Heart of Mine (Bandit Creek)

by Michelle Beattie

  "You've never had wine before?"

  "No." She set down her glass, turned it gently within her hands. "There was never enough money for something as fancy as wine." Ducking her head she added, "Or eating in restaurants."

  He'd known, of course, that she was on the poorer side, but he'd never really understood just what that entailed. The simple things he'd taken for granted such as having a glass of wine, eating out with his uncle or granddad, had been as out of reach for Laura as the peaks of Crow and Turtle Mountain. Again it spoke of her character that she didn't complain about it, she simply stated a fact. He'd never known Laura before. He'd seen her about town, knew she was Hugh's daughter and had judged her accordingly. It was humbling to learn how wrong he'd been. Humbling and rewarding. Being attracted to his wife was a good thing, but far better that he actually liked her.

  "Granddad says there's a horse in the stables you favor?"

  "A Paint. I saw him that day you…"

  "The day I all but dragged you out of town?"

  "Well," she grinned, "I wasn't going to phrase it so harshly."

  "I apologize for that. I was surprised you'd gone back to work and I didn't like the way it would reflect on me."

  Dismay tugged her mouth into a frown. "I never meant it as an insult," she hurried to assuage. "I'm simply accustomed to working and never gave it a moment's thought."

  "I realize that now. If I had at the time, I wouldn't have embarrassed you in front of your employer."

  "It wasn't the first time I've been embarrassed either."

  Perhaps not, but he wasn't proud that he'd added to the number. Their food arrived, distracting them momentarily.

  "May I get you anything else, Sir?" Andrew asked.

  "Laura?"

  Her eyes were on her plate where the trout, wild rice, and spinach steamed. "Oh. No, thank you. It looks delicious."

  "Thank you, Andrew. I think we'll be all right for a while."

  "Very well, Sir."

  Jake held up the bottle as Andrew moved on to wait on another table. "More wine?"

  Her eyes were brighter than sun glinting off newly fallen snow. "Only a little. It seems to be making my head light."

  She'd only had half a glass, but then she'd never drunk wine before. He was enjoying the pink it added to her cheeks.

  "I don't remember the last meal I ate that I didn't have to cook myself."

  She'd mumbled it, but Jake heard. And while he watched her savor every bite, he imagined her working at the boardinghouse cleaning, then sewing at the dress shop and then having to go home and cook for her no-account father. In contrast to the other women in the room, Laura's dress paled by comparison. It was pressed and clean, likely it was her Sunday best, but nothing could conceal the fact that the green was dull and faded. In the carriage, he'd noticed the worn toes of her shoes before he covered her feet with a wool blanket. Knowing she'd gone without while Hugh did nothing fueled Jake's anger toward the man. But at least there was comfort in knowing that Laura wouldn't be going without much longer.

  He waited until she placed her utensils across her empty plate and Andrew picked up their dishes before asking, "Laura, why did you let your father tread all over you?"

  He half expected her to deny it, to defend Hugh so it surprised him when she shrugged and said, "I had no choice, Jake. I had nowhere else to go and no means to get there even if I did."

  "You worked two jobs," he reminded her.

  "I had to, to pay the bills. And he was always there, to make sure he got the rest. I tried hiding some once. I beat him home one day and I hid a few dollars in the flour tin." She shrugged. "He'd seen enough of my pay to know how much I earned and he knew there should have been more. It wasn't two days later that I came home to flour all over the floor. He'd found it and I never bothered saving any after that."

  "He made your mother work for him as well," Jake said. The memories he had of Ella Gibbs were of a meek, quiet woman huddled in a shawl with her eyes downcast as though she didn't consider herself worthy of looking anyone in the eye.

  "Yes."

  "Did she ever try to withhold some from him?"

  Her head tipped forward but not before he saw grief shadow her face. "Only once."

  There'd been talk, after Ella's death, whether or not her fall down the stairs was the mishap Hugh claimed it to be. Sheriff Wilson had deemed it an accident, but the townsfolk, including Jake, had always wondered if she hadn't been shoved. After hearing this, Jake was more convinced than ever.

