Love by Dawn

by Therese A. Kramer

  “Take off your clothes!” he snapped.

  Casey gasped; clutching her throat, she croaked, “What?!”

  “Remove your clothes,” he repeated, a bit more calmly. “You’re taking a bath. You need one! And stop your catawallowing and flowery analysis of my character!”

  She didn’t like the implication of that remark, but let it slide and said instead, “But… but I have n-nothing to w-wear,” she stammered.

  Blake went to his saddlebag and pulled out a shirt. “This will serve as a night gown. Now make it snappy.” The garment was tossed at her and she flashed him a haughty look, as she grabbed the shirt.

  “Turn around,” she hissed and stuck out her tongue at him. It was an infantile gesture but, oh, it felt so good! When she had donned the shirt, she snarled, “You can turn,” and sat on the bed, her legs folded beneath her. For a wicked moment, she toyed with the notion off flirting with him, but it lasted but a moment seeing his scowl deepen and a hard edge return to his face as he turned. He grabbed her filthy clothes, “You’ll get clean garments in the morning. Without any decent clothing, I’ll know you’ll stay put and not try any funny business! I’ll be back later, enjoy your bath and meal.”

  Casey didn’t think it was possible to feel any more anger towards that insufferable male!

  And to think she almost lost all her senses and trifled with the idea of seducing him! Ohh! She fumed more at her foolish intentions toward that arrogant, beastly cowboy! Thank goodness the bath was wonderful, but it didn’t soothe her one bit. Still in her blue funk, she had to force down the delicious meal, only because she was starving and another day on the trail would leave her belly craving for something besides beans and jerky.

  She paced. If only she were a man.

  But if you were, you would never have tasted his sweet lips, reminded her conscience.

  Recalling his mouth, her insides inflamed but it wasn’t from rage. She sat on the bed and gazed somberly down at her feet. Why had he left her alone? Where was he? And why are you caring? she asked herself. She had a sensation as if something creepy crawled into her stomach.

  I bet he’s with a whore and you sent him there, her inner voice chided.

  Don’t make me no nevermind, she sniffled.

  Filled with self-pity, she curled up into a ball. “I don’t care,” she told her pillow, then punched her frustrations into it.”

  Why did she even bother to fight with her conscience? He’s only an arrogant cowboy, she reasoned.

  A handsome, arrogant cowboy to boot!

  She refused to argue with herself further and fell asleep crying.

  SEVEN

  After Blake had shut the door, he heard her swearing and something thump against the barrier. He sorely wanted to kiss her, but with the bed behind her he wouldn’t stop with just a kiss. He hoped she hadn’t seen the effect she was having on him. That imp was a handful and right now he wanted his hands full of that body that was driving him crazy. In her undressed state, he didn’t want to stay there any longer than necessary.

  He recalled last night when he lay next to Casey. Her sigh punctured the stillness and he felt her slight tremble. Believing it was due to the proximity of their bodies, he loosed an oath regretting his promise. But comforting her was not in the agreement and he pulled her closer, hearing her gasp. His arrogance mistook her gasp for pleasure and her womanly scent filled his nostrils making the heat of passion collect in his loins. He ached to confess the truth to her that her brother was in no real danger. Not only had he turned into a liar but again developed a yellow streak when it came to a woman.

  Remember this isn’t the time to fall in love. Keep your thoughts out of your pants, he had warned himself. Disgusted for losing control like an inexperienced teenager, Blake had quickly un-spooned himself and turn onto his back.

  Tonight he’ll get a descent’s night sleep.

  Whistling, he visited the barber shop for a bath and shave. He got himself a decent meal, and then strolled to the general store where he purchased breeches and a shirt for the little snit. Leaving the package at the hotel desk, he moseyed over to the saloon to join in a card game. He needed a drink. Maybe two. Whiskey’s cheap and warm. Later, he’d visit a prostitute, also cheap and warm. Yes, tonight he would sleep very well.

