There was a lantern hanging on the bunkhouse wall. In her agitated state, Abby didn’t see the figure sitting on the steps until she heard Gib Cochran’s voice.
“Howdy, Firecracker.”
Startled, she stopped and looked. With her hand pressed to her thundering heart she said, “Gib, you scared me.”
“Didn’t mean to. You must have a powerful lot on your mind. Wanna set a spell?”
She hesitated, then decided it couldn’t hurt. His company would be soothing even though she had no intention of talking about what had just happened between her and Jarrod.
She sat down on the top step. The light hanging above them on the wood-sided wall turned the gray in his beard to gold.
“How are you, Gib?”
“Fine, thanks for askin’. This is real pleasant, if you don’t mind my sayin’ so. Haven’t set this close to a pretty lady in a month of Sundays.”
“Don’t tell Bea Peters that.”
He laughed. “She’s a fine woman, she is. Don’t rightly know why no man ever snapped her up.”
“Maybe she didn’t want to be,” Abby said, glancing back toward the big house.
“That sounds like the voice of experience talkin’. You out here like a she cat heading for higher ground so’s you don’t get snapped up?”
“Who in the world would want me?” she asked, trying with all her might to make her voice light, joking.
“Jarrod,” he answered simply.
She laughed. “I’m his housekeeper. He’s my boss. There’s nothing—”
“Horse pucky,” he said. “You gonna tell me true or you gonna sit there and spin tales like you do for them kids? ’cause I’m not buyin’ what you’re tryin’ t’sell.”
Abby sighed. She had a powerful need to unburden her heavy heart to someone. It might as well be Gib Cochran. “I’ll tell you what’s on my mind, but you have to swear on your mother’s life that you won’t say a word to another soul.”
“Who do I look like? Henrietta Schafer?”
Abby laughed. “No. And as long as you don’t replace her as the town gossip—”
“Hollister’s awful far away. You need to let it all out pretty quick, I’m thinkin’.”
“Jarrod just kissed me.”
He slapped his knee and grinned like a fool. “Is that all?”
“No, I kissed him back, and he took me into his bedroom and he would have—If I hadn’t stopped him we probably—It was my fault as much as his and I wanted—” She stood up as warmth flooded her cheeks. “I can’t do this.”
He gently tugged on her arm. “Sit down. You think I don’t know about that sort of thing?” He chuckled. “Don’t know what you’re in such a snit about. I seen sparks fly ‘tween you and that hard-headed rancher first time I ever saw you together. Why d’you think I started callin’ you Firecracker?”
“I thought it was because of my hair.”
“Not hardly.” He shook his head. “Maybe I’m gettin’ old, but I don’t see what the problem is.”
“The problem is that I should go away. Tonight. Or tomorrow at first light.”
“You’re not makin’ sense, girl.”
“I think Jarrod has feelings for me. I can’t return them.”
“You just said you kissed him back—”
“I did,” she cried. “I liked it so much. Don’t you see? I can’t get involved with him because as soon as I earn enough to make sure my brother’s future is secure, I have to go.”
“Where to?” he asked, his voice hard and his eyes like coals.
“To find my father.” She drew in a deep breath, grateful that he didn’t say anything until she finished her explanation. “Ever since he left my mother to find work, I knew someday I had to look for him and reunite my family. Pa and Clint and me, together. The way it should be.”
“What if he don’t want you to live with him?”
“Why wouldn’t he?” she asked sharply.
He shrugged. “Don’t know. ‘Cept he knows where you are. If he wanted a family, wouldn’t he have sent for you before this?”
“Not necessarily. He might not have enough money. He might think we’re angry at him and don’t want him back.”
“So you’re gonna find him and convince him otherwise.”
“I have to, Gib.”
“Honey, you’re runnin’ on fire and dreams. They both turn to ashes right quick if they got nothin’ to go on.” He nodded toward the big house, where she could still see Jarrod’s light in the upstairs window. “There’s a man up there with flesh and blood needs. I think you’re the woman who can fix what’s ailin’ him.”
