A smile spread across her face. “There’s no need. It’s close.” Hesitating a moment, she glanced up. “Will you be by tonight?”
“Couldn’t keep me away.”
Brushing the horses, Gabe’s mind kept prodding him about what needed to be said between them. He didn’t even know how she felt about him—other than her declaration of wanting no other man. Her uninhibited reaction to their lovemaking had left him wanting more.
He’d been concerned about being her first, but she’d surprised him by admitting there’d been one other man years before. She refused to give his name, but Gabe knew it had to be Carlyle. The knowledge didn’t dissuade him. He wanted her, would always want her, even if he wasn’t her first.
“Where’d you ride?”
Gabe hadn’t heard Noah come up beside him. “The waterfall.” Tossing the brush in a bucket, he grabbed Blackheart’s harness as Noah grabbed Joker’s, leading them to their stalls. Closing the gates behind them, Gabe let out a deep breath. “Do you have any coffee left?”
“You know I never let the pot go empty.” Noah motioned him toward the back of the blacksmith shop.
“I’m surprised to see you here. I thought you and Abby would be up at your cabin.” Taking a seat on an old, well-worn bench, Gabe accepted a cup of the steaming liquid.
“We would be, except Dax put in a big order for some tools they need right away. Anyway, she’s not feeling well, so I had her go to your place to sleep for a bit. Didn’t think you’d mind.” Noah had been worried about her inability to sleep, poor appetite, and nausea for several days.
“Not at all. In fact, why don’t you two stay there tonight? I’ll bunk down here.”
“Thanks. I believe we’ll take you up on that.” Noah cradled the cup between his hands. “I’ve never known you to be serious about anyone.”
Gabe glanced up from where he studied the contents of his cup. “Who says I’m serious about Lena?”
“You saying you’re not?”
He didn’t respond right away, thinking of the secrets he knew she kept. “She’s got secrets and damned if I can get her to talk about them.”
Noah let out a robust laugh. “Hell, all women have secrets. It’s the way they’re made.” Noticing Gabe’s stone-still expression didn’t change, Noah leaned forward, resting his arms on his legs. “You thinking what she isn’t saying is serious?”
“Must be, or she wouldn’t keep it quiet.” Draining his cup, he set it aside. “I’m going to the Dixie for a while. See you in the morning.”
Crossing the street, he heard the usual loud voices and laughter coming from both saloons. Spotting horses with the Pelletier brand outside the Rose, he took a detour, seeing Bull, Travis, and a couple other ranch hands playing cards at one table.
“Pull up a chair, Gabe.” Bull signaled Dolly for another glass. “You just missed Cash.”
Gabe nodded for Travis to deal him in. “He mention having any trouble tonight?”
“Nope. Said it’s been real quiet. Then again, it’s still early.” Saturday nights could be wild or quiet, depending on the mood of the cowboys and miners. “He mentioned something about a bank robbery in Big Pine. Sheriff Sterling thinks it’s the same gang that rode through Colorado and Wyoming,” Bull said. “Sterling is certain they’re heading our way.” He tossed down some cards and leaned back.
Gabe played one hand after another, winning more than losing, while contemplating what needed to be done to protect the townsfolk from another danger. Seemed they were destined to always face one vulture or another in the isolated frontier town.
“Did Cash say where he was headed?” Gabe asked.
“Doing the rounds, then heading to the Dixie to meet with Beau.” Bull stood and stretched. “I think I’ll make my way over there and try my luck on the roulette wheel.”
“I’m on my way over there myself.” Gabe nodded at Travis and the others as he followed Bull to the door.
“Leaving so soon?”
He turned at the sound of Dolly’s voice. They’d spoken of her decision to move to Splendor and his feelings about it. She’d already figured out they’d just be friends, his time in her bed ending when she stepped off the stage.
“I need to find Cash.”
“Well, come back later for a drink—if you don’t have other plans.” Her gaze darted around the saloon, landing on a man at a table filled with men Gabe recognized, except for one. Something about her suggestion seemed more like a plea.
