“No, I just met him this morning. Madeline Cowden introduced me to him.” She shook her head. Her stride ate up the short distance to the cot until she stood over the dead man. “I should have known better. He was too helpful, too nice. He had to have enemies, but why in the hell did they have to kill him while I was sleeping in the back of his wagon?”
Nathaniel didn’t have the answer to that particular question, so he avoided responding. Instead, the dark red stains across the entire front of her dress redirected his concentration to her full, luscious bosoms. With her standing so close, a craving blossomed inside him. He curled his fingers into fists to keep from touching her.
He noted the tarnished material and the familiar scent of blood. Fighting the nauseating effects, he detected a foreign fragrance of...he inhaled...rosemary.
Unable to keep his distance, he laid a hand on her arm. “Why don’t we see if we can find you a clean set of clothes? Then we’ll work on trying to salvage your dress.”
She dislodged his hand by moving away and inspected her appearance. “It’s not a problem. I have my coat and a change of clothes in my bag which is in...”
Pausing, she studied the spot where Zack and Logan had been standing only a few seconds ago. Without any warning, she suddenly darted for the doorway. “Dang it, I bet those men took off with my things.”
Not willing to let her out of his sight, Nathaniel hurried after her. “They’ll be back. They’re just heading out to Bo Kildare’s house.”
Stepping out of his front door, he halted immediately and marveled at the spectacle before him.
The woman shifted restlessly from foot to foot with her hands clasping her skirt. She acted as if she were holding back the urge to run after the retreating wagon. With a frustrated sigh, she kicked the dirt and spun to face him. Eyes lit with fury. Hands locked in fists. The intense anger radiating from her heated his blood.
He realized he should be wary. A hotheaded woman could cause havoc to a man’s peace of mind, but he like women with spunk. This one appeared to have plenty to spare. “They’ll be back in a little while.”
Holding out his hand, he waved her forward and stepped toward the house. “Come on inside. I’m sure I have a few things you can borrow until they return.”
She studied the wagon’s wheels tracks on the road for a moment longer. As if coming to a decision, she straightened her shoulders and stomped onto the porch. “Tobias was only giving me a ride. I’m on my way to Georgia to help care for the wounded from the war. I don’t have time to sit around here.”
Not particularly happy she was only passing through Nathaniel shrugged. “Yes, well, I’m sure Tobias isn’t overjoyed by the change in plans either.”
“How can you say that?” She sputtered out and stared at him disbelievingly.
“Look, Miss,” he paused, expectantly waiting for her to fill in her name.
Chapter Two
Dixy stared at him, reluctant to comply. Just looking at him caused her to feel strange, wondrous things she’d never felt before. His emerald green eyes burned with a heat that seared her to the core. Moisture seeped between her legs.
The attraction to him had started the moment he jumped into the wagon. His lean form, broad shoulders, and the slight curl of his dark auburn hair had sparked the urge to touch. Shocked by her fascination for him, she’d immediately made up her mind to keep her distant.
Now, she appeared to be caught between a rock and a hard place. She wanted to escape not only from the events unfolding around her but the man in front of her.
Nathaniel held out his hand as if inviting her forward. “It’s growing a little chilly out here, and you don’t have a wrap. Why don’t we head inside?”
She glanced longingly over her shoulder in the direction of the disappearing wagon. “My bag and shawl are still in the buckboard.”
“Let’s step inside the house until Zack and Logan return?” He wrapped his hand around her upper arm and drew her forward. “We can have a cup of coffee and relax while they’re gone.”
Tilting her head to peer up into his face, she examined him closer. Square jaw, broad nose, full lips, and to highlight his best feature, he smiled, displaying straight white teeth. His whole demeanor represented a man comfortable with himself and his quiet reassurance offered a calming salve to her frayed nerves. After all, as a doctor, he knew how to handle skittish people. “Dixy, Dixy Hawthorne, and you are Doctor Nathaniel...”
