A Different Shade of Blue, Shades of Blue, Book 2

by Hildie McQueen

  His brother walked past them, a grunt the only acknowledgment before he went up the stairs. Grayson drew his brows together. "Is he upset about something?"

  "Your brothers had an argument today. They almost came to blows," his father said and sat down to tug his boots off. Ashley and Bronson often argued, both stubborn and not willing to give an inch, even if proven wrong.

  "What did they fight over?"

  A thump of a boot on the wooden floor was followed by a second and his father let out a happy sigh leaning back onto the soft chair and placing his stocking feet up on a footstool. "I am not quite sure, something to do with who would be driving the cattle to Idaho next month. Ashley said something to the affect that Bronson should stick to the ledgers and your twin lost his temper and tackled him to the ground." Hank shook his head.

  "I'd forgotten about the cattle drive."

  "No matter, you're not going."

  "Pa."

  "No."

  Chapter Sixteen

  "Answer me, Nora." Mitch stretched forward, his hands gripping the edges of the table so hard that if the wood were a bit thinner it would most likely snap. Mitch's darkened eyes bore into her very soul. "Tell me why you were in the woods with a gun?"

  They were in their parent's dining room, although a hint of her lilac perfume remained, Carolyn Banks had long gone to her bedroom to retire for the night.

  Nora dreaded having to relive the day of the shooting. Since then every detail of the night she'd been attacked by the same man was once again fresh in her mind's eye. The episode once again dredged up nightmares that kept her awake in fear. Weary from lack of sleep for the last two weeks, she hadn't the strength to be anything but blunt with Mitch. Came right out and said, "I killed the man who shot Grayson. He would have killed us all if I hadn't."

  No longer was it possible not to respond to her brother's demands and she reached across the table and cupped his face. "I love you so much, Mitch. One of the reasons I went out there was because of that. My heart was torn between my deep feelings for you and fear of what could happen to Grayson. I felt any other choice did not exist."

  "Nora, please just tell me." His hands relaxed, but his upper body remained inclined forward, anticipating her next words.

  "It was him. Once again the man that attacked us came to upset our lives and I wasn't about to let him affect us in such a way that I'd lose you forever." Mitch blanched, but remained frozen, his eyes locked on her. Nora continued past her dry throat. "He came into the store the day before. Of course he didn't recognize me, but I never forgot his voice. If you remember the day I came out back at the mercantile and told you I was feeling ill."

  Mitch nodded, but did not speak his countenance urging her to continue.

  Nora looked through the window and noticed it was a sunny day. Spring arrived in full force. "When we went back inside Grayson was there. He gave me a description of whom he suspected killed Walker, and I knew it was the same man. I told Grayson where I suspected the stranger's hideout was. Later when I heard that Grayson formed a posse and went after him, there was no way I could stay here and do nothing."

  "You should have told me, you could have been killed," Mitch told her, his voice quiet, full of hurt and reproach. "Once again I failed to keep you safe."

  "No!" Nora jumped from her seat and took her brother by the shoulders. Hoping to shake reason into him she jerked him back and forth. "Don't you see, I am not the weak fifteen year old girl that was attacked? I didn't do it because I thought you couldn't defend me. I did it to prove to you that I am a strong able woman who can take care of herself. I did it because I want you to live your life, Mitch, not to throw it away attempting to make up for that night. Please, Mitch, I want you to have a full life, get married, have a family. Be happy."

  Nora collapsed into a chair, her left hand still on Mitch's shoulder. "It's time to let me go, Mitch. If you'd gone out there to that cabin, your mind would have been muddled with fury and it could have cost you your life."

  "What about you?" His shoulders hunched, his posture tore her heart, but she forced the urge to be gentle back.

  "I want to be free of your over protectiveness, and you, well you deserve to be free too. I am going to move on. Figure out how to divide my time between the school and the mercantile. Perhaps allow the new teacher to take over most of the classes and gradually work my way to helping at the store on a permanent basis. Maybe I'll take up oils."

