“If you don’t, I will. I won’t allow her to terrorize you.” His forefinger left her jawline to caress her cheek. For a brief and wild moment, it seemed as if he was about to kiss her right there in the open.
“You do enough of that,” she vowed, glaring at him as she came to her senses. Why did he have his hypnotic effect over her?
“I don’t mean to, Cal. You just have a way of provoking me to mischief. It isn’t smart for us to quarrel in front of her. I know we met in a crazy way; but if you’ll give yourself a chance to get to know me, I’m not as terrible as you think. How about a pardon?”
“What about our ride?” she reminded him, dropping the subject.
“Let’s go,” he took her defensive hint.
Lynx was amused when she insisted on saddling her own horse. They mounted up and rode off, heading toward some nearby foothills. Lynx waited near a bluff for Calinda to catch up with him. “It’s lovely, Lynx; how can you bear to leave it so often?” For a girl who had been drilled in the social graces, she felt so unsure with him. She didn’t know how to behave or how to converse with this unpredictable man.
She observed his warm gaze as it seemed to proudly caress the landscape. “The Cardone Ranch stretches as far as you can see in all directions, Cal. It’s one of the largest and most successful spreads in the state. One day, it will all be mine,” he added absently.
“You love this place, don’t you?” she inquired.
“I helped steal it from the wilderness. I’ve got sweat, blood, and tears on nearly every acre. Look over there,” he pointed to a dark splotch on the grassland. “That’s some of the best cattle anywhere.”
For the next few hours, they trotted or raced over the countryside. Lynx showed her lovely meadows, peaceful streams, cool clusters of trees, line-shacks, rolling hills, deep gullies, arroyos, and large spans of grasses and wildflowers which she had all seen before. But she viewed it differently under his guiding hand and descriptions. As they watered their horses in a sparkling pond, Lynx directed her attention to a lofty hill. “If I had been the first owner of this spread, I would have built the ranch-house there. You can see the sunrise and sunset, and you could look down on what you built and lived for.”
He sat down and reclined, propping on his elbows and crossing his ankles. He removed his hat and fluffed his damp hair. He inhaled the freshness and sweet odors wafting on the breeze. He lay down and closed his eyes, relaxing. Lynx had never been more aware of how much he loved this ranch, of how ready and eager he was to come home.
Calinda assumed he was permitting the horses to cool and rest. She sat down near Lynx on the plush grass. It was very warm, so she removed her boots, planting her bare feet near her buttocks. She crossed her arms, rested them on her knees, then placed her chin on them. She watched the horses drink, then munch on grass near their hooves. She also inhaled the sweet aromas of blended nature. She was pleasantly fatigued and calmed. In this serene setting, she didn’t feel threatened by anything or anyone, including her fiery passion for Lynx.
“Why don’t you lie back and relax, Cal?” he suggested.
Without even thinking twice, she did. Closing her eyes, Calinda felt like a cloud drifting peacefully. When she opened her eyes later, Lynx was propped on his side, watching her. Their gazes fused. It seemed an eternity before Lynx bent over and kissed her.
After the heady kiss, Lynx caught her shoulders as he asked, “Why did you really come here, Cal? What do you want from us?”
Calinda assumed he was referring to their first meeting. “I told you everything, Lynx. What happened between us at the saloon wasn’t entirely your fault. I’m not here seeking vengeance or chasing after you. I swear I didn’t know about you. Why don’t you trust me?”
“You and your story are too good to be true,” he confessed.
“But they are true, Lynx,” she argued, missing his real point.
Lynx’s grip tightened unknowingly as he pressed, “Swear you’re telling the truth, Callie. Swear our meeting was only a coincidence.”
“You’re hurting me,” she cried out, wincing in discomfort.
“Swear it,” he insisted, loosening his hold. “You know the odds against Calinda Braxton winding up senseless in Lynx Cardone’s bed.”
“I swear it,” she vowed, although she felt he wouldn’t harm her if she refused. Was it his male pride, that survival instinct? He was afraid it was all a trick? “What happened with my father, Lynx?”
