Heart of Mine (Bandit Creek)

by Michelle Beattie

  "You think you're so high falootin', Jake, strutting around with all your money? That's easy to do when you haven't earned it. You come from money and then you inherit part of a gold mine. You wouldn't be so high and mighty if you'd had to earn your fortune."

  Jake's brows arched. "And what would you know about earning anything? Seems to me it was your wife and daughter that did all the earning in your house."

  Hugh's face mottled. His hands curled into white-knuckle fists. "Your turn's coming, Evans. Just you wait." Then before Jake could retort, Hugh spun, grabbed the door and slammed it behind him.

  Laura cringed as the vibrations rattled beneath her feet.

  "Are you all right?"

  "Yes, but I'm glad that's over." A twinge of unease remained lodged in her back and Laura rolled her shoulders to be rid of it. Her father would be a fool to go after Jake. But then, her father wasn't known for his good sense.

  "He's out of our lives now." Jake raised his hand, cupped her cheek. His thumb stroked her skin for a few glorious breaths. She could have stood there all day but he lowered his hand and asked, "Shall we go?"

  Of course, she thought as disappointment rolled over her. He needed to get to work. "Yes, I've held you up long enough."

  At the buckboard he helped her up but after taking his seat and the reins, he didn't head for either the Ellis Mine office, nor Montana Street, which would take them to the ranch. Instead he turned down Main Street and stopped the buckboard in front of the First Citizens Bank. Theirs wasn't the only wagon on the street but it was the only one drawing attention. More than one body was staring.

  Assuming he had business to deal with, Laura was confused when he came around to her side and held out a hand. "You go ahead; I'll wait here."

  "Laura, I need you to come with me."

  He took her hand, leaving her little choice but to step down. On the boardwalk everything came to a standstill as Jake once again offered her his arm. A few heads came together to whisper. Some folks pretended not to stare as they covertly looked from the corners of their eyes. Laura knew better. First supper last night, and now this. Tongues would be wagging for months.

  "I really am fine waiting here," she reiterated.

  "For what I have in mind, Laura, you need to come with me."

  What exactly did he have in mind? she wondered as they entered the subdued and polished First Citizens Bank. Again thinking she could wait at the door while Jake tended to his business, Jake proved her wrong once more when he placed his hand over hers. "Stop fighting me, woman, and let me do this."

  There were as many stares inside when Jake took her to the counter.

  "Can I help you, Mr. Evans?" the teller asked, his attention solely on Jake.

  "Yes. I'd like to add my wife's name to my accounts."

  "You what?" Laura sputtered. "Jake, you don't need to--"

  His stare silenced her, but it did nothing to hide the misgivings in the teller's eyes. Nor did it hide the man's smirk when he looked at Laura. He was smart enough, however, to show a neutral expression when Jake turned back to him and reiterated what he wanted.

  "Of course, Sir. I'll only be a moment." The teller slipped from his post behind the counter to fetch the necessary documents.

  Jake leaned forward so as not to be overheard by the other patrons who remained rooted to the floor. "I won't argue about this. You're my wife. You've proven to me that you're not after my money. Besides that, I think it's important you have your own money."

  "I would rather work," she said, hoping he didn't take offense.

  He didn't. Instead his lips rose in a smile. "Which is exactly why I'm doing this."

  His words shocked her. More, they touched her. "I won't ever take any without asking," she said.

  Jake's eyes softened and he lowered his head. Laura hitched a breath and her heart gave a hard knock. He was going to kiss her! She opened her lips. His hand curved gently around her arm.

  "Mr. Evans?"

  Jake blinked. His gaze refocused. Unlike Laura who felt the burn in her cheeks from almost kissing in the middle of the bank, Jake seemed more amused than embarrassed. "Yes?" he answered when he'd given his attention back to the teller.

  "I can arrange the documents so that any withdrawal requires both your signatures, as opposed to just one, if you like."

  Jake frowned. "Why would I want that?"

  "Well, um." The teller swallowed hard. "It's for your protection, really. That way your money can only be accessed with your approval."

  Jake went rigid. He leaned forward, his words snapped from his lips. "By being here, I'm giving my wife approval. Now show me where to sign."

