"Yes, thank you, Rilla, for your kind offer." Missy said.
Rilla smiled. "Don't mention it."
"Okay then, we’ll get the wagon ready. Clarkson, Ma, said she wanted to see you before you left, especially so, if Missy said she would go with Kimberly. She’s in the parlor. I'll meet you out front when you’re done. "
Missy closed her eyes and wished she was someplace else. Even Mrs Dalton knew about the kiss. Why did Clarkson have to go and open his big mouth?
Considering the calamitous start to the day, Kimberly seemed in pretty high spirits. She sang, asked lots of question about the ranch and seemed very eager to get there. She didn’t seem at all put out by Cal saying it was nothing like what she had known in Charleston. The place was isolated, the only other people there, worked the ranch, and most of the ranchers and field hands were from New Mexico.
They came with the housekeeper. Apparently her brother and his deceased wife’s family practically owned most of New Mexico although the deceased wife's family lived in Spain so her brother controlled everything there.
Kimberly showed an unusual interest in the housekeeper’s brother, asking lots of question. But she neglected to mention she had met him on the boat, when they were coming over. Missy had thought to say something, but knowing Kimberly as she did, if she’d wanted them to know, she would have told them. So Missy kept quiet. But Kimberly’s silence troubled her, especially after Kimberly had told her she'd taken a letter from the housekeeper's brother to give to her.
Missy shook her head to clear her mind. The day was getting more and more curious as time went by.
Calvin had insisted on coming with them to the ranch and would sleep over so he could keep an eye on things. What things was he referring to? Had he a mind to keep his eye on her and Clarkson to make sure there were no more shenanigans.
Missy doubted, after the fright she given him today, if Clarkson would try to steal kisses from her anytime soon. Kimberly had happily updated her as to what transpired between everyone while Missy was out cold.
It appeared Cal had torn strips off of Clarkson, threatened to rip off Clarkson’s lips and carry them around in his pocket as a souvenir, if he didn't keep his tired mouth away from Missy. Kimberly giggled at that. Missy didn't think it quite so funny, there was nothing tired about the lips she'd felt, quite the opposite. She’d found them to be full of vitality.
Nevertheless she had vowed to herself to make sure never to be left alone with Clarkson ever again.
The Ponderosa was nothing like Missy and Kimberly expected. Having seen Rilla's mansion, although a far cry from their plantation home in its grandeur. It still boasted some similarities, it had features and structural details she recognized.
The Ponderosa in comparison was an equally large mansion type building made of timber and rocks probably from the nearby mountains and miles of forestry behind the property, and made using Spanish inspired architecture. The raw material used treated, but remained rustic to the touch and in appearance.
Clarkson ushered them into the house saying he wanted to introduce the women to his housekeeper whom he didn't feel he could live without. That little tidbit clawed in Missy’s stomach. However Kimberly couldn't wait to meet her, no doubt to deliver her letter.
Before Missy clapped eyes on Clarkson's housekeeper she'd been praying for the woman to be portly, plain and homely. This couldn't have been farther from the truth. Nothing about Miss Susan Perez could have been predicted, not even her name. Susan didn't sound like a Mexican name to Missy. The woman was gorgeous, she had an exotic beauty.
Missy’s stomach ached.
Clarkson had been alone with this woman for months. Was she the one who taught him how to kiss so expertly? For someone so young and beautiful, whose brother owned more than half of New Mexico, why was she here, living as a housekeeper with Clarkson, and before him, the previous owner? Missy's questions would be answered much later by Kimberly.
Susan greeted them with a warm smile and had them shown to their rooms, telling them she’d arranged a light lunch be prepared for them as she wasn't sure when they would be arriving.
After they’d freshened up. They were all shown to the dining room, by Susan, who flounced around the house as if she owned the place. Which was another thing about this woman that grated on Missy's nerves.