Lynx moved to get up. “Let’s go; it’s getting late.”
Calinda grabbed his shoulder, causing him to topple against her. “Tell me the truth. Why did he leave the Cardone Ranch?”
“I can’t say. You’ll have to ask him, if you ever find him.”
“Do you know where he went? Where he is?”
“No,” he replied, a strange coldness filling his eyes.
“Swear it,” she used his previous demand.
“I swear it,” he replied honestly. “Brax and I were close friends. He didn’t tell me he was leaving and I don’t know where he went. He never wrote and told you anything about his plans?”
“For the last five years, I didn’t receive any word from him. His letters were always few and sketchy until mother died. He told my relatives it was too wild and dangerous for a child out here. He persuaded them to keep me in school there. He promised he would send for me after it was over. He never came. I know very little about him. What was he like?”
“Then why did you come this far searching for him?”
Calinda explained about the Simpsons again. “I just don’t understand him or what happened, Lynx. Isn’t there anything you can tell me?” she pleaded. “Is my father the reason you don’t trust me?”
“Do you trust the Simpsons? Do you think they might have kept some letters from you?” he speculated, dodging her questions.
“It’s possible. But if they knew he wasn’t here, why would they send me to join him? If they knew where he had moved to, wouldn’t they tell me? Unless…” She became pensive.
“There you go halting again. Unless, what?” he probed.
“Unless he was sending money all along. If they were keeping the money, they couldn’t tell me about his letters. If he mentioned he was leaving here without telling anyone, they might assume I’d never locate him to discover their deceptions.”
“Were they capable of such plots?” he asked, needing to know if there was a letter telling about the past, or just as importantly Brax’s new location. Perhaps the Simpsons allowed her to come here because they knew the truth. Perhaps they intended to let her settle in and then make demands on her new wealth as repayment for their care and support. He would warn his father to watch for any mail to Calinda from the Simpsons, or a visit by any English strangers.
“I hate to admit it, but I wouldn’t doubt it. They were awful people. I’m glad to be free. But I never expected to walk into a den of cutthroats and thieves. I honestly thought my father was here.”
“Were they cruel to you?” he demanded, annoyed at that idea.
“Not physically. They were pressuring me to marry some rich man so they could entice money from him to pay their debts. They lost all feeling and concern for me when I refused. I might have been raised like the English, but I deplore arranged marriages. Why should I ruin my life to help them out of a dilemma which they created?”
That told Lynx they probably didn’t know anything. Her explanation also told him why she was so eager and desperate to flee them. “I’m sorry you came all this way for nothing, Cal. I wish I knew where Brax is; I honestly don’t.”
She smiled unexpectedly and confessed, “I’m not sorry. I’ve been freer and happier here these last few weeks than I was there for years. I have Rankin to thank.”
“You’re very fond of him, aren’t you?”
“Yes, he’s a very special man. You’re lucky to have such a father, Lynx. I hope you realize it and appreciate him.”
“You’ve missed having your
parents and a home, haven’t you?”
“Yes, especially on holidays. After Mama died, the Simpsons always made me feel so left out. They constantly harped on my father’s foul deeds. I wanted to prove them wrong, but I guess I can’t. You’re fortunate to belong in a special place; I’m envious.”
Lynx turned his head to listen to a muffled noise in the distance. “What is it?” Calinda asked, noting the echoing sound of a bell.
“Dinner time. Father is calling us home. We rarely use that bell anymore. My mother used to…”
He jumped up and bent over to take her hand to pull her to her feet. “Supper’s getting cold, Miss Braxton.”
He guided her to her horse and was about to give her a hand up. Warmed by his charming and sensitive face, she flashed him a smile and said, “I can manage. Thanks.”
“I’m sure you can,” he jested, then agilely mounted.
He leaned over and gripped her saddle-horn, grinning into her face. “Want to race me home? Winner chooses a prize?”
“No way, Lynx Cardone. I doubt any horse can beat yours. In fact, I doubt you would make any wager you weren’t certain of winning. Now if I can race Star, you’re on,” she counter-challenged.
