“She’s a Connor as well.” Jane interceded at her silence.
Without missing a beat, Emerson gestured to his father. “Ladies, my father, Kyle Gentry.”
The handsome man nodded, his eyes flicking from Jane to Maddie. “Ladies, pleased to make your acquaintance. I have to apologize for the intrusion, just rode into town to see about my son and he informed me of his dinner plans. I hope I’m not being too forward by inviting myself along.”
“Of course not, Mr. Gentry.” Maddie smiled widely. “We are the ones who are taking too much of the marshal’s time.”
The men offered their arms. For an awkward moment Maddie didn’t know who’s to take. When Jane threaded hers through Kyle Gentry’s and allowed him to escort her to the dining room, she did the same with Emerson and followed.
“Did your mother not accompany your father?” Maddie asked, sliding her eyes up to Emerson’s face.
“My father is a widower. My mother died seventeen years ago.” He kept his voice low. “He’s never remarried.”
“Oh. I’m so sorry.”
“It was a long time ago.”
“Nonetheless it can’t be easy. To lose a parent.”
Emerson disengaged his arm and pulled a chair back for her. When Maddie sat, he spoke in her ear. “No it isn’t.”
It was a lucky thing Jane excelled in maintaining a conversation and leading people into exchanges by asking their opinions. Neither Kyle nor Emerson had an opportunity to remain sullen. She learned a great deal about the town, people and surrounding areas. Maddie was anxious to explore the surrounding landscapes after Kyle Emerson told them of a large meadow that bloomed brightly every spring. Jane begged for Emerson to escort them to Alder’s Gulch after learning of the larger town’s offerings. Before they knew it, the sun was setting and Maddie stifled a yawn.
“It’s been wonderful meeting you, Mr. Gentry,” Jane stood, followed by Maddie and the men. “My sister and I are extremely exhausted and must seek our beds.”
“Of course. Of course.” The older Gentry seemed relieved for the evening to end and Maddie couldn’t help but wonder when was the last time the man had been exposed to so much conversation.
As Jane made her way to the stairwell, Emerson took Maddie’s elbow. “What time should I have help arrive?”
“I—we are early risers. Anytime is fine. I’m sure we won’t be starting until after breakfast.”
His eyes locked with hers. “I want to kiss you again.”
Maddie gasped and looked toward where her sister was pointing at a portrait on the wall, insisting the elder Gentry explain the person’s identity. “They will hear you.”
“Can I see you in a few minutes? Can you make an excuse in a few minutes and meet me at the end of the hallway?”
Yes. She wanted nothing more than to kiss him. “No. I cannot.” Maddie turned and hurried past her sister and Emerson’s father then dashed up the stairs.
* * * *
His father walked to his house and Emerson could tell there was something on his mind. Although the man provided for him and raised him and his brothers, he could never call their relationship a close one. Sometimes he wondered if his father truly cared about him and his brothers more than he showed.
“Come on inside, Pa. I’ve got some whiskey.” Emerson opened the door and went straight to a table where he kept glasses and a large bottle. “It’s been a long time since you’ve visited.”
“No reason to. You come by the ranch often enough.” His father scanned the space. “Mighty small place. It’s time you let them find another lawman and you come take care of the land. I’m getting too old.”
Emerson eyed the man across the small table. His father remained strong and youthful. “Getting the urge to spend more time fishing?”
His father shrugged. “I am gathering another group of men to head out to look for Lincoln.” Kyle Gentry leaned back and drank the last of his whiskey. “Your brother is somewhere out there, he can’t hide forever. I won’t have him branded a coward. It’s time for Lincoln to come to town and face the situation head on.”
“And possibly hang for something he didn’t do.” Emerson glared at his father. “He’s been tried and convicted in the minds of many. It won’t be a fair trial, Pa.”
“Then find a way to prove him innocent. But he must come back.” Kyle swallowed the whiskey and stretched. “I’ve got a room at the hotel. Heading out at first light with five men. Just wanted to let you know.”