  Blake’s gaze roamed the room the moment he entered The Golden Horseshoe. It was mid-afternoon and all the tables were full so he seated himself with two wranglers. A pretty redhead gave him a sensuous smile and a come-hither look. She shifted her ample breasts and then tugged on her bodice to show more cleavage. There was no doubt in his mind that she wanted to service him tonight. The prostitute watched him sit and light a cheroot he purchased from the bartender. With a big drag, he brought it to life and the swirling smoke circled his head, then blended in with other cigar and cigarette smoke that thickened the air. The saloon was filled with the offensive smoke, but he was accustomed to unwashed bodies and stale ale whenever he visited these establishments. Sashaying over, the whore bent low in order to give him an eye full. He knew he smelled clean, compared to her usual Johns.

  “Can I get you a drink, cowboy? Or anything else you desire,” she purred, licking her painted lips provocatively. “I’m Lulu.”

  Blake looked into hazel eyes and at large breasts. The redhead was pretty, if you overlook the heavy make-up. Large breasts. Her lips were red as cherries and they smiled. Large breasts. But it was her full figure that reminded him of... Bullshit! No way in hell would he let this whore remind him of that sassy-mouth kid! Well, yes, she did but.... He frowned and squashed the butt into the table. He was here to forget that chit and forget her he would!

  “A beer!” he snapped, “with a whiskey chaser.” If she heard the irritation in his voice, she didn’t show it. Her cherry lips widened into a sensuous smile.

  “Right away, handsome,” she purred and walked away rotating her hips provocatively.

  The whiskey burned a line of fire from his pallet straight to his gut. Blake played a few hands, but his mind was not on the game. Finally, he threw down his cards and invited the prostitute upstairs. By then he’d had a few drinks and was a little tipsy. He heard Lulu giggle helping him into the room. Being without a woman so long, he discarded his clothes quickly as did the prostitute, sensing his urgency. They joined and Blake climaxed with Casey’s name on his lips. If the soiled dove was disappointed with his eagerness and another woman on his mind, he didn’t give a damn, he paid her handsomely and that seemed to have pleased her.

  “Hey, cowboy, are ya stayin’ long. I wouldn’t mind servicing ya again.” She purred into his ear as she licked it. “Ya gotcha woman you’d like to forget, I assume. I can make ya forget her.”

  Her hand roamed lower making him gasp, not from delight, but annoyance. Blake grabbed it and rasped, “Sorry, Lulu, but I’m here only for the night.”

  She licked her painted lips that were now smeared and sighed. She purred, “Well, handsome, don’t’cha forget me the next time ye’re a passin’ through.”

  He sat up and rubbed his temples. “Yes, I’ll do that,” he lied.

  Sated, Blake returned to the motel, picked up the package and entered the room. A lantern burned low on the night table and the woman he couldn’t rid his mind of lay sprawled on the bed. His shirt came to her knees and she looked lost in it. How he envied that shirt.

  He should have walked away.

  Maybe he should have had a few more beers.

  He definitely should not stand there gapping.

  If he was smart he would have left, but at that moment, he was not reasoning with his head. Not the one on his shoulders, anyway. Blake was annoyed that one side of the comfortable bed was going to waste. The idea was tempting and there was no brother around to be his conscience; the notion only lasted a split second. Damn him for giving his word!

  It could be worse, egged that annoying voice. You could be sleeping next to Hunter in the hoosegow if Casey screamed. So much for a good night’s sl
eep!

  Shit! Since when did his conscience start reprimanding him?

  Casey heard Blake come in and feigned sleep. He stood close enough for her to smell beer and, and... perfume! She wanted to throw her other boot at him. A moment later she heard,

  Thump! Thump!

  Boots.

  Thunk.

  Gun belt.

  A short silence, with many more swearwords, then she heard him disrobe and sneaked a peek causing her to swallow a gasp. He was standing nude with his back to her.

  Oh, dear, would he join her in bed?

  He reached for the afghan on the rocker and when he reclined on the rug, she didn’t know what to feel first, but she was certain it wasn’t relief.

