Mail-order bridegroom

by Day Leclaire

  He inclined his head. 'We'll discuss the afternoons and evenings later.'

  'Hunter '

  'Time to get to work.' He cut her off, amusement gleaming in his dark eyes. 'Are there any more of those muffins we had yesterday?'

  'Plenty,' she admitted grudgingly. 'Inez left us well-stocked. I'll go get them.'

  'And a Thermos of coffee, if you would. I'll saddle the horses.'

  Fifteen minutes later they rode out, heading south along the fence-line. Hunter's buckskin seemed particularly agitated, fighting the bit and shying at the least little movement. Not that he had any trouble controlling the animal, but Leah could tell that their battle of wills wasn't the norm. As though in response, her mare fidgeted as well.

  'Is it something in the air?' she asked uneasily. 'Lady-finger never acts up like this.'

  'Something has them spooked,' he agreed. 'Have your men noticed any sign of cougar recently?'

  'None.' She felt a sudden stabbing concern for Dreamseeker. 'It wasn't that hard a winter. There's no reason for one to come this close when the pickings are so easy further out.' But she knew her protests were more to convince herself than to convince him.

  'Don't panic. I didn't say it was a cougar. I just thought we should consider the possibility.' He regarded her intently. 'I want you to stay alert, you got me? In the meantime, we have fence-line to inspect. So, let's get to it.'

  They didn't converse much after that. Leah kept an eye open for anything out of the ordinary. And, though the animals remained skittish, she couldn't determine what caused their strange behavior.

  A short time later Hunter stopped to examine a drooping length of barbed wire. 'This next section abuts Lyon Enterprises' property, doesn't it?' he asked, clearly annoyed with the condition of the fence.

  'From here onward,' she confirmed.

  'You're just asking for trouble, letting it fall into such a state of disrepair. One good shove and you'll have a week's worth of work combing Circle P hills for your herd. It gets top priority come Monday morning.'

  'What about Bull Jones?' she asked uneasily.

  A muscle tightened in his jaw. 'You let me worry about him. I don't expect it'll take long to reach an understanding.'

  By noon they'd almost finished their inspection. Riding over a low hill, they suddenly discovered the reason for their horses' agitation. The fence between the two ranches lay on the ground. And down a steep grade, on Lyon property, grazed Dieamseeker...with the Circle P mare he'd corralled.

  Hunter reined to a stop and shot Leah a sharp look. 'He's a stallion? That horse you were with yesterday morning?'

  She glanced at him in surprise. 'Didn't you notice?'

  'No, I didn't notice,' came the blunt retort. 'Because it wasn't the damned horse that caught my eye.'

  Then what...? Realization swiftly dawned, and color mounted her cheeks. Not what. Who. He'd been distracted by her.. .and the fact that she'd only been wearing a nightgown. Well, she couldn't help that. Nor did it change anything. 'I don't see what difference it makes whether or not he's a stallion '

  "There's a big difference,' he cut her off. 'Not many geldings I know are going to bust through a fence to get to a mare in heat. But you can count on a stallion doing it every time.' He shoved his hat to the back of his head, apparently debating his options.

  Leah didn't show any such hesitation. As far as she was concerned, only one option existed. Without giving thought to the consequences, she charged across the smashed fence and started after her stallion. Or she would have, if Hunter hadn't been quite so quick. He spurred his horse into action and blocked her path.

  'What the hell do you think you're doing?' he shouted, grabbing her horse's bridle and jerking her to a stop.

  As much as she wanted to fight his hold, she didn't dare risk injuring Ladyfinger's delicate mouth. 'What does it look like I'm doing?' she flashed back. 'I'm getting my horse. Let go, Hunter. We don't have much time.'

  He stared in disbelief. 'You can't be serious.'

  'I'm very serious.' Responding to her agitation, Ladyfinger attempted to rear, but a soft word and a gentle hand brought her under control. Leah spoke urgently. 'If Bull Jones finds Dreamseeker on his property, he'll shoot first and ask questions later. I have to get my horse out of there before that happens.' She gathered up the reins, prepared to rip free at the first opportunity.