  The man had the good sense to look contrite. Once Jake had signed the papers, the teller slid the papers her way. "I'll need your signature as well, Mrs. Evans. There and there," he added as he pointed.

  Mrs. Evans. It was the first time she'd been addressed as such and it meant more to her than all Jake's money, more than all the gold from Ellis Mine and Hawes Mine combined.

  Once the papers were signed, Jake insisted on a withdrawal and refused to leave the bank until she had the money tucked into her pocket. It was more than she was used to making in a week and it didn't sit well with her to have so much. She knew the moment she got back to the ranch she'd tuck it away where it was safe. Then only when she needed food or something for the house, would she dip into it.

  Satisfied, Jake took her hand and they strolled back outside. With no breeze to speak of, the sun bathed its warmth on Bandit Creek. Laura tipped her face up and sighed.

  "It's a beautiful day, isn't it?" he asked.

  Her smile stretched her cheeks. "It's perfect."

  She wasn't sure what to think of the steady look he gave before he asked, "Ready to go?"

  "I am." Thinking surely now he'd take her back to the ranch, Laura was in for yet another surprise when, instead of helping her into the wagon, he skirted around it. Stopping only long enough to let two lone riders and a carriage pass, Jake guided her across the dirt road and into Mather and Son General Store.

  Excited to watch him shop, Laura led the way, maneuvering past the shelves of food items and household goods to the back corner where the men's clothing was situated. Not sure what he needed, Laura browsed the shirts. A dark blue flannel caught her attention. Moving closer, her fingers stroked the fabric. She imagined Jake's chest underneath it. Then she imagined him without it.

  "I don't think it'll fit you," he said, laughter in his voice.

  Laura yanked her hand back. "I was thinking it would look nice on you."

  "Were you?" He stepped around, took the garment. "Maybe I should get it, then." After verifying the size, he tucked it underneath his arm. "We'll add this to the lot, but it's not what we're here for."

  The lot? What else could he possibly need? She'd been cooking in his kitchen for days and there was still more than enough. It truly never entered her mind what he was after until he pulled her into the section of woman's clothing.

  "No." She shook her head. "Jake, no. This is too much."

  "Laura." He set the shirt aside, settled his large hands on her shoulders. "I'm not doing this to make you indebted to me or to humiliate you. But your jacket is too thin to keep you warm and your boots look about ready to split open. I need to run to the mine office, let them know I won't be in until tomorrow. Pick some blouses, skirts, shoes and boots. Add that to the jacket you'll choose. If you need any undergarments, get them as well."

  She couldn't catch her breath.

  "Don't argue, Laura, it'll only drag out matters. And," he added while she summoned another argument, "afterward we're going to Angeline's. Skirts and blouses are fine for the ranch but you'll need some pretty dresses for when I take you to the Opera House."

  Money. New Clothes. The Opera House. Was it only yesterday he was barely speaking to her? Laura pressed a hand to her forehead. "Jake, I can't--."

  He kissed her head. "You'll be fine. I'll be back. Better get busy."<
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  Laura watched him grab the shirt, set it on the front counter and talk briefly to Mr. Mather. Then he strolled out, unaware of the turbulence he'd created in his wife's heart. He'd kissed her. Maybe it was only on the top of her head, but he'd kissed her. And then he'd left her as though the gesture hadn't shifted the floor beneath her feet. Laura looked around the store. There were piles of stockings, bloomers and chemises. Shirtwaists in every color and pattern. Skirts and simple dresses. Jackets and bonnets. And he wanted her pick whatever she wanted.

  Overwhelmed by it all, Laura chose a stack of nightgowns and sat heavily upon them.

  ***

  Hugh's blood was bubbling. How dare she! How dare she refuse him after everything he'd done for her over the years? He stormed through the house, livid. She'd known all along the reason for the marriage, to get Jake's money, and now, when she finally had it, she'd turned on their bargain?

  And Evans lording his money around as though that made him more of a man?

