Echoes of the Heart

by Webb, Carole

  Glad the lobby showed no signs of guests, she approached the concierge desk and requested use of the telephone, embarrassed by wearing a creased evening gown in open daylight and the employee’s stare, looking at her critically while she stood waiting.

  “Cyn, its Rae, I need your help. I need you to pack a suitcase for me and send it by cab to the Everett Hotel on Fourth Street under the name of Mrs. Rydell.”

  Cynthia chuckled into the telephone. “I guess this means you two made up. He is strikingly handsome, this husband of yours. Why didn’t mention being married?”

  “Let’s just say at the time I did not think it important.”

  “And it is important now?”

  “It simply can’t work, Cyn. We’re too different. I won’t be what he wants and we quarrel, except when we are in bed.” Cynthia cleared her throat. “Cyn, will you just send it over?”

  “I wish you could work things out. He seems quite adept at taming you.”

  “Maybe it is the other way around.” The conversation ended with a promise from Cynthia to hurry.

  She opened the door and found Cash dressing, face contorted, the veins on his neck bulging with rage. His eyes opened wide when he saw her, his tone harsh. “Where have you been?”

  She did not want to quarrel again, they only had a few days together. “Cash, darling, please let’s not argue. I just went to the lobby to telephone Cyn. I will need some clothes and a few essentials.”

  Cash’s face softened and his eyes slanted while he teased her. “I don’t see a need for clothing. You look fine with nothing on.” He clasped her waist and whirled her around, her back to the bed and stripped off her clothes then shed his own. “You drive me to distraction, and you know it, don’t you?”

  She stood erect before him and welcomed his ardent stare, pleased she could arouse him so easily. They made love before climbing together into the extravagantly immense porcelain tub. Imported Italian tiles decorated the bathroom, sporting several mirrors and gleaming brass fixtures. Thick Turkish towels hung near the bathtub.

  Tucked between long legs and back to his chest, he lathered her body lingering on each curve and valley then shampooed her hair. She faced him, legs wrapped around his waist and washed him, her hands gliding over his powerful frame glistening through a layer of moisture. After she lathered his hair, she shoved his head beneath the water. He emerged laughing and pushed her under in return.

  She rose from the water gasping then playfully struck his arm. “You devil.”

  “Of course, I have heard it often enough. It must be true.”

  Wrapped in soft towels, he shaved while she dried her hair. A part of her wished they could stay here forever, comfortable in each other’s company and enjoying their passion in bed. A rap on the door made her jump.

  With a towel wrapped around his waist, Cash strode out closing the door behind him. She could hear muffled voices then he came back, carrying her luggage. “I’ll put this on the bed. Shall we get dressed? I’m starving.”

  First hanging her garments to avoid wrinkles she chose a light chocolate colored day dress and pale yellow silk undergarments. Cash snapped the lingerie from her hands, held it over her head out of reach. “I sure like these little things you wear.”

  She jumped up and snatched them. He watched her get dressed then she turned so he could hook the back. He pressed his hands around her waist his fingers touching. “I guess we should not have skipped dinner last night.”

  She faced him, clasped her hands around his neck and lifted her chin. “I’m glad I had you instead of dinner.”

  “I’m not going to argue with that.”

  He dressed in casual clothing and she could not help staring. The fit accentuated his narrow waist and flat stomach and the ripple of hard leg muscles flexing when he walked. His contoured abdomen eased against a closely tailored blue linen shirt.

  Cash draped her sable trimmed cape over her shoulders then pulled on a black overcoat. They hopped on a trolley to a café known to serve a grand breakfast.

  Hurricane candles set atop blue-checkered table coverings. He hung their coats on the rack near the door, pulled a gold package from the pocket and led by the waiter, he escorted her to their table in an intimate corner with a window overlooking the park. Cash appeared oblivious to the women staring in his direction but not Raeden. She didn’t feel jealous of his admirers but felt proud to be with a man so alluring and have his attention directed solely on her. He held her chair; bent to kiss her then placed the gift in her hand.

