“I already have a suitor, Mr. Austin. You should kindly leave off.”
Luke chuckled and leaned on his elbows against the counter. “The preacher’s son? Honey, that boy wouldn’t know how to handle a woman like you.”
“And what is that supposed to mean?” Shirley planted her hands on her hips, determined to defend Christopher’s honor.
“You got spunk. Grit. I admire that in a woman. You aren’t afraid to lock horns and you speak up for yourself. Takes gumption to do that. But if you go off and marry the preacher’s son, you’ll lose your piss and vinegar.”
“Mr. Austin!”
“It’s the truth,” he insisted. “You’ll have yourself a stuffy husband and a stuffy house with stuffy, pretentious friends. That’ll put a hitch in your giddyup. Ain’t no place for a spirited filly like you. You need to run free and wild.”
Shirley swallowed hard. For some reason, her drawers were mighty damp and her body trembled from head to toe. Her corset was suddenly too tight and it was hard to catch her breath.
“He ever kiss you?”
Luke’s unexpected question caught her by surprise.
“That is none of your concern!”
“Has he?” he pressed. “Cause I can tell you right here and now, Ms. Bloom, that if you kiss me, you’ll know the difference between stuffy and wild.”
“You should leave,” she said, trying to keep her voice even. She didn’t succeed. “Find what you need at the mercantile.”
Luke shook his head. “All I need is right in front of me.”
Without warning, he rounded the counter and advanced on her. She was trapped—again—between the wall, the counter, and him. The only way to escape would be to climb over the counter, but doing so in her heavy skirts would definitely ensure he’d catch her.
“What are you afraid of?” he asked.
“You!” she spat. “You’re rude, uncouth, and I don’t know you from Adam.”
He smiled. “My name’s Lucas Roy Austin, born and bred in Texas Territory. I’m good friends with your brother-in-law, Marcus McCaide. Rode with a gang of no-good misfits for a time, thought I could change the world. But Marcus put an end to my carousing and threw my ass in jail. We became friends after that and I’m here to visit him and his lovely wife Lissa. One look at Lissa’s pretty sister, though, and my curiosity got the best of me.”
Shirley stared at him in shock. The last thing she expected was for him to tell his life story. She didn’t know if she was more shocked at that or at the fact he was friends with Marcus.
“Y-your curiosity?” She pressed hard against the wall and watched helplessly as Luke inched closer.
“I wanna know what you taste like.”
“Good Lord,” she whispered. “How can you say that to me?”
“Tell you what, filly,” he said, his blue eyes sparkling. “Let me kiss you. If you don’t like it, I’ll never bother you again.”
“But…my father is upstairs.”
“Then we should be quiet.”
“Someone could walk in!”
“Then we should be quick.”
Damn the man! She had a sneaking suspicion he knew her thoughts. God in Heaven, but she wanted him to ravage her. And that thought alone had her imagining the fire and brimstone that would no doubt rain upon her if she let him.
“You don’t know me,” she said, trying like mad to make him see reason.
“I know you’re a spoiled shrew. I know you made your sister’s life harder than it had to be. I know you tried to lure Marcus away from her.”
“I did no such thing!” Her gasp was so loud it seemed to echo all around them.
Luke smirked at her. “Liar. Truth is, man like me is the only kind of man that can handle a woman like you.”
She narrowed her eyes and attempted to push him back. But just like the other day, he would not be moved. “How dare you insult me! Step back this instant.”
“Will not. I’m gonna kiss ya now, filly. And I want you to think about your suitor while I’m doin’ it. Cause it’ll be the last time you ever think of him.”
Her eyes widened at his arrogance, but she didn’t have time to protest. His lips were on hers before she saw him move. But he wasn’t brutal like she thought he’d be. He was gentle as he framed her face in his palms. It confused her. She’d been ready to shove him away, but his tender assault made her head spin. After a few moments of molding his mouth to hers, he became bolder, and swiped his tongue across her lips. Shirley whimpered, but didn’t open for him, instead clutching fistfuls of his blue flannel shirt in her hands.
