by Morgan, Kit
* * *
Levi broke the kiss, leaned back, and drank in the sight of his new bride. He licked his lips and closed his eyes at the sweetness she'd left on them. “The sun will be setting soon,” he told her in a husky voice. “I should take care of the stock.”
She slowly opened her eyes. “Stock?”
Levi grinned, pleased with himself. He loved the way he could kiss the sense right out of her. “Yes; cows, chickens, horses…stock.”
She gave him a single nod and continued to stare at him. After a moment, she nodded again, with a small, “uh-huh,” to go along with it.
Levi chuckled. Never had he been around a woman like this before, one so passionate and pure all at the same time. In that moment, he realized he'd married a true gem, a jewel among women, and almost sighed in relief at his luck. But he knew well that it wasn't luck; it was Divine intervention. He’d prayed long and hard for a woman such as this, and the good Lord in His mercy saw fit to answer. “You can change back into your other dress if you want,” he said. “If you'd like to bathe I can bring in water to heat.”
Her eyes widened. “Bathe?”
He shook his head and chuckled again. “Take a bath?”
“That would be lovely,” she answered, her voice barely audible.
Levi caught one of her dark curls and twirled it around his finger. “You know what, Mrs. Stone?”
She shook her head, but said nothing, still too starry-eyed from the kiss.”
“I think I'm going to like being married.”
She raised a single eyebrow at him in response. “No points?”
“Points? No, I'm not worried about scoring more points. We’ll pick up tomorrow where we left off, and have at it again tomorrow. What's the score now, anyway?”
“I'm afraid I haven't the foggiest.”
“Well,” he began as he took his arms from around her and stood. He stretched as he looked down at her. “I'm still ahead.”
That got her. She narrowed her eyes at him and stood. “Enjoy your brief victory while you can, Mr. Stone. You may have won the last few battles, but that doesn't mean you’ll win the war.”
He raised both brows at that. “I take it you're ready to go another few rounds?”
“With pleasure, come morning.” She took on a frightened look as her eyes darted about the parlor.
He knew what she was thinking. “If it makes you feel any better, I’ll sleep in the other bedroom.”
Her eyes found his and widened further. “I… I would appreciate that. Now, if you don't mind, I should go and change.”
He watched as she hurried toward the staircase, took one last look at him, and went up. Levi took a deep breath. If he was lucky, he’d be able to last a few more days, but doubted he could take it much longer. His new wife was too beautiful and two passionate for her own good, and hadn't the slightest idea of the power she held over him.
He shook his head as he stared at the empty staircase. “Fella, if you had any idea what you do to me, you'd win this war in a heartbeat.”
* * *
Fina awoke to the sound of a rooster’s crow and slowly opened her eyes. Levi had remained true to his word and slept in the other bedroom, while she had the main room. All night long, she'd wondered what it would be like to have him next to her, the warmth of his body covering her as no blanket could. But she was determined to wait to find out, not to mention learn how to control her raging… Good heavens! What ever should she call it? Passion? Desire? Stupidity?
Not wanting to think on it further, she got out of bed, removed her nightdress, and sought the day dress she’d brought along until she could get the rest of her things from the Triple C. It was a bit too fancy for farm life, but would have to do. It was a pretty powder-blue and one of her favorites. Her mother and Cousin Imogene had insisted she and her sisters only bring part of their wardrobes with them to America. This meant the girls had to be very selective of what they brought and only took their favorites. Fina looked at her reflection in the vanity mirror. “Oh dear, I'm afraid it's only a matter of time before you get ruined, but I suppose there's no help for it.” She picked up the comb she’d brought and ran it through her hair. She then twisted her tresses into a knot and pinned them in place. “I dare say, Fina,” she muttered to herself. “But you’re not as fetching as you were last night in that green dress.” Good. She was about to pinch her cheeks, but thought better of it, and then left the bedroom.
Downstairs, there was no sign of Levi, and she figured he must be up and about doing his morning chores. “Now, why didn't he get me up?” she asked herself. She pushed the thought aside and glanced at the table.
The food she’d taken out of the basket the night before was nowhere in sight, and her stomach growled in protest. “Quiet, you,” she told it as she looked around the kitchen for something to eat. She noticed there was a fire in the cook stove and a pot of coffee. Just how long had Levi been up? She poured herself a cup, took a few sips, and continued her search. She found the pies tucked into a nearby cupboard and sighed in relief. “Oh, thank heavens, you're still here,” she said to the pastries. She took one from the cupboard, set it on the table then looked for a knife and plate. When she found what she needed, she cut herself a slice and sat down to enjoy it with her coffee. It wasn't her traditional fare at breakfast time, but beggars can't be choosers. Then, of course, she had to face the cold hard fact that she couldn't cook. She'd better enjoy the pie while she could.
Levi came through the front door. “There you are, beautiful! I'm glad you finally decided to get up.”
“Get up? How long have you been awake?”
“Hours!” he said as he held his arms wide for emphasis.
So, she thought to herself. The battle had already begun. He certainly didn't waste any time. “What time is it?”
