s helping us locate the perfect place. What business are you in, Charles?”