Missy also hated the fact, after they’d eaten, Miss Perez and Kimberly went off together, speaking with their heads close together, as if they’d known each other for years. Jealousy and hurt ate away at Missy, so much so, she went to her room.
She was sat in her bedroom by an open window, which looked over the ranch and had a clear view of the mountains, reading a book when Kimberly found her.
"Oh, Missy don't you just love this place it's perfect for you."
"Yes it's a beautiful place."
"I'm so glad you like it. I've arranged for Clarkson to take you on a tour of the ranch and told Cal to go home. His babies are due anytime now, it seemed silly for him to stay, when I'm more than capable of keeping Clarkson in line." She smiled and plucked the book from Missy’s fingers.
"I'd rather we all went on the tour together. Where is Cal now?" Missy wiped her suddenly clammy hands on her lap.
"On his way home I suspect. As for me coming on the tour, I don't thinks so. I would hate it, almost as much as I know you will love it.” Kimberly placed the book on the dresser and took a seat next to Missy on the chaise lounge. “Did I tell you Susan’s brother is a prince?"
Missy shifted to look at her. "No, you didn't. I think I would have remembered something like that. Doesn't that make Susan, a housekeeping princess?" Raising her eyebrows, Missy chuckled.
"Lord no, they have different mothers.” Kimberly flattened out her skirt with her palms. “Carlos's mother is the daughter of the king of Spain, his father was a soldier in the royal army, who met Susan’s mother, an Irish woman. I think they had an affair while he was there. He told the princess about the baby who allowed him to provide the minimum support for the child, until her mother died. Then Susan was left to fend for herself. That's until her brother was sent here as a young man to marry a Mexican Baroness. Susan made herself known to her brother and they have been great friend ever since. Unfortunately he can't openly accept her until his mother dies. But he helps her out and got her the housekeeping job here."
Missy stared at Kimberly openmouthed. "Fascinating, did she tell you all this?"
Kimberly smiled and stroked Missy’s cheek. "Carlos told me, on the way here. He was the gentleman you saw, who gave me the letter for his sister, Susan."
"You met a prince on the ship and said nothing?" Missy shook her head in wonder.
"You didn't seem interested."
"I guess that’s true."
Kimberly stood. "Come on, you need to get ready. Clarkson will be waiting."
"I don't want to go. What if he...you know, tries to kiss me again." Her cheeks cherried.
"Slap his face. You can't avoid him forever, you know, and something tells me you liked his kisses."
"It doesn't matter if I do. He's betrothed to you."
"He is, isn't he? Maybe we all need to sit down and talk about it when you get back from your tour. I promise, if he kisses you again. Then you can have him. Now come on get ready."
Missy would never admit it, but as she stood to get ready to leave. She thought, if Kimberly meant what she said then, she hoped Clarkson did kiss her again. She couldn’t wait.
Chapter 19
Clarkson stood in the main hall shuffling his feet, waiting for Kimberly and Missy to join him, so he could take them on a tour of the ranch. There was quite a lot of land to cover. No way could they cover it all in one trip at this late hour. But Kimberly had insisted he take them. He kind of wish Cal had stuck around but he seemed more than willing to leave.
The words he should go home had barely left Kimberly’s lips, before Cal was on his feet and out the door. As though he had hell hounds at his heels, leav
ing a trail of dust in his wake.
It made Clarkson realize the decision for Cal to come with them and keep an eye on things had not been of his making. Clarkson suspected his mother or Rilla had been behind it. Calvin hadn't even waited to say goodbye to Missy, the woman he was supposed to be here protecting from him. The air in the room seemed too thin in his lungs. He needed more. Clarkson opened the front door and went to wait for the women outside.
The stable hand had only two horses saddled up.
"Why are there only two horses?"
"The lady of the house said only bring two boss."
"Oh, all right, thank you."
