****
Cord handed his pistol to Nick. Several cans sat on the fence post as Nick tried to pick them off one by one. After he missed the first two, Cord instructed, “Squeeze the trigger, Nick. Don’t jerk.”
Both men swung toward Jacob’s angry voice. “I thought I told you to keep those guns in the bureau while you were under my roof.”
Nick’s fingers tightened around the handle of the pistol until they turned white. “Father, I asked Cord to teach me to shoot. I felt helpless the other night, unable to defend Abby when those men attacked her. I am going to buy a gun so we can at least fend for ourselves if evil shows up again.”
“The old musket over the fireplace will suffice for hunting. We have no other reason to have a gun. Guns are the devil’s tools. I will not have one in my house. God will protect us.” Jacob’s voice grew with his temper.
Cord could not tolerate Jacob’s attitude any longer. He had refrained from speaking his mind because he was a guest in the man’s home. But the man’s overbearing ways grated on his last nerve. “Like he protected the family in Dobson! God kills true believers and kind souls everyday. Sometimes we have to take evil on ourselves.”
“God saved us.”
Infuriated, Cord spat, “I saved you with the help of this six shooter.” Cord jerked the pistol away from Nick and held it in the air. “You would have let those men rape Abby. You would have done nothing to save her. At least Nick would have died trying to protect her.”
Jacob put his fist into the air and shook it as he sputtered with outrage, “God decides who lives or dies. If it had been God’s will, we would have died that night. God allowed you to save us.”
Nick stepped between his father and Cord. “Enough! Go back in the house, Father. I have made up my mind. I will not feel that defenseless again.”
Cord saw the shock on Jacob’s face. It was obvious Nick had never defied his father.
After Jacob stomped away, Cord faced Nick. “Just because you have a gun in your hand does not mean you should not fear danger. I was scared to death when I killed those men. You think because I wear these six shooters, it is something I do with ease. It is not easy to take a life.” Cord loaded the empty pistol and handed it to Nick. “The only reason I am teaching you to shoot is to protect yourself and your family.” He wanted to say to protect Abby. That was the real reason he chose to help Nick learn to shoot. After he left, what would happen to Abby? As long as she was with Nick she would be safe.
But then she would not always be here with Nick. Thoughts of her marrying Andrew and moving in with him caused a terrible pain in his gut. He had to keep telling himself it was none of his business. Abby was a grown woman and could make her own decisions. It caused him even more anguish knowing she would do exactly what her father asked of her. Not once had he heard her defy her father. No matter what he asked of her, she complied. Her devotion to her father and Nick was strong. Yes, she would marry Andrew and be miserable the rest of her life.
****
Needing to stay away from Abby, Cord rode Pepper out to the field to watch Jacob and Nick plow. Their plow was so primitive it took many hours to break the dirt up for planting. The old Belgian strained under the grueling task while Nick held to the wood handles keeping the plow in the ground. Sweat poured from his face as he struggled with the reins wrapped around his back. Jacob followed behind Nick as he picked up several large rocks and carried them to the end of the field. There were better, more modern tools to make their lives easier. It was a shame they could not afford more up to date farm equipment.
Pain shot through his chest when he dismounted. Even after ten days, he was still having a lot of discomfort. Determined to leave in another week, he was a long way from recovery. Slowly, Cord moved to a crop of trees near the bank of the creek and sat down in the shade.
The Henley’s owned a beautiful farm. The creek wove itself around making water accessible throughout most of the one hundred acres. Cord stretched out on the soft grass and listened to the water run over the rocks. It was a peaceful scene. Exhausted from the short ride, he closed his eyes and almost dozed off to sleep.
In the distance he heard a horse approaching. Struggling to sit, Cord squinted because of the bright sun at the rider’s back. It was Abby astride the other old Belgian, Jess. As the horse lumbered closer, Cord could not take his eyes off Abby because all her wild chestnut curls had come loose from her bun and were blowing in the wind. He got a good view of her calves and ankles before she dismounted and shook out her dress. He felt an uncomfortable feeling of lust and longing when she gave him a dazzling smile.