  "He didn't push her, if that's what you're thinking. But he was yelling when she lost her footing. I'd never seen him so upset." Laura raised solemn eyes to Jake's. She held his gaze for a moment, as though weighing whether or not to tell him something. Then, sighing, she said, "He was at the house today, looking for money."

  Jake clenched his teeth. "I not only told Hugh to stay off my land, but I made it clear he wasn't getting a cent." The next time he saw that man he'd--

  Comprehension had Jake's breath whooshing from his lungs. "That's why you were in town. Granddad said he saw you with some money. You came for your wages."

  "It's all I have to give him."

  "How much is he after?"

  She looked out the window. Dusk was settling in Bandit Creek and the only thing moving was Jack, the town drunk, who weaved down the empty street. "It doesn't matter. He'll get what I give him."

  "Laura, look at me." He waited until she did and when he saw the pain clouding her eyes the desire to hit Hugh resurfaced with a vengeance. Her father was done making Laura unhappy. "How much does he want?"

  "Fifty dollars."

  No small amount, even if she still had her employments. "I'll give it to him tomorrow. You keep what you were paid."

  She shook her head. "No, Jake. It's enough you married me, I don't want your money to go to him either."

  "Just once," he vowed. After that Hugh was on his own. "I'll give him the money, make it clear just what'll happen to him if he tries for more."

  "Jake, this is my father, let me--"

  "It's not open for discussion, Laura. I want him out of our lives."

  She said nothing, simply stared at him. Then, either sensing he wasn't moving on his stance or accepting his decision as the best thing that could happen to her, she nodded and thanked him. But her acquiescence seemed to weigh on her, and her smile had yet to return.

  Without truly thinking on it, Jake reached across the table and took her hand. She looked as surprised to see their hands together as he was. Conversations that had resumed while they'd been eating once again came to an abrupt halt. Jake ignored everyone but his wife. He'd brought her here to give her some happiness and instead he'd upset her. He intended to remedy his misstep.

  "How about you take me to see the Paint? I'd like to see the animal that has captured your attention."

  Sheer joy lit her face and ignited a matching light within him. "I would love that."

  With her enchanting smile back in place, Jake came to his feet. Then, hand in hand, they strolled through the restaurant.

  He'd never been more gratified to have folks staring.

  ***

  Laura had never spent a more enjoyable evening. Other than the talk of her father over supper--which she refused to dwell on any further tonight--it had been a night from her dreams. Jake had listened, been attentive. He'd even held her hand. Remembering that, Laura clutched it close to her heart.

  "Everything all right?"

  "It's perfect," Laura answered. They were watching the flames dance in the stone fireplace. The sound of wood cracking and popping as it shifted and burned filled the room and added to Laura's sense of peace. She'd made coffee while Jake had lit the fire and moved another chair in front of the hearth. It made her heart sing knowing he wanted her beside him. There wasn't a thing she needed.

  "Thank you for the lovely supper."

  The only other light in the room was the lantern he'd placed on the mantle but it was enough to see h
is eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiled. "You've thanked me at least a dozen times on the way home."

  "That's because I appreciate it. Very much."

  In the dimness of the room, his gaze felt more intimate than it had at the Golden Nugget. Or maybe it simply seemed that way because he'd taken off his tie, rolled up his sleeves. They were both in their stocking feet and there wasn't a soul in sight. She was alone with her husband. It certainly wasn't the first time, but tonight they weren't arguing and he wasn't avoiding her. In fact, the way he was looking at her…

  "Can I get you more coffee?" she blurted.

  "You just filled it not five minutes ago."

  "Oh. So I did." Laura clutched her cup with both hands as humiliation poured over her. She'd hoped supper was a turning point in her relationship with Jake; that he was starting to see her in a different light. Not if you keep acting like a ninny, she scolded herself.

  "Do I make you nervous?" The thought seemed to amuse him.

  More than I'm willing to admit. "A little."

  Jake stretched out his legs, drawing attention to just how long they really were. Laura lifted her cup to her lips, hoped he didn't notice it was shaking.

  "Why?" he asked.