He didn’t leave her hanging the way she had him. “Doctor Nathaniel Murphy, at your service, madam.”
Not liking the tingle of awareness sizzling over her nerve endings from his touch, she shifted out of his hold and walked through the front door. The thud of her shoes on the wood floor was promptly followed by the vibrating thump of his.
Pausing after entering the house, she took stock of the hallway, which led to the kitchen. The first time, she stepped through the door she hadn’t paid attention to anything. Now, she noticed the shiny wooden floors, the floral couch in the sitting room to the right. A large, river stone fireplace graced the far wall with two green chairs on each side. Thick velvety curtains covered the windows, and a lavish oriental rug claimed the spot in the center of the furnishings. A picture of majestic mountains hung over the mantel, tempting her with the thoughts of seeing such an amazing sight in person.
Still confused by who might have decorated the room for him, Dixy rotated to the left and noticed the doorway to his office. The foyer and hallway had whitewash walls that included no pictures. Only the dark oak railing that hugged the stairs added any color to the space.
The place looked well maintained but held only the necessities, except it seemed for the sitting room. Again, she concluded that he hadn’t selected the furnishings by himself. But who had helped him?
Tobias had told her Nathaniel wasn’t married. Maybe someone else lived here with him, but he hadn’t mention anyone earlier.
So what should she do?
The click of the door closing behind her drew her attention. She turned.
Nathaniel stood so close she could easily slip her arms around his neck and be enclosed in his embrace with the tiniest bit of effort. The sensuous thought had her comparing him to the other men she’d wanted to touch and possibly marry. Most weren’t as tall or as good looking. Still, she refused to let him tempt her into relaxing her strict moral code. A woman traveling across the country needed to keep her guard up at all times.
Dixy eased away. “I’m sorry to impose on you this way. Tobias said he’d introduce me to a few other women in the community, who might be able to help until I can arrange another ride to a city east of here.”
“Are you looking for a job?” Nathaniel brushed by her and strolled down the hall.
“Well, I guess I could use one, but it can’t be a long-term situation.” She reassessed her surroundings. The place appeared to be in order. What kind of help could he possibly need? Housekeeper? Cook?
While in the kitchen earlier washing her hands, she noticed bread in a basket on the table and a pot of coffee growing cold on the counter. “Like I said, I’m just passing through.”
He stopped and threw over his shoulder. “Perhaps, but until this mess with Tobias is cleared up you’ll need a place to stay.”
“I...” She bit her lip and took a quick peek at the doorway into Nathaniel’s office. Tobias still lay in there with his body now growing colder.
Unexpectedly, Nathaniel turned. “Look, you appear to know about taking care of people who are hurt. Most would never have tried to stop the flow of blood by applying a compress.”
Darn, she’d forgot her bloomers were covered with blood too. Disheartened by the thought, she didn’t contemplate her reply and blurted out, “My dad was a doctor. I helped him in his practice.”
“You’re hired.”
Blinking at his sudden offer, she shook her head. “I can’t. It wouldn’t be proper for me to stay here. I’m not married.”
To make
sure she fully understood his living arrangements, she added, “Perhaps you’re married? And I haven’t had...”
“No, which means this will work out perfectly. We’ll simply tell everyone you came here to marry me.” He walked to her and captured the hand she’d lifted to clutch her chest.
“What are you nuts? I don’t even know you.” She fought the sudden whirling sensation of her world spinning out of control.
“Are you familiar with anyone in the area?” He wrapped his other arm around her waist and pulled her to him.
“No, my father died of a fever several months ago. Now, I’m heading back home to Georgia. I have a few distant cousins that still reside there,” she muttered, confused as to why he’d even make such an idiotic suggestion.
“Good, this is the perfect solution to both of our problems. You’re looking for a place to live, and I need an assistant.” He didn’t give her a chance to respond. Instead, he swept her up into his arms and walked up the stairs.
“Wait.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and struggled with how to make sense of his proposal. “I don’t understand. You don’t even know me.”