He pulled a pocket watch out and opened it. “Seven-thirty. I've been up since three-thirty.”
“Three-thirty? I don't even know if Harrison and Colin get up that early.”
“Maybe that's because they have wives who share their bed, and have a reason to stay in them longer,” he said as he approached the table. “What are you eating?”
“Pie.”
“For breakfast? Why?”
“Because it's all there is. You put the food away and I haven't the slightest idea where. I was hungry, so I went for the first thing I found.”
Levi pulled out a small piece of paper, and what could hardly be described as a pencil, out of his shirt pocket. “Let's see now, I anticipated you would either go for the pie or the eggs, if you were able to find them, but knew you'd hit the pie first because it was the easiest. That’s one more point for me which brings the score to seven to four.”
“What? It certainly does not! I had at least five points last night!”
Levi's eyes roamed over her. “Seven to five, then. I'm in a generous mood this morning.”
Fina's mouth dropped open in shock. “Generous? Well, I never…” She turned away from him, her frustration rising, and then spun back. “Levi Stone,” she began, her chin held high. “By the end of the day, I shall have not only caught up to you, but will have surpassed you in these ridiculous points of yours.” She stood and shoved past him to the stairs, stomped up to the bedroom, and slammed the door.
Levi wrapped his arms around his stomach and tried to keep his laughter from erupting like a volcano. He'd really gotten under her skin that time. If he teased her hard enough, he could keep the temptation she wrought at bay. But would he be able to last? And what about Fella? Would she be able to hold up under his sense of humor? She was feisty, that was for sure. But would it be enough? And if not, they were right back to square one and he knew he couldn't last. He'd have to have her.
He had to find another way to give her the time she needed. He wanted her to be comfortable with him, to trust him; but, more importantly, he wanted her to desire him,
as much as he desired her, if that was possible.
; But wait a minute; didn't his new little bride have some sort of hobby she enjoyed? Seems he heard something down at the mercantile about the three sisters and their differing pursuits. He eyed the staircase and smiled. Maybe if he kept her preoccupied with one of her hobbies, he could better preoccupy himself with work in the running of his farm, such as it was. The thought had merit. Yes, that's what he’d do. After breakfast, he'd find out just what sort of passions and pursuits his wife had.
Seven
Fina stomped into the bedroom and fumed. Drat the man!
She glared at the dresser and sucked in a breath. If she wasn't melting at his every touch, she was fighting the urge to slap him! She had to get a hold of herself! Besides, if she didn't, he’d win the day and she couldn't have that. She was too far behind as it was.
She tried to open the drawer that contained the mysterious book, but no luck. It was stuck hard. She grumbled, placed her hands on her hips, and let her eyes wander the room. She had to find something, anything that would tell her more about the man she married. She went to the bed and looked under the mattress. Nothing. She straightened and glanced around the room again. There had to be something here she could use.
But wait, what about the other bedroom? He was sleeping there, so maybe that's where he kept his diary, journal, whatever.
She turned toward the door and listened. Nothing. She smiled, tiptoed to the door and opened it slowly. Silence. She bit her bottom lip as she skittered across the hall to the other bedroom, and slipped inside. “Oh!” she gasped as she bumped right into Levi.
“Changed your mind so soon, beautiful? Come looking for me already, have you?”
“I… I … no, not exactly,” Fina stammered, still shocked that she’d run right into him.
“I'm afraid I only have the one pallet in this room,” he drawled with a grin. “Maybe we ought to go into your room.”
“Stop it! Just stop it!”
“Stop what?” he asked innocently.
“Stop… whatever it is you're doing!” she huffed and turned from him.
He took her by the shoulder and spun her around to face him. “What did you need, beautiful?” he asked in an even tone.
She calmed at his sudden lack of teasing. Best she stuck to the truth. “I was exploring and wanted to see what was in this room.”
“Oh, I see.” He stepped aside and waved a hand at their surroundings. “By all means, go right ahead. Explore to your heart’s content. I'm going to town.”
“To town? Whatever for?”
“We need a few supplies. I meant to get some things the other day and forgot, what with our rush to get married and all.”
“We had a week,” she commented wryly.
“Would you like to come with me?”
Her head snapped up at the question. If she stayed, she'd have a chance to get a good look around the house and maybe find what she needed in order to best him. On the other hand, should she be out here all by herself? She hadn't been completely alone in a very long time. “No thank you,” she told him. “I can stay here.”
Levi took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Normally I wouldn't mind if you did, but now that I think of it…” He paused to look at her. “There's been too much trouble of late
to risk it. I'd feel much better if you went with me.”
Drat! But he did have a point. She certainly didn't want to be left alone and risk being accosted by some vagrant outlaw. “You're right, of course. Give me a moment to get ready.”
“Good. I’ll go hitch up the horses. It will only take me a few minutes. Meet me at the barn.”
She nodded her agreement and turned toward the door. “I'll get my shawl.”
He reached out and touched her shoulder. She turned to face him. “Is there anything you'd like to get in town? If so, why don’t you make a list while I get the wagon ready?”