“What makes you say that?” It didn’t change what she had to do, she told herself. She was just curious.
“You’re the first since Dulcy that he’s shown any interest in. I never seen him look at her the way he does you.”
“You’re imagining things.”
“Nope, I ain’t. But he’s a proud man. Doesn’t take to failing. He won’t easily give in to another woman.”
“That proves my point. His only interest in me is of the—”
She hesitated, trying to figure out how to phrase it delicately. “It’s of a carnal nature.”
Surprising her, he chuckled. “It is that. You’re a fine-looking woman and he’d have to be deaf, dumb, and blind not to notice.” He sobered just as quickly. “There’s more to it than that. I ain’t sayin’ he even knows how he feels, bein’ a knothead from time to time. But no matter what you think, you ain’t just his housekeeper.”
“Gib,” she said, “I want you to know I’d walk barefoot through hot coals before I’d hurt Jarrod and the children. That’s why I resisted taking this job in the first place. But until my family is back together, I can’t think about anything else.”
“I hear ya.” He sighed. “And dang it, I ain’t one to stomp to death a body’s fancy, ‘specially when they been carryin’ it around as long as you have. Just want t’see you happy, is all. I hope ya are.”
“I will be.”
12
Jarrod walked out of the Hollister telegraph office, hoping the wire he’d just sent wouldn’t rear up to bite him in the behind. He’d known Luke Brody for a long time, done business with him. The man knew San Francisco like the back of his hand. If Luke couldn’t find the information, then he would find someone who could. Jarrod had thought long and hard about it, and in the end decided he’d have no peace if he didn’t try.
He stood on the boardwalk and looked around. Hollister was alive with Fourth of July activity and excitement. The mercantile displayed an American flag, waving in the warm summer breeze. The upstairs girls at the Watering Hole had made a banner and tacked it onto the railing, letting it hang down from the second floor. Henrietta Schafer had a sign in the restaurant window advertising a breakfast special, for the holiday only. Abby was there now, planning the day with the children.
Abby.
Just her name brought out tender feelings in Jarrod. She’d been skittish around him ever since he’d kissed her. He didn’t blame her, but couldn’t find it in him to regret anything that felt as good as that kiss. It had made him want more. And he’d eat his hat if she hadn’t felt that way too, although she’d refused to admit it. He was only sorry their easy friendship was strained now. If he’d thought it through, he wouldn’t have taken her into his room. Problem was, he hadn’t been thinking. At least not with his head.
He missed talking to her the way they had before. The damnedest part was, he still wanted her. Although nothing was likely to come of it, and that was probably for the best.
At least he knew where he stood with her. She hadn’t changed her mind. She was still leaving.
He glanced over his shoulder at the telegraph. Time would tell, he thought.
As he stepped from beneath the overhang into the dusty street, sunlight warmed his shoulders. Gonna be a hot one today, he decided. Best see what everyone was doing. Abby would need help keeping track of the kid
s.
Jarrod entered the nearly empty restaurant. Abby sat alone at a table near the swinging doors of the kitchen. He crossed the room and stopped in front of her.
“Mind if I join you?” he asked, removing his hat, then spinning it through his hands.
“Of course not.”
He took the chair across from her as she picked up her coffee cup and sipped. “Where are the children?”
“Katie and Oliver are with Annie and Don Shemanski,” she said.
“Are you sure Annie doesn’t mind?”
Abby laughed. “I’m not even sure she knows. With six of her own, two more are hard to notice. They’re like a line of little ducklings, and Katie and Oliver fell into step at the end.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t impose.”
Abby shrugged. “Annie invited them. Two of her children are just about the same ages as Katie and Oliver. The kids took to each other, and she was glad to have them occupied. They’re supposed to meet us for lunch by that big oak in Hollister meadow.”
He nodded his approval. “What about Lily?”
The kitchen doors swung open and Henrietta Schafer bustled through. “Don’t you worry, Jarrod. She’s with my Joe.” She set a picnic basket on the table. “He’ll take good care of that pretty little niece of yours.”