“True, but once we’re married, we’ll have plenty of time to become better acquainted.” The arduous blow of his boots hitting the floor pounded through Dixy’s head as they made their way along the upstairs hallway.
She wiggled, hoping he’d stop and release her, but his stride continued to eat up the distance to his bedroom. “And what if I don’t want a husband?”
He smiled and paused after crossing the threshold of the second door to the left. “I believe neither of us has much of a choice. You’re a drifter and were found with the body of a man who’s been shot.”
“Yes, but I didn’t kill him.” She scanned the room he entered and noted the painted white, iron headboard of the bed. The swirling patterned had her thoughts spinning. Visions sped through her head of him leaning over her, his cock driving deep into her aching twat. Moisture seeped onto her thighs.
“True, but Deputy Bo Kildare will demand you stay in the area until he checks out your story.” Nathaniel set her on her feet and waited until she had her bearings before he withdrew.
Trying her best to clear her body and mind of unwelcomed desire, she surveyed the rest of the room. The bed occupied most of the space. A table with a pitcher and bowl on top of it sat next to the door. Light filtered through the faded blue curtains and highlighted Nathaniel’s large muscular body when he paused by a metal chest.
With a disgruntled sigh, Dixy dropped her hands to her hips and glared at him. “And what your reason for hoping to marry me?”
“Simple, I’m tired of being the man every mother in the county is hoping to hook up with their daughter. I want a wife who can help me with my practice and has no ties to the area. You fit the bill perfectly.” He lifted the heavy lid. The hinges squeaked, pointing out the lack of use.
“And who says I’m looking for the same thing?” Why in the world did this man believe she’d fall meekly in with his plans? Did he assume she was helpless and alone?
Damn, he had a lot to learn about her. “I’m on my way to aid with the war efforts.”
He threw different pieces of clothing out of the chest and tossed them on the floor, searching she presumed for a particular item. “Ridiculous, why do that when there are people right here you can help?”
Suddenly irritated by his high-handed manner, she tightened her hands on her hips and stomped her foot. “Now see here. I don’t need you telling me what to do. I’m free to make my own decisions.”
He turned his head. His piercing, green gaze powered into her like a punch to the gut. “Wrong, as my future wife, you’re my responsibility. I won’t allow you to do such a silly thing. It’s too dangerous.”
His words lit a fuse and detonated her anger.
Clasping her hands into fists, she stalked forward ready to show what she thought of his highhanded manner. “Of all the—”
A barrage of fabric hit her in the face.
She sputtered and swiped at the articles of clothing he tossed at her. “What are you—”
“That dress should fit you.” He dropped the lid of the chest.
A loud clanking noise vibrated through the room.
Without cleaning up his mess, he strolled to the door, stepping over discarded items on the floor on his way. He paused briefly. “There’s water in the pitcher on the table if you wish to freshen up. Once you’ve changed, come on downstairs. I’ll have the coffee hot. But there is no need to hurry. Bo probably won’t be here anytime soon.”
After a cordial nod, he disappeared into the hallway, leaving her to do as he instructed.
She lifted her fists and squeezed her eyelids shut, hoping to contain her penned up anger. Two seconds later, a loud scream erupted from her mouth.
The boots hitting the wooden floor grew silent. After an extended period, the thumps started again as Nathaniel continued down the stairs.
She nibbled on her lip and charted his progress. Once, the thud of his footsteps faded away. She inhaled a cleansing breath and slowly released it.
Why was she letting this man upset her? Just because he suggested they get married was no reason for her to take him up on the offer. Once she finished talking to the deputy and answering his questions. She’d ask him to drop her off at the church on the edge of town. The tall steeple had towered over the other buildings and had guided her to Naked Bluff’s main street.
In a small community, the priest would know someone who’d be willing to help her. She simply had to get through the interview with the deputy first. After that, she’d explore other options.
****
A loud knock hit the back door.
Nathaniel jumped up from where he sat at the kitchen table and rushed forward. “Hang on.”