“Anything wrong, Dolly?”
“Probably nothing. Just a feeling I have about a man at that table.” She nodded toward the man Gabe didn’t know, then rubbed her hands up and down her arms as if to ward off a chill.
“Who is he?”
“Thomas Pennington. His partner is William Carlyle. They own the Devil Dancer mine.”
“Maybe I should go over and introduce myself.”
She held out a hand to stop him. “Forget I said anything. It’s probably nothing. Have a good night, Gabe.” Moving to the bar, she leaned against it, her gaze still focused on the table.
Gabe watched her a moment longer, not liking the wariness on her face, yet knowing she knew where he’d be if anything happened.
He spotted Cash at the Dixie right off, a wave of jealousy consuming him when he saw his friend’s arm around Lena’s waist. She threw her head back, laughing at something he said, then moved from his hold, her eyes locking on Gabe.
Noting the firm set of his jaw and hard eyes, she moved toward him. Memories of what transpired a few hours before were still fresh as she stopped before him, offering a tentative smile.
“I hoped you’d come by.”
“Seems you’ve had no problem keeping yourself occupied.” His gaze shifted to Cash, then back to her.
“Jealous, mon cher?” She slid an arm through his, unmindful of the curious eyes watching them.
“Do I need to be?”
Her face became serious, the humor gone. “No, Gabe. My interest is in just one man.”
He looked down at her, his thoughts concealed behind stormy eyes. “Good.” Taking a slow breath, he stepped away. “I have to speak with Cash, then I’ll buy you a drink.”
“All right. I’ll be waiting.”
Gabe shook his head, wanting to dislodge the jealousy which possessed him the moment he saw Cash touching Lena. She was his, no one else’s, and he wanted every man within a hundred miles to know it.
Joining Cash, he wasted no time asking about the message from Sterling.
“They held up two banks in Big Pine, taking all the cash from each, then disappeared. The message said it happened yesterday. If it’s who Sterling believes it is, they did the same in Wyoming and Colorado. Hit two banks, then vanished.”
“Did he try to find them?”
“Couldn’t find a trace…not one track.” Cash filled his glass, then one for Gabe. “What do you want to do?”
“Does Clausen know?” Gabe asked, referring to the president of Splendor’s only bank.
“No. It’s Saturday and the bank is closed. Besides, I wanted to talk with you first.”
“I’ll speak with Clausen and several other businessmen on Monday morning, let them know trouble may be on its way. I’d like you and Beau to ride out to the ranches closest to town, see if they have any men they can spare for a few days to help us keep watch. My guess is if the outlaws are coming this way, they’ll hit us soon.”
Cash leaned forward, lowering his voice. “Clausen’s holding a good amount of gold in the bank. What will you do if the gang hits town while Beau and I are gone?”
“I’ll tell Noah, Nick, and a few others to be alert. We’ll do the best we can.” Gabe swallowed his whiskey in one gulp. “I need to spend some time with my lady.” He sent Cash a meaningful look.
“I wondered if you were ever going to make a move.” Cash sent him a knowing smile.
“Just so we’re clear…I’ve made it.”
~~~~~
Cha
pter Twelve
“Get out of my face, Tommy.” Willie groaned as he sat up, rubbing his eyes, which felt as if they contained a fistful of sand. Glancing at the bed, he saw the sleeping form of a woman. “What the hell happened last night?” His voice felt raw and his head spun.
“I’d think it’s obvious.” Tommy opened the curtains, letting in the early morning sun.
“It’s not, so tell me.” Willie stood, groaning, bracing himself on a nearby dresser as he searched for his clothes. The woman never budged from her position under the covers.
“Here.” Tommy grabbed a pair trousers off the floor and flung them at Willie. “You finished one bottle and started on another before following your companion upstairs. You’ve been up here ever since.”
“What day is it?” He began to topple to the side as his leg missed the pants, then righted himself.
“Sunday. Time for us to ride back to the mine.”
