Dreams, Deceptions and Desires

by Barbara Sheridan

  Cody could offer no reply and did not try to stop his brother from leaving. He should have been with the hunting party that day, but he’d been anxious to leave and meet up with the train that would take him East to start college. He’d wanted to see for himself the big city where his half brother was living with relatives, and he had been eager to put the missionaries’ education to use and begin studies at a university.

  But he should have been home, should have done as his stepfather had asked and gone on one last hunt. He could have talked to the soldiers, made them understand they were in no danger. He could have….

  Hearing another unaccountable animal noise, Cody pushed aside his regrets and moved outside. White Bear’s friend, Tall As The Trees was there, dismounting from a fine black horse.

  “Your sister is coming back.”

  Cody nodded.

  “I have become an important man while she was away. I will be looking for a wife soon.”

  He suppressed his amusement. “I’ll be sure to let her know that.”

  Without further comment the warrior mounted his horse and rode off in the direction White Bear had gone.

  Cody went back inside the earth lodge to spend the night with his thoughts.

  ***

  At the saloon across the street from the Freewill Hotel, John Avery was also lost in thought, though his thoughts were more angry than regretful. Vivienne Medina’s slap had been gnawing at him all evening, spoiling his appetite, and curbing his desire to pay a visit to Belle Porter’s sporting house. Damn that Medina woman. Couldn’t she take a joke? At least he wasn’t back home in Georgia. She’d probably have had her men folk string him up from the nearest tree or shoot him between the eyes.

  “Good God Almighty!” a voice boomed from the doorway. “We should have found out what kind of saloon and whore house they ran here before we took Logan’s job.”

  John lifted his gaze to the long mirror behind the bar. He resisted the urge to retaliate for the inconvenience the Texans had made him and the widow LeMaster suffer on the trip. He continued to sip his whiskey, ignoring the men for the better part of an hour until they stirred up trouble by roughing up the bony little faro dealer, accusing him of cheating.

  “Kindly take your hands off him and his money.” John cocked the revolvers he aimed at the Texans’ heads. “And before you get any crazy ideas, I’m the new sheriff.” His attention fixed on the miscreants he addressed the faro dealer. “Run over to the hotel and tell them I need to borrow their root cellar till morning.”

  He called out to the bartender. “Hey, Pat, you still have that piece of rope you borrowed the other day?”

  “Sure do, Sheriff.”

  “Do me a favor and truss these two up. I’ll give you a dollar for your trouble.”

  The paunchy barkeep came around and bound the two men together. John holstered one of his guns and pulled out the money. He flipped the silver dollar to Pat then led the Texans out of the saloon.

  Vivienne was waiting when he rounded the side of the hotel. Her arms folded tightly across her middle, accentuating the swell of her breasts. “What do you think you’re doing?” she demanded.

  He shoved the prisoners down into the makeshift cell. “What does it look like?” He loosened their bonds, backed up the few wooden stairs then clamped a padlock on the root cellar door.

  “Get those men out of there!”

  John slipped the key into his vest pocket and gave her an appraising look. “Those men will get out in the morning after they’ve sobered up and slept off their surliness.” He turned and strode away without so much as a second glance.

  He returned to the saloon for a second drink and decided on a third, hoping to fog his brain enough to erase the image of Vivienne Medina and her lace trimmed nightdress from his mind.

  He didn’t succeed.

  ***

  When he and Cody crossed paths in the hotel lobby the following morning, John shook his head. “You have a restless night, too?”

  His friend mumbled and followed him to the dining room. He mumbled again when he stopped to look at Mrs. LeMaster and her son seated at a corner table.

  “Why don’t you say hello?” John prodded. “I’m sure little Jamie would like to see you.”

  Cody took a step forward. Kate glanced up and quickly turned away to fuss over the baby. A muscle tensed in his jaw. “Ask Viv to send me a plate over. I’ll get started on the jail.”