Fina blushed. “I'm afraid I wouldn't know what to get.”
“What do you mean? Women always know what to get.”
She looked at him and prayed she wouldn't sound pathetic. “As I don't know how to cook, I really don't know what we need.”
He blew out a breath and smiled. “Leave that to me. And don't worry, I'll be happy to teach you.”
“You're not going to take any points away from me, are you? For not being able to cook, I mean.”
“Of course not. We both know you can’t cook.”
“Well then, that's a relief.”
He chuckled at that. “Seriously,” he said as he closed the distance between them. “Is there anything you want? Anything at all?”
She swallowed hard. “Nothing that comes to mind.”
“You know, it can get a little boring around here when you have time on your hands. You might want to have something to occupy your free hours.”
“Free hours? According to my sister, Lena, there’s no such thing.”
“I don't have the same kind of place Chase does, and Lena isn't that far away.”
She stared at him, her mouth half-open. “How far is not that far?”
“About a quarter mile from here. There's a trail that leads to their place. You can see your sister anytime. But I’m sure you’ll want something to keep your hands occupied while you visit.”
Fina's eyes lit up. “I had no idea; that's so exciting!” She threw her arms around Levi's neck. “That makes me so happy!”
Levi pried her off, and pulled out the paper and pencil from his pocket. “That makes the score eight to five.”
Her jaw tightened. “You said that on purpose. You baited me!”
He raised an inquisitive brow and smiled. “I did nothing of the kind.”
Fina closed what little distance there was between them, and glared up at his face. “You saved that for this morning, knowing how I would react!”
“Did I?” he purred.
“Oh!” She spun on her heel to leave, but he grabbed her again. “Very well, I won't take the point. In fact, I'll give it to you.”
“Why?” she asked, suddenly suspicious.
“Because I'm in a generous mood again,” he said with a wink.
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I should take points from you. It's not fair.”
“All's fair in love and war,” he drawled.
She crossed her arms over her chest and drummed her fingers against them. “Very well, then I shall take the point. But don't count on me to be as generous.”
Levi did his best to hide a smile. “I’ve heard that before. Nevertheless, it’s a deal. Now, as for the mercantile, do you wish to purchase fabric for a dress, or needles, yarn, o
books?”
She realized he was being exceedingly generous and not just with his points, but his resources. He was telling her she could get anything she wanted. Her heart skipped a beat. “There is… one thing I could use.”
He watched her as he stuffed his paper and pencil back in his pocket. “And what would that be?”
She swallowed hard. “Paint.”
He took a step back. “Paint?”
She nodded. “And perhaps a new brush.”
Levi gave her a gentle smile. “I see; paints and brushes. So, you like to paint?”
“I adore it.”
“Well then,” he said as he held his arm out to her. “Shall we?”
She took his arm with a hesitant smile and nodded. “Yes, we shall.”
* * *
The trip to town was uneventful and Levi hummed a merry little tune as the horses plodded along. Fina enjoyed sitting next to him, absorbing the soothing sound of his voice as he continued to hum. She wanted to ask more questions about his past, but decided against it, choosing instead to enjoy the peaceful ride and her husband's happy mood. Flowers dotted the prairie, and she could smell their sweet scent mingled with a slight tang in the air, a sure sign the season was changing. Summer would soon pass away into autumn.
Fina took a deep breath and took in the different scents around her. She c
ould smell the pine trees in the far distance, mixed in with the grassland and late summer flowers of the prairie. “So peaceful,” she whispered.
Levi stopped humming. “What was that, beautiful?”
Fina turned on the seat to look at him. “I said it's very peaceful here.”
“Yes, it is,” he agreed. “Like I told you last night, it's one of the reasons I came out west. A man can breathe here and live a good, long life.”
Feeling bold, Fina hooked her arm through his, and gave him a shy smile. “I'm beginning to understand your love for this place.”
He glanced at their arms then looked her in the eye. “I'm glad.” He leaned over and kissed her on cheek. “You can lean your head against my shoulder if you like.”
Fina's heart skipped a beat as she felt the muscles in his arm tighten, urging her closer to his body. She sucked in a breath and, praying she didn’t make a fool of herself, leaned her head against his shoulder. She swore she felt him smile, not to mention give a slight pull on the reins to slow the horse’s pace. Which was fine with her; this was something she could handle without her passions getting the best of her. Once they got to town, however, she'd have to sit up and again be a lady. But until then, she decided to enjoy resting her head against her husband. So, with her arm hooked through his, she let the jangle of the harness and the slow, steady sound of hoof beats rule her senses.
When they reached town, she sat up; disappointed the ride was over. But the thought of getting a few art supplies quickly consumed her, and she became alert and ready to tackle the mercantile.
Levi brought the wagon to a halt, set the brake, and then turned to her. “I hate to tell you this,” he said as he gazed at their entwined arms, “but we'd best get our supplies then head on home. I've got work to do and I'm sure you'd like to practice cooking today.”
Fina frowned. “Cooking? Do you really think I'm that brave?”