Willie’s stomach grumbled as he slipped into his shirt and boots. “I’ve got to get something to eat first.”
“After yesterday, the boardinghouse is out of the question. I’ll see if the bartender can rustle us up something.” Tommy opened the door, then turned back, glancing at the still sleeping woman. “She’s paid for.”
Willie tucked in his shirt, taking a last look at the woman. He couldn’t think of her name, but didn’t care. One whore was the same as another.
Joining Tommy at a table, he tossed back the whiskey in front of him, hoping it would remedy his pounding headache.
“This is the best I could do.” Al placed two plates of eggs in front of them. “You’re lucky I was up. Next time, I suggest you go to the boardinghouse.”
Tommy slid a plate closer to Willie. “Eat this.”
The smell of eggs had Willie gagging, pushing the food away.
“Get something in your stomach so we can head out. You won’t have enough strength to stay on your horse if you don’t.”
Willie cursed before relenting. After a few bites, he sat back, rubbing his temples.
“I can’t say we can spare them, but Bull and Travis are our best men. You’re welcome to use them if it will help keep Splendor safe.” Standing on the bottom rail of the corral, Dax and Cash rested their arms on the top, watching Bull try to wrestle a new gelding into submission. Both Travis and Bull possessed soft hands when it came to breaking horses, a skill few men enjoyed. Besides Luke, they were critical to the success of the Pelletier horse breeding program.
“I hate to take your best men.” Cash winced as Bull landed on his backside.
“It may be good to get him out of here before he hurts himself,” Dax joked, watching Bull grimace as he climbed back on the horse. “Sheriff Sterling has no idea who these fellows are?”
“He sent us another message this morning. Appears they might be a group of ex-confederates. From what he knows, there are a couple brothers in the gang. Doesn’t help us much.”
“It’s somewhat better than being hit by surprise. At least you can be ready for them.” Dax jumped to the ground. “Travis is over at Luke’s. I’ll let Bull know to get his gear ready.”
By late-afternoon on Monday, Cash, Bull, and Travis returned to Splendor, Beau riding in an hour later with Gil Murton. Three additional men weren’t much, but at least they were the best. Within an hour, they had a plan for keeping watch outside of the bank, making certain Sally Phelps and Abby would be safe inside.
Finishing the meeting, several of the men decided to have supper at Suzanne’s while Noah took off to check on Abby. The last couple nights, the two had stayed at Gabe’s. She hadn’t improved either Sunday or today, staying bundled up, drinking tea, and trying to force down some food. Noah had already decided to take her to see Doc Worthington, then leave for their cabin. He’d return in the morning, leaving her with Suzanne if she hadn’t improved.
The men had encouraged Gabe to come with them to the Rose, but he declined, deciding to pay a visit to the Dixie. He knew it went against all his actions in the past, but he wanted Lena in his bed every night. And not just for a few weeks or months. So far, he’d held his thoughts inside, not willing to voice them out loud.
Approaching the Dixie, he heard none of the usual laughter or music, and saw few customers. Nick’s usual spot at the bar was empty and he saw no sign of Lena.
“Quiet tonight,” he said to Paul as the bartender slid a drink to him.
“Always is early in the week. If you’re looking for Nick, he’s in the office.” He nodded to the door behind him. “Been holed up there most of the day.”
Gabe wandered back, needing to speak to Nick about the new hotel. As he knocked and pushed the door open, he found him studying the drawings. He glanced up, motioning Gabe to join him.
“I’m not certain starting before the snow is a good idea. We may not have enough time to get the place closed up to stop damage from the winter storms.”
Gabe walked around the desk to stand behind Nick, scrutinizing the plans. “If we start soon, there may be enough time to close up the bottom floor. We can resume work again at the first sign of spring and be able to finish before the snow falls next year.”
Nick didn’t respond, searching for a way to make the suggestion feasible. “With a few minor changes, we could make it work. What about men? Are there enough to get this started right away?”