  “All right.”

  John’s own mood soured when Vivienne responded to his request with a malicious look and a curt, “I’ll send yours out, as well.”

  Long into the afternoon John and Cody pounded nails with a heavy hand.

  After two failed attempts to get either man’s attention, Kate balanced the large silver tray against her hip and tapped Cody on the back, snatching her hand away as soon as he looked at her. Unnerved by the Indian’s burning gaze, she turned to John Avery. “I’ve brought your breakfast, gentlemen. Where would you like me to set it?”

  She flinched when Cody Blackheart moved from his crouched position and stood so very close to her.

  “On that crate would be fine, ma’am.”

  She placed the tray where John indicated and removed the warming cover from the dishes. “There you go.”

  As John made a beeline for the tray, she stepped aside, conscious that his Indian friend had remained in his place and continued to stare at her. Licking her dry lips, she turned to face him. “Would you like something different, Mr. Blackheart? I’ll be happy to take this back and make you something else.”

  “The food’s fine.” His wide mouth curved upward, and he indicated John with a nod of his head. “I think it’s fine enough for him to gobble both helpings.”

  “Do you mind?” he asked, taking the last bite of his third toast slice.

  “Be my guest.”

  Kate licked her lips again. “I’ll bring you another plate. Would you like double portions, too?”

  It took forever for him to answer with a soft “Yes, please,” and the entire time, she felt those dark eyes boring into her. It was as though he was seeing inside her, as if he sensed the mixture of attraction and uncertainty lurking beneath her surface.

  “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  She’d taken only a few steps away when Cody’s voice stopped her. “I’ll get it myself.”

  Turning, Kate was startled to find him directly behind her. He was so large with an inner power that reached out and showered over her like the sparks from a roaring fire. “It’s no trouble,” she said quickly, glancing down and then averting her eyes again when she noticed the knife in his boot. “You have work to do.”

  “I need a break. Do you mind if I walk back to the hotel with you?”

  Unable to find her voice, Kate shook her head and led the way. Cody fell in step beside her, and it surprised her to find the sensation not unpleasant. “I’m sorry. About the way I acted the other day. I was tired and, well, I’m sorry.”

  “No harm done, Mrs. LeMaster.”

  No? a tiny voice within Cody asked. She’s still acting like you’re some fearful savage. Hell, she couldn’t even meet his eye for more than a second without turning away.

  His thoughts broke off when Vivienne approached as he entered the hotel lobby. She was holding Jamie LeMaster.

  “Have you come to complain about the food?”

  Cody grinned, and reached out to tickle Jamie’s chubby cheek. “I barely got a whiff of it. John tore into it so fast. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you cooked it for him personally.”

  Vivienne tilted her aristocratic nose in the air. “Hardly.” She handed Jamie back to Kate, who hurried to the stairs.

  Cody mumbled in Shoshone then went toward the kitchen.

  Vivienne followed him. “I wouldn’t take it personally.”

  “About Avery taking my food?” He helped himself from the skillets on the large iron stove.

  “You know exactly what I mean.” She po
ured herself a cup of coffee, joining him at the block table in the corner of the busy kitchen. “Kate hasn’t said much about herself, but I have the feeling she’s hurting inside, and judging from little Jamie’s appearance, my guess is that you remind her of his father. You probably remind her of her loss.”

  Cody said nothing, certain that his own instincts held the correct answer. Kate LeMaster wasn’t mourning when she looked at him. She didn’t like him. It was damn foolish to think she might have been trying to flirt by bringing out that food tray.

  ***

  For the next few hours, Kate threw herself into the making of Vivienne’s party gown, basting together a muslin sample of the basic pattern and doing a trial fitting shortly after lunch.

  “I want to make sure of the sizing before I cut the full pattern pieces in the good fabric.”