Luke pulled back and grinned. She tried hard to ignore her runaway heart.
“You liked that.” His deep voice raised every hair on her body.
“Did not.”
“You didn’t push me away.”
“I was about to.”
Luke stepped back and gave her a critical eye. “Lady, I know when a woman likes to be kissed.”
Shirley squared her shoulders. “I didn’t open for your…for you.”
“There’s always tomorrow.” He winked.
With an outraged shriek, she stomped her foot and pointed to the door. “Get out!”
“Did you think about him?” Luke arched a brow as he gazed down at her. Shirley fought valiantly not to be caught up in his sensual game.
“What? Who?”
Luke chuckled delightedly and tapped her nose. “That’s what I thought. See ya later, honey.”
It wasn’t until after he’d shut the door of the shop behind him that Shirley remembered Christopher and how they’d been bantering about his kisses. If Luke only knew Christopher’s kisses had been nothing more than mere pecks on her cheek, he’d no doubt march right back into the store and finish what he’d started.
No, Luke Austin could never know just how deeply he affected her. The next time she came across the lecher, she’d run the other way.
Shirley licked her tingling lips and groaned inwardly.
He’d probably chase her.
Three
What am I doing?
Luke made his way down the boardwalk and shook his head. The last thing he needed was to get involved with Lissa McCaide’s sister. Problem was, the woman drew him in like a bee to honey.
He’d arrived in Gideon’s Gulch a little more than a week ago to visit his old friend Marcus. They’d had many a late night, catching up and swapping stories. Marcus’s stories of Shirley had instantly gained Luke’s attention. He had to see for himself what kind of woman she was.
To hear Marcus talk, Shirley was the most spoiled woman in the territory. She certainly was an indignant little thing. And pretty. Damn, was she pretty.
But she’d challenged him, and for the life of him, Luke Austin had never backed down from a challenge. It had nothing to do with her porcelain skin or shining blue eyes. Definitely not her blonde hair that flamed red in the sun.
He ran his fingers through his own hair as he walked and heaved a deep sigh. He’d kissed her. He hadn’t meant to, but inspiration had struck. Perhaps it was the talk about her suitor that had him rounding that counter and advancing on her. But he enjoyed niggling her. He enjoyed seeing her face flush at the words he said. He enjoyed her hands against his chest and her lips underneath his.
It had been too damn long since a woman had responded to him like that. He wasn’t above taking advantage of it. But the memory of how pliant she’d been was now going to haunt him. His tongue had barely swiped between her lips. What little he’d tasted of her had made his cock harden almost painfully.
There was no way in hell he wasn’t going to plunder that sweet mouth. He groaned as he imagined her legs wrapped around him. Christ. He had to stay away from her. Marcus wouldn’t take too kindly to him taking advantage of family.
Problem was, Luke knew he wouldn’t be able to keep his distance now. He’d gotten a taste. He wanted more. Marcus might think Shirley was a shrew, but all Luke saw was a passionate woman. She needed
a passionate man. That preacher’s son wasn’t the right man for her. She needed someone to appreciate who she was.
And Lord above, Luke wanted to appreciate her.
As he approached the small house behind the jail that had been built a mere six months before, he raised his hand to wave at Lissa. She was outside, beating one of her colorful rugs over the clothesline. Amazingly, Lissa and Shirley shared few, if any, features. If he hadn’t been told they were sisters, he never would have guessed it. Lissa’s hair was a dark auburn that fell down her back in a long braid. Shirley’s was strawberry blonde that bounced to her shoulders. Lissa’s eyes were a deep shade of green, but her sister had bright blue eyes, just like he did.
“Luke!” Lissa hollered. “What have you been up to today?”
He shrugged and grinned. “Getting familiar with town,” he replied.
“You hungry?”
“Starving.”
“I have some chicken warming from last night if you want some.”
“Sounds wonderful.”
