Untamed Hearts

by Colleen O'Connell

  “After our argument earlier, I’m surprised you didn’t risk your reputation rather than allow anyone to believe you were my wife.”

  “As long as it’s only a belief.” By his attitude, he obviously wasn’t going to recant his words, and she obviously felt no reason to apologize. They didn’t speak for the rest of the evening. Preparing for bed, Taryn noticed their emotions fed their actions. Bed boards slammed in place, with their pillows thrown down with a glare for the other. She tried to ignore other passengers in the boxcar jumping at the noise, exchanging curious glances before settling down to a night’s rest. Lying down, she tugged her portion of the blanket over herself before presenting her back to him.

  The silence of evening enhanced as the hours passed. The lulling of the iron wheels on the tracks the only sound as the westbound passengers slept. Jared felt something on his arm and woke to discover Taryn rolled over in her sleep. Her head rested on his forearm. She moved, and her arm stretched out over his chest. Groggily, she awoke to see what encumbrance her arm fell upon. He smiled, his gaze warming at the sight of her.

  Her own unconscious actions shocked her. She bolted up and away from him, her face burning with the heat of a blush.

  “Does this mean you apologize?” A corner of his mouth turned up. “Shall we kiss to make it official?”

  “I apologize!” She struggled holding back the fury simmering out of the haze of sleep. “I have nothing to be sorry for.” Horrified of how outrageously close she had been to him, she gulped in a breath. “It’s you who should be apologizing to me.” She straightened the high collar of her traveling garment with a nervous hand. “You’re sadly mistaken if you think I’d ever allow you to kiss me again.”

  He leaned closer, grasping her by the shoulders. Turning his body, he laid her back against the board.

  She flattened her palms against his chest, striving to force him away, but unable to accomplish it.

  “You’re going to allow me to kiss you, Taryn,” he whispered, his face above hers. “You’re not only going to allow it, you’re going to enjoy it.”

  She opened her mouth to make her denials, but he prevented it by seizing her mouth with his. The pressure of his mouth lightened and his demanding kiss turned to tenderness. He kissed her with short, teasing kisses, lifting his mouth from hers only long enough to allow her a breath, coaxing her.

  She gaped, her heart thumping. His behavior was so uncivilized, so positively masculine.

  He placed the palms of his hands on each side of her head, gently caressing her jaw with his thumbs while he studied her face. Taryn visualized her mother bolting upright in her bed at this very moment. Her mother always knew when she did something considered inappropriate.

  He lowered his head with his mouth poised over hers, waiting. She lifted her chin, her gaze softening. Gently, he covered her mouth with his, his tongue entering, and exploring the tender skin within.

  Aghast, she felt the invasion of his tongue into her mouth. No one ever kissed her in such a fashion. She didn’t know anyone could kiss with such possession. His tongue circled hers, and she felt a strange longing. Caught up in her own curiosity and the melting warmth his kiss evoked, instead of pushing him away, she slipped her arms around his shoulders linking her hands about his neck.

  He felt her resistance fade, and when her tongue tentatively began exploring his mouth, he found the command over his desire shatter. His fingers entwined in her burnished locks, reveling in the softness of her hair. He pulled back to look into her eyes. They were both breathing erratically. The warm light in her eyes held his gaze. He brushed his thumb across the rosy hue of her cheek. His body demanded more, but the surroundings prevented it. In addition, he needed her to want it with equal fervor and she wasn’t ready yet. Willing his body to relax, he kissed her lightly at the corner of her mouth. “Truce?”

  She nodded in agreement. “Truce.”

  He rolled away from her and back to his side of the makeshift bed. Their gazes met in silence, each considering the emotion overtaking them. As the silence lingered, it seemed harder to voice their thoughts. A thoughtful smile rested upon her face. No one ever kissed her the way Jared did. Even her fiancé, Brad. Her heart still pounded in response to Jared’s passion. If the man could leave her breathless by simply kissing her, what would happen if he…? She blushed, leaving her thought unfinished. She’d only met the man, and already she imagined forbidden things married couples shared in the privacy of their bedroom. Betrothed to Brad Thompson for a year, she never once pined for the time when they would be intimate. Jared not only made her pine for such things, but he also caused her to consider it without the benefit of marriage!