His father was one of the best trackers in the state. The only one better was probably Linc, his younger brother. Emerson let out a harsh breath. “Give him more time, Pa. He’s probably getting proof he didn’t kill McKade.”
“Enough time has passed. It’s been almost six months.”
“Pa, please let it go.”
His father kept any expression from his face when looking at him. “I can’t.” The older Gentry turned on his heel and left.
“Damn it.” Emerson threw the partially empty bottle of whiskey against the wall. His hopes hung on the fact that Linc would in most likelihood not be found unless he wanted to be.
“Emerson?” He whirled to see a hooded figure enter and close the door. The hood fell from her head to reveal Maddie. “I don’t know why I said what I did earlier. I was scared.”
He froze, afraid that if he moved toward her, she’d flee. “And now?”
Wide eyes met his. “I want to kiss you. I need to kiss you.”
They clashed against each other in the middle of the room. Their mouths fusing, hands clenching clothing or hair. She tasted like honey and possibilities, so sweet. When she let out a sigh and lifted her arms around his neck, Emerson was lost. Not just in the moment, but utterly and completely in her, the stunning woman in his arms.
She took a step back and removed the cloak allowing it to fall to the floor. Her eyes locked with his, she waited for him to come to her. Emerson didn’t allow for thought or ponderings of what the morning would bring. Instead he scooped the beauty off her feet and carried her to the adjoining bedroom.
Passion took over and they grappled with clothing and shoes removing every garment in a hurried frenzy. His breath caught at the sight of her nudity. Maddie was perfect. Her breasts high on her chest, the bright pink tips beckoning. Her small waist flared to soft hips and graceful legs.
In the center of her legs, a sprinkling of dark hair covered her sex. Her breathing hitched at his perusal, but she did not make to cover herself. “Emerson.” Her soft request penetrated through the fog of lust and he went to her. The evidence of his arousal jetted out before him bringing her attention to it. If possible, when she licked her lips, he became harder throbbing with need.
She allowed him to lift her again and place her on the bed, watching him with interest as he climbed in next to her.
Emerson pulled her against him. “You are so very beautiful.” He took her mouth, his hands roaming down her sides impatient to feel every inch of the silky skin. Cupping her buttocks with both hands, he pulled her against his erection and thrust his hips forward, gliding against her silky skin. Maddie let out a soft sigh and dug her fingertips into his shoulders. “I can’t stop thinking about you.”
“He reached between their bodies and caressed between her legs, needing to ensure she was ready for taking. Her folds were already wet with want and she moaned against his mouth at his fingers stroked her. His own eyes threatened to roll back at the sensation of her soft skin against his hardness.
“Oh!” Maddie cried out when he took her nipple in his mouth. She wove her fingers through his hair and held him in place. He caressed the other one with the pads of his fingers, rubbing it and then pinching it lightly. She arched into him. “Emerson.”
The minx was made for lovemaking. Her responses to his touches made him wonder if he could hold off much longer before he took her fully. He rocked his hips forward and she wrapped her legs around his hips.
Urging him, her fingernails dug into h
is lower back and Emerson let out a low moan. With the tip of his tongue he traced a trail to the other breast, then took the pink tip greedily.
Maddie trembled beneath him, her breathing coming in pants now. “I want you.”
“Soon.” Emerson would enjoy every inch of her that he could. He pressed kisses to the top of her breast and lifted up to look down at her. Kiss swollen lips parted, her darkened eyes latched to his. She was perfect.
He took her mouth again and her lips quickly parted to allow his tongue entrance. She suckled it with enthusiasm while lifting her hips up to rub her sex against his shaft. Emerson slid his hand down her body, pausing to rub his fingers over the smooth skin, teasing her into a frenzy. When his right hand cupped her sex, she bucked into it. “Oh…ah…Emerson.”
He slipped his fingers between her nether lips, to tease the tender button in the middle. She was so close to her release he could tell by her frantic scratching, her head moving side to side. Emerson watched her as he flicked the tiny pearl until she cried out. He pushed a finger into her and she grabbed his hand as if to ensure he not remove it. With precise movements, he moved his finger in and out. She was small, perhaps too narrow for him. He knew he was larger than most men and needed to be sure not to hurt her.