“Oh, that reminds me,” she said, setting down her rug beater. “I want to ask my father and my sister over for dinner this Sunday. I thought it would be nice for you to meet them.”
Luke’s heart hitched in his chest. He took a deep breath to keep from laughing. Spending time with Shirley in front of her family appealed to him like nothing else. She’d be flustered. She’d be annoyed. And she’d be downright sexy.
“I’d like that,” he told her, grinning from ear to ear. “I can’t wait to meet your family.”
Lissa beamed at him. “Oh, they’ll just love you.”
He chuckled. “I bet they will.”
~ * ~
“We would love to come!”
Shirley dropped the can she’d been holding and watched it roll across the wooden floor while her father hugged her sister. Lissa had just invited them to Sunday dinner to meet her new houseguest. Shirley scowled. She knew good and well who that was.
Marcus stopped the wayward can with his boot and bent to pick it up. “Dropped something,” he said with a grin.
Shirley snatched it and slammed it on the nearby shelf.
“Hey now,” he responded. “Who put the bee in your bonnet?”
“I’m not coming.”
Chuck glanced at her sharply.
Lissa’s eyes widened. “Why not?”
“I’ve become…acquainted with your houseguest,” she snapped. “And I don’t like him.”
Marcus chuckled. “Not many do.”
“You’ve met Luke already?” Lissa waddled toward her with her hand on her back. She’d be giving birth within the next few weeks, no doubt about it.
“Twice,” Shirley replied sourly, tucking a wayward lock of hair behind her ear. “Once about a week ago and once yesterday.”
“Why don’t you like him?” her sister asked with a pout. “I thought you might.”
“He…he…” Shirley looked between her sister and her father. She couldn’t very well blurt what he’d done to her. No doubt it would ruin his friendship with Marcus and make her father want to challenge him. As much as she loathed the man, she couldn’t ruin his life over a stolen kiss.
“He belittled Christopher,” she finally replied. “I didn’t care for his tone.”
Marcus coughed, but his eyes twinkled. She’d known him long enough to be aware he was hiding a grin. Lissa bit her lip and her father rubbed the back of his neck.
“Please, Shirley.” Lissa took a few steps until she stood in front of her. “I haven’t seen you in a long while. It will be good to catch up. Besides, when was the last time you got out of this stuffy old shop?”
You’ll have yourself a stuffy husband and a stuffy house with stuffy, pretentious friends…
Luke’s words suddenly came back to her in a rush. Shirley had to close her eyes and swallow hard. Just the thought of seeing him again sent her heart palpating.
“I want to show you our nursery.”
Shirley sighed. She couldn’t possibly deny her sister the pleasure of showing her everything she’d done to welcome her new baby. Marcus had even built a cradle for the little one. And she herself had been filled with anticipation for the imminent arrival of her niece or nephew.
“All right, I’ll come,” she said. “But don’t expect me to be civil to Mr. Austin.”
“What woman is?” Marcus flinched when Lissa smacked his shoulder.
“We’ll be sure to tell him to behave himself.”
Shirley almost laughed out loud at her sister’s words. Luke? Behave himself? That was like telling the sun not to shine.
~ * ~
The air inside the church was stifling. A bead of sweat rolled down Shirley’s cheek. She was nestled between her sister on her right and Christopher on her left, and she shifted uncomfortably on the pew.
Her stomach had roiled all morning. Tonight, she’d be in Luke’s presence—with her entire family in attendance. She hadn’t had any breakfast. The thought of food made her queasy. However, she was regretting her decision not to eat, as spots now swam before her eyes.
A quick look at the sanctuary told her Luke hadn’t attended church, but she hadn’t expected him to. A man like that probably wasn’t a man of faith. He was a man of sin. And debauchery.
And good gravy, it was sweltering today!
Or maybe it was just her. Thoughts of Luke never failed to bring a rosy flush to her cheeks.