“Are you hungry?”
“I’m starving.” Cord rose, took the basket from her, and placed it under the tree he had been relaxing beneath. Without saying a word, she handed him the quilt she brought with her and he helped her spread it over the soft green grass. Wonderful smells wafted around him as she began to unpack the basket. “Something smells good, Abby.”
“Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and biscuits.”
The aroma caused his stomach to growl loudly. “I believe your fried chicken is my favorite of all the meals you have prepared since my arrival.”
“Thank you, Cord.” Abby brushed a wisp of hair back from her face with one graceful motion. It would feel wonderful to rake his fingers through her hair. Full and thick it cascaded around her shoulders and back. A fat curl lay across her breast and he wanted to touch it to see if it felt like silk. This was the way he would remember her; sitting under the tree, sun shining on her gorgeous russet hair. Her smile so beautiful it made his heart flutter.
****
Jacob and Nick joined them and they had a pleasant picnic under the shade of the trees. Abby listened as the conversation turned toward farming. She stretched out on the quilt and let her gaze wander over Cord. He did have a way of making her feel special; always quick with a compliment or a helping hand. She began to daydream what it would be like if he settled down and helped her father and Nick on the farm. It would be wonderful to wake every morning to a man like Cord, a man that could steal her breath away. She would love to prepare his meals, to have his children; children with dark hair and eyes. She fantasized what it would be like to make love with him each night. Would he give up his guns and be happy with a quiet life with her?
Depression settled over Abby. He had only been here a little over a week, but she had come to enjoy his company so much. It would leave a void in her life when he decided to leave, and leave he would. She fantasized about him staying. Reality struck her with enough force as if someone slapped her in the face. Cord would never stay with someone as boring and plain as she. It was impossible. Nothing could ever develop between a man like him and an insignificant farm girl. Still she could enjoy the last few days she had with him.
Nick helped Abby mount Jess to ride back to the house. “Wait, Abby, and I’ll ride back with you.” When Cord swung into the saddle, Abby saw the pain on his face. He shouldn’t be riding when he wasn’t completely healed.
Reining Pepper next to Jess, Cord stared at Abby’s shapely calves.
“You better watch where you are going. The road is full of potholes.”
Cord laughed. “I’m sorry. You must think I am a scoundrel. I can’t keep my eyes from all your beauty.”
Dark eyes met hers causing her to tremble, eyes of the devil she thought. “I don’t think you are a scoundrel. I know you are a scoundrel. I bet many a young lady has lost her heart to you.” Abby feared she was in love with him. He was an easy man to love.
Even though he was in pain, Cord seemed to enjoy their short ride. They rode into the barn and Cord helped Abby down from her high perch on Jess. Instead of letting her go, Cord held her for a moment. With her hands on his shoulder, Abby lifted her face and parted her lips innocently inviting Cord to kiss her.
Her pulse started racing even before their lips touched. Her mouth went wild under his the instant they made contact. Cord pushed Abby away an
d she feared he would reject her. Instead, he retrieved the quilt from their picnic under the shade tree. Cord spread it over the hay in the corner of the barn. He extended his hand toward Abby. For one brief second Abby thought she should not take his hand, even though she could see the bold, raw physical hunger in his brown eyes.
A smile touched his lips when she took his hand and lay down on the quilt. Curious, her eyes never strayed from him as he quickly undressed. His muscled chest and sinewy shoulders had her captivated. She had never seen a naked man before and she was amazed, especially about the shaft that protruded from his loins. His gaze held hers as he proudly towered above her not at all embarrassed by his nudity. But then why would he be ashamed? His body was hard and masculine, a sculpture of a perfect man except for the scar where she had dug out the bullet.
Cord dropped down beside her, and she touched the scar with the tips of her fingers as he began to unbutton her dress. Her skin felt scorched every time his hand touched her. He hesitated. “Are you sure, Abby?”