“I don’t mean to be critical, Hettie, but how can you be so sure?”
Abby grinned at the other woman. “He’s a little nervous.”
Hettie nodded knowingly. “Good. Shows he cares. I can guarantee that Joe will do his best to bring Lily back safe and sound. It’s all any man can do.”
“He’s still a boy. And it’s not safe and sound that worries me, Hettie. It’s the two of them being—”
“Alone?” she asked, one eyebrow lifting.
“Yes.”
“Shoot,” the woman said, waving her hand dismissively. “Abby took care of that.”
When he looked at Abby for an explanation, she smiled smugly. “I sent Tom along with them.”
He nodded thoughtfully. “What if they give him the slip? There are so many people in town today, it wouldn’t be all that hard. What if—”
Henrietta patted his shoulder. “Relax, Jarrod. If you don’t watch out, you’re gonna give yourself heart failure.”
She winked at Abby. “You gotta take care of yourself. Remember, you got that cute little Katie growin’ up before your eyes. What are you gonna do when the boys come sniffin’ after her?”
“Send Oliver along,” he said emphatically.
She chuckled. “You learn fast. Mind if I take a load off?” she asked, looking from Abby to Jarrod, who shook his head and pulled out the chair beside him. “It’s been a long day, and it ain’t even noon yet.”
Abby put her hands around her coffee cup. “Thanks for fixing lunch for us, Henrietta.”
“Don’t you give it another thought. Least I can do for them kids. I swear, never seen young’uns so worked up. They may be too excited to eat that fried chicken I fixed ‘em. You’d think they never had a holiday before.”
Jarrod frowned. “I’m not sure they ever did.”
Or Abby either, he thought. At least not a carefree one. She’d been looking forward to this day as much as the kids. Maybe more.
He glanced from Abby to Henrietta. “I think it’s about time we got out there to enjoy the festivities. What do you say?”
“I’d say you’re right.” Abby answered with a smile.
Hettie looked at them. “Which of the festivities you two gonna do ‘fore havin’ this mouth-waterin’ picnic lunch?” she asked, angling her head toward the basket on the table.
“I thought I’d go down to the meadow and get in on the egg toss Mr. Whittemore is organizing,” Abby said.
Jarrod didn’t miss the fact that she had pointedly left him out. Hah! She was in for a surprise. He had agreed to take this break from the ranch as much for her as for the children. She was going to have fun. And he damn well intended to watch her do it.
Hettie stared at Abby. “You’re gonna need a partner in that there egg contest. Earl won’t let ya even sign up if ya don’t come as a pair.” She glanced at Jarrod. “What about you? Got anythin’ better t’do?”
“Nope.”
“I’m sure Jarrod won’t have any trouble finding a partner, especially one of the female persuasion,” Abby said. Her tone was casual, too unconcerned.
“You think so?” he asked, enjoying the way Abby’s eyes turned dark blue. Was it anger? Jealousy? He’d put his money on the latter and he couldn’t help grinning at the thought. “Any suggestions?”
Abby’s mouth thinned before she answered. “Just go on down there to the meadow. I expect the ladies will swarm around you like flies.”
“What about you being my partner, Abby?” he asked. “Seems like the easiest solution. We could just go on over as a team and—”
“I can’t,” she said, cutting him off.
“Don’t see why. Unless you’re afraid. Are you afraid to pair off with me?”
“Of course not. It’s just that Robert Harmon never gets picked for the games. I sort of promised him if I was around we could—”
Hettie put her hand on Abby’s and squeezed. “Sweet of you to think of that boy. He’s simpleminded, but his feelin’s surely do get hurt easy.”
“Then you understand why I can’t disappoint him.” She looked at Jarrod. “I’m sorry—”
“Hold on,” Hettie said. “Robert’s sick. Come down with chicken pox three days ago. Doc says he can’t be around folks till the spots are gone. Annie is beside herself. Her Matthew was playin’ with Robert the day before he took sick.”
“Oh, Lord,” Abby cried. “Katie and Oliver are with Matthew. I need to—”
She started to stand, and Jarrod put his hand on her arm. “Where are you going?”