“More than enough. We’ve had such a large influx of people coming west to rebuild their lives after the war, new people are moving in every day. Add to that the influx due to the gold strikes and we shouldn’t have a problem finding good men. That’s why Noah built those extra houses and plans to build more. He already has a waiting list. A lot of men are looking for work.”
“Nick, I wondered—” Lena stopped as she saw who stood next to him. A smile broke across Gabe’s face in an instant, causing her chest to tighten.
“Hello, sweetheart.”
Gabe’s endearment surprised her, and Nick even more. His gaze shifted from her to Gabe, then back to Lena, although he kept his thoughts to himself.
“Hello, Gabe.” Her attention lingered on him a few moments before she stepped inside and closed the door. “I saw Cash and several other men at the boardinghouse. It seems you may be expecting trouble.”
“That’s one reason I came by here. I wanted to ask you and Nick to keep watch for a group of five or six men, probably in their twenties, with southern accents. It’s believed they’ve hit several banks, the last ones being in Big Pine.” He continued to explain what he knew, asking for them to send word if they saw a group who fit the description. “Don’t make any moves on them. If it’s the same gang, they’ve already killed, and I doubt they’ll hesitate to kill again.”
“And the other reason you came by?” Nick asked, his gaze narrowing on Gabe.
He looked at Lena. “To ask Lena to supper.”
“I’d love to have supper with you, but I need to speak with the girls first.”
“Take your time. Nick and I are still discussing plans for starting the hotel now rather than waiting until spring.”
“Then I should stay. After all, what you two discuss also concerns me.” She moved next to Gabe, feeling the heat from his body radiating toward her, like a blast of warm air from Noah’s forge. Never had she felt this much pull to one man, not even Willie.
Nick explained what they’d discussed. “If we’re able to gather enough men, we could start early next week. That gives us perhaps two months before the first heavy snows. I’ve already alerted Silas at the lumber mill that we may need to purchase materials soon.”
Lena couldn’t help the tense feeling pulsing through her. Although their time together yesterday had been wonderful, she found herself waiting for him to tell her it had been a mistake.
“So you already planned to start now?” Gabe asked Nick.
“I’d thought about it. Your suggestion to move forward hardened my belief we should start while we still can.”
“Then I’ll ask aroun
d tomorrow, see how many men we can round up. You know, Bull used to work with his father constructing large projects back home. He’s in town to help keep watch for the outlaws. We might as well put his time to good use. His insights would be invaluable as we lay out the building.”
“Ask him to meet with us in the morning.” Nick stood, crossing his arms. “Lena, why don’t you take care of business upstairs? There are still a few issues I need to speak with Gabe about before you leave for supper.”
“Why don’t you join us, Nick?” Lena asked, missing the warning look Gabe shot Nick.
“Thanks, but I believe I’ll grab some food a little later.” He waited until she closed the door behind her, then rounded on Gabe, his voice taking on a hard edge. “Do you want to tell me what the hell’s going on?”
Gabe knew this discussion would occur at some point. Might as well get it behind them. “I’m courting Lena. Are you going to object?”
“Not if you’re serious about her. It won’t end well between us if you take advantage and break her heart.”
Silence settled between them as each considered the consequences if a relationship between Gabe and Lena soured. As business partners, the aftermath could destroy what appeared to be a successful venture.
“I’d never trifle with Lena, if that’s what you’re implying. On the contrary, I’m quite serious about her. Beyond that, I can make no promises.”
Taking a breath, Nick considered his next words. “She’s been hurt in the past.”
Gabe had already figured that out, but kept it to himself. “It’s not my intention to hurt her.”
The door burst open, Lena entering, a coat over her arm. “Are you ready?”
Nick glanced at Gabe. “I believe we’re finished here.”
“Wonderful. All of a sudden, I’m starving.” Lena’s warm smile hit both men in the gut, but for totally different reasons.
The tables in the boardinghouse were empty when Gabe and Lena entered. They selected a back table, sitting so they faced the front. He reached over, intertwining her hand with his.
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