Heidi sighed. “I don’t think I can walk.”
“Are you sore?” He frowned as he ran his hand up her arm.
She shook her head. “No. Well, maybe a little, but my legs feel like rubber.” She giggled and raised one leg, then dropped it down. “See?”
Michael wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her fully on top of him. The waves of her hair fell over them like a curtain of blonde wavy silk.
“I’d much rather undress you, but I’ll be a gentleman and help you dress.” He kissed the tip of her turned-up nose. “Wait here for a minute.”
He rose and padded across the room, where he dipped a cloth into the bowl of water sitting on his dresser, and brought it to her. Gently, he washed the blood and semen from her legs, laid the cloth against her body to ease the soreness.
“I wish we had hours to spend.” He removed the cloth and kissed her tenderly. Reluctantly, they left the warmth and comfort of his bed, and dressed. Hand in hand, they descended the stairs, two lovers savoring the intimacy and closeness of their lovemaking.
Bundled up from the cold, now that the sun had set, Michael led Heidi to his buggy and helped her in, tucking the wool blanket around her. He leapt onto his seat, and they set out for Heidi’s home.
She rested against his shoulder, and he leaned his cheek on the top of her head. After stopping in front of Mrs. Wilson’s well-lit house, he walked her to the door, and placed his hands on her shoulders. Leaning down, he kissed her gently on her lips. “Goodnight, my love.”
“’Night.” She laid her palm on his cheek, then turned and entered the house, closing the door softly.
Michael whistled as he snapped the reins, and headed for home. His life had taken a significant turn. Instead of the fear he’d expected, he felt lighthearted, free. No more bitterness shackled him. He loved Heidi. He would speak with her father, and then propose to her. They would have a very short engagement, since he knew he couldn’t keep his hands off her, and the chance of a baby left something to consider.
A baby. He’d hadn’t thought about the possibility in years. A wife, a family. A little girl with huge blue eyes and blonde curls. He smiled. Yes, life would be different from now on.
****
Clarence paced the length of Gloria’s small rented room. “If I don’t do something soon, I’ll lose her.”
“Darling come to bed, I’ll make you feel much better.” Gloria purred from the bed where she lay in a transparent negligee.
He turned and pounded a fist into his open palm. “You don’t understand. Lester wants the man who marries his daughter to assume control of his businesses. If Henderson moves in, everything will be gone. My job, my ambitions, the wealth that should be mine.” He leaned over her, anger surging through him. “And you, my lovely one, will lose as well. No expensive jewelry, or silk dressing gowns, or expensive home.”
Gloria backed away from his rage.
“Why isn’t Henderson falling at your feet? You’re a trained whore. Did you forget how to ply your trade?”
Gloria shook her head. “He’s not interested. I tried seducing him at lunch the other day. He had more excuses than my maiden aunt.” She swung two shapely legs over the side of the bed and stood, stretching so her tempting gown plastered against her body.
Clarence grabbed her upper arms, and threw her back on the bed. He stood over her, as he released his belt, then pushed his trousers down. In one swift movement, he shoved her legs apart, fell on top of her, and thrust into her. Brutally, savagely. Gloria’s eyes glowed, and a smile graced her lips.
After he plunged into her a few times, she screamed her release. He was never sure with Gloria how much of her actions were pleasure and how much part of her training. She’d been a high priced whore in St. Louis when he’d found her. Tired of the constant string of men night after night, she agreed to travel with him to Oklahoma City with promises of wealth and pampering.
He rolled off her, and fumbled alongside the bed for a cheroot. Touching a lit match to its end, he inhaled and blew out a stream of smoke, extinguishing the flame. “Goddamn that Henderson. Heidi is a stupid enough bitch to think he’s some kind of hero. Her ticket to independence.” He lay back on the pillow, and blew circles of smoke above his head.
Gloria shifted, turned to him, propping her chin on her clasped hands. “When I dragged him off to lunch, his conversation centered completely on his stupid family. How wonderful they all were. And he blabbed forever about his great Uncle Jesse. The big shot Senator. Like I haven’t spent enough years hearing about the wonderful Jesse Cochran.” She snorted.
