On the Mountain

by Peggy Ann Craig

  She had just stepped back out of the kitchen and into the bar when she realized the establishment had just doubled the size of clientele. Five of the ranch hands wandered in slowly and looked about. She prayed they would simply acknowledge her with a nod of the head and be on their way, since it was apparent there were no female entertainment in that particular saloon. Then, when one of them spotted her, he swiftly ran back outside.

  “He’s in here, boss,” he shouted down the street and Anna had an urge to turn and run.

  Their presence caught Mr. Ashcroft’s attention. “What can I get you boys tonight?”

  “We ain’t here for a drink. We just lookin’ for someone.” One of them explained then pointed at Anna. “Him.”

  “Hell, kid, you just about ruined everyone’s night.” Neil told her as he approached her with an annoyed grimace. “Boss wouldn’t let us off until we tracked ya down.”

  Anna felt stunned, then turned bright red as a tall and burly cowboy came bursting into the small saloon. His blue eyes scanned the room before narrowing in on Anna. At first a look of relief filled them, then just as quickly turned to anger. She immediately took a step back when he made his way toward her.

  “Where the devil have you been?”

  Anna bit her bottom lip and shriveled away.

  “What’s going on here?” Ralph Ashcroft came from behind the bar to stand between Anna and Wade. He was much smaller and much older, but Anna had to give him credit for standing up against a force as obvious as Wade Haddock.

  Wade’s glaring face turned from Anna to the man in front of her. “This is a personal matter. I’d appreciate you minding your own business.”

  “Just hold on there, fellow,” he stated and held his ground. “This here is my establishment. What goes on in here, is my business.”

  “Fair enough.” He reached around him and seized Anna by the arm intent on dragging her outside.

  “Whoa there, where do you think you’re going with my employer?”

  Wade’s jaw dropped and his gaze shot back to Anna’s face. “This here is one of my ranch hands.”

  The man raised his brows, obviously surprised, but still refused to budge. “Well, unless he’s done something criminal against you or your property I think the boy has the right to work wherever he wishes.”

  “Not this case.” Wade growled low and stared at Anna over the saloon owner’s shoulder.

  “Look, mister, the boy came to me for work. Just because he may have worked for you, doesn’t mean you own him.”

  Wade took a deep steady breath and appeared to be trying to control his temper. Some of the ranch hands shuffled their feet behind him. “Hey, boss, since we found the kid, it all right if we head on back to the saloon?”

  There was still rage in his eyes, but he took a moment to sound controlled as he said over his shoulder. “Yes.”

  As the men piled out of the small saloon another set of footsteps pounded the floorboards as Prescott made his entrance. “Thank God, you found him.”

  “Looks that way.”

  Prescott advanced. “We were so worried. You shouldn’t have run off like that.”

  The saloon owner frowned and studied the two brothers. “You two seem awfully concerned for a simple ranch boy.”

  Prescott gave a funny shrug of his shoulder. “He isn’t just any ordinary ranch boy.”

  Wade continued to glare at her over Mr. Ashcroft’s shoulder. Under his breath, he told Prescott. “Apparently, he didn’t want to be found.”

  “That’s nonsense. Peter, come along now. We have a room booked for you.” He gave her a knowing look.

  Ralph Ashcroft frowned. “Peter? Who’s Peter?”

  No one replied at first, then Prescott gestured toward Anna.

  The man raised his brows and glanced over his shoulder. “I thought you said your name was Wade?”

  It was the first time since entering the tavern that Wade’s face eased from a raging inferno. He finally took his gaze from Anna to glance at the owner. “The boy told you his name was Wade?”

  Anna felt her face go all red and avoided looking at him.

  “Yes, is it not?”

  His eyes shifted to her face. “No. Just the latest in disguises.”

  The man frowned and at last turned to look at her. “Did you lie to me boy?”

  Wade took the opportunity to grab her by the shoulders and heave her up against his broad chest. “Look, you can have it out with him later. Right now, it’s my turn.”