  Chapter Three

  Feeling the warmth of the sun’s rays upon her cheeks, Taryn woke the next morning to the sun rising. The gentle swaying of the train’s motion on the tracks afforded her a tranquil awareness of her surroundings. The awe-inspiring brilliance of the sun appeared all the grander on the open plains. The peaceful setting of the untamed land the locomotive forged across created a splendid backdrop. The land had been solely Indian Territory prior to the trail blazing of the pioneers and wagon trains initiating the discovery of the unexplored terrain. The locomotive now linked east to west. Emigrants headed by the thousands to conquer the new territory. Now, she was one of those emigrants. Pensively, she pondered what might be lost with the advance of progress.

  “Good morning.”

  Jared’s husky voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned to see him observing her. Her heart thumped at an accelerated rate. After the previous night’s episode, she felt extremely self-conscious. “Good morning.”

  He returned her smile, unable to remove his gaze from her. Her hair was in disarray, her eyes were still showing signs of sleep, and yet she was adorable. He came to the realization he could watch her endlessly without once losing interest.

  “You’re staring at me again.”

  He smiled. “Yes, I am.” He bent his head, kissing her lightly on the mouth.

  She hadn’t expected the kiss, and the feeling of her heart pounding against her chest made it difficult to breathe. His words warmed her, his penetrating gaze making her self-conscious. She reached up to smooth her hair into place. She couldn’t possibly look good so early in the morning. Nevertheless, his heady gaze gave her a wonderful fluttery sensation. She smiled, spellbound by his clear blue eyes. “Am I still too beautiful for my own good?”

  Leaning into her, he tweaked her chin. “I think you’re too beautiful for my good.”

  Their breakfast fare remained consistent from the day before. Of all the meals, the morning’s repast became the most enjoyable. The majority of the passengers in the car sat on their bed of boards engaging in pleasant conversation. It proved the most relaxing meal of the day and one of the highlights of the trip she would long remember.

  “Jared,” she ventured, reverting to his first name. No sense being formal any longer. They’d shared kisses. “I know you must think I ask too many questions, but my curiosity is very hard to suppress.”

  “You have another question.”

  She sat forward, nodding. “I’m wondering where you’re bound.”

  “Sacramento.”

  His answer made her glad. He didn’t elaborate, yet it gave her a strange feeling of inner happiness. “So am I!” He didn’t reply. He gave no sign he cared one way or another what plans she held. “Don’t you have any questions for me?” Did the man have no sense of curiosity?

  After a moment, he nodded. “With no intention of riling you, I’d like to know what you’re doing traveling alone.”

  For as odd as she found his lack of questions, she didn’t care for his initial choice. In reaction, she wanted to spout off some biting retort, but he perceived her well. She swallowed her temper before responding. “I am determined to go west alone.”

  “Your parents were in agreement to your making the journey alone?”

  His tone expressed mild disapproval. “
No, but I can be very stubborn once I’ve made up my mind. When I left Chicago, I left them a note.”

  He nodded, not finding it difficult to believe.

  “I wanted to do something on my own, if only once so one day I can look back and feel a sense of accomplishment. I’m sure to someone like you, it doesn’t sound like much, but it is to me. When you’re prohibited from doing things you want simply because it’s not considered your place, it makes me want it all the more.”

  His gaze suggested a new-founded respect. “Is that the only reason you left Chicago?”

  Her gaze snapped over to his. She felt a strange rush of relief for removing Brad’s engagement ring before Jared noticed it. “Of course. What other reason would there be?” She hoped her facial expression appeared nonchalant.

  He shrugged. Leaning back against the seat, he studied the way her fingers nervously toyed with the pleat of her gown. She halted the movement. “Do you plan to live in Sacramento?”

