by Bobbi Smith
“There they are now,” Lyle announced as he stood in the parlor doorway. “Julie, you have company.”
“Oh?” Julie frowned.
As Julie went to his side, she could not imagine who had stopped by to see her at this time of the day. To her surprise, she found Steve sitting on the sofa in the exact same place where Roderick had been sitting. She could only stare at him, thinking how very different he was from Roderick, thinking of how stunned Roderick had been when he’d learned that she’d known someone like Steve.
“Hello, Julie,” Steve said, his voice deep and husky. He stood up as she came into the room.
“Steve? Why are you here?” She stopped where she was.
Her welcome was about what Steve had expected. After all, she had just spent the better part of the day with Roderick. He’d figured she wouldn’t want anything to do with him, so he decided to make his visit quick.
“I just came to thank you for what you did today,” he explained. “If you hadn’t called out to me when you did . . . Well, you saved my life. Thank you.” He turned to reach behind him on the sofa then, and held out a small bouquet of wildflowers he’d picked for her. “Here. These are for you.”
Steve went to her and handed her the flowers.
Surprised, Julie looked from the flowers to Steve and back to the flowers again. She said nothing.
The moment was awkward for Steve, so he covered up by looking straight at Lyle.
“It’s good to see you again. I’ll be going now. Ma’am.”
He nodded to her mother and, walking past Julie, let himself out of the house.
Chapter Twenty-two
“I want you to meet my good friend Tessa,” Julie was saying as she walked toward the Sinclair home with Ellen and Roderick the following morning. She had met them at their hotel and had promised to give them the grand tour of town today.
“I think you’ve written to me about her several times,” Ellen said. “Doesn’t she run a boardinghouse or something?”
“Yes, she does. She also owns a gold mine, but she has hired men who run it for her.”
“She sounds quite interesting,” Roderick said with hidden sarcasm. He had already conjured up a mental image of what this Tessa must look like. No doubt she was an ugly old maid who had to work to support herself. Why else would she be so involved in all the business dealings? It was very unbecoming for a female.
“Oh, she is. We call her ‘the angel’ behind her back.”
“Why?” Ellen asked.
“Tessa and her mother love to help people in trouble. If they see anyone in need, they do what they can to help them.”
At that story, Roderick was even more convinced she was unmarriageable, but he said nothing.
“Here we are,” Julie announced as she led the way up the front porch steps and knocked on the door.
No one answered right away, and Julie was puzzled. There was always someone at home at the Sinclairs’.
“That’s odd,” Julie remarked more to herself than to her companions. “Let’s take a look around back.”
They started around the house, and heard the sound of children’s laughter. She smiled over her shoulder at Ellen and Roderick.
“This is where they must be hiding.”
“They?” Roderick repeated.
“The Emerson family lost their home in a fire a few days ago, and Tessa took them in. They’ll be staying here until they can find suitable housing.”
“I see.”
They rounded the corner of the house then, and Julie stopped to stare at the scene before her. Steve was sitting on one of the porch steps holding Mark on his lap, while little Clara Emerson was sitting close beside him, gazing up at him adoringly.
Julie had been hoping to see Steve, especially after the way she’d acted the night before. She wasn’t quite sure what had left her so speechless when he’d come to the house, but she’d felt sorry about it after he’d gone. She’d wanted to tell him that she was glad he hadn’t been hurt in the shoot-out, but somehow she hadn’t been able to find the words. Even her mother had remarked on the strange way she’d reacted to his visit and his gift of flowers.
Julie stood there watching Steve with the children for a moment. She was amazed at the ease with which he spoke to Clara and little Mark and how the children warmed to him.
“You got this for me, Mr. Steve?” Clara was asking him.
The child was holding something close to her that Julie couldn’t quite make out.
“Yes, I did, Clara. I know you and your brother lost all your toys in the fire, and I wanted you to have something to play with.”
“Thank you,” she said in childish delight as she held out the small doll and gazed at it. “She’s beautiful.”
“You’re welcome. And here, Mark, this is for you.” He handed the boy a small wooden boat.
The toddler’s eyes widened in surprise, and he squealed happily as he clutched it in his pudgy little hands.
“He can play with that when he takes his tubby!” Clara was thrilled for her brother, too.
“Maybe he’ll grow up to be a ship’s captain,” Steve said with a grin.
“I don’t think so, Mr. Steve,” Clara said, suddenly serious. “There aren’t many ships around Durango.”
Steve laughed at her deduction, enjoying her honest innocence. “You’re right about that, Clara. Shall we go find your mother and see if she likes your presents?”
“Oh, yes!”
Steve stood, still holding Mark, and Clara quickly grabbed his free hand. It was then that he looked over and saw Julie coming his way with her visitors. He knew they’d already seen him, so there would be no escaping this encounter.
“Mornin’,” he greeted them casually. “This is a pleasant surprise. Look, Clara and Mark, we’ve got company.”
“Hello,” Clara said, while Mark just clutched his boat tighter and stuck his thumb in his mouth.
“We came by to see Tessa, but no one answered the front door,” Julie said, thinking how natural Steve looked holding the children. The children seemed to love him and be comfortable with him, and that puzzled her. He was an intimidating man, yet the little ones went to him freely and eagerly, with open affection. “Is she here?”
“I’m surprised Tessa didn’t hear you knock. She’s in the kitchen. Go ahead in,” Steve answered, trying not to notice how pretty Julie looked this morning.
“Thanks. Steve, this is my friend Ellen and her brother Roderick. They’re in town visiting for a few days.”
“Nice to meet you,” Steve responded.