Maddie gripped his hard member, her fingers sliding up and down the shaft, making him grit his teeth. It felt like his first time. Before her no other woman ever made him feel so wanted.
“Emerson.” She whispered and he looked into her eyes. “Come into me.”
Slowly, he nudged at her entrance. “I’m big. Have to go slow so not to hurt you.” His words came out stilted, breathless. He pushed in a bit at a time, allowing her to accept the invasion. She tensed at first until he began kissing her again.
“Mmmmm.” Maddie’s response to him once he became fully seated in her signaled she’d relaxed enough for him to move.
He slid out and pushed back into her, the velvetiness of her moist heat was almost his immediate undoing. Unable to hold back any longer he pulled back and then thrust into her, each movement taking him to a point of losing any semblance of rhythm. The sounds of skin against skin, her cries and his deeper groans intermingled in the air. The room ceased to exist, all that surrounded him was the woman joined with him. She drew him higher, toward a goal that climbed just out of reach.
Then he came. Bursting into a thousand pieces his body took over, it must have because Emerson no longer felt connected to it, yet somehow he knew he continued to move. Maddie kissed his face and rubbed her hands up and down his back while he convulsed, spilling into her body for what seemed like forever. He groaned and drove his hips forward several more times, his hardness unrelenting, demanding more.
* * * *
Emerson woke with a start. Sunlight trickled from between the curtains. He threw the blankets off and found he was entirely nude. Last night had happened. He was sure of it. How could he have allowed Maddie to slip out in the middle of the night without him to look over her? True he lived only a few paces from the hotel, but he didn’t like the idea of her traversing out alone at night.
Grabbing his pants and shirt from the floor, he threw them on. Just when he shoved on one of his boots there was a knock on his door. “Come in.” He picked up the other boot and looked up to the door opening.
Maddie peered in and looked to him. She looked refreshed. Her hair pulled back, her eyes shining. “I wanted to let you know I am fine. My sister and I just brought some items to our cottage. Please see about those helpers.” With an innocent wave, she closed the door.
Emerson could only blink at the closed door and then chuckle. No matter what happened, he was never letting that woman go.
Chapter Five
Jane was heading to the hotel. Maddie rushed to catch up with her sister who gave her a quizzical look. “What are you up to?”
“I merely reminded the marshal he offered to send help.” She attempted a look of innocence when looking into her sister’s narrowed eyes.
“You best not be stringing that poor man along, Maddie,” Jane said, shaking her head. “That expression reminds me of when you had all the young men back home following you around like sick puppies.”
She’d always been good at getting men’s attention, but when it came to marriage, she’d made a dreadful choice. Married Byron Northington because he was the catch of the season, the most admired man in her social circle. They’d both been more enamoured of the other’s popularity with the opposite sex than with each other. Nonetheless, his betrayal had not only injured her pride, but also her reputation, leaving her on the outskirts of the same social circles she’d once commanded. “I admire the marshal, but do not plan to ever marry again. So if I do seek companionship, it will not be in a marriage bed. I’ve decided to take him as a lover.”
“Maddie!” Jane’s mouth fell open and she grabbed her arm pulling Maddie to the side of the hotel building. “Hush before someone overhears you. Surely you don’t plan to take a lover?” Her sister’s fingers dug into her arm. “You cannot be serious.”
“And what if I am, Jane?” Maddie jutted out her chin. “I am a divorced woman. No man will marry me now.”
Jane looked up and down the street, mortification evident by the pinching of her brows. “I don’t believe that is true. A good man will look past such things. Out here men care less about social standings.”
“I’m not so sure. Besides I refuse to marry a man with rotting teeth and a limp just to have companionship. I will pick and choose whom I desire.”
“Madeline Connor, I won’t have it. Women with lovers are not held in high regard no matter where. Even out here. Pay attention this afternoon when we attend the tea. You will see how every sense of conduct is still adhered to.”