  But she did believe once Blake was out of her life, she would be better off.

  Better off than what? egged the voice in her head.

  Than this! was her answer.

  Was her conscience right? Of, course it was!

  Her brother’s life was what mattered most. After they found a new beginning, then she’d find time to worry about her happiness. Somehow, without the handsome cowboy, she doubted her life would be complete. She hated to admit it, but he made her body come alive with only a simple touch, or the way he looked at her. Then there was his kiss. A kiss she’d never forget. But forget it she would! It seemed that she was doing a lot of self-convincing that night.

  The sun rose, streaming in bright ribbons over the bed promising another warm day. Blake pushed Hunter and Casey, eager to get to the fort. He was looking forward to leaving them and getting on with his life, so he tried to convince himself. Getting far away from the little snit that confused his emotions would be the only way to regain his senses. Keep telling yourself that! And he hated it when she rode ahead, her back ramrod straight and cute bottom bouncing in rhythm with the horse. So many times he forced his stubborn eyes to look in another direction because his own saddle was becoming unbearably uncomfortable. Last night’s visit with a soiled dove did nothing to relive his ache for the girl. Damn! Damn! Damn!

  You would think after baths, clean clothes and a whore, he would have been in a cheerful mood. Well, that wasn’t the case. He was miserable and was in no better a mood leaving the town then when he arrived. And with a hangover, he didn’t have any enthusiasm, even though he was in a hurry to reach his destination.

  ***

  Hunter was filled with remorse putting his sister through all of this. He no longer held any animosity against Blake. He was decent and his kindness proved it; the cowboy was doing his job and he was treated fairly. He wondered if he should ask Blake to care for his sister. Someone had to since he was doing poorly in that department. The issue on his mind was; would she be better off alone or under the cowboy’s protection?

  He had seen the way Blake kept eyeing Casey. And he didn’t miss his sister gazing with cow eyes at the man; there was an attraction to be sure. There were no doubts in his mind that when his back was turned, she’d be in Blake’s arms, but could she find happiness with the drifter? Well, her fate was no longer in his hands and who was he to say whom she should love? His sister proved to be much wiser than he and she had an uncanny sense of knowing things. He trusted her instincts before his own, besides Blake was a man, not a saint.

  But in the end, it came down to one thing: he had certainly made a mess of things!

  EIGHT

  Casey and her weary companions sat on their tired horses overlooking Fort Tate, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She had never begged for anything in her life, but this was her brother and she decided to swallow her pride and reason with Blake. She turned in her saddle and choked out a plea. “Please let my brother go, he’s so young and it was his first time.” Her eyes watered with remorse. She watched Blake’s profile falter a little and saw the muscles in his jaw flex. She was certain he wouldn’t honor her request. Sadly, she was right and she shuddered, holding in a flood of tears that threatened to break behind her lids. She would never beg again. Hunter’s fate was in her hands and she’d not fail him this time.

  Slamming his hat down further over his face, Blake tugged on Hunter’s reins to bring his prisoner’s horse forward and led him to the fort. He called to the sentry and the gates opened up to let them in. She followed wondering how he could be such a cold hearted man when his lips were so hot.

  Oh, how she hated that bastard! If she could only convince herself that!

  Casey felt as if she was riding through the gates of hell. And it could well have been. The cowboy tied his horse by a large barracks where she noticed many army men and some women mulling around looking their way. They were curious at seeing three strangers ride in. Blake helped her brother down and she dismounted, feeling her skin crawl being under many eyes. A private addressed the cowboy and then opened the door for them. She followed so utterly miserable that she barely heard the uniform man announce them.

  “Lieutenant,” saluted the soldier, “Blake January and his prisoner arrived.” Casey assumed a wire had been sent ahead for his arrival.

  “Lieutenant Shepherd at your service,” the uniformed soldier returned Blake’s handshake, but Shepherd’s eyes were on her. Blake noticed the curious look and informed the lieutenant that she was the prisoner’s sister, Casey. That introduction earned him a thorny glare. Casey indeed! She kept her retort to herself, but it wasn‘t easy.