  Fear leaped to her eyes and she scolded herself foolishly for using his name. Anger wasn’t a reaction she expected. He dragged her out of the building and into the dark night, Prescott was directly behind them.

  “What on earth is going on? Why were you in there Anna?” Prescott walked quickly to keep up with them.

  Wade was not waiting. Anna literally had to run in order to keep up with his long strides. Her frantic glance shot back at Prescott and silently pleaded for his help. She had never seen Wade look so angry.

  Prescott caught her plea and attempted to soothe Wade’s heated anger. “Wade, you need to calm down.”

  “Like hell, I do,” he barked.

  “The man was right, you don’t own her. She can make her own decisions in life.”

  Wade ignored him and dragged her up the few steps into the dance hall.

  His brother hesitated, before following them up. “I don’t think it is a good idea to bring her in—”

  “Keep quiet Prescott.”

  He sighed and replied, “There’s a room booked for her in the hotel.”

  “I’m well aware of that.” He dragged her to the back of the establishment and came to an abrupt halt in front of the stage. He spun her around to face a chorus of ladies kicking their feet high in the air and showing off their knickers underneath. “Is that what you want?”

  She felt fear running up and down her spine and refused to look at the women on stage.

  “Wade, please.” Prescott tried again, but was ignored.

  “Well, is it?” He seized her by the shoulders and gave her a shake. “Because that is the only job available to women in an establishment like the one you just came from.”

  “Wade,” Prescott raised his voice, realizing they were beginning to draw an audience.

  Anna began to shake and literally recoiled from his touch.

  “How long do you think you could have kept up the charade?” His eyes were glaring down at her. “It didn’t take us long and it won’t take others long either.”

  “Please, Wade, let’s take it to your room.”

  His angry glance shot at his brother, but he sighed heavily noticing the people watching them. Grabbing her arm, he turned to drag her to the staircase that led to the second floor.

  “I’ll just go back to the saloon where we found her and try to settle things over that way. She might have put in a few hours’ worth of work, but they also fed her, clothed her and allowed her to clean up.”

  Anna shot a terrified look at him, not wanting to be left alone with Wade when he was this angry. But Prescott had already left and Wade was dragging her up the stairs. Instinctively, she reached for the banister and clung to it. Feeling her resistance, he turned and snatched her hand away from her security clutch. Then in one swoop lifted her into his arms and took two steps at a time until he reached his room where he kicked open the door and tossed her carelessly onto the bed.

  “What the hell is the matter with you?”

  Anna’s eyes grew wide with fear. She scrambled quickly off the bed and tried to run for the door.

  “Oh no you don’t.” He reached around and captured her about the waist. Anna strained against him, trying unsuccessfully to free herself from the iron-like band around her midsection. A terrifying memory came flooding back. She wanted to scream, but no sound came forthwith so she used the only weapon she had left. Using her fists, she struck him over and over until he seized her wrists and pulled them tight behind her back. She stood p
anting heavily as fear and terror shadowed her face.

  Wade looked down and the anger instantly vanished. “Calm down, Anna, I’m not going to hurt you.”

  But she continued to struggle forcing him to pull her tight against his body. With one hand he held her wrists tightly bound, with the other he reached up and drew her head against his chest. “It’s all right.”

  Her breathing came in deep, shallow spurts, but she felt his warmth embrace her as he closed his arms around her and held her close. Against her ear she could hear the faint beat of his heart and Anna was struck with an urge to break into tears. None came. He stroked her hair and cooed soft words until, finally, she felt her breathing return to a normal course.

  When Wade felt it as well, he cautiously released her wrists and gently held her away from him in order to look down into her face. “What just happened?”

  She shook her head, not wanting to remember that horrible recollection.

  He reached up and stroked the side of her head, giving a loud sigh as he did. “Hell, I must be a fool.”

  Her eyes came up to meet his with a puzzled look, but he only shook his head as if to say never mind, then led her back to the bed to sit her down. “Did you have a memory flash?”