  “I’m only visiting. I’m going to stay at my aunt and uncle’s ranch. They have a prosperous cattle business. I’m so excited about going. I don’t care if there’s nothing to do but milk cows.”

  For every image he held of her, milking dairy cows wasn’t one of them. His parents were ranchers in Mississippi where he’d grown up. His mother died too young, the life having drained out of her long before the shadow of death arrived. His father died two years after his mother, a victim of a stampede. Years of nothing but struggle for both of them and for what? So they could be buried in the dust of the land they called their own? Perhaps it was his parents’ destiny, but he did not want to see this young girl follow their path. He saw her among fine things, not toiling for a daily meal, and deemed worthy only for the sons she could produce to till the land. She deserved more. Again, he questioned his own concern in the matter. He glanced in her direction. She continued to explain what awaited her in Sacramento.

  “…and my aunt wants to see me married. Like my mother, she thinks I should have a husband already.”

  He smiled. “What do you think?”

  “I think I enjoy my independence.” She paused, feeling a blush touching her cheeks. “I’m talking entirely too much, aren’t I?”

  Yes, but somehow it didn’t matter. Amazingly, he didn’t mind. Normally, he would tell someone chattering away in not so subtle terms to pipe down. He assumed her excitement caused the ceaseless chatter. Her enthusiasm burst through her words. Her infectious excitement for something as mundane and weary as travel captivated him. It was nice to know there were still people untouched by life. No, strangely he didn’t mind her carrying on. Her smile lit up her face. Any faults she possessed were unimportant.

  “What of you? Do you have a wife somewhere?”

  “Not to my knowledge.” A grin stole across his face.

  “How nice,” she blurted out before she could stop herself. She sounded positively relieved! His grin widened. She felt an embarrassing blush crawl up her neck to her face. He leaned toward her, tilted her chin up, and drew her nearer. He prolonged the kiss, his actions unhurried. She didn’t resist him.

  “Oh, I knew you two would resolve your differences. It’s delightful!”

  The spell broken, they turned simultaneously to see Etta Briggs.

  “May I join you?”

  Removing the boards and stowing them away, Jared moved over to sit next to Taryn, gesturing for Etta to sit across from them.

  “I haven’t had the opportunity to sit and chat with you two together,” Etta began, settling herself in her seat. “I’ve come to remedy my oversight.” She took a sip of the coffee she brought with her.

  The morning hours passed quickly as conversation, led by Etta, occupied them. The woman retained a mental list of all the people she’d met aboard the train. Her face expressed mild surprise they didn’t know any of them. Listening to her, Taryn wondered if there was anyone aboard Etta didn’t know.

  Etta sipped her coffee. “So how did you two meet each other?”

  Taryn couldn’t think of a response remembering the woman believed they were married.

  “You might say I turned a corner and my wife walked into my arms, as well as my life,” Jared supplied, taking her hand in his and raising it to his lips.

  Her head jerked around at his answer, and she threw him a warning look in reference to the liberties he seized. He graced her with a deep smile, gently squeezing her hand imprisoned in his. He had the shocking audacity to rest her palm upon his thigh. She could only grit through a smile of her own for the benefit of Etta. She longed to pull her hand from his, but didn’t, knowing it would look odd. Her palm flat against his thigh, she could feel the warm strength of hard muscle. He turned her hand, and his thumb lightly brushed her palm. Tiny sparks of feeling coursed up the entire length of her arm to the beat of her heart by the simple movement. His lightest touch made her nerves quiver causing other forbidden thoughts to filter through her imagination.

  She concentrated on Etta volunteering how she and her husband met but found it impossible. His thumb moved from the palm of her hand to the inside of her wrist. The jolt of electricity shot up her arm making her jump in her seat. Only with the greatest of control did she manage to appear calm.

  While Etta continued her story of meeting “her Bill,” Taryn finally extracted her hand from Jared’s in what she hoped relayed a natural movement.