Maddie huffed and let the subject drop. Jane, always the picture of propriety gave her a stiff nod. She wondered if ever someone awakened Jane’s passions, she’d change her opinion. Although her sister painted a picture of serenity, beneath the exterior lay a dormant fire. She’d seen it many times when they’d argued or when her sister stood her ground on a subject she felt strongly about.
Later that afternoon, Maddie studied the other four women around the table as she sipped from her tea. Mrs. Higgenbottom, the mayor’s wife, presided over the tea with practiced motions. Beside her sat Mrs. Porterfield, the mercantile owner’s wife and there were two other women, a mousy pair who looked to be about her age. The entire time, the sullen pair stole glances at one another and fidgeted with the hems of their sleeves or teacups.
Mrs. Higgenbottom lifted a hand to get everyone’s attention. “Once again, Miss Connor, I would like to express our sincerest welcome to Rutgers Ridge. I know the town doesn’t seem like much, with all the ruggedness, but let me assure you, it has much to offer.” She paused and smiled at Maddie. “You and your sister are invited to attend our weekly bible studies. We meet here at my house on Wednesday afternoons.”
Jane slid a look to Maddie. She stiffened. “I’m afraid, I’ll be limited to church on Sundays, as I plan to teach classes most weekdays. My sister however…”
“I will do my best to attend when I am not assisting my sister with her teaching,” Maddie interrupted and placed her cup down on the table. “Tell me ladies, are most of the families in need of schooling from in town? How many people live in the surrounding lands?”
“There are six families with children in town,” Mrs. Higgenbottom pointed out. Let’s see, Martha’s husband owns the mercantile. I’m sure you met Tom Porterfield.” When they nodded she continued. “Will Nelly be attending school, Martha?”
“Yes of course,” Mrs. Porterfield smiled. “My Nelly is ten.”
She then introduced the first mousy woman. “This is Gertrude Milburn, the banker’s wife who has a son, Matthew, of school age and lastly this is Malvenia Hawthorne. Malvenia’s husband is our preacher. They have two young ones, only the eldest girl, Rose is of school age.” She took a breath. “There are two other familie
s. I’m afraid neither woman could attend our tea.” By her barely concealed roll of eyes, it was evident the women were not invited.
Jane asked questions about the children while Maddie looked around the room, taking in the overabundance of knickknacks on shelves. She wondered how many wagons Mrs. Higgenbottom had needed when moving west.
Mrs. Porterfield cleared her throat, bringing her attention back. “Malvenia came west with her husband, who is our pastor. Clergymen are much appreciated and needed here.” The drab woman perked up at this and gave a wobbly smile.
Mrs. Higgenbottom spoke next. “There are several ranches. The closest are two large families. Both have four or five children. Of course, there is Grant Gentry’s ranch, but he and his new wife Julia don’t have children yet.” She lifted her nose into the air. “Julia was married before.” Jane stiffened, while Maddie fought to keep from elbowing her side.
Maddie allowed her curiosity free rein. What was this Gentry like? “There are two brothers then?”
“Oh no,” Mrs. Higgenbottom said and spread a hand over her large chest. “There is a third, the youngest brother, Lincoln. He is the complete opposite of Emerson and Grant.”
“What do you mean?” Jane asked leaning forward. “Is he a renegade?”
“Worse,” Mrs. Porterfield replied. “He is an outlaw. Wanted for murder.”
The women tsked with disapproval.
“If my daughter were of age, I am not sure I’d allow a courtship with the marshal due to the scandal in his family.” Mrs. Higgenbottom held her teacup up. “I’d say it’s only because he has been above reproach that he remains as our lawman.”
Mrs. Porterfield let out a breath and nodded in agreement. “The marshal was corresponding with a woman back east, was he not? Whatever became of that?”
“I don’t believe anything,” Mrs. Higgenbottom waved away the subject. “Now ladies let me assure you that besides that dark spot with Lincoln Gentry, we keep a strict moral code within our circle.”
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