  "You're a horrible artist." Although his voice remained flat, the barb helped alleviate the heaviness of their conversation.

  "I'll take lessons," Nora quipped.

  "I should be the one to take over the mercantile," Mitch told her with a half-smile. "You should marry Grayson and have children. If anyone can, you will get the scoundrel to settle down."

  The mention of Grayson's name made her heart pitch. "As you are well aware, he and I are no longer engaged. He is not interested in marrying me."

  "I wouldn't be so sure, sister, I see the way he looks at you. His eyes devour you. Grayson Cole is not at all indifferent to you, Nora."

  No, Grayson was not indifferent to her. Nora had to admit that in his own way he cared for her, albeit as much as he was capable of caring for a lover, but not a wife. There was no desire to marry in the man. "Perhaps he does care for me, Mitch, but Grayson does not plan to settle down anytime soon." She changed the topic of conversation, not wanting to discuss Grayson.

  "Mother insists she'd rather live alone than have one of us move in." Nora chewed her bottom lip. "I am not sure that's the best. I should move in, especially if the new teacher takes over, she could use the cottage. It belongs to the town after all."

  Mitch was thoughtful. "Yeah, Ma is still in shock, not sure of where she stands now that Pa's gone."

  The familiar room seemed darker, the dark wood paneling not allowing for enough light. The well varnished furniture looming too large for the space. Her mother always favored dark woods and oversized cabinets. The two-story house was too large for a widow, but Carolyn Banks would never live anywhere else. "I will live here and remain with Mother."

  "What if you get married, then what?" Mitch insisted.

  A smile curved her lips. "If any potential suitor is not put off by our mother's ways and my lack of decorum, then I'm sure I'll be content to come up with a workable solution." She tapped her finger on her chin. "Maybe Mother can live with you and whoever your future wife is."

  Mitch's lips twitched, he fought to keep from smiling and gave her a severe look. "That will not happen. I believe mothers are best suited for life with their daughters."

  As only Mitch could, his mood shifted quickly and once again became solemn, his large hand covering hers. "Truthfully, Nora, are you all right? This second encounter must have jarred memories. You look tired."

  "I am. And yes, I will not lie to you, I've been having nightmares. But when I wake, I am aware he is dead and will no longer hurt me. I take comfort that time will help alleviate it."

  Her brother stood and stretched. "If you need anything..."

  "I am fine. Go on." Nora stood and hugged her brother, her arms around his waist she laid her head on his chest. "I love you, Mitch."

  "And I, you."

  The stillness of the room after Mitch left surrounded her. Nora wondered of her future and what it would bring.

  Her thoughts went to Grayson. Did he recover well from his injuries? He'd not been to town in the last few weeks or if he did, he had avoided her. It was for the best. At least that's what she wanted to believe.

  She closed her eyes and pictured him once again kissing her. He was a prolific kisser. Yet the memory that stuck out most was the darkening of his blue eyes, when they locked to hers.

  Would her hands ever again glide through his long silky hair? If she ever did marry, would her husband remove these memories? Would time?

  No. Never.

  Two days later, Nora stood behind the counter at the mercantile. Miss Bixby, the new schoolt
eacher insisted on taking over Nora's tasks to give her freedom to work at the mercantile until her mother was out of mourning. She'd never return to the school, both she and Miss Bixby knew that, but it was gracious of her to stop by earlier that day and give Nora a report of the students’ progress while at the same time asking questions to ensure all their needs were met.

  The bell over the door jingled and Grayson Cole strolled in, his eyes immediately searching her out. Her heart skipped then fell to her stomach. Unsure how to greet him, she settled for devouring the sight of him. Mitch stopped Grayson's progress and the men spoke in hushed tones, Grayson just a bit taller than Mitch was able to look over at her on occasion.

  "I'd like a bag of sugar, please."

  "Oh, of course, I'm sorry Miss Bunch," Nora blinked at the customer, she'd momentarily forgotten. Turning, she reached for the package from the shelf behind her. Once the woman paid and departed with the parcels Nora was once again free to observe Grayson.

