by Lily Graison
“Grace, go back into the house.” He shook his head, chuckled again and crossed to where she stood. “This isn’t a clean job. Trust me. You’ll not want to do even a seconds worth of work out here. Besides, I can do it. I have been for months now. There’s no reason for you to be out here.”
When she turned those violet eyes on him, he was lost. “You’re here. That’s reason enough for me.”
Damn. He was well and truly lost and he knew it. Smiling, he walked back across the barn, grabbed the extra pitchfork and carried it to where she stood, handing it to her. He went to the first stall, the one Jesse’s horse used, and swung the door wide.
Looking back at Grace, he nodded to the stall with his head. “Scoop it all up and put it in that bin,” he said, pointing to the rolling barrel they used to move the waste. “When you’re finished, you have to lay new straw before moving to the next stall.”
She nodded her head and walked past him into the stall as if it wasn’t ankle high in manure. The smell alone should have had her running but she leaned over, grabbed her first fork full and dropped half of it trying to get it into the bin, and keep going until a small section was cleared away.
Rafe watched her for long minutes, finally laughing and going back to what he was doing.
He spent the next half hour doing his own work and watching Grace. It took her twice as long to clean that one stall than it should have but she was nothing if not determined. When she’d cleaned out every lump and strand of filthy straw, she asked where the clean bedding was. He took her a new bale, cut the twin holding it together and left her to it.
The entire morning was spent mucking stalls, feeding the animals and watching Grace. He didn’t think she could amaze him more but every day showed him a new aspect to her character. She may look like a high society lady but deep down, she was as country as he was.
The thought made him wonder if maybe he’d been wrong about her. That maybe she was different than all the rest. That she would be content to live like this and not leave him. That what little he had would be enough for her.
As he watched her wipe a bead of sweat from her forehead, that small voice in the back of his mind whispered in agreement. Grace was different. She’d proved it many times over now.
And every time she proved him wrong, his admiration for her grew. As much as he’d loved Maggie and Katie, it paled to what he felt for Grace. Watching her, he knew he had the hardest decision of his life to make.
Did he risk his heart one last time? And if he did, how did he tell his brother he was going to marry the wife he’d sent away for?
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The next five days were the closest to perfect as any Grace ever experienced. She laid her head down at night on Rafe’s pillow, sighing in dreamy bliss as he again showed her carnal pleasure she couldn’t even imagine existed and woke every morning with her body tingling, alive, and well loved.
The man who showed himself the day the snow storm hit was still there, still showering her with love and attention, secret smiles and whispered words in the dark she never thought to hear, and her heart grew with love for him every time he looked at her.
Imagining the rest of her life like this was too fantastic to fathom. Rafe hadn’t asked for her hand yet, or even said he loved her, but she knew it was coming. It was just a matter of time.
As she did most days after the cleaning was done, Grace retired to the parlor, her sewing basket by the rocker next to the fire. She’d spent the last week mending Jesse and Rafe’s clothing, patching up rips and tears. She heard the back door open and close, the usual sound of Rafe washing up after tending the animals and the echo of his booted feet hitting the floor filled the house.
She smiled at him when he entered the parlor, watching him sit down on the sofa. He said nothing, but stared at her until she felt her face heat. She lowered the shirt in her hand and raised one eyebrow. “What?”
“Do you like it here?”
It was a strange question. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t like it. I’ve enough money to stay in town if I wished.”
He stared at her for long minutes before blowing out a long breath. “With Ben stealing most of the cattle, we’ll make next to nothing when we sell the remaining herd.” He glanced around the room, shook his head and looked back over at her. “The house repairs will have to wait and there won’t be money left for things not needed. And unless we get a proper garden started come spring, we’ll probably starve before next winter.”
Why was he telling her this? Her stomach quivered an instant before dread filled her. Was the man she was looking at the old Rafe? The one who only wanted to bed her? Was he trying to convince her to leave now?