  “Since you distracted me yesterday, this is a day late. Happy Birthday, Rae.”

  She beamed with delight while she tore the wrapper and opened the box. Her voice cracked when she spoke.

  “Cash, it’s beautiful, I have never seen anything like it.” The green gems sparkled in the light shining through the window when he clasped the pendant around her throat and the bracelet on her wrist. She clipped on the earrings and searched his eyes. “How does it look?”

  “It’s not as stunning as you are. I knew it would match the color of your eyes.”

  “Thank you, Cash. It’s the best gift I have ever received.” She ran her hand over the bracelet, admiring how the facets reflected the light.

  He sat across from her at the table with one side of his mouth curved in a crooked grin. “You can thank me later.” Raeden grinned and felt a flush rise to cheeks.

  “I’m sorry I don’t have a Christmas gift for you.” She smiled sincerely and the warm look clouding his eyes made her tremble with desire.

  “I haven’t found you an appropriate gift for Christmas either. This is for your birthday.”

  Why would he purchase such an extravagant gift? Surely, he didn’t think he could buy her submission. No, that’s not it. He knows he can’t own me. He is just being generous.

  ***

  Cash ordered six eggs, bacon, flapjacks and coffee. Raeden had eggs Benedict and tea. While waiting for their meal, Cash began a serious conversation.

  “I resigned as marshal and started getting the ranch together again.”

  She bubbled inside to know he would no longer be risking his life in such a profession, in that hellhole of a town. “So, you will be a full time rancher?”

  “Not exactly. I received a senatorial appointment. One of our senators is resigning due to an illness.” Her interest peaked even more as she leaned forward in her chair.

  “I plan to develop legislation designed to assist the Indians. What’s happening to them is a disgrace.” His face tensed and lines creased his brow. “The cavalry will be moving in next spring, and I don’t want to see bloodshed. They’re my friends.” His mood turned dark, almost inimical. “I never mentioned, I had married the chief’s daughter. She died a few years back.”

  Raeden placed a hand on his forearm in a sympathetic gesture. “Diane mentioned it. I’m so sorry, Cash.” He stared into space. She removed her hand feeling he had withdrawn. He did not mention his son but she guessed at his thoughts.

  Changing the subject to distract him, Raeden spoke of the appointment. “You must be very proud, Senator. This will be a big change. Are you sure you will like Washington?” She could hardly conceive the hard rugged hero across the table sitting behind a desk in the Capitol buried in paper and following strict civilized rules of engagement.

  “I’ve made the commitment, and I’ll stick by it.” Of course he would, with his sense of honor and dedication to duty, she knew all too well.

  She tried to lift his spirits and teased. “So will you turn out to be one of those corrupted officials in Washington?” He chortled. She had made him laugh—now to introduce him to her city.

  After consuming their breakfast, they caught the trolley to the Mississippi River to board a ferry to the opposite bank. The dark water churned rivulets spreading in a wake fanning out to nothingness toward the icy banks. Raeden pointed out the construction underway on the Merchant’s Bridge and the mills along the river. The advent of elevators a
llowed multiple stories and the skeletons of new structures erected since she left. Massive commercial buildings and apartments under construction loomed overhead while cranes and heavy equipment detoured downtown traffic.

  Walls made of stone lined the waterfront where Cash insisted they eat lunch along the pier at a restaurant serving fresh fish before touring the harbor, his arm protectively holding her waist.

  Raeden found herself wishing the visit could last longer than the few days before her departure to New York City. In addition, hadn’t he mentioned the Session already began a few weeks ago? Perhaps he would leave even sooner.

  In her thoughts, Raeden had become quiet and distant by the time they returned to their room to dress for dinner at Busch’s Grove known for its steak and other fine foods guaranteed to tempt the pallet of even the most discriminating diner.

  “What’s the matter, Rae? You’ve grown so silent.”