Clarence gazed at the ceiling, fuming over the stupid bitch he still intended to marry. And when he had her under his thumb, she’d pay. He’d promised her parents they wouldn’t have sex, but he’d make sure she spent enough time on her knees pleasuring him with her mouth. Kneeling at his feet−exactly where she belonged.
Let her take that to Mother and Papa. He grinned at the thought of the little mouse trying to complain to her parents about his requests.
“What?” His head whipped around. Gloria’s last words finally penetrated his brain.
She turned, her eyebrows raised. “What, what?”
“What did you say about Senator Cochran?”
“Nothing. Just that Michael spent all his time talking about him.”
Clarence propped himself up and regarded her. “No. You said something else. Something about spending enough years talking about him.”
“Oh, that.” She waved a dismissal. “I worked alongside his mother for a couple of years when I first got the job at the brothel in St. Louis. Then she died.”
“Wait a minute. Go back.” He sat up, and tapped the end of the cheroot on the ash tray until the end no longer glowed. “What was his mother doing in the brothel?”
“She worked there.”
“As what?”
Gloria huffed in impatience. “What else? A whore. Had been there for years.”
Clarence stood and placed his hands on his hips. “Are you telling me the great Senator Jesse Cochran of Oklahoma Territory, upholder of family values, is the son of a whore?”
She sat up, and crossed her legs. “Yes. Rosie came to the brothel as a girl of fifteen. A year or so later—before she wised up—she gave birth to Jesse. I wasn’t there at the time, naturally, but when I was hired, she still worked there. His mother was old and diseased, but the owner let her stay, and service whatever customers would pay for her. She didn’t earn much.”
“And he lived at the brothel?” Clarence’s heart began to pound.
“Not then. He had gone off to college or law school, or something, the other whores told me. Just about every other day Rosie would drink from her brandy bottle, and cry about her son.” She considered him with narrowed eyes. “Why are you so interested?”
“My lovely whore, this story may save us.”
“How?”
He grabbed his pants off the floor, and dragged them on. “Don’t you see? The wonderful Michael Henderson is Senator Cochran’s nephew.”
“Yeah, so?”
“Well, suppose—for argument’s sake—I write up a little article to send to the newspapers, about how the revered Oklahoma Territory Senator Jesse Cochran grew up in a brothel? Inform them the man who espouses family values, and signs bills to close down the brothels had a mother who made her living in a whore house?”
“I know you’ll accuse me of being stupid, but I don’t understand how writing an article for the newspaper will help.”
His good humor restored, Clarence cupped her chin gently, and smiled. “I’ll write the article, but I won’t send the story to the newspaper.”
She continued to stare at him, her brows furrowed.
“My dear, I will bring the article to Heidi. I’ll let her read all the scintillating details, and then I’ll tell her either she goes through with our wedding—now—or the article will be mailed to The Guthrie Sentinel, and The Oklahoman.” He shrugged into hi
s shirt, and quickly buttoned it. “If she cares as much for Michael Henderson, as I believe she does, she won’t want to see the whole family destroyed by this information getting out.”
“Do you think it would really work?”
“Oh, I’m sure of it. Heidi is a soft hearted bitch. She would never allow anything terrible to happen because of her. Believe me, we are now back in the game.” He moved to the small desk in the corner of the room.
Gloria scooped up her dressing gown from the edge of the bed, and slipped on the silk wrap as she joined him.
He slammed drawers as he opened and closed them. “Isn’t there any goddamn paper here?”
Gloria shrugged. “I don’t know, I never write anything.”
He looked up at her. “I’m sure.”
Clarence slammed the last drawer shut, and pushed back his chair. “Get dressed. We’re going to dinner. But before that, I’ll visit The Guthrie Pharmacy, where I know they sell paper and pencils. What a nice touch to buy the supplies that will crush the little bitch, right from her soft little hands.” He grinned.
“Wait, I can’t show up there with you.”