Or was he trying to let her know what it would be like if she stayed?
Grace’s heart skipped a beat.
“I can’t give you what you had in Boston, Grace. If I had my entire herd back, I’d still never be able to give you what you had.”
His voice was pitched so low, she barely heard him over the crackle of the fireplace. “I gave up that sort of life when I got on the train in Boston. I knew things here would be different.”
“Yes, but you thought you were getting a rich rancher.” He laughed, the sound bitter. “And all you got was this.” He extended his hands and looked around the parlor again, shaking his head.
With her heart in her throat, she laid the shirt she’d been working on aside and crossed the room to him, stopping in front of him. He leaned forward, wrapped his arms around her and laid his forehead to her stomach. “You’ll hate me outside of a year, Grace.” He looked up, remorse shining in his eyes. “Everyone does.”
“I’m not everyone.” She laid her hand to his cheek. “And I could never hate you, Rafe Samuels.”
He didn’t look as if he believed her and she leaned down, kissing him, trying to show him how much he meant to her. He pulled her forward to tumble against him and with a rustle of fabric, she straddled his lap.
The kiss turned urgent and demanding, Rafe tugging at the ribbon holding her braid together until he loosened her hair, pulling the strands until they fell freely down her back.
She broke the kiss, unhooking the buttons on his shirt as he fumbled with those on her dress. She slid the material off her shoulders once all the buttons were undone, spent long minutes loosening the strings on her corset and untied her chemise. When she was free from the confining undergarments, the expression on Rafe’s face as he watched her was filled with silent expectation.
Bare from waist up, she placed a hand on the back of his head, arching her back and offering herself to him.
He wasted no time accepting.
His hands were under her skirts by the time he’d sucked one nipple into his mouth, pulling at the tie holding her bloomers closed. He slid them down her hips, wrapping one arm around her waist to lift her and continued tugging and pulling until she lifted one knee from the sofa to help him get them off. The entire time they struggled with her bloomers, he never broke contact with her breast but he released her now, leaned back and unhooked his pants, releasing his erection.
Grace looked her fill, the embarrassment she’d felt the first time she saw him like this gone. He was beautiful. His skin tanned a golden brown from years of working in the sun and the muscle that moved under his flesh seemed to dance just for her.
Small dark hairs swirled around his navel and joined those nestled around his cock and Grace reached down to touch him, watching his eyes close on a throaty groan.
She manipulated his flesh with her hand, raised her other to feel the texture of those tiny hairs on his belly and kept watching his face.
When his breathing increased, she released him, leaned up and slid onto his hardened length one tiny inch at a time, sucking in a quiet breath as he filled her.
The look of ecstasy on his face was one she’d never forget. He guided her hips into a slow, sensual rhythm, never taking his gaze from her face. Grace learned quickly what he wante
d and reached for his hands, pulling them from under her skirts and placed them on her breasts.
He fondled and sucked her taut nipples as she rode him, her hips rising and falling until they were both panting for breath. When she felt the first stirrings of sensation in her stomach signaling her release, she whispered his name and pulled his head up to kiss him.
His hold on her tightened, his hips rising to meet her own and long minutes later, they climaxed together, their cries echoing through the house.
They sat unmoving until their bodies cooled. Grace eventually sat up, and they spent silent minutes righting their clothing, Rafe helping with those tiny buttons on her dress before she stood and fixed her bloomers. She smiled when he climbed to his feet, wrapped her in his arms and leaned down to kiss her.
Grace sighing into his mouth. “I love you, Rafe.”
His body stilled, his gaze unmoving from her face. When he did nothing but stare at her, Grace wondered if she’d made a mistake in blurting out her declaration. Her cheeks heated and she broke eye contact with him and tried to pull way. His hold on her tightened.
“Say it again, Grace.”