  As though he sensed her intentions, his hold tightened on Ladyfinger's bridle, preventing any sudden movement on her part. 'You try and rope that animal and he'll kill

  you—which won't matter because I'll have killed you long before he has the chance.'

  'Hunter,' she interrupted, prepared to dismount and go after Dreamseeker on foot, 'we're wasting precious time.'

  'Tough. You have two choices,' he informed her. 'You can keep fighting me in which case that stallion will stay down there until hell freezes over. Or...'

  'Or?' she prompted impatiently.

  'Or you can do exactly what I say and we might get him out of there. But I'm telling you, Leah. You ever do anything as stupid as coming between a stallion and his mare and I won't be responsible for my actions.'

  'Not responsible...' Anger flared and she made no attempt to curb it. 'That's what you said about my running around in my nightgown! That's a pretty broad range you've got going there. Maybe you'd better tell me what other actions alleviate you of your responsibilities. Just so there won't be any doubt in my mind.'

  'Believe me, the second you commit one, you'll be the first to know.'

  She didn't miss the implication. He'd let her know in his own distinctive manner—and chances were excellent that it would involve another of those mind-splintering kisses. She opened her mouth to argue, and was instantly cut off.

  'Well? What's it going to be? My way or no way.'

  More than anything she wanted to tell him to go to hell. But one quick glance at Dreamseeker and she knew she didn't have any other choice. 'Your way,' she gave in grudgingly. 'How hard will it be to get him back?'

  'That depends on how long he's been down there with that mare. With any luck it's been all morning, and he's expended most of his.. .enthusiasm.'

  She eyed the seemingly placid animal. 'By the look of him I'd say he's expended plenty of enthusiasm/

  Hunter didn't appear as certain. 'We'll see. Tie Ladyfinger out of the way and stand by the fence. I'm going to rope the mare and try and bring her across. Dreamseeker will give chase. The second they're both on our property, you get that fence-line back up. If anything goes wrong, stand clear and don't interfere* Serious dark eyes held her with an implacable gaze. 'Got it?'

  'Got it.' Following his instructions, she tied her horse out of the way and stuck her fence tool and staples into her utility belt. Pulling on work-gloves, she took up a stance by the downed lines and gave him a nod. 'Ready when you are.'

  Jamming his hat low on his brow, he released his rope and slowly rode down the hill. He waited near the bottom. Not wanting to arouse Dreamseeker's territorial instincts, he kept his distance from the mare, and though Leah could barely contain her impatience she knew that Hunter hoped the stallion would make things easy and move off a ways, allowing for a clear shot at the mare. Everything considered, the throw would be a difficult one.

  Ten long minutes ticked by before an opportunity presented itself. Gently, he swung the rope overhead and tossed. Leah held her breath as it soared through the air...and landed directly on target. With a swiftness born of both experience and a strong desire to get the deed done before Dreamseeker caught wind of his intentions, Hunter dallied the rope around the horn and began to pull the mare up the hill.

  The trapped animal fought him, rearing and pawing the air. Dragging a horse in the exact opposite direction from where she wanted to go was bad enough, but having to do it up a hill made it near impossible. Leah could

  hear Hunter swearing beneath his breath, the sound of his saddle creaking and his horse blowing carrying to her as they inched their way towar
d Hampton property.

  About halfway up the hill Dreamseeker suddenly realized what they were about. With a shriek of outrage, the stallion gave chase. Hunter's buckskin didn't need any more encouragement than that. The sight of seventeen hundred pounds of rampaging stallion barreling straight for them apparently inspired the gelding to redouble his efforts. Even the mare seemed to lose her reluctance.

  All too quickly Dreamseeker reached them. Instead of attacking Hunter, the stallion nipped at the mare, who stopped fighting the rope and abruptly changed direction, charging up the hill, the stallion on her heels. It was all Hunter could do to get out of the way.

  'Leah, stand clear!' he shouted.

  Intent on regaining his own territory, Dreamseeker drove the frightened mare before him up the hill and on to Hampton property. As the horses stormed past Hunter released the rope and followed close behind.