  Because I want, more than anything, for you to like me. She drank more, looked down at the dark liquid and struggled to explain while not revealing the true reason he made her nervous. Or at least not all of it. "Why do you make me nervous? It's your house. We're starting a life together you never wanted. I don't want you to be more unhappy than you already are," she finished, her words soft as the glow from the flames.

  He said nothing as their eyes met. Folding his legs, he sat up and leaned forward. The chairs weren't far apart and the scent of his soap carried to her. If she were bolder she'd lean forward, bring them within kissing distance. Imagining their first kiss and what it would feel like tightened everything in Laura's body, from her belly to her breasts. She hoped the dimness of the room masked the flush that burned her face.

  "I'm not unhappy, Laura. In fact, I had a really nice evening."

  It wasn't a kiss but the words held a powerful enchantment that made her head swim more than the wine had.

  "I'm glad, Jake."

  His gaze darkened. "Me, too."

  Did he want to kiss her? she wondered when he continued to stare at her. Was that why he'd leaned forward? Surely, however, it wasn't the woman who invited a man's kiss? Mercy, she wished she knew more of the ways of men. More, she wished she knew what Jake truly thought of her. He said he'd enjoyed the evening; it didn't mean he wanted to kiss her.

  Because it would devastate her if she gave Jake the invitation and he refused to accept it, Laura came to her feet. Jake did as well and soon they were standing a breath from each other. Laura's heart thumped. Her mouth went dry. She licked her lips. Jake's gaze tracked the movement. Intrigued, she did it again.

  His breath came in sharp.

  Laura waited. She waited for what felt like an eternity while Jake's gaze kept her entranced. Anticipation sang along her nerves, fluttered low in her belly. She'd never been more aware of her breasts and how sensitive her nipples were. If he would only touch her.

  But he didn't. Minutes went by and Jake didn't move. Though it hurt that he wouldn't, she reminded herself that up until earlier that evening, they hadn't even been talking. She had to believe that with more time, he would want her kiss.

  "It's late. Goodnight."

  He blinked, nodded. "Yeah. I'll, uh, see you in the morning."

  Walking away was difficult but she had her pride. It would be cold comfort in the night, but far better to have it than nothing. From her room, she heard Jake go outside. Her heart sank. After the intimacy they'd shared downstairs, he was still going to the brothel? Fighting tears, Laura washed and changed into her nightgown. She was turning down the bed when she heard Jake come back inside. He wasn't going to town? Would he come to her now?

  She blew out the lantern and slipped into bed. But not before opening her door. Jake had banned her from his bedroom and she wouldn't go in without being invited, but that didn't mean he couldn't come into hers.

  Laura held her breath. Her fists clenched the blankets as she heard Jake's tread on the stairs. She bit her lip, watched the doorway. His footsteps stopped at his bedroom. Surely he could hear her heart hammering? Surely he knew he was welcome since it was the first night she'd kept her door open since their wedding?

  But when she heard him move again, it wasn't to come further down the hall. The sound of his door closing was as loud to Laura as the sound of her heart ripping in two.

  FIVE

  Jake couldn't believe he hadn't noticed before. He'd been too cynical, too wrapped up in his own life and demons to pay attention to what should have been obvious. Laura Gibbs--Evans now, he corrected with a surge of possessiveness--was a beautiful woman.

  She'd chosen to wear her chestnut hair in a loose braid this morning. His loins tightened as he remembered what all that copper silk had looked like spread across his pillow. He clenched his hands to keep from reaching for her but it did nothing to relieve the need. It was becoming harder and harder to keep his hands off his wife.

  Last night before the fire, he'd thought of kissing her. Hell, he'd done more than think about it; he'd burned with the desire. He'd envisioned pulling her into his lap, kissing her. Tasting her. Touching her. That he'd had her and couldn't remember was torture.

  She was standing at the stove cooking breakfast, but the last thing on Jake's mind were the eggs in the pan. She wore a cream-colored shirtwaist and a navy skirt that showed the signs of wear at the hem. It wasn't the hem, however, that had his attention. From a slender waist curved the most enticing hips. Had he run his hands over them? Had he filled his palms with the suppleness of her backside?