She looked back up at him. The expression on his face was filled with doubt and Grace lifted a hand, trying to smooth away the lines marring his forehead. “I love you.” When his body relaxed against her, she kissed him, once again whispering, “I love you,” against his mouth and didn’t stop saying it until she was sure he believed her.
A glass shattered nearby, a yell so feral screeching across the room the hairs on Grace’s neck stood on end. She and Rafe both turned, a choked scream filling Grace’s throat as she saw Jesse standing at the entrance of the parlor, his face red, his eyes full of hatred.
Jesse jerked his hat off his head, the snow that had settled on the brim falling to the floor. “You son of a bitch. I told you she wasn’t for you!”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Rafe left Grace in the parlor, tears staining her cheeks. He grabbed his coat and hat, and exited the house to the sound of her crying. His heart broke all over again.
Jesse had run from the room after catching them kissing, his venomous screams piercing Rafe’s heart until he couldn’t breathe past it. As much as Jesse catching them unnerved him, he was just glad the boy hadn’t been ten minutes sooner in getting home.
The thought sent chills up his spine while that traitorous voice in the back of his head taunted him, telling him he should have never touched her. She was his brother’s wife. Not his.
The door to the barn was open and Rafe hurried inside, pulling the heavy wood closed behind him. Jesse was saddling his horse, his face red and tear streaked.
Rafe inhaled a deep breath. “Jesse…”
“I don’t want to hear a word you have to say, Rafe!” Jesse turned his back to him, tightening the saddle cinch before grabbing the bridle.
A hundred thoughts went through Rafe’s mind as he watched Jesse. And not one of those thoughts gave him any clear indication on what to say. What could he say? I love the woman you requested for your wife? I’m sorry but she loves me, too?
Either of those things seemed a bit cruel even though they were the truth.
He pulled his hat off, ran a hand through his hair and slammed the leather back onto his head, frustrated. “Damn it, Jesse, what do you want me to say.”
“Nothing. I already told you that.” Jesse turned, led the horse from the stall and glared at him. “I knew you was no good, Rafe. I knew it when I realized you’d left ma and pa to work this ranch all alone. They worked themselves to the grave trying to keep us fed and they’re both dead because you was off licking your wounds cause some girl didn’t want you. Well, guess what, big brother? You still ain’t wanted around here so you’re welcome to leave anytime now.”
Rafe blocked Jesse’s path and stood his ground. “I’m not going anywhere. Hate me all you like, Jesse, but I’m here to stay.”
“Fine then. I’ll leave.”
Rafe reached out to grab the horses bridle. “Not this time. We’ve been avoiding this fight for months now. Let’s just get it all out there, shall we?”
If possible, Jesse’s face turned a shade of red Rafe had never seen. The green of his eyes darkened, his jaw clenching as his body tensed. A vein throbbed in his throat and angry tears filled his eyes. “I hate you, Rafe. I wish you’d been the one who died.”
The words stung but they were exactly what he figured Jesse would say given the chance. Rafe nodded his head. “I figured as much. Anything else?”
“Yes. I want you to leave. I don’t need you here. I was doing just fine until you got here. I’m man enough to take care of myself.”
“Is that so?” Rafe leaned his weight on one leg and loosened his hold on the horse. “Do you have any idea how many of our cattle are left?” He waited for an answer even though he knew Jesse didn’t have one. “Ben claims to have a letter written by pa before he died giving him rights to this land. He purposely gave our birthright away because you weren’t old enough to handle it. The only reason you aren’t taking orders from Ben right now is because I’m here.”
“Oh, so I should be thankful you came home when you did? Is that what you’re saying?” Jesse laughed, the sound bitter and full of scorn. “You’re a liar, Rafe. Pa wouldn’t give Ben this ranch. You’re just saying that to make yourself look useful when we both know you ain’t. You ain’t needed here, or wanted, by no one. I can take care of myself. I got everything I need and once you leave, Grace won’t have no problem marrying me.”
“Jesse,” Rafe sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. “Grace isn’t going to marry you. I’ve told you this repeatedly.”