Instead of speaking, Abby brought his hand back to the buttons on her dress. In no time Abby lay naked beneath him. Her whole body jerked when he started at her neck and left a trail of kisses stopping at her breasts. He rubbed his fingers over her nipples and whispered, “You have exquisite breasts, Abby.”
She clung to him when he cupped her breast, covered the hard nipple with his mouth, and began to suck. Her moans of pleasure thrilled him with the passion he was evoking from her. She felt him thick and hard pressing against her. When she began to squirm under him, he almost lost all control. Huskily he whispered, “Slow down, Abby.”
He pressed his lips to hers and gave her a deep, scintillating kiss. The passion he had been keeping harnessed was suddenly released. “Abby, you make me tremble.”
His hand moved to her inner thigh and he gently rubbed and teased her before he ran his fingers through the red-gold curls between her legs. His hand lingered for a moment before he nudged a finger into her moist, hot flesh. Startled from the sensations, Abby pressed into his hand. Her heart began to thunder with a mixture of shock and exquisite pleasure. His finger still touching her in the most intimate place, his tongue tasted gently at first and then drove into her mouth. She moaned and arched her back meeting the thrusts of his finger as he pressed deeper into her moistness.
His groan of pleasure gave her courage. The need to touch him was strong so she stroked his erection with her finger tips. Pulling her hand away, Cord pressed his mouth to her ear. “You have no idea the times I have lain awake at night and fantasized about this moment.”
He spread her legs and gently pushed into her wetness. Feeling her stiffen, Cord waited for her to become adjusted to him before he pressed deeper, tearing through her maidenhead. She gasped from the pain and then it was gone. As Cord began to move above her, Abby began to feel a pleasure she never knew existed. Her breathing intensified as Cord’s thrusts went deeper and deeper. He clutched her buttocks bringing her up to take all of him. He groaned loudly as a spasm raked his body.
Abby wrapped her legs around Cord and rose up as her climax tore through her body. He pressed his lips to her mouth to muffle her loud groans of pleasure. Then the scream started in her throat and vibrated through the barn. He winced when her nails dug painfully into his back. Then she collapsed under him, breathing heavily. Cord rolled off her and she snuggled close to him. Neither said a word as they lay together, too exhausted to move.
****
Supper was an uncomfortable event. Every time Abby moved she felt the soreness between her legs, and was reminded of her sins earlier in the day. Too embarrassed to look at Cord, she tried to focus on her plate. Her father and Nick discussed their progress of planting the lower bottoms. She tried to listen. But her thoughts kept returning to the fact her body betrayed her and she had acted like a harlot. All she had heard her whole life was, sex was a sin unless you were married. And then you only lay together to produce children.
How could anything so enjoyable be a sin? Utterly fascinated, Abby knew she could not wait to lay with Cord again. So what if he didn’t make any promises. Yes, he would be leaving in a week, but the fact was she could not fathom denying herself these feelings during the little time they had left.
There was the possibility he would stay. Maybe he would fall in love with her as she was already in love with him.
Abby glanced up and met Nick’s glare. She paled slightly as he scowled across the table at her. Very perceptive, Nick could always tell when she had done something naughty. Did he know what she had done with Cord? Then she thought how could he? Because of the way you are acting you ninny. Giving Nick a weak smile, Abby tried to calm her nerves. If Nick found out she made love with Cord, he would be livid. He would probably tell her father and she feared what he would do. She doubted her father would try to force Cord to marry her. Even though her father had taken him in, it was obvious he only tolerated Cord because he knew that is what God expected of him. The two men had nothing in common, but made an effort to be civil to one another.
The moment Nick finished his meal, he replied, in a calm voice. “Let’s go feed the animals, Abby.”
Knowing there would be a confrontation, she tried to make excuses. “I will join you after I wash the dishes, Nick.”
“I’ll help you feed the animals.” Cord stood and Abby realized he was trying to protect her. He knew she was trying to put off the inevitable.
“I can tell from the way you are moving around you are in pain, Cord. Maybe you over exerted yourself today.”
Abby’s face turned ashen. Nick was definitely suspicious. She could hear it in his tone.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I am mending nicely.” With stiff sore movements, Cord stumbled toward the door and waited for Nick.