  She said nothing while she stared into his eyes from across the room. Slowly she unbuttoned her dress to fall around her ankles then stepped out of her undergarments and walked toward him. His eyes devoured every inch of what she offered.

  My God, she is driving me crazy. Her large green eyes blazed into his while she raised her arms around his neck.

  “I love you, Cash. Kiss me, hold me.”

  He needed no invitation. Hell, he’d been hard all day! He pulled her to his chest and met her lips with a savage kiss while his hands began roaming over her satin smooth skin, caressing each curve and valley while she unbuttoned his shirt.

  She reached to undo his pants, slipping them down to expose his erection. Cash sucked a breath between his teeth when her hand smoothed over his sensitive skin. Jesus! He had to have her.

  He lowered her to the carpeted floor before spreading her thighs and probing her softness with his fingers, finding her wet, hot, and ready. He watched her face as she cried out while he stroked deep, rolling her sensitive nub under his thumb. He removed his hand to rise and thrust into her depths and took her with such uncontrollable brutal force, he thought she might shatter before they both lay spent, covered with perspiration, panting for air.

  ***

  She dressed in a dark maroon gown with sheer mauve silk overlay and black silk stockings, and high-heeled slippers. She watched Cash stroll across the room in a few easy strides to place the emeralds around her throat then draped her black velvet cloak trimmed in mink over her bare shoulders.

  She gazed over his tall lean form dressed in a black dress suit. The clean aroma of soap lingered when he walked past to don his overcoat and escort her to Busch’s Grove.

  An arbor entwined with gnarled thick wisteria branches, dormant for the winter, marked the entrance to the lavish dining room. They walked arm in arm into the reception area lined on three walls with leafy plants growing nearly six feet tall in trellised ceramic pots painted in an array of bright colors.

  Marble floors reflected large crystal and silver chandeliers through the entry into the intimate dining room where white tapers sat atop ochre linen draped over Georgian style tables encircled by carved mahogany chairs.

  Dome lights hung from a molded plaster ceiling casting a dim light over the room. Through an arched doorway to left of the dining room, a parquet dance floor held couples waltzing to the music of an eight-piece orchestra playing softly in the background.

  After an elegant meal served with wine, Cash stood to request a dance with Raeden, leading her to the floor where he masterfully glided her through a waltz.

  Their eyes locked in a gaze as Raeden slid her hand from his shoulder to around his neck and twined her fingers through his thick raven hair where it curled over his collar.

  He pulled her to him, closer than etiquette would allow while they swirled around the floor. Cash lowered his head to whisper. “Have I told you how beautiful you are?”

  “Not in the last hour.” She turned her head to lay her cheek on his chest and let out a low sigh.

  Cash hurried Raeden to the cloakroom after the dance ended. “We’re going back to the hotel.”

  He lifted her into a waiting hansom and wrapped his arm around her shoulder pulling her close. Raeden’s heart pounded in her chest, so loud she thought he must hear it.

  “I had a wonderful day, Cash.”

  He lifted her chin and gazed into her eyes, desire burning a flash across his dark pupils.

  “The day is not over yet.” His lips met hers in a sensuous kiss probing every corner, leaving her breathless and craving the feel of his hard body molded against her own.

  They made love into the early hours of the morning, learning, exploring, taking and giving of each other until they lay sated and exhausted, finally falling asleep in each other’s arms.

  Forty-six

  Raeden’s eyes opened, bright sunlight streaming through the edge of the green velvet draperies, to see Cash propped up on one elbow scanning her face and a sly grin curling his lips. She reached to trace the outline of his jaw so relaxed and tranquil, not the usual stern look he carried to cover the sensitive man she believe existed beneath the rough-edged exterior allowing no quarter when wanting his way.

  “Get up sleepyhead. You’re taking me shopping. If I’m going to be a senator, I had best look the part.” He dropped a quick kiss on her lips, tossed back the sheets revealing her lithe nude torso and hesitated. First his eyes then a hand skimmed her body before lowering his face to kiss her again, this time rekindling the flames of their mutual passion. He whispered. “I just can’t have you enough.”