“Only because you’re here!” Spittle flew from Jesse’s mouth when he yelled. “When you’re gone, she’ll marry me, just like she said she would in her letter.”
The tears filling Jesse’s eyes broke Rafe’s heart. His brother still believed Grace was going to marry him. His next words would forever break what ever tentative bond he had with his brother. “She loves me, Jesse. I’m going to ask her to marry me and I know she’ll say yes.”
Jesse rushed at him so quickly, Rafe didn’t have time to brace himself. They both flew backwards, knocking into the feed bin, overturning it. Precious grain spilled onto the floor as Jesse’s screams filled the barn. The animals responded, kicking up a fuss, screeching as Jesse threw punches that Rafe let him have.
Rafe did nothing but block a few blows, letting Jesse do as he pleased, and a good fist to the side of his head dazed him enough that he didn’t hear Grace screaming at them. Jesse’s horse reared in the ruckus, his front hooves dancing in the air seconds before coming down with force. Rafe’s eyes widened when he saw her, Grace’s name yelled in the chaos, but it was too late.
The horse struck her. When she fell, blood spilled across her face and for the first time in his life, Rafe felt true fear. He pushed Jesse away and climbed to his feet, grabbing the horse as he tried to rear again. “Jesse! Move her away.”
It took precious long moments to get the horse to calm. Rafe tied his reins to the back stall fence and rushed back across the barn. Grace was cradled in Jesse lap, blood pouring from a gash in her head. All those blonde curls marred crimson and brown.
His heart was beating so fast, he didn’t know how he was still standing. Without saying a word, Rafe scooped Grace into his arms and ran to the house with her. He put her on his bed, propping her head on his pillow and hit his knees beside of her.
Jesse hit him on the arm and said his name three times before he finally looked away from her. He was holding a wet towel, his hand shaking. His face was no longer red, but ashen white, his eyes large and luminous.
Rafe took the towel, dabbing at the gash on Grace’s head and prayed under his breath she’d be all right. She moaned, trying to turn her head away from his hand, and the relief he should have felt never came.
The back door slammed a few moments later. He clenched his jaw, anger filling him as he l
ooked down at Grace’s slack features. Even though Jesse knew as much about doctoring as he did, it would have been nice to have someone burden the fear with him. Finding her half frozen in the snow was enough to take ten years off his life. This would probably do him in completely.
Pain spiked through Grace’s body and a scream caught in her throat. She arched her back, trying to get away from the burning sensation but she couldn’t move. Voices swam inside her head, calming words whispered near her ear. The pain receded only to come again and again but that voice came constant, gentle, soothing.
The pain eased, a cool touch chased the fire away and she sighed, sinking back into the softness. That voice was still there, along with another, and a warm, light stroke fluttered against her cheek.
When the voices stopped, that small touch on her cheek was felt again. Her name was whispered low, deep, and throaty by her head. She fluttered her eyes open and shut them again as the light caused her head to pound. “Rafe…”
“I’m here.”
Relief flooded her system at the sound of his voice. She tried opening her eyes again, blinking against the light. Her vision was blurry but it cleared after a few moments.
Rafe was sitting beside the bed, her hand held between his own. He looked haggard, his clothes disheveled, eyes bloodshot, and if she wasn’t mistaken, there was a bruise on his jaw and his right eye looked a bit puffy. “What happened?”
“The horse kicked you in the head.” His voice crack a bit as he told her. He smiled but she could tell it was forced. “The new doctor stitched you up and said you should be okay.”
“The doctor is here?”
Rafe nodded. “Jesse rode to fetch him.”
“I didn’t know he’d arrived in town yet.”
“He came in on the stagecoach the day the blizzard hit.”
A man walked into the room then and Grace assumed it was the new doctor everyone in Willow Creek had been impatiently waiting on. He was tall, strongly built and had a kind smile. When he approached the side of the bed, Rafe stood and backed away.