  His broad shoulders moved up and down as he replied to whatever Mitch inquired of him. With a composed expression, eyes flat, he seemed to be explaining something to her brother. Nora itched to move closer and hear what they spoke about, but didn't dare. Mitch turned to her and then motioned for Grayson to go out the front door with him.

  Without looking at her, Grayson did as her brother bid. Disappointed he'd left so soon, she leaned on the counter and released a breath. What could they be discussing?

  Chapter Seventeen

  "Damn it, Mitch, I don't know what you want me to say." Grayson wanted nothing more than to go back inside and take Nora away for a few hours, spend time with her. It had become impossible to stay away and not see her, and now her brother stood before him asking his intentions toward his sister.

  While noble and understandable, Grayson could not answer the question in a manner that would suit him. How could he explain that although he did not plan to marry, he wanted to at least be able to spend time with Nora? He needed it, craved her company.

  "I am aware that our father broke the engagement with your family," Mitch explained with slow words. "If you plan to renew that arrangement, I would like to know. If not then why do you seek out Nora. She's been through enough."

  Did she not want to see him? Had she asked her brother to intercede? "Did she ask you to stop me?" Grayson snapped, losing patience. "I came to talk to her, to thank her for what she did out there."

  "No, she did not ask me to stop you. And very well, go on." Mitch finally relaxed his pose. "But I warn you, Grayson, don't hurt my sister."

  "That is the last thing I wish to do." And he meant it, Nora would be the woman he'd want to marry, if he could. As hard as he tried to forget, she was present in every moment, invading not only his thoughts, but his dreams as well.

  They entered the store and she looked up from next to a bin of fabric, her amber gaze shifting between her brother and him. Mitch moved to stand behind the counter seeming to busy himself with items that needed arranging, he gave them his back.

  "Can I speak to you for a few moments?" Grayson neared, fighting every instinct to pull her against him. "I brought the wagon, thought we could go for a short ride." He glanced over at Mitch and met the brother's solid stare. "Only if you wish, Nora."

  "I--I," Nora stuttered and looked to her brother who nodded in agreement. "Very well." She removed her apron and folded it before placing it aside.

  Grayson proffered his arm and she slipped her hand onto the crook, resting it on his forearm. The simple touch sent his heart racing and he allowed his lips to curve when looking at her as he escorted her outside.

  After assisting her to sit, he rounded the wagon and climbed onto the bench. Already the day looked brighter, every noise cheerful. Grayson snapped the reins eager to get away from the curious townsfolk glances.

  They rode for a few minutes without speaking until finally Nora turned to him. "Where are we going?"

  "It's just up here a few miles, my land. Want to check on it, make sure no one has set up a homestead."

  "Ah." Nora's encrypted reply unsettled him. He looked over to see her looking straight ahead, the picture of calmness and reserve.

  He pulled the horses to a stop once he arrived at the destination and climbed down, rounding to help Nora. She looked across the clearing, her eyes taking in every detail as she paused often. His chest expanded with pride at the parcel he'd purchased with his own earnings. The meadow was replete with wildflowers; a brook nearby fed the plentiful trees that flourished. A bird cawed overhead announcing its presence as several others joined in his rustic song. Thankfully there was a warm breeze, which made the sunny day perfect for early spring.

  "Come." He took Nora's elbow and guided her around the wagon after pulling a blanket from the back in case she wanted to sit. "I want to show you the water, it's clear and runs deep."

  They walked towards the water, his heart lifting at her cry of delight at spotting the gurgling creek. "Oh, Grayson, it's so beautiful here."

  She kneeled and cupped her hands bringing the cool water to her face. "I had no idea this place existed."

  When he remained silent, her beautiful amber eyes rose to him. With wisps of hair surrounding her face, the sunlight gave her an angelic appearance. Lips pursed she studied him for a moment. "You planned to build a house here with your wife, didn't you?"

  It was easy to tell from the way he took the surroundings in how much this place meant to him. His bright blue eyes scanned her face then lifted to skim over the surrounding land. "Yes, I did actually, it's over there past this grove. It's not finished yet. Cleared a lot of trees just on the other side there." He pointed to where several of the felled trees still remained.