  "Bastard," Hugh growled, kicking the kitchen chairs. With one swipe of his arm the dirty dishes that had accumulated since Laura had moved into Jake's home fell off the table and crashed to the floor. The fifty would get him by, but it wasn't enough. The only reason he'd been allowed into the back room of Garvey's Saloon last night for a high stakes poker game was because of Laura's marriage to Jake. It wasn't a secret that Hugh had arranged the nuptials, that he'd done it for Jake's wealth. Assuming as he had, that even if Jake refused to share, his daughter wouldn't, they'd let him in on the game.

  He'd lost big.

  Now, thanks to bad luck and his ungrateful daughter, he was indebted to some powerful men. Knowing they wouldn't take his excuses lightly, Hugh knew he needed to act fast. Heading for the men's club, hoping he could sweet-talk some of his friends into lending him some money, Hugh stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Jake and Laura coming from the bank. Hugh knew his daughter and he knew by the way her hand stayed in her pocket that she had money. Remembering Jake's superior attitude and Laura's lack of respect, Hugh smiled.

  Luck had finally turned his way.

  SIX

  "Laura, say something."

  He'd saved the best for last. After leaving Angeline's Dress Emporium with four new dresses--despite Laura's hearty protests--Jake had hurried them home. He hadn't left her to go only to the mine office. He'd arranged a delivery and he'd been excited to show it to his wife.

  Now, as they stood in his silent barn and he watched tears stream down her cheeks, he feared he'd inadvertently hurt her.

  "Jake." She swallowed, wiped the moisture from her face. It seemed to take a great deal of effort for her to face him. When she did, chin trembling as she fought to contain her emotions, he wished he could take back whatever it was he'd done. "Jake, I can't accept this."

  Was that all? She was upset about his gift? He grinned as the tension left his shoulders. "Laura, the clothes you needed. And while I have other horses you're welcome to ride anytime you'd like, this one is yours. Only yours. I thought, since you clearly liked him, he'd make the perfect wedding gift."

  "You've already spent a fortune on me today. And, and…" She waved her hand toward the Paint that watched them with big, brown eyes. "Nobody gives an animal like that for a gift."

  Jake stepped to the stall, curled his fingers around the animal's halter. "His name is Ben. I asked after him, since he seemed to be in the stable every time I was. Ends up his owners were looking to sell him, that's why he was there. They thought the more people who saw him, the more interest he would draw. Laura," Jake took her hand and pulled her gently toward the stall. "Ben needs attention and love and his owners were glad to sell him."

  "I'll never be able to repay you for this."

  "I'm not asking you to." He let go of Ben's halter, but kept his hold on his wife. "If not for me, than accept for Ben's sake. It's clear he likes you."

  Laura rubbed the animal's nose, which was nudging her shoulder, then threw her arms around the horse's neck.

  "Thank you," she said when she finally pulled away from her horse. "Words aren't adequate to express how grateful I am. I'll treasure him, Jake. Always."

  Tears clung to her lashes like dew on grass. Even with the marks of crying on her face, he'd never seen a more beautiful sight than his wife smiling at him. Jake never would have believed that he could gain such satisfaction and joy from sharing his wealth with someone he cared about.

  But it wasn't only happiness Jake was feeling. After spending an entire day sitting next to her, talking to her and watching her, his desires for his wife were becoming impossible to ignore. He'd felt her skin, knew it was as soft as he'd imagined. When he'd kissed her hair, he'd inhaled its clean scent. The slick texture of it had taunted him as he'd gone to the stables to see about the horse. Now, with her looking at him as though he hung the moon, he couldn't resist any longer.

  Closing the distance between them, Jake cupped her face, knew supreme satisfaction when her eyes went wide and her lips parted.

  "I've been dying to do this all day." And before she could respond he pressed his mouth to hers.

  It wasn't their first kiss. Well, he assumed he'd kissed her before, when he'd taken her to his bed, but since he didn't remember that, he wanted to linger over this one. This one, he wouldn’t forget.

  Her lips were as soft as her skin, as sweet as a fresh strawberry in the summer. Jake savored, sipped at her lips. It was a task that tested him to the core when she sighed against him and her arms wrapped around his waist. He sealed his mouth more firmly over hers and took the kiss deeper. Heat, from himself or from her he couldn't be sure, enveloped him as fully as the fleece-lined jacket he wore. He felt everything. From her breath to her fingers, which clung to his back, to each beat of his heart that pumped blood to his loins. He felt everything and yet it wasn't enough.