  “You could make a fortune in San Francisco, Washington, or even New York. This pattern sample of yours is finer than some of the things I saw growing up—” Vivienne stopped short as though she’d let something personal slip. She cleared her throat. “You might even be able to snare yourself a few customers from my party.”

  Kate peered up as she adjusted the hem of the gown’s train. “I don’t think your guests would care to have me following them with a book of fashion plates and bolts of cloth.”

  Vivienne gazed at the reflection of the coral satin on the cutting table behind her. “When they see your handiwork, they’ll beg you to follow them with your fashion plates and fabric.”

  Kate laughed, realizing how long it had been since she felt so at ease in anyone’s presence. “Have you known him long? Mr. Blackheart?”

  “We met a few years back during the war. I did some nursing at a hospital encampment. He invited me to come out here, said the town was going to be thriving before long, so I did.”

  “Are you a widow?”

  Vivienne picked up a book of fashion plates. “No. I’ve never been married. I went to live with my cousin Peter after my father died.”

  “My father died before Jamie came.” Kate breathed a quiet sigh. “He was ashamed.”

  “Not to besmirch your father, but I can’t see anyone being ashamed of such a sweet child.”

  “I imagine it was shame at me, perhaps himself. He took his own life.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  She shook her head and continued adjusting and pinning the gown. “I apologize for going on about such things.”

  “I’d like us to be friends, Kate.” Vivienne touched her shoulder. “Anything you need to get off your chest is safe with me.”

  Kate smiled up. “Thank you.”

  ***

  Vivienne shook her head and frowned at the sight of Matt Logan and his son tipping their Stetsons as they trotted their horses past and headed toward the church on Sunday morning. “I’m surprised the place doesn’t cave in when he walks through the door. God fearing Christian, my ass.” She cleared her throat and glanced over at Kate. “Shall we?”

  She followed but fell a few paces behind as they walked down the street. “I think I won’t attend services. I feel a headache coming on.”

  Vivienne stopped. “If it was my running at the mouth just now, please don’t take offense.”

  “No. It’s me, and besides, I imagine Jamie will fuss and disrupt things.” As if to confirm his mother’s worries, the baby squirmed in her arms.

  “If you’re sure.”

  She nodded. “I am.”

  “Morning, ladies.”

  Kate smiled at John Avery, who looked very smart in a new dark suit. She couldn’t help but reach out to adjust the left shoulder. “If you like, I can tailor this a bit.”

  “That would be appreciated, ma’am.” He glanced to Vivienne. “May I escort you ladies to church?”

  “I’m not feeling well,” Kate said quickly. “You can escort Miss Medina.”

  Vivienne’s eyes widened, but Kate turned and stepped away before her friend could protest. Crossing the street and stepping back onto the wooden sidewalk, she put Jaime down and held his hands as he practiced his walking.

  A small narrow storefront caught Kate’s eye, and she lifted her son to peer over the half curtain that covered the front window. A “To let” sign sat on the inside ledge to the right. A shop with living area above. If she could rent the place, it would be perfect for her and Jamie. And with the town growing, surely her dressmaking and tailoring skills would be marketable.

  Lost in her thoughts, Kate didn’t react to the reflection coming up behind her until Jamie giggled and squirmed. He reached his chubby arms out to Cody Blackheart, who beamed a smile and held out his strong hands. More than a little surprised, she handed her son over. Back home, Jamie wasn’t one to take to strangers.

  “You interested in renting or buying?”

  “The thought of renting crossed my mind, but it depends on the cost, of course.”

  “I hear that’s negotiable and the owner is a pretty reasonable fellow from what I understand.”

  “Perhaps I’ll speak to him. Is it Mr. Logan, the nice man who owns the stage company?”

  Cody blinked and started at her, and she couldn’t help but grin.

  “Why Miz LeMaster, you’re joshing me, aren’t you?”

  “Just a little.”

  Jamie grabbed at the feather in Cody’s hair, and she reached to stop him. Her slim fingers brushed the tall Indian’s hand, and she shivered at the spark that shot through her.