  "Are you going to finish building one day?"

  Grayson's scowled, she wondered if he'd snap at her, but instead he sunk to the ground and placed the blanket he carried next to him. "I'm not sure."

  An honest answer and she appreciated it. Nora went to him and spread the blanket before sitting upon it. "Why did you come for me today, Grayson? It only makes it harder for me."

  "I miss you. Talking to you, seeing you," Grayson told her and reached forward to cup her face.

  How she'd missed him as well, but at the same time, she'd not dared to hope to be this near to him again. "Kiss me." Her blurted request took them both by surprise. "Oh goodness, Grayson, you don't have to."

  The reverent care, his hands held her face and he smiled at her. "It's what I've dreamed of doing since that night at your home." His mouth took hers, tentative at first, the soft press of his lips over hers was unexpected for him, but at the same time, sweet. He coaxed her forward, his hand sliding down her shoulders. Nora moaned when his lips traced a leisurely trail down her jawline to her throat and threaded her fingers through his hair.

  When he pulled back, she opened her eyes to his now darkened ones. She would not let this moment end so quickly, drawing from instinct alone, she slid her hand down his chest to stop at the top of his belt, then to the side until her palm rested on his thigh.

  His eyes followed her movements, his breathing altered from their kiss and her machinations. Next she trailed a finger from her other hand to his throat, circling it playfully to his exposed throat then down to where the top button of his shirt was undone. His chest lifted with a deep breath, but he did not move to stop her, instead he watched her intently. Nora leaned and placed a kiss right beneath his jawline, allowing her lips to linger on his fastening pulse.

  Emboldened when his hand moved to the back of her neck, she flicked her tongue out and licked the spot where her lips lifted.

  "Ahh." The hoarse sound escaped from Grayson. "God, Nora, you're driving me crazy."

  She slid her hand up from his thigh to juncture of his legs and whispered into his ear. "I want you, Grayson. I don't want to think about the future or circumstances. I just want to feel."

  Grayson fell back onto the blanket and she pounced on the opportunity. The power of bringing the b
eautiful man to tremble aroused her until she could barely stop trembling herself. This man never failed to surprise her, and did so once again by giving her complete access to his body. Trusting her to explore him without making her feel foolish. She tightened the hold on him and his hips lifted.

  A large hand covered hers; his breath now in pants, Grayson lifted his head and smiled at her. "I cannot hold back much longer.” One side of his mouth lifted in a crooked smile inviting her to once again cover his mouth with hers.

  He pushed her back and rolled her gently until they lay side by side. They looked at each other their faces almost touching. "I don't know what I can offer you, Nora."

  Before he could continue, she placed a finger over his lips. "No talk." Where the boldness came from she'd ponder later. Nora stood and without taking her eyes from Grayson, she removed her clothing. With an expression that could only be described as awe, he watched her without moving. When all her clothes were finally gone, he rose. With tentative movements he neared and placed his hands on her waist.

  Nora fell against his broad chest, the contrast of her nudity against his fully dressed body made her actions even more wanton, more daring and she did not regret it one bit, especially when his large hands cupped her bottom and he pulled her against his hardness. His mouth trailed once again from her mouth to her neck and finally between her breasts, the heat of his breath against her skin while his tongue licked the valley. Nora's head fell back and with closed eyes she took in his every motion, committing them to memory.

  Sensations she'd never knew existed flooded and Nora held on to his shoulders to keep from toppling over. With tender care, he laid her onto the blanket and rose to disrobe.

  Somehow Nora managed to keep her eyes open to see each inch of Grayson displayed for her. First his shirt slid from his broad shoulders, down his arms to fall onto the ground. He was magnificent, even the sunlight could not keep from touching his body reflecting from the golden skin giving the illusion of a glow coming from him. His now healed gunshot wounds caught her attention next, the one on his lower abdomen a ragged scar added appeal to his otherwise unmarred skin.