Clarkson walked back to the main entrance. Maybe Missy wasn't coming with them. She probably didn't want to see him and who could blame her. He'd acted like a cad. Would things between him and Missy ever be normal again? Clarkson shoved his hands in his pockets and kicked at the dirt. He had so many regrets in his life, but kissing Missy wasn't one of them. And he couldn’t trust himself not to do it again if the opportunity ever presented itself.
Maybe it was good for both of them that she wasn't coming on the tour.
Clarkson’s eyes widened when she saw only Missy was dressed in her riding gear. "Why aren't you’re ready," he said to Kimberly.
"Oh, I’m not coming. I can think of a million things I'd rather be doing."
"What about all that talk of being able to manage my behavior? How in tarnation are you planning to do that from here."
"I trust you've learned your lesson by now. I've also instructed Missy to slap you good and hard if she has to."
"Hello standing right here." Missy waved.
"I think we can see that. Are you sure you want to come with me on my own?"
"I don't have a choice, Kimberly's orders. So let’s just get on with it." Missy walked by him and over to the horses and stroked the neck of the beautiful chestnut mare.
Clarkson turned to Kimberly. "What game are you playing?"
"I don't know what you mean?"
"Yes you do. First you send home Cal and now you want me to go riding with Missy on my own. You're up to something and I want to know what it is."
"Maybe I’m trying to test your fidelity. After all if we are all to live together, won't I need to know that the other women in the house are safe from your amorous ways? Whatever it is you think I’m up to will surely be revealed when you return, don't you think? She moved closer to him and whispered in his ear. "Can you keep those lips to yourself, Clarkson?"
She stepped back, laughed and left him standing alone in the doorway.
Clarkson exhaled and walked over to Missy. It was up to him to show everyone he had control over his urges. If he couldn’t go for one ride alone with her, what hope was there for them living under the same roof? Kimberly had a point. He needed to get a handle on his feelings bury them deep and keep them buried. The only way to do that was to expose himself to temptation.
He couldn't help himself, he had to admire the European riding britches she wore. He'd never seen Missy in pants before and he liked what he saw. He moved to the side of his horse and glanced over it's back.
“Are you ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be."
"I guess we'd better mount up. Do you need any help?"
"No, thanks. I've got this."
He smiled as she hurled herself up and over the mount. They hadn't ridden together since they were children. "Kinda feels like old times doesn't it?" he asked, after they'd traveled away in silence, contented to watch the wonder on her face as she took in the scenery. She turned to look at him dazed, as if she'd forgotten he was with her.
“It’s beautiful. How much of it is yours?"
"As far as the eye can see. I own over five hundred acres. Where do you want to go? I'm not that familiar with the surrounding myself yet. I've been out a few times on my own but I’ve never come this way before."
"Then why did you come this way now?"
"I just followed your lead. This way leads to the mountains. Besides, it gives me the opportunity to explore this side of my land and I could think of no better company. There's not too many folks one can ride the plain with in a comfortable silence. To be honest I was a little nervous coming out here alone with you."
She stopped her horse and steered it to face him. "Why is that?"
He rubbed the back of his neck and looked sheepish as he spoke. "Well so far my performance has been pretty poor." The smile she gave melted his heart, and increased his pulse. He smiled back. Then her features changed as she scrunched her eyes and stared behind him.
"Clarkson, what's that coming toward us."
Shifting to gaze over his left shoulder his heart sank to his boots. The glarey haze in front of them looked like a cloud had found its way to the earth all soft and fluffy. Although it looked like a cloud Clarkson knew it was something a lot more sinister.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his handkerchief. "Tie that around you nose and mouth. That’s a dust cloud we need to find shelter. Ride, we don't want it to catch up with us. Susan said there are a few line shacks spread out around the land. Look out for one. We need to move now."
Clarkson removed his hat and pulled out it’s straps. Pushing his hat down firm on his head, he placed the straps under his chin He waited for Missy to turn her horse and secure the kerchief over her face, as instructed. Then Clarkson slapped her horse's rump and gave chase.