  “He’s being a nuisance.”

  “Not at all.” He gave her a long look and pulled a feather from his back pocket for the baby to play with. “I came prepared today.” He handed Jamie back. “You going to church?”

  Kate shook her head. “Not today. I haven’t been to church in a while.”

  Cody slid his hands into the pockets of his gray trousers. “I understand. Sitting in a stuffy building listening to fire and brimstone doesn’t make The Creator any more powerful or real if you ask me.” He gestured to the sky and mountains rising up behind the town. “He’s everywhere. Always. Whenever you need Him.”

  She smiled and nodded. “I used to think the same.”

  “What made you stop?”

  She shifted Jamie to the other hip and glanced to the sidewalk. “How much is this building, to rent or purchase?”

  He shrugged and took another step back as though he was eager to be rid of her.

  “Haven’t set a price, and no one’s asked before. I’d be happy to let payments go to the cost of full ownership if you’re interested.” He pulled a metal ring with a few keys from his pocket, unlocked the door, and pushed it open. “Come take a look around.”

  Kate stepped inside. Cody followed, parting the window curtains so the morning light could better show off the empty storefront.

  His boot heels echoing on the varnished wooden floor, Cody strode to the center of the room and gestured. “I’d be happy to finish it out anyway you want, shelves, mirrors, whatever you’d need. I’m taking it you want to set up a dressmaking business?”

  She nodded. “I also do men’s tailoring.”

  He chuckled. “I guess I have no excuse not to go to Viv’s fancy party, then. I suppose you could fix up my old suit. It’s gotten tight across the shoulders and upper arms.”

  “It will be my pleasure.” She set Jamie down and let him crawl across the open floor space while she walked the perimeter of the store and pictured it like her father’s shop back home. “Ideally, I’d like this to be a reception area. That counter there is fine, perhaps a full length mirror on each side of the shop. A long table for pattern books and sketches. Oh, and a space where I could display fabric samples.”

  “I can do that.”

  Kate folded her arms across her middle and chewed her bottom lip. “What I’d need first is a fitting room. Two would be best. And a workroom with large table to cut and sew. Does the back of the building get much natural light?” Without waiting for an answer, she scooped up Jamie and walked toward
the open doorway at the back of the shop.

  “This will do nicely. Machine there, cutting table here, dress form there. The window is a little small—”

  Cody Blackheart’s deep laugher came from behind and slid around her like a warm embrace. Cheeks flushing, she turned.

  “I was babbling as if I owned it, wasn’t I? And I don’t even know if I can afford to rent the shop.”

  His smile was as inviting and bright as the sun touching her face. “The place is yours. We’ll work out the details that best suit you.”

  “Thank you.”

  He motioned her forward, and she went to stand beside him. He pointed to the ceiling.

  “From this beam to the back door is separate from the upper part of the building. If you’d like a skylight put in, I can order the glass and those mirrors you want first thing tomorrow. In fact, I’ll head on over to Laramie and pick them up personally. No sense trusting Logan and his gorillas with anything breakable.”

  “I don’t want you to go to any trouble on my account. You’re doing too much as it is.”

  His smile faded, and Kate hoped he wouldn’t change his mind. This shop might just be the start of her and Jamie’s new life.

  “It’s no trouble. It’s just good business.”

  “Thank you so much, Mr. Blackheart. I truly appreciate this.”

  He nodded but said nothing, and an uneasy silence fell over them. Kate was almost thankful when Jamie began to fuss. “I think he’s hungry. I’d better take him back to the hotel.”

  Chapter Five

  Giving the fencepost on the western edge of the Gaines property a final pound, John stopped to take a long swing of water from his old canteen. “There she goes again.” He wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand then jerked his thumb when Alton Gaines looked over. “Miz Medina. That’s the third time since I’ve been helping you that’s she’s hightailed it on that little side road in that buggy of hers.”