  'Get that fence up fast, before he changes his mind,' Hunter bellowed over his shoulder, positioning himself between Leah and the threatening stallion. An agitated Dreamseeker milled nearby, clearly uncertain whether to challenge the intruders or escape with his prize. Hunter tensed, prepared for either eventuality.

  Not wasting a single second, Leah slammed staples into the post, securing the barbed wire. Not that it would stop Dreamseeker if he decided to head back to the Circle P. But maybe now that he'd successfully captured a mare and returned to his own domain he'd be less inclined to break through again. She cast an uneasy glance at her horse. At least, he wouldn't break through unless there were more mares to be had.

  With a shrill whinny, Dreamseeker finally chose to retreat. Racing away from them, he hustled the mare toward the far side of the pasture. Assured that the danger had passed, Hunter climbed off his buckskin and tied him to the fence.

  'Where's Ladyfinger?' he asked, freeing his fence tool from its holster.

  She spared him a quick look. * Broke the reins and took off. I guess she figured that Dreamseeker meant business and didn't want to get between him and whatever that business might be/

  He made a sound of impatience. 'You'll have to ride with me. Once we're done here, we'll head on in.'

  'Right.' She didn't dare say more, not until he'd had a chance to cool off. He joined her at the fence, helping to string wire and reinforce the posts. They worked side by side for several minutes before Leah thought to ask, 'What do we do about that mare?'

  'We aren't going to do anything. When she isn't such a bone of contention I'll cut her loose and return her to the Circle P.'

  Leah paused in her efforts. 'What about Bull Jones?'

  To her surprise a slight smile touched Hunter's mouth. 'I'll send him a bill for stud service.' He strung the final line of wire and glanced at her. 'Is that stallion saddle-broken?'

  She shook her head. 'Not yet, but '

  'He's wild?' Hunter didn't wait for her confirmation. 'He goes.'

  She straightened, wiping perspiration from her brow. 'You can't be serious!'

  Tm dead serious. He's dangerous and I won't risk your safety on a dangerous animal.'

  'Then you'll have to get rid of the bulls, the cows and every other critter around here,' she retorted in exas-

  peration. 'Because in the right circumstances any one of them could be considered dangerous, too/

  Tm not changing my mind/ he stated unequivocally, stamping the ground around a listing post.

  How could she explain Dreamseeker's importance? Hunter would never understand. She wasn't sure she understood. All she knew was that the stallion touched a need, fulfilled a fantasy of being unfettered and without responsibilities. Though part of her hoped some day to tame the wild beast, another part longed to allow the stallion his freedom—just as she longed to experience a similar freedom. It was an unrealistic dream, but she didn't care.

  Looking Hunter straight in the eye, Leah said, 'Don't do it. Please don't get rid of him. He means the world to me.'

  His expression turned grim and remote. 'Another hard luck case?'

  'In a way,' she admitted. 'I took him in when others might have put him down. I suspect he's been abused in the past, which would explain his skittishness.'

  Hunter leaned his forearms across the post, his plaid shirt pulled tight across his broad chest. A fine sheen of perspiration glinted in the hollow of his throat, and his thick ebony hair clung to his brow—a brow furrowed in displeasure. 'You're doing a poor job persuading me to let him stay. If anything, you've convinced me he's too dangerous. Besides, you used up all your favors yesterday, remember?'

  'I remember.' Having him give her employees a chance was still more important to her than any other consideration—even saving Dreamseeker. 'I'm not asking for another favor. I promised I wouldn't, and I won't.' She offered a crooked smile. 'But I'm willing to compromise.'

  'You're pushing it.'

  She nodded. 'I know. But it's important to me/

  He frowned, and she could sense his struggle between what common sense told him to do and granting her plea. Finally he nodded. 'One month. If I can break him, or at least put some manners on him, he can stay. But you keep clear in the meantime. Agreed?'

  Her smile widened. 'Agreed.'

  'That's the last time, Leah,' he warned. 'You've pushed me to the limit. Now, mount up.'

  'My horse...?' she reminded him.

  'I haven't forgotten. We'll ride double.'

  He crossed to his buckskin and untied the reins from the fence. Looking from Hunter to the horse, Leah caught her breath in dismay. With her clinging to his back like a limpet, dipping and swaying, rubbing and bumping all the way to the ranch, it would be a long ride home. She shivered.