“I know. You can wait at the restaurant and I’ll meet you there.” He smacked her on her curvy bottom. “Get dressed. Tomorrow I’ll have a wonderful time informing Heidi about our relationship. I’m sure she’ll love knowing her daddy’s money will keep you in the best of dresses, and finest of jewels.”
****
Heidi ruffled little Willie’s hair as she wished Mrs. Parker a good day, and handed the young mother the package of hairpins and barrettes she’d just purchased. She checked her watch, and noted only another hour and they would close the store.
She’d awoken that morning happier than she’d been her entire life. Michael loved her. He hadn’t said as much, but the feeling grew stronger as the day progressed. His feelings were there in his eyes every time he looked at her, in his touch, on her arm, shoulder, or hand, when he passed. Almost as if he couldn’t keep his hands off her.
Her heart soared. She would have a happy, fulfilled life after all. They would marry, and she would move into his house. She would cook and clean for him, wash his laundry, and maybe, hopefully, one day bear his child. A little boy who looked like him.
They’d been quiet during breakfast, and again at lunch when they walked together to the coffee shop. Almost as if neither one wanted to diminish the newness of their relationship by speaking about it. With her arm tucked snugly into his, she had all she needed. To inhale the scent of his skin, the woodsy smell of his soap. To feel him close to her, remembering the thrill of his touches on her bare skin. Of his kisses heating her blood. She would have all of that. Forever.
The doorbell brought her out of her musings. To her shock and dismay, Clarence entered the store, smiling smugly at her. While Heidi stood still, her mouth in a perfect circle, he approached her, grinning like he held a secret.
“Clarence? What are you doing here today. It’s not Friday.”
He winked at her. “Really, my dear? You’re a very observant woman.”
Michael left the prescription he mixed and joined her behind the counter. “What do you want, Manfred?”
“My, my. Ever the protector. Hello, Michael. It’s so good to see you again.” His bright smile never reached his eyes.
Michael widened his stance and crossed his arms.
“I’m a customer, Henderson. I’ve come to buy paper and a pencil.”
Heidi shook her head, and pointed across the aisle. “Over there.”
Clarence bowed slightly, still grinning, and headed to where Heidi pointed.
Michael touched Heidi’s hand briefly. “Why don’t you start on the bank deposit, and I’ll wait on our customer.”
Clarence dropped a pad of paper and pencil on the counter. “No, don’t leave yet, Heidi. I want to invite you to dinner tomorrow.”
“No,” Michael growled.
Her erstwhile fiance’s eyebrows rose. “Sorry, Henderson, I invited Heidi. Not you.” His gaze moved to her.
“Thanks anyway, but I don’t think so, Clarence.”
He sighed and shook his head. “You really should, Heidi. Our dinner is very important to your future.”
She regarded him curiously, chewing her lip.
“Heidi’s not going anywhere with you. Buy your supplies and leave.”
“Wait,” Heidi said. “All right. I’ll go to dinner with you.” She touched Michael on his arm, and glanced at him. “We need to get this settled.”
Michael shook his head, and rang up the sale, then handed the items to Clarence.
He took them from Michael’s hand and turned to Heidi. “See you tomorrow at six. Right here.” Chuckling, he left the store, snapping the door shut.
“Why did you agree to meet him?” Michael ran his fingers up and down Heidi’s arm.
“Because I want to be done with him once and for all. I’ll tell him I won’t marry him, no matter what my parents say. I’ll give him his ring back, and tell him I want him gone from my life.”
“Our life.” Michael said as he cupped her chin.
Heidi’s heart soared. He did love her. One last visit with Clarence, and she and Michael could plan their future. She’d never been so happy in her life.
Chapter Twenty
Hand in hand, Michael and Heidi walked up the steps to Mrs. Wilson’s house. When they arrived at the door, he rested his hands on her shoulders, then slid his fingers to link them behind her neck. “Once you have everything straightened out with Clarence tomorrow, we need to have a long talk.”
“My, you look so serious.” Her lips curved into a slight smile.