The air beat against his face and water sprang to his eyes. His hat was blown off his head and hung behind him. As the dust particles seemed to get swept into the air being pulled past them to join the mounting dust cloud behind them. If they didn't find somewhere soon they would be stuck in it.
They’d never survive.
"Over there."
He heard Missy shout. He looked to where she’d pointed. Hope sprung eternal as he nodded for her to head for the shack. They got to the shack at the same time as the dust cloud got to them. Clarkson jumped off his horse, grabbed Missy off hers, and practically threw her through the door, closed it and rested his back against its base.
"That was too close." He breathed out, his heart racing. He hadn't been afraid for himself. All he could think about as they rode was he couldn't live without Missy and even if it cost him his life, he had to save her.
As if in a trance, he watched as Missy pulled herself off the floor where he'd thrown her. He rushed over to her and dragged her into the circle of his arms. His heart banged in his chest as he drew in a breath and his senses went into overload. The scent of violets assaulted his every nerve. She had changed her scent back to the one he liked and it was his undoing.
He crushed his lips to hers, swept her off her feet and walked with her to the only chair in the room. They sat together with their mouths still locked in a lingering kiss. He waited for Missy to push him away but she didn't. She kissed him back, her fingers tangled in his hair.
Something burst inside of him. He was on fire. His skin was alive with sensations. His heart thundered in his ears as he came to the realization he could never let Missy go. Another thought stuck him as he disappeared and gave into his desires. He hadn't felt the urge to kiss Kimberly, not once since they'd been back.
It was Missy who set his heart on fire. She was the one he loved, who he wanted to share his life with. It had always been Missy, now that he thought about it. She fitted in his arms in a way Kimberly never did. Their embrace had always felt awkward now he knew why.
As soon as they got back to the house he would tell Kimberly the wedding was off.
Chapter 20
Missy tore herself away from Clarkson, her heart pounding. She was giddy from his kisses, her mind in turmoil, seething with guilt. She needed to put a halt to what was happening here. But it was a mental struggle, a fight she was losing.
There had been something different about these kisses they'd felt more needy and urgent. It scared her. Her heart was full of the love she'd been denying herself ever since she was old
enough to realize Clarkson was everything she'd even wanted in a man, or she'd never have given into him.
Her senses had been heightened. The feeling of impending doom had overwhelmed her and in those moments all she wanted was to be in Clarkson’s arms again, to kiss him one last time, maybe even make love to him, fill her cup until it runneth over.
If they were going to die, she wanted to go buried in his arms. It was where she felt safest. She would gladly meet her maker, blanketed in the warmth and comfort of his embrace.
But they weren't dead, they were very much alive and what they were doing was wrong. He was to marry Kimberly and she was the worse possible friend. It was time for her to end this once and for all. She saw Clarkson with new eyes. He was a cheater.
But she was the worse because she'd never discouraged him. Not once had she tried to stop him. Even when she knew his intentions and what they were doing was wrong, she’d cheated on her best friend with her fiancé.
The lips playing on her neck was heavenly, but enough was enough. One of them had to be sensible and stop this before they went too far. Her heart was beating so loud it drowned out the sound of the raging wind and grit thumping against the windows and every board which made up the shack. The daylight in the room dimmed.
Under normal circumstances she would have been terrified, wondering if the shack could withstand such a treacherous assault on the joints.
Yet none of the danger outside the shack worried her. It was the danger within that concerned her. Everything in her screamed to end this, but with Clarkson nibbling on her earlobe it was hard for her to concentrate. She doubted if she’d be able to answer to her name were she called.
"Clarkson, please stop this. We have to be sensible. You’re to marry Kimberly. If we go any farther, it will be horrendous. We can never go back."
"I don't care. It’s you I want. It's always been you. I know that now. I never should have asked for Kimberly's hand. I was a blind fool but I can see clearly now."
Love Letters (Unbridled Book 3) Page 9