  Jake put a hand at the small of her back and pressed her closer. Her skirt brushed his pants. His arousal nestled into her softness. He groaned. She clung.

  Ben whinnied.

  Laura jerked from Jake's grasp. Flustered, she fussed with her hair, wouldn't meet his eyes. His gaze cut to Ben. Of all the timing…

  But then he heard his horses whinny outside, heard the telltale sound of footsteps. Jake's frustration toward Ben eased. Far better to be distracted by a horse then to be caught in the throes of passion by whomever was coming toward the barn.

  "Someone's here."

  "Yeah," Jake agreed wishing she'd meet his gaze. "It's likely someone from the mine office. They'd mentioned I might need to sign some papers." Which he'd forgotten all about once he'd finally had his wife in his arms.

  "I'll get the parcels from the wagon, give you some privacy."

  She tried to duck past him but Jake wouldn't have it. He took her arm, waited until she looked him in the eye. Damned if he didn't smile at her pink cheeks. "I don't remember our being together, Laura, but I'm fixing to change that. Soon."

  Her eyes widened. "I'd--" She swallowed. "I'd never refuse you, Jake."

  He may as well have been doused with the frigid water from Bandit Creek. Maybe she wouldn't turn him away, but he didn't want her to endure lovemaking, he wanted her to enjoy it. Since she'd no doubt been a virgin before he'd taken her to bed, he couldn't help but think he'd done something wrong. She'd said at the time that he hadn't hurt her, and he knew he hadn't. He'd never hurt a woman before, he trusted himself to know that, even falling-down drunk, he wouldn't have hurt Laura. Which meant he mustn't have looked after her needs. It was the only explanation for her reaction. He'd been a selfish lover and she hadn't enjoyed it.

  Well, he thought with firm resolve, he'd always ensured the women he'd bedded had been well satisfied. It was time he gave his wife the same consideration.

  ***

  Laura couldn't sit still. She'd busied herself in the house putting away the purchases Jake had given her. She'd baked pies, made a big meal and tidied up. After supper she'd shown Jake her hiding spot for the mon
ey, in a vase on top of the mantle. She wanted him to be able to monitor how she spent his money. Despite his reassurances that it was her money and she could do with it as she wished, Laura needed Jake to know she wouldn't be spending his money willy-nilly.

  When Jake went out to do his evening chores, Laura had gone as well to tend to Ben. She'd brushed him, fed him, cleaned his stall. They'd decided to leave him in the barn for the night. Tomorrow they'd put him in the pen with the rest of Jake's geldings. Now, sitting before the fire with Jake, coffee in hand, Laura couldn't stop twitching. She tapped her foot, changed positions every few minutes. Every part of her body was tense and because of it she couldn't stop fidgeting.

  Having Jake watch her with those turbulent coffee-colored eyes didn't help. She knew he was thinking of their kiss earlier and what it would have led to if they hadn't been interrupted. Laura was thinking the same thing. In fact, she'd been unable to think of anything else since it happened. Which was why she was in the predicament she was in; wanting to go to Jake, to finish what they'd begun and yet deathly afraid they'd do just that. Because if they did, he'd realize they'd never been intimate.

  He'd be furious. After how far they'd come, finally talking and enjoying each other's company, finally kissing, the thought of having that cold anger between them again scared Laura. Of course she couldn't, and wouldn't, refuse Jake forever. If only she could think of a way to explain that wouldn’t ruin their budding relationship, wouldn't result in Jake hating her.

  "What's on your mind?"

  In the quiet of the house his voice was especially sensual. It slid over her skin like silk and tightened every muscle in her body. Looking at his mouth, Laura yearned to taste it again. To feel the pressure of his lips on hers. Her stomach leapt and she pressed a hand to it.

  "Nothing. It's just all the excitement of the day."

  Jake let his gaze slide lazily over her. The anticipation of doing the same with his hands had his blood simmering in his veins. "Day's not over yet," he said.