He smiled back. Something he’d been doing a lot lately. He loved her, and finally found the freedom to feel it, and acknowledge it. His years of holding himself back, of denying the happiness to be had with a lover, and a family of his own, was over. As soon as Manfred got on the train tomorrow, Michael would propose to Heidi, and announce his plans to the family. And the world. In fact, he wanted to run down the street, shouting the news.
“No. I’m not feeling serious. Far from it.” He kissed her briefly, and leaned back. “I want to do so much more, but here is not the best place to remove your clothes and have my way with you.”
Heidi blushed a deep red, and he loved it. Loved everything about her. Her hair, her eyes, her chin−hell−even her fingernails. Heidi Lester was perfect. Perfect for him.
He sighed and dropped his hands. “If I don’t leave now, we’ll scandalize the neighbors.”
Heidi giggled. “I agree.” She paused for a moment. “Good night.”
“Good night, sweetheart. I’ll see you in the morning.” He touched her cheek briefly.
Once she closed the door, he headed for his buggy, whistling the entire way home.
****
Heidi glanced up as she worked on the day’s bank deposit, and met the glint in Clarence’s eyes. Her stomach clenched. He looked happy. Very happy. As if he’d placed a large wager and just discovered he’d won. Something was horribly wrong.
“Are you ready, my dear?” He picked invisible lint from his coat.
“In just a few minutes.” She returned to her work. Why were her hands shaking? All of a sudden she had an overwhelming sense of loss. Of something gone terribly wrong. She took a deep breath, and continued with the deposit. Most likely only nerves troubling her; tonight she would be very emphatic about breaking her engagement. She reached into the pocket of her dress and fondled the engagement ring she would return to him.
Clarence strolled around the store while she worked, touching things, smirking in Michael’s direction every once in a while. The sense of unease in her stomach grew.
She finished the deposit, and walked to where Michael stood, watching Clarence. “Here’s the bank deposit.”
“Your hands are ice cold.” He said as he took the paperwork from her, his brows furrowed. “Maybe I should come with you.”
Heidi shook
her head. “No. I need to handle this myself.” She attempted a smile, which faltered. “I’ll be fine. I’ll see you in the morning.”
She headed to the back of the store, tugging the strings of her apron as she walked. I wish I could shake this dreadful feeling.
****
Clarence held her chair as she sat, her hands fisted in her lap.
“Relax, Heidi. You look very nervous.” He grinned and picked up his menu. “What would you like for dinner?”
Her stomach rolled. The thought of food made her gag. “I’m not hungry, actually. I had a rather big lunch.” She licked her lips as he stared at her over the menu. “But you go right ahead.”
“Ah, well. Maybe a cup of tea?”
“Yes. Thank you. Tea would be fine.”
After a few minutes of Clarence turning the pages of the menu, a waiter approached their table. “Good evening, ma’am, sir.”
Clarence set the menu down, and smiled at the man. “Good evening.” He turned to Heidi. “My dear, have you changed your mind? Do you still want only tea?”
Heidi glanced at the waiter. “Only tea.”
“I’ll have the steak.”
The waiter collected the two menus and left them.
“I believe we’re having a celebration dinner, my dear.” Clarence took a sip of water, and placed the heavy glass carefully on the white tablecloth.
“Clarence…” Heidi stopped when Clarence held up his hand.
“I know you want to set a wedding date, and I agree to a quick one. We can return to your room and collect your things when dinner is over.”
Heidi’s mouth dried up. She took a sip of water. “There won’t be any wedding, Clarence. I’ve told you before, and now I must be more emphatic.” She reached into her pocket, and withdrew her engagement ring, placed it on the table in front of him. “Our engagement is over.”
He threw his head back and laughed. Then he glared at her, his jaw tightened. “No, my dear.” He picked up the ring, and pulling her hand toward him, shoved it onto her finger. “Our engagement is not over.”
Heidi, tugged the ring off. “Yes it is. I don’t want to marry you. I won’t marry you.” She moved to leave when he slammed his hand over hers.
A Prescription For Love: An Oklahoma Lovers book Page 17