  She nodded and dropped her chin.

  He was silent then asked, his voice sounding slightly harsh. “Did my anger trigger it?”

  Anna nodded, then heard him curse and shove off the bed. “What an ass I am.”

  She looked up and stared at his back. So broad and full of strength.

  “You must hate me,” he muttered and ran two angry hands through his hair.

  Never, Anna thought. She loved him with all her heart.

  Turning around, she was to see his face looking both troubled and hurt. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. It was not my intention to scare you. Hell, not that way.”

  She thought of the women down on the stage and understood this last comment. He came toward her and dropped down on his haunches, taking her hands into his. “Why are you still frightened of me?”

  Anna felt uneasy and turned her head away. However, Wade captured her face between his two large hands forcing her to look at him. “Why did you want to leave?”

  His touch on her skin felt so warm and welcoming, and without thought Anna’s eyelids fluttered shut to savor the feel. When she opened them again, he was staring into her face with the most peculiar look, but it was the first time Anna ever saw him appear so vulnerable. Instinctively, she reached up and covered his hands with her own. His brows quivered in confusion. Her gaze dropped to those wonderfully shaped lips of his and noted how soft they seemed. And close. Unconsciously, she gravitated ever so slowly toward them.

  “Anna,” he whispered in warning, but she leaned closer yet.

  He was so near and his body only inches away, all Anna wanted was to melt back into his arms and feel his lips upon her.

  However, he visibly arched away from her as she drew closer. “Anna. Stop.”

  She froze, then blinked, confused. Wade released her and got to his feet. She heard him sigh, but was too embarrassed to look him in the eye. “Let’s deal with one thing at a time.”

  She kept her gaze downcast.

  “There’s no sense my asking you any questions as you won’t be able to answer.” He walked toward the window and looked out and down the street. “Prescott is on his way back.”

  He dropped his head and rubbed his forehead with the tips of his fingers. “Look, Anna, I believe the best place for you is at the Circle H. If you feel otherwise, I would sincerely be surprised. If I’m not mistaken, you love that mountain as much as I do even with all the attached nightmares.”

  Raising her arms she wrapped them around herself protectively, suddenly feeling very cold.

  “If you got the message that either I or Prescott wanted you gone, then you got the wrong one,” he told her and drew her attention to his face. He noticed her look and nodded his head in understanding. “So that’s it?”

  Anna nodded vaguely and a sad look crossed his face before he went to take a step toward her, then caught himself short. Shoving his hands into his pant pockets, he told her, “I once told you that you were welcome to stay at the ranch for however long you wanted. That offer was made to a boy. I’d like to extend that same offer to the woman.”

  She took a deep breath and felt the heaviness in her heart begin to lift.

  He cocked his head and studied her face. “Well? Will you accept?”

  She nodded and wondered why her chest still felt heavy.

  “Good.” He smiled and this time did come over to sit next to her on the bed. “That’s settled.”

  Automatically, her eyes shot to his face. In particular, his lips. He sighed softly and began with, “We need to talk about that.”

  Anna looked away. She knew what his next words were and didn’t want to hear them.

  “I find you to be a very nice young girl, but—”

  The door to his room swung open and Prescott entered. He looked anxiously at both Anna and Wade. “Thank God. I thought you might have strangled her.”

  Wade actually grinned and got up off the bed. “Not this time.” But he gave her a gentle smile and a playful wink. “Were you able to settle everything over there?”

  “Yes.” He nodded and looked at Anna. “His wife sends her well wishes.”

  She nodded and felt guilt sweep over her. Prescott looked from one to the other and asked, “Has everything been settled over here as well?”

  Wade hesitated, but avoided making eye contact with Anna. “I think we understand each other.”

  Prescott seemed satisfied and broke out into a bright smile. “Good. So, if my services are no longer required here, I think I will turn in for the evening.”

  Wade nodded and reached out a hand toward Anna. “I agree. It’s been a long day. Would you mind escorting Anna to her hotel room?”