“Sorry, love, but Star doesn’t allow anyone but me on his back.”
His hand went behind her head and pulled it to his, sealing their lips for a breath-stealing kiss. When he straightened in his saddle, he laughed and said, “I reckon I deserve a reward for being good.”
He flicked his reins and his horse galloped for home. Calinda laughed softly before speeding off after him. Lynx Cardone was proving to be a complex man, a man of many pleasing facets and emotions.
After dinner, Lynx took Calinda for another walk. They headed toward the bunkhouse where some of the men were sitting on the porch playing music. Calinda listened to the joyful sounds while Lynx joked and chatted with several men, allowing her another insight to him.
“Want to dance?” he asked, grinning and taking her hand.
“Here?” she debated, fearing contact with that hard frame.
“Why not?” he playfully reasoned, eyes glowing appreciatively.
“I’d feel silly,” she argued, but he swept her into his arms and whirled her around, his merry laughter stirring her blood. He was an excellent dancer, but she should have known Lynx could do anything.
After the lengthy song ended, the cowhands clapped and howled. Lynx thanked them and led Calinda back toward the house, winded and unsettled. As they neared the stone fence, he plucked a wild yellow rose and handed it to her. He left her at the door, saying he was going for a late ride, sounding as if he needed solitude.
Calinda went inside, miffed he hadn’t asked her to go along. Surely he wasn’t going to call on some rancher’s daughter? Instead of heading for her room, Calinda changed her mind and went to the water shed to take a cool bath. The shed was a wooden structure about eight by eight square, located near the back fence. There were tubs for washing and rinsing clothes, and a very large one for bathing dusty bodies. Soap and linens were always there, and it was simpler to bathe here than to carry endless buckets of water to one’s room. The water tower was nearby, supplying all the fresh water one needed, warmed by the day’s sun. If it was winter, there was a wood stove for heating it.
Calinda latched the door. She walked to the over-sized tub which reminded her of an immense keg without a cover. She took the huge cork and plugged the hole which allowed the tub to empty itself through a small trough behind it. She enjoyed this cask-like tub which was roomy enough for two people and even had a seat on one side. She pulled the cord and allowed it to fill with tepid water. She stripped and immersed herself, relaxing carefree for a time. She took scented soap and lathered up from head to waist. She dipped over and over to rinse. She stood up and scrubbed her tingly flesh from the waist down. Afterwards she sat on the wooden seat and pulled the cord to thoroughly rinse her hair. Her head was leaning backwards and her eyes were closed as she allowed the water to splash over her long tresses.
“Need me to hold that rope for you?” Lynx asked.
Startled, her eyes and mouth flew open. Calinda hadn’t released the cord, causing water to gush into them. She jerked aside, coughing and gagging, letting the cord free, wiping her eyes. “How dare you come in here!” she ranted at the chuckling man, folding her arms over her bare and wet chest, sinking to her neck in the water.
“I thought the latch was hung up, Cal. I didn’t realize anyone would be in here this late. Did you need a cold bath?” he helplessly teased, his gaze taking in her face and upper body before she protectively sank behind the edge of the deep tub, leaving only her neck and head in view. Her cheeks were colorful and her eyes were stormy.
“Then why didn’t you show some manners and leave when you found it occupied?” she panted in distress.
Lynx grinned, then negligently leaned against the wall. “Need any help? I’m good at scrubbing backs.”
“I’m positive you’ve had plenty of practice, but no thanks. I thought you were going riding,” she reminded him nervously.
“Changed my mind. Thought I’d enjoy a relaxing bath more. Seems you had the same idea. Care if I join you?” he murmured huskily.
“Don’t you dare, Lynx Cardone,” she shrieked in panic. Lynx was a man who did as he pleased, and Calinda feared he might just take advantage of this heady situation. It was so difficult to think clearly when he was this close. At times, he was so magnetic, playful, attentive, and romantic. Other times, he was cool, insolent, and cynical. Calinda never knew what mood or behavior to expect from him.
Laughter came forth. “Be quiet,” she warned, “Someone might hear you. What about that pardon you wanted?”