  “When my Bill passed on a little over a year ago, I assumed nothing would bring me joy,” she continued. “Each passing day became longer. Well,” she said, expelling her breath as she leaned against the seatback, “after a year, I knew if I didn’t do something, I wouldn’t be long in following Bill to the hereafter.” Etta’s voice held an emphatic tone as she provided clarification. “I don’t want you to think I fear death for it isn’t so. I simply do not intend to enjoy the hereafter until I have fully savored the here and now! I decided to journey west. Of course, your reasons are obvious. Beginning your life together in new surroundings is so ideal. Considering all the wide-open space and opportunities the West presents, it should prove a delightful place to raise children.”

  Jared glanced over at Taryn, flashing a devilish grin only she fully understood.

  A blush burned her face and she felt her blood surge through her veins. She steadfastly vowed the thought of having children caused the heat, not the idea of Jared fathering them. Her conviction withered under his stare. She tore her gaze away from his compelling eyes and turned to Etta. The course of the conversation overwhelmed her. At first married, now the woman saw them with numerous offspring. “Children are a distant consideration at the moment.”

  “But a thought definitely worth pursuing.” Jared gently pushed a lock of her hair back over her shoulder, his fingers lightly caressing her ear as he did so.

  She inhaled her breath, the slight contact sending shivers through her. He was enjoying himself immensely, wasn’t he?

  After Etta left them, the remainder of the afternoon was uneventful. Taryn stared out the window, attempting to unravel her feelings concerning him while she perused the passing scenery. They passed Granite Canyon slowly winding their way to Dale Creek Bridge. Wyoming territory. She admired the view as the train wended its way through the Black Hills toward Utah. Yet the impressive scenery could not block out the image of Jared from her mind.

  The Pacific Express pulled into a station for the scheduled evening meal. Eager to get off the train, her legs ached, and she felt in strong need of fresh air. With bonnet in hand, she stepped from the train, examining the hat in distaste. After a few days, the now wilted bonnet carried a thick film of dust over its surface. She purchased it expressly for the journey. Crisp and new, its jaunty tilt made her feel sophisticated. The now drooping appearance was one of an age-old garment ready for discarding. Sighing heavily, she placed it on her head tying the limp ribbons to the side of her jaw. She struggled to rid herself of the dust permeating her gown by brushing her hands against the skirt.

  Jar
ed stepped down from the train and noticed Taryn’s expression. “Makes you feel as if you’ve been rolling in it, doesn’t it?” He slapped his wide-brimmed hat against his thigh before placing it on his head. “The meal will probably taste like dust as well.” They walked toward the station’s dining hall.

  She smiled, finding it increasingly difficult to hold onto her exasperation of his earlier liberties when he exuded his charm.

  Thoughts of the previous night were not far from her mind as they prepared for bed in the evening. She warned herself to think of something else, or more appropriately, someone else. Yes, think of Brad. A casual glance at Jared and her mind rebelled. Since removing her engagement ring, she refrained from putting it back on. She didn’t know exactly why she felt the desire to remove it in the first place. It should be on her hand instead of tucked away in her valise.

  Jared couldn’t keep his thoughts in check. In three days, they would arrive in Sacramento. The trip would be over, and so would the unsettling feelings he experienced being so close to Taryn without having her. She would go her way, and he would go his. She would continue to her uncle’s ranch, and he would reunite with his brother.

  Readjusting himself in the seat, he stretched his legs against the opposite seat, cursing in aggravation. He’d endured enough of the sleeping conditions. With the exception of Taryn being by his side, he couldn’t remember a more hellish arrangement. The following day they would be in Ogden where they would transfer trains to the Central Pacific to continue onto Sacramento. He determined the final leg of their journey would provide them better accommodations than the cramped quarters they’d tolerated.

  When the Pacific Express came to the end of its destiny in Ogden, Utah, all passengers disembarked in weary relief. Dropping his baggage, he paused on the platform. Taryn released her hold of her own baggage to brush her arms and skirt once more in an attempt to part with the dust coating her indigo gown. Wrinkling her nose, she vowed to dispose of the garment once the journey concluded. She took a deep breath. The heat in the boxcars was unbearably stifling. Although the heat outdoors was little better, at least the air was fresh.