  “Of course.” He took her arm from Wade’s and Anna felt a sense of loss. She would have loved dearly to stay with him all night long.

  “Anna,” Wade spoke to her once more before she left. “Let’s try to get through this journey with a little less excitement.”

  She nodded, but felt embarrassed as if he was talking to a child. They left Wade standing alone in his room and as they went down and through the rowdy saloon, Anna hoped he stayed that way.

  * * *

  The remainder of the trip went without incident to Wade’s relief. He really had no idea what overcame Anna. She indicated that she had felt she was no longer welcome at the Circle H, which was as far from the reality as possible. He almost hated admitting it, but he liked having her there. She brought a certain element to the ranch which had been missing all these years. It wasn’t for the fact that she was the only female, since he recognized this feeling long before her identity was discovered. There was simply something about her as a person.

  As she fidgeted awkwardly on the seat next to Kim he watched her closely and rubbed the back of his neck. Obviously he wasn’t the only one affected by the long trail. Nearly two weeks without a proper night’s sleep. Hell, he was anxious to get back to the ranch for that matter alone. Admittedly, he also wanted to get her safely returned to where she belonged. He smiled to himself and realized how true his words were. Even more so than him, that mountain was her home.

  They had come full circle up the western terrain and would shortly be stopping in Lantern for their spring festivities. Usually a time for drinking and womanizing, Wade knew this year would be spent a little different.

  He noticed Anna squirm on top of the chuck wagon and he frowned. Maybe she wasn’t feeling well. It wouldn’t be the first time someone threw up after days out on the cattle drive. He kicked Sty into a trot and brought him up alongside the chuck wagon.

  “You okay?”

  She nodded, but her eyes told a different story. Wade reached out and pulled the horses harnessed to the wagon to a halt. “What’s wrong?”


  Shaking her head, she tried to quell the fear in her eyes. He knew instantly that it wasn’t her stomach upsetting her. Turning, he looked around their surroundings. It took a few minutes for him to recognize the familiar landscape since they had come in through the northwestern trail. Wade felt a sinking sensation in his stomach and turned a worried look toward Anna.

  “Wade.” Prescott rode his horse up to them and looked concerned. “I think we better turn back.”

  He nodded quickly, and pulled the chuck wagon’s horses around. Some of the ranch hands looked confused, but followed Wade’s lead. As they made their way back over the same trail they had just come, he stayed next to the wagon. She sat stiffly in her seat until they reached the end of the clearing that would take them out of that area of the woods. Then she turned and looked back.

  Wade frowned and watched her emotionless face. Hell, he would give anything to know what happened in that village. Her eyes remained cold as she watched the woods disappear from view. He wanted to give her some type of comfort, but with the ranch hands all within view he was left simply riding next to her. Which, from the look on her face, he wasn’t entirely sure she would have wanted.

  An hour later they pulled into Lantern, having taken a lot longer than anticipated since they had to reroute their path. Wade would have loved nothing more than to head straight back to the ranch and his own bed, but it was getting late and the men were getting restless being in a saddle so long. An overnight visit to their favorite alehouse always lifted morale.

  With the horses all stalled in the livery and the ranch hands dispersed, Wade ensured Anna stayed close to him this time as both he and Prescott escorted her to Elizabeth’s restaurant. The woman’s face lit up upon seeing Prescott, and Wade thought if he and Anna weren’t there, she probably wouldn’t have acted so civil.

  “Do you have a room for Anna?” Prescott leaned forward and asked in a hush whisper as there were a few patrons in the restaurant.

  She nodded and gave the girl a warm smile. “What about you, Wade? Would you like a room?”

  Taken aback, Wade did not reply immediately. Both his brother and Anna turned to look at him. He never took one of the rooms above Elizabeth’s establishment. It was common practice that he stayed over at the saloon during his town visits. He cleared his throat and suddenly felt very uncomfortable. Hell, why did Anna have to stand there looking at him?