Closing his hand around the glass doorknob, he opened the door. “Bo, thanks for coming so quickly.”
“You mean Deputy Kildare, remember I’m here in an official capacity.” Bo walked into the kitchen. His husky, robust form had the room shrinking in size with his powerful presence. Tugging his hat off, he set it on the table and nodded at the coffee pot on the stove before he pulled out a chair. “Wouldn’t mind a cup if you can spare it?”
Smiling, Nathaniel nudged passed his friend. They’d met several years ago when Nathaniel moved to town and started his practice. Bo had been one of the first people through the door, carrying a man who’d been shot. Whether a victim or a criminal, Bo made sure each person got the medical help they needed.
Opening the cabinet by the sink, Nathaniel retrieved a cup and poured coffee into it.
“So tell me about this woman.” Bo twirled the chair around and straddled it. His dark, brown glare had a way of piercing through a person.
Nathaniel ignored his friend’s uncompromising stare and diverted the conversation in the direction he planned for it to go. After setting Bo’s cup in front of him, he leaned against the counter. “I think Madeline sent her.”
“What? I thought you told me you asked Madeline to find you a wife several months ago. I believe it was even before she hooked me up with Sarah. We’ve been married almost three, now.” Bo scowled and combed his fingers through his hair, indicating he’s displeasure with this news. “Are you certain?”
“I am, but I can’t say she is. This business with Tobias has her in a tizzy. But I’ve worked out a way for it to work to our advantage.”
Bo lifted an inquisitive brow. “Really?”
“Yes.” Nathaniel paused, his attention caught by the high-pitch squeak of the step at the bottom of the staircase. He raised his voice to make sure it carried out into the hallway. “You see, Deputy Kildare, my fiancée, has no plans of leaving town. She’s here to marry me and was only on the wagon with Tobias Poe, so she didn’t have to wait for me to retrieve her from Centerville.”
“Is that a fact?” Bo turned his head and rose out of his chair the moment Dixy appeared in the doorway. “M
adam.”
Dressed in a faded pink dress that had seen too many washings, Dixy didn’t cower like most women did when meeting Bo. No, his fiancée straightened her shoulders as if readying herself for battle and forced a strained smile to her lips. She walked into the room and held out her hand in greeting. “You must be, the Texas Deputy, Nathaniel was telling me about.”
Please by how she handled the situation, Nathaniel stepped to her side and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Dixy, this is Deputy Bo Kildare. I was just explaining to him. He has no reason to worry because you’re here to stay.”
Bo nodded and touched his hand briefly to hers from across the table before he settled back into his chair. “You wouldn’t happen to be Dixy Hawthorne, now would you?”
“Yes, have we met?” She walked around Nathaniel and made her way to the stove.
Again, as if uncomfortable, Bo ran his fingers through his hair. “No, I remember hearing your name mentioned in connection to Chipita Rodriguez. You were a character witness at her trial if I’m not mistaken.”
Dixy paused as if frozen in place. Blood drained from her face. She ducked her head for a split second and gave a quick nod. “I left town after they hung her.”
“What? Were you a friend of that woman they strung up down south of here?” Nathaniel cocked his head and studied Bo. “Didn’t they say she murdered a man?”
Dixy remained quiet.
Bo stiffened. “Yes. Or at least, she helped her son do it.”
After spinning on her heels, she darted her gaze between them a few times before she sputtered out, “I did not kill Tobias. Nor am I engaged to Nathaniel. So if you want to cart me off to jail, go ahead.”
“Now, now, there’s no reason to get cold feet. Bo isn’t arresting anyone. He’s here simply to see what you have to say in respect to Tobias’ injuries.” Nathaniel shoved aside his misgivings as to Mrs. Rodriguez’s guilt and concentrated his efforts on Dixy’s interview with his friend.
The Country Doctor's Bride (Historical West - The Cowboys of Naked Bluff, Texas series Book 6) Page 2