  Turning to the counter, she grabbed a plate and slipped three eggs onto it. In profile he couldn't miss the generous swell of her breasts. Had he tasted them? Had she arched her back, willingly given him his fill? Hell, he wished he knew. But all he remembered was feeling her warm body next to his that morning. He recalled reaching over and touching her skin, his leg curving around hers and his arousal pressing into her thigh.

  Laura made her way toward him. Jake scooted his chair closer to the table. He was accustomed to waking aroused but having a full erection at the breakfast table was a first.

  "I hope you're hungry," she said, placing the plate of eggs, ham, bread and fried potatoes before him.

  "More than you know," he answered.

  Her bright smile drew his attention and he had a fleeting but very clear vision of that mouth on him. Watching her take her seat, Jake wondered just what his wife would do if he were to grab her, lay her on the table and make slow, ravishing love to her? He'd start with her shirtwaist. He'd take his time with the buttons, linger as each one opened, gently ease the garment open. In his mind he saw dewy pink nipples through the thinness of her chemise. In his mind he teased them, played with them until they were tight with need. Until she begged.

  Beneath the table his penis went hard as stone and Jake cursed silently. He grabbed his fork, pretended he hadn't just been making love to her in his mind. "I'm going to see your father this morning. I'd like you to come with me."

  Her fork paused in mid-air. "You want me to go along?"

  "Sure, it shows him a united front."

  "Oh. Of course." She lowered her fork, used it to shove the food around her plate. "That makes sense, and afterward I can walk home. It'll save you from missing more time from work."

  Jake had other plans that didn't include returning to work. They'd come to him last night at supper and though he had every intention of seeing them through today, he kept them to himself. She'd find out soon enough.

  ***

  Laura's heart chugged faster than a steam engine. Her legs trembled as she and Jake waited for her father to answer his door. She rubbed her mittened hands together. With the sun only now cresting over the
mountains, the air hadn't had a chance to warm yet.

  "If you're not comfortable being here, Laura, I can do this alone. You can wait for me in the buckboard."

  From underneath the brim of his white hat, his eyes probed hers. She saw no judgment in the brown depths, simply acceptance. If she couldn't do it, he wasn't going to force her. His unconditional support reinforced her reasons for standing up to her father. For Jake. For a man who treated her with respect. He didn't love her, she didn't fool herself about that, but he would never mistreat her, never treat her as a pawn or as currency.

  Laura locked her knees, put some iron in her spine. She was taking her life back. Starting now.

  Hugh's muttered oaths slid beneath the door a moment before it swung inward. His hair was tousled, his clothes wrinkled. He smelled of last night's whiskey. His bloodshot eyes squinted as daylight hit him in the face.

  "Laura? What in damnation are you doing here at this time of day? You know I don't get up this early."

  "Well, perhaps it's time you start getting used to it since you'll be needing to once you find another source of income," Jake warned.

  That woke Hugh up. His eyes cleared and his posture straightened. His gaze slid to Jake. "She's my daughter. If she chooses to give me money--"

  "She doesn't," Laura interrupted, gaining her father's attention. "Not anymore. And if I were you, I'd be nice to Jake. Had it been me, you'd only be getting ten dollars and change. It was Jake's idea to give you the full fifty."

  He looked like a bull ready to charge but Laura held her ground. She was through being intimidated. She didn't need to speak, however, as Jake did.

  "I've told you before to stay off my land. The next time I'll have you arrested for trespassing. And," he added, crowding her father until Hugh had to look up to meet Jake's scowl, "if you ever go near my wife again I'll hunt you down and make you pay for everything you've put her through over the years." Grabbing Hugh's collar, Jake yanked him up. "I don't gamble because I can't bluff worth a damn, so consider yourself warned."

  Jake opened his hand, released his grip. Hugh staggered back but he righted himself and hurried to straighten his shirt, to regain some sense of control. Laura wasn't sure if Jake saw it or not, but despite her father standing tall and puffing out his chest, a whisper of desperation underscored his actions.