“Very well. You can help tonight.” Nick’s firm voice made Abby even more nervous. Before he stood he gave her a piercing gaze.
Abby’s palms broke out in a cold sweat as she began to clear the dishes. What would Nick do if Cord confesses they made love today? Nick might ask Cord to leave immediately. Abby felt sick to her stomach knowing that was a possibility. How could she have been so careless with her heart?
Neither spoke as they went about the chore of feeding the animals. The tension was so thick, Cord’s apprehension intensified. Unable to hide her guilt, Abby had been about to fall apart, and he was responsible for her distress. A devout Christian woman, she put her religion above all else and he caused her to sin. He hoped he had not ruined her relationship with Nick because he could not control his lust for her. When he left, Nick would be the only one she could rely.
Instead of going back to the house when the chore was done, Nick sat on a bench by the very pile of hay Cord and Abby had made love in. Not waiting for an invitation, Cord sat down next to Nick. Annoyed, he stared at the pile of hay as vivid memories surfaced of Abby lying naked beneath him; her splendid body driving him crazy with passion. Cord shook his head trying to get the lustful thoughts out of his head, and began to focus on what Nick was saying.
“I recall you stating my sister’s virtue was safe with you. Something tells me that is no longer the case.”
Cord actually blushed. He ran his fingers through his coal black hair. “I never meant for it to happen. She is so amazing, beautiful, and sweet. I swear I have fought these feelings I have for Abby. I had a moment of weakness.”
Nick replied acidly, “A moment of weakness. You seduced my sister! What are your intentions?”
Cord tensed. “I don’t know. I have not had time to think things through.”
Nick’s voice rose in anger. “Well maybe you should have thought things through and not been so selfish. Did you once think what would happen to Abby?” Not giving Cord time to answer, Nick exclaimed, “We know nothing about you. You definitely have some demons in your past. I have the feeling you are not the marrying type.” Suddenly Nick stood and stuffed his hands into his pockets, as he began to pace in front of Cord. “B
esides, I don’t know that I want you to marry Abby. Father would be devastated to know she is no longer a virgin. You have ruined her chances to marry Andrew. He will be expecting an innocent to come to his bed.”
Red hot jealousy almost cut him in two at the thought of Abby marrying Andrew. Even if he wasn’t ready to commit, he could not tolerate her marrying another. The silence lasted for what seemed an eternity before Cord finally spoke. “Please give me some time to think about my situation. Abby is very special to me and I will do everything in my power not to hurt her.”
Abruptly, Nick halted and placed his hands on his hips. “You fool. You have already hurt her. The moment you leave she will be devastated.”
Unable to look Nick in the eyes, Cord averted his gaze to the floor of the barn. Of course Nick was right. Abby wasn’t the type of woman to sleep with a man unless she had strong feelings for him. He had made a muck of everything.
“If you continue to sleep with her, there will be no other alternative but to tell father of your immoral behavior. I doubt he will allow you to marry Abby. We have shown you nothing but hospitality and you have repaid us by ruining Abby’s reputation. There may be consequences not to your liking. I suggest you refrain from touching her again.”
Cord did not care much for threats, but in this situation he felt he deserved the brow beating he just received. He was guilty of all the things Nick accused him. He seduced an innocent, not even considering the consequences. They saved his life and shown him nothing but kindness. As Abby said, he was a scoundrel.
****
Startled, Cord sat up blinking several times to get the sleep from his brain. Sleep had eluded him, not able to get Abby out of his mind. Last night he lay awake for hours wondering what he was going to do about his feelings for her. Cord glanced out the window and saw nothing but darkness.
Noticing the huge shadow standing by his bed, he tensed. “Get up, Cord. You are going to the fields to help me today. Father is going to town for provisions. I’m not about to leave you here with Abby.” By the tone of Nick’s voice he was still peeved. “Hurry up and eat breakfast. I’ll harness Jack and will be waiting for you outside.”
Love Me Again Page 5