Shirley squirmed. She attempted to fan herself with her hands. Christopher noticed and gave her a tepid smile. He wasn’t sweating. In fact, he looked as if he was more than comfortable while his father preached on about hell and damnation. Shirley wondered if the Good Lord would hold it against her if she fanned herself with the His Good Book.
The end of Pastor Richardson’s sermon couldn’t come soon enough. But it still seemed an eternity before he blessed the congregation and sent them on their way. Shirley said her goodbyes to Lissa and Marcus and promised to meet them later in the day. But she was forced to wait for Christopher to finish talking with Margaret Brown before she could pull him aside herself.
She’d made up her mind to ask what his intentions were with her. If he was going to propose, it was better for the both of them if he got on with it. It had been almost a year since he’d begun calling on her. She’d much rather confront Luke with a fiancé rather than a mere suitor. He wouldn’t dare put his hands on her if he knew she’d promised herself to Christopher. At least, she hoped that man had some honor.
Christopher finally broke away from Margaret’s talk of burned muffins and her dog running off with the hand towel. Shirley rolled her eyes and took his arm, somehow managing a smile.
“Sounds like she had quite an adventure this morning,” she said, trying to appear interested.
“Yes, quite,” he agreed.
They walked on in silence, finally coming to the boardwalk of Main Street. Shirley climbed the steps and found her backbone.
“Christopher?”
“Yes?” he replied.
“When are you planning on asking me to marry you?”
He must have tripped on a plank that hadn’t been properly nailed down. He regained his footing and cleared his throat.
“Come again?” he said, his voice cracking.
“Well, it’s been almost a year since you’ve been coming to call on me, and I…I’m through with waiting.”
He gave her a strange look, one filled with what appeared to be disbelief and shock. “Shirley,” he began. He unwrapped his arm from her hand. They stopped walking to face each other and he scratched the side of his face. “We are good friends, and there was a time when I thought I might ask you to be my wife, but…”
“But?” she prodded when he’d drifted off.
Christopher shrugged. “I’ve since come to terms that we don’t suit. You are a good friend, and have been for months, however I—”
“Friend? I’ve been a good friend?” Shirley knew she should keep her voice d
own, but her anger got the best of her. “You knew good and well I’ve been waiting for you to ask!”
He chuckled nervously and glanced around them. A few cowboys on the street looked their way and a couple of women from church walked on ahead, but for the most part, they were alone on the boardwalk.
“I-I’ve been mustering up the courage to tell you—”
“For how long?” she demanded, crossing her arms. “How long, Christopher?”
He shrugged again. “I knew a…a few months ago.”
“Months!” Shirley threw up her hands and stomped her foot. “How could you let me believe…?” Tears stung the back of her eyes and she scowled darkly. “Christopher Robinson, don’t you dare show your face in my father’s store ever again!”
She pushed him out of the way before marching up the boardwalk alone. The ladies in front of her took one look at her stormy demeanor and gasped, stepping aside to let her pass.
“Shirley, wait. Can’t we talk about this, perhaps somewhere private?”
“I have nothing more to say to you,” she tossed over her shoulder. “Good day, sir.”
It took every ounce of willpower she had not to break down in tears and run the rest of the way to her father’s store. She was bound and determined to walk with dignity and poise. But the moment she entered through the front door, she dashed for the steps that led to her home above the shop.
Thankfully her father didn’t keep hours on Sunday. No one was present to witness her shame.
Four
Shirley knew she looked a fright, but right about now, she didn’t care. Her hair had fallen from her bun after she’d cried into her pillow all afternoon, and she’d simply run her fingers through it to weave a sloppy braid. Her Sunday dress was hopelessly wrinkled, and her eyes were swollen and puffy. She hadn’t even bothered with her beloved rose-water perfume.
Lissa gave her a strange look as she and her father crossed the threshold of the McCaide residence. It was the very same look Chuck had given her once she’d descended the stairs of the shop. Shirley had always taken care to look her best, but tonight she had no heart for it. She wanted Luke to stay far away from her. And if making herself barely presentable was the way to do it, she was more than eager.
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