  Real long.

  Leah began to ease from the bed the next day, as she had each of the other two mornings, but then remembered her promise to stay. With a tiny sigh she lay down again, and yanked the ?heet to her chin. Instantly Hunter caught hold of her, ripped the sheet free and tumbled her into a warm embrace.

  'Good morning, wife,' he muttered close to her ear.

  'Good morning,' she responded cautiously, waiting for him to pounce, to force himself on her. Considering her forty-eight-hour deadline had expired last night, he'd be well within his rights. Instead he enclosed her hair in a possessive fist and, dropping an arm across her waist, shut his eyes. His breathing deepened and she frowned. 'The sun's up,' she prompted, fighting nervous anticipation.

  'Uh-huh.'

  He nuzzled her cheek and she drew back. 'This is our time together, remember?'

  'I remember.'

  'Well?' She could hear the strain in her voice, but couldn't help it. She wanted to get whatever he had planned over and done with. 'You said this time together would make a difference. The only difference I've noticed is that I'm late starting my chores/

  He sighed, opening one eye. 'The chores can wait. Relax. You're stiff as a board/ He slid an arm around her hips and tucked her back against his chest, spoon-fashion. Resting his chin on top of her head, he said, 'Now just relax and talk to me/

  'Talk/ This wasn't quite what she'd expected when he'd made his demand. She'd suspected that he intended to... to do a whole lot more than talk. 'What should I talk about?'

  'Anything. Everything. Whatever comes to mind/

  'Okay,' she agreed, knowing she sounded stilted and uncomfortable. 'What are your plans for this morning?'

  'I'll start by working with Dreamseeker/

  'And.. .and the fence-line? The one that runs alongside of the Circle P?'

  'It gets fixed today/

  'You'll be careful?' She hesitated to mention her fears, but couldn't help herself. 'I don't trust Bull/

  'I'll take care of it/

  'It's just ' He brushed a length of hair from her

  brow and she realized that at some point during their conversation she'd rolled over to face him. And with the realization her words died away, and her earlier nervousness returned.

  He noticed. She suspected that his sharp, black-eyed gaze noticed everythi
ng. Gently, he cupped her cheek, his callused thumb stroking the corner of her mouth.

  TU take care of it,' he repeated, and kissed her warmly, deeply, sparking an instant response.

  She didn't reply—couldn't, in fact. He seemed to sense that, for he pressed his advantage, his kiss becoming more intense, more urgent. Sensing her capitulation, he pressed her into the mattress. Instantly her body reacted, softening as his hardened, moving in concert with his, shifting to accommodate his size and weight.

  Her nightgown provided no barrier at all. He unbuttoned the small pearl buttons that ran from neck to waist and swept the cotton from her shoulders. Drawing back, he gazed down at her, the early morning light playing across the taut, drawn lines of his face. Kneeling above her, he seemed like some bold conqueror of old, a bronzed warrior poised to take what he willed, and giving no quarter. Slowly, he reached for her, his black eyes burning like twin flames. His fists closed around her nightgown, and in one swift move he stripped it from her.

  Reacting instinctively, she fought to cover herself, the expression on his face frightening her. She shouldn't struggle. She knew she shouldn't, but sudden blind panic overrode all other thought and emotion.

  'No!' The tiny urgent whisper escaped before she could prevent it.

  * Don't fight me,' he demanded, trapping her beneath him and staring down with intense, passion-filled eyes. 'I won't hurt you. Dammit, Leah! You know how good it was between us, how good it can be again.'

  'I know, I know,' she moaned, a sob catching in her throat. 'I can't help it. It's not the same any more. I can't make myself feel what I did before just because we're married now... just because it's what you want.'

  'And you don't?' he bit out. His hand swept across the rigid peak of her breast. 'You're only fooling yourself

  if that's what you think. You can't deny your body's response to me.'

  'No, I can't.' The confession, raw and painful, was torn from her. How she wished she could open herself to his embrace and enjoy the momentary pleasure he offered, regardless of the consequences. But something instinctively held her back, making the gesture impossible. He'd taken so much already. She didn't dare allow him to take more. Not yet.