Lynx strolled forward. A few steps and a low platform had been constructed beside the tub to assist entrances and exits. Lynx sat down, the rim of the tub striking him at heart level. “Then I suggest we whisper. We certainly don’t want anyone to learn our little secrets,” he boldly teased, as if he had no intention of leaving soon. He propped his elbow on the edge of the tub, then rested his chin on his balled fist. He realized just how tempting, pleasing, and stirring she was.
To conceal her body, Calinda was given no choice but to snuggle against the edge of the tub, her chin resting on the rim to deny his softened gaze a clear view of anything, placing her in dangerously close proximity with him. “You’re a devil, Lynx Cardone.”
He chuckled softly and winked at her. His fingers grazed her scarlet cheek as he moved wet curls from her upturned face. As he shifted the heavy tresses to her back, his fingers made disturbing contact with her moist shoulder, then slipped down her back as he asked, “Sure you don’t need any help? You can return the favor.”
He was leaning forward, his face much too close to hers. “Please leave so I can dress,” she entreated, her gaze locked on his face.
The cuff of his shirt was soaked as his fingers traced her spine. “You really know how to spoil a lonesome cowboy’s fun. I’m enjoying the view. Never had a chance to share a lady’s bath.”
“Well, you’re not sharing this lady’s,” she informed him. His touch and nearness were intimidating, but she dared not move.
“You’re much too modest, Cal. After all, we have slept together. You don’t have anything to hide from me.”
“I didn’t sleep with you; you slept with me,” she disputed.
“Is there a difference?” he taunted, tracing her collarbone.
“Yes, a big one,” she declared, nettled by his smug poise. He was thoroughly enjoying himself.
“How so, Callie?” he pressed mirthfully, covering her cold hands with his warm ones, leaning so close his breath touched her face.
“The end result was just as delightful.”
“Please go away,” she rashly cried. “I was distraught that night. I didn’t know what I was saying or doing.”
“You look rather distressed right now. Why?”
“You know why. You’re em
barrassing me,” she accused.
“Surely you’re not afraid I’m going to try to kiss you or seduce you? Why, Calinda Braxton, how could you think such insults?”
“Because you deserve them, Lynx Cardone. I don’t trust you for a minute. You’re always trying to disarm me. Stop teasing me, you rake. Didn’t your father teach you any manners?”
“Guess I wasn’t around long enough. You interested in giving me some lessons?” he mischievously inquired.
“You don’t need lessons in anything. It must be nice to be perfect. But it certainly gives one a swollen head and vexing personality. Evidently I’m your only mistake.”
“I didn’t realize you possessed such a high opinion of me. I guess that means I’ll have to live up to it, much as I’ll hate myself for doing it. Chivalry is damned expensive.” He stood up and shrugged. “Shall I wait outside, or do you intend to play a while longer?”
“I won’t be much longer,” she said, watching his departure.
She eyed the closed door, then hesitated before leaving the water. She hurriedly dried off and struggled into her clothes, wrapping a thick cloth around her wet hair. When she couldn’t dislodge the cork, she called Lynx to help her. “It’s stuck.”
“I’ll take care of it. You go inside and work on that hair if you don’t want to turn in with a wet head,” he politely offered.
“Thanks, Lynx,” she murmured softly.
“Callie?” he called out as she started to leave.
She turned and responded, “Yes, Lynx?”
“Don’t I get a goodnight kiss for being so helpful and courteous?”
Feeling protected by her clothing, Calinda smiled and placed a brief kiss on his cheek. “Thanks, and goodnight.”
“That wasn’t a kiss,” he mocked, pulling her into his arms.
“It wasn’t?” she daringly taunted.
“This is a kiss,” he said, closing his mouth over hers.
Calinda’s arms were trapped between them. If not, they would have eased around his narrow waist. Yet, her lips eagerly surrendered to his exploratory ones. His embrace tightened; his mouth refused to leave hers. The kiss became demanding and urgent, as did his passion. He removed the covering on her hair as his lips covered her face and roamed to her ears and throat.
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