  All thoughts of their pending separation driven from her mind, she would enjoy the moment. “I feel the same way, too.”

  ***

  She had helped him choose fabrics for suits in an upscale men’s clothier. No matter what he wore, she knew he would make it look good. While he was being fitted, attracted by a formal gown in the big display window she browsed a nearby boutique, curious as usual to what they imported and the prices asked.

  Raeden met Cash outside casually leaning against the building smoking a cigar. Light gray smoke drifted in the air blown by a soft breeze. “They put a rush on two suits. The rest will be sent to D.C. I doubt I will have time once I get there to waste on tailors.” He disposed of the cigar and tucked her hand over his forearm as they headed to the trolley, his strides tempered so she could keep step.

  The ability he possessed to blend into her environment, a chameleon, amazed her. Confident and self-assured he would no doubt excel in whatever he might choose. He actually seemed happy, less pensive but his eyes always roamed taking in all around them, ever the guardian on alert.

  “Why don’t we go riding?” His request was a pleasant surprise, “Do you still have those cute little blue jeans?” The corners of his eyes creased in a smile.

  How could she refuse such an offer? Arte would be a handful and needed exercise. She had not ridden in days and would enjoy the outing, although it didn’t really matter what they did as long as she could be with him enjoying every second of the time they had before setting out on their different paths.

  Maybe there would be some way they could visit each other occasionally, she thought as they rode through the snowy pastures bounding the city, glittering in the brilliant rays of the sun.

  ***

  After a long leisurely dinner, they took a cab to view the myriad colored city lights, earthbound nebulae mirrored off the river’s dark hue from the east bank of the Eads Bridge. Finally they both became impatient to be alone and fulfill the craving they both knew existed every time they touched or their eyes met.

  After another long night of rapture, Raeden laid awake wrapped snuggly in his arms listening to his steady even breathing and dreading the morning. In three days, she would leave for New York with all the memories of the past days they had spent.

  She would have to tell him something and surely, he must need to leave as well to fulfill his own duties in Washington, D.C. At least now, they could part on good terms, not like last time when
they had been upset with each other.

  After a few hours of sleep, she woke to an empty bed. She rose and tossed on a robe and walked toward the bathroom. It sounded like Cash might be shaving so she didn’t knock. Walking barefoot into the sitting room, lavishly furnished with an ample low divan stacked high with thick cushions, and an over-sized winged chair backed by thick velvet draperies and plush carpet caressing her toes, she passed the table holding Cash’s attaché, and she glanced down. What appeared to be train tickets caught her eye.

  Two tickets to the Capitol city due to depart in two days. He had made plans, which must include her! How could he think to do this? He never asked her what she might be doing just like before when he forced her into marriage. So all this romance was just another male stunt to trap her. Fury nearly blocked her reason. She must remain composed and explain her intentions, not arouse his temper. Raeden sat on the sofa and waited for the confrontation ahead.

  When he entered the suite, he bent down and kissed her. His gaze switched to a look of concern as he looked into her eyes. “What’s wrong, baby? Are you feeling okay?” He lifted her chin.

  Determined to remain cool, she held her temper in check and removed his hand. “I’m fine, maybe a bit tired. We haven’t had much sleep the past few days.”

  Cash sat beside her. “Let’s order room service.” He placed a hand on her knee. “We need to talk.”

  She breathed deep and exhaled. “Why don’t we talk now? You know I don’t expect anything from you. Why did you purchase this ticket?” Her voice sounded harsher than she intended.

  He sat stunned for a moment then spoke with an air of dominance in his tone. “Because, my dear wife we are going Washington together. We leave day after tomorrow.”

  His arrogant manner made her lash out. “Now see here, Cash. I’m not your wife by choice. You can sell the ticket. I’m not going anywhere with you.”