  “Glad to meet you,” Shepherd gave her a smiling nod and she could see by his expression that he was probably wondering what she was doing here and if she were mixed up in this mess herself. He didn’t probe. She thought Lieutenant Shepherd was very good-looking, but not as handsome as Blake. He was dark, where Blake was fair. And although tall, he didn’t quite reach Blake’s height.

  Now what made her compare the two? Why did her mind wander to such thoughts? She chided herself again and wondered why she made such a comparison. This self-analyzing was becoming an annoying habit of late. The two men talked a while about slavery and the prisoner as she sat idly in a chair being ignored.

  Shepherd cleared his throat. “Sorry, miss, I’m sure you would love a hot bath before joining my sister and me for dinner.”

  Casey sensed the young soldier’s embarrassment and smiled coyly to lighten the tension. She liked the soldier, she believed he would be a good ally and she needed all the friends she could get. Smiling sweetly again, she noticed the scowl on Blake’s face deepen. Good, let him pickle himself. That time she didn’t scold herself for her thoughts.

  “Sergeant!” The command brought her out of her musings with a start. Why wasn’t she paying better attention to her surroundings and conversation instead a filling her head with...? Damn, she was doing it again, but this time her thoughts were interrupted when a young soldier, no older than Hunter poked his head in the doorway. “Yes Sir,” he replied.

  Shepherd waved the soldier forward. “See that the young lady is escorted to my sister’s barracks and that a tub of hot water is delivered right away. And ask Sharon if she could lend this fine lady,” he eyed her up and down, his eyes lit up and she hoped he liked what he saw before he finished his sentence, “a dress. You both appear to be about the same height.”

  “Oh, that’s very kind,” Casey purred. “I don’t what to put anyone out.” She batted her lashes.

  Blake’s eyes rolled. Did her voice just drop an octave? And why the coyness? He almost growled out loud. His skin crawled and he knew what the little minx was up to and wanted to ring her pretty neck. She had such a deep voice for a little person but it was smooth and sexy. He wondered if she knew how much havoc her voice played on his nerves. He caught the dimpled smile and frowned, wishing it were for him. He wasn’t happy about the way the soldier looked at her and he knew the lieutenant was smitten with the girl. It took all his willpower not to knock the soldier on his heels.

  The lieutenant waved off her comment and said, “It’s no bother, miss, my sister would be happy to accommodate. There aren’t many women here and I’m sure she’d love the compan
y and someone to gossip with.”

  He glanced at her meekly and Blake knew damn well what the soldier was thinking.

  She was the prettiest thing he’d seen in a long time. She sure brightened up the dull fort.

  “Sergeant Beck will escort you… Err; I didn’t get your last name.”

  “Walsh, like my brother, I’m not married,” she dimpled.

  The lieutenant beamed and nodded and Blake’s frown deepened. That dimple should have been for him!

  Sharon Shepherd was a female replica of her brother, same gray eyes and dark hair. There was no mistaking they were kin, not like her and Hunter. Her brother had darker brown eyes and deeper skin tones. His hair was like their father’s, sandy brown, where she resembled her mother with her fair complexion, hair and eyes. Casey apologized for staring boldly at the dark-haired beauty.

  Sharon giggled, “Oh, I’m used to people’s reaction on fist meeting me.”

  The girl welcomed her warmly and explained that she and her brother, Walter, were twins. She was warm and pleasant and she liked her right away. She asked Sharon to call her Casey, liking it better than her given name. But she only gave permission to the people she liked to address her in that manner. Blake, she thought of as her... her what? Lover was the word she was subconsciously searching for.

  They chattered as if they had been aquatinted for a long time, making Casey relax and right at home in Sharon’s company. When the bath arrived, her hostess left her alone to bathe in private. She enjoyed the luxury of the warm water so much she almost drifted off to sleep. So content, that even her thoughts of the handsome blue-eyed man floating around in her head, didn’t upset her much. Well, not that much. A light rap on the door took her from her daydreams.