“To find the children.”
“And do what? Pull them away from their fun? It’d be easier to catch a tumbleweed in a tornado. Besides, harm’s already done now. Just leave them be,” he said.
“I suppose you’re right.”
“Looks like you still don’t have a partner for the egg toss,” Jarrod said to her. As hard as he tried, he couldn’t keep from smiling. “If I were you, I’d take advantage of my offer.”
“Why’s that?” she asked.
“You could do worse. I’ve got good hands and my aim is true. Wouldn’t want you to miss out on the fun, just in case everyone’s taken.” He softened his tone deliberately, letting his words take on an intimate meaning. He knew her thoughts had taken the same turn when a pretty pink flush crept into her cheeks.
“Don’t you worry about me, Jarrod. I’ll find—”
“For pity’s sake, Abby,” Hettie said. “You could do worse than Jarrod Blackstone. Time’s a-wastin’. Sit here jawin’ long enough and you’ll miss out altogether. Just don’t let that pretty face of his distract you.” She winked then chuckled as Abby’s blush deepened. “I expect a blue ribbon this year, missy.”
“We’ll see what we can do, Hettie.” Jarrod stood and grabbed the picnic basket, figuring action would goad her into joining him. He put his hat on, pulling it low on his forehead to shadow the twinkle he knew was in his eyes. “You ready to go, Abby?”
She shot him a look saying she knew she’d been railroaded, and stood up. “Ready as I’ll ever be. We’ll see you at the meadow, right Henrietta?”
“Nothin’ could keep me away. Soon’s I clean up here, I’m closin’ for the rest of the day.”
“So long, Hettie.”
Wanting to touch her even in the most innocent way, Jarrod took Abby’s elbow as they walked outside. She stiffened but didn’t pull away.
Cradling the raw egg in her hand, Abby stood at the end of the line, across from Jarrod. She was still smarting some from his high-handedness. Who did he think he was, backing her into a corner she couldn’t get out of? And the suggestiveness in his voice! In front of Henrietta, of all people. As they waited for th
e game to start, he laughed with Earl Whittemore. She looked at Jarrod’s handsome profile, then at the egg in her hand. He thought he was so smart, maneuvering her into this game with him. Before she thought it through, she drew her arm back and heaved the egg at him.
He turned and his eyes widened just before it smacked him in the chin. She smiled with satisfaction as the broken shell and dripping yolk clung to his square jaw. With a swipe, Jarrod wiped some of the slimy goo from his face. “Why the hell did you do that?”
“Why didn’t you duck?”
Earl Whittemore chuckled. “I’m not sure whether or not to disqualify you for that, Abby.”
“I think you should, Earl,” someone down the line said, chuckling as Jarrod glared at Abby. “I don’t want to compete against her. She’s got a pretty good aim and ain’t never forgiven my Emma for makin’ her haul that chifforobe clear out to our place. Then my wife changed her mind about the thing and Abby had to take it back into town.”
Eli Catron, the blacksmith, hooted. “Hell, let ‘em stay in the game. They ain’t no competition if Jarrod can’t handle what Abby throws.”
Laughter rose from the spectators as Jarrod took her arm. “I’d like to speak to you, Abby.”
“I was just funnin’, Jarrod. I didn’t mean anything—”
“The hell you didn’t,” he said, his voice low and angry as he wiped his face.
As he led her across the meadow to an oak tree on the far side, Abby looked into his eyes, gray and stormy with anger. Had she gone too far? She hadn’t thought beyond her need to wipe that gloat off his face. She’d put egg there instead, and a good portion of the population of Hollister had seen her do it.
After pulling Abby to the far side of the wide oak trunk and away from the amused glances of the milling crowd, Jarrod pressed her against the bark of the tree. He stood in front of her, tall and strong, and as imposing as the inflexible oak behind her. She had about as much chance of moving him as she did that tree.
“What did you want to speak to me about?” she asked, trying to ignore the flutter in her stomach.
“I’ve never met a more contrary female in my life.”
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