“Aren’t you the fellow from the gunfight yesterday?” Roderick asked, recognizing him.
“That was me,” he answered flatly.
“That was a fine display of marksmanship. Do you get a lot of practice in that kind of situation?”
“Not if I can help it.”
“Here’s Tessa now,” Julie said brightly, glad to see her friend coming to the door so they could go inside.
“Miss Tessa! Look! Mr. Steve bought us presents!” Clara went running to Tessa to show her the doll.
“That’s wonderful, honey,” Tessa said as she admired the gift.
“I’m gonna show my mama!” She ran inside.
“Steve, would you like me to take Mark?” Tessa offered.
“Yes, I’d better get back to work,” he said, handing the child over. “Nice to have met you.” He nodded to Ellen and Roderick before disappearing around the side of the house.
“Ellen, Roderick, it is so good to finally get to meet you.”
Tessa came forward, Mark in arms. She had donned her pants today to have more freedom as she worked around the house. She was surprised by their unexpected visit, but pleased.
“How do you do?” Roderick was completely shocked to see her dressed in men’s pants, but he quickly hid his reaction. He had never seen a woman so clad before.
“Hello, Tessa,” Ellen said.
“I’m glad you came by. Juli
e has been telling me all about you, and she was so excited when she found out you were coming last week.”
“We’re excited about being here,” Ellen told her.
“Come in, please,” she invited, keeping Mark on her hip as she went back indoors.
Roderick followed the women inside, only half listening to their idle female chatter. He had not been overly thrilled with Ellen’s idea of making this excursion, but he’d agreed to go along to please her. He’d known that she’d wanted to see her friend Julie again and so he’d agreed to making Durango part of the trip. He remembered Julie quite well. She’d been a lovely, well-brought-up young lady when she’d been at school with Ellen. She had grown into a beauty, and her parents were very well-off, judging from their home and her father’s job as a banker.
As an academic, Roderick never concerned himself with anything so common as money. He had loftier things to concern himself with—his writing career and his status as a professor. He knew, however, that money was important, and having a wealthy wife would certainly make life more pleasant.
Roderick had been looking forward to renewing his acquaintance with Julie, but now he was beginning to wonder about her and the type of life she led here in Durango. It seemed to be quite a different world from his. Never in Roderick’s wildest imaginings could he fancy residing in a town where women wore pants and no one thought anything of it—where gunslingers could take up residence with impunity, and where parents of little children would allow their offspring to associate with men of that ilk. It had troubled him enough when he’d found out yesterday that Julie knew the gunman on a first-name basis, but these other revelations were still worse.
“Have a seat,” Tessa invited, waving them toward the dining room table. “I’m sorry my mother’s not here to meet you. I know she’s looking forward to it, but she had a meeting with the ladies from church and probably won’t be home until later this afternoon.”
“She’ll be attending Roderick’s reading at the Solidarity, won’t she?” Julie asked.
“She wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Tessa confirmed. “In fact, I think all her friends will show up, too. You should have quite a crowd tomorrow night. The ladies I’ve spoken with are all quite enthusiastic about it.”
“That will be wonderful. I appreciate the support,” Roderick acknowledged.
“It isn’t often we get someone of your status here in town. We’re delighted you came,” Tessa told him.
Roderick was pleased by her compliments and by the news that there would be a good crowd for his reading. He loved being the center of attention, and perhaps bringing some culture to this untamed little village wouldn’t be such a bad thing. Lord knew these people certainly needed it.
They had just settled in for what Roderick hoped would be an intelligent conversation, when Clara came running back into the room with Della following her.
“Tessa, you could have called me. You didn’t have to take care of Mark,” Della said, going to take her son from her.
“He’s an angel, Della. He’s no trouble at all.”
“I’m glad he’s behaving himself, but I can’t help wondering just how long it’s going to last.”
Tessa laughed as she handed him over, then introduced Della to Ellen and Roderick.
No one noticed the sneering look that Roderick quickly hid as he was introduced to her. He had no respect for her whatsoever. Her clothes were ill-fitting and gave her the look of a less-than-intelligent person from the very poorest section of town.
“Do you know where Steve went? I’ve got to thank him for the children’s toys.”
Her question only reaffirmed Roderick’s already low opinion of her. How could she let her children associate with the likes of Steve?
“He had a few more things to take care of out back. I’d start looking for him there.”
“Thanks. Nice to meet you,” Della called as she left the dining room with Clara and Mark in tow.
Roderick was quite bored with the conversation and was looking forward to returning to his hotel room so he could have some time to himself. He had been in the middle of reading a scholarly treatise that morning and had had to tear himself away from it to accompany his sister on this visit. Forcing himself to be sociable, he turned his full attention to the conversation.
Jared was sitting with Nathan in his office late that afternoon when he heard the door open and looked up, expecting trouble. It stood there in the form of Melissa Davenport.
“Hello, Jared,” she said with a sweet smile. “I was hoping you’d be in the office today. Hello, Deputy Wells.” She didn’t bother to look at the other man as she spoke, though. She had eyes only for Jared.
“Afternoon, Melissa,” Jared returned. “What brings you in today?”
“I just wanted to check and see how you were doing.” Her gaze was on him, and she noted that he was still wearing the bandage. “Has it been bothering you?”
“No. I’m fine. Dr. Murray told me to keep the bandage on for four or five days, so I’m just following orders.”
She smiled. “I’m glad it was nothing more serious. Everyone’s been talking about how brave you were to go in that burning house and rescue Mrs. Emerson.”
“I’m just relieved that everything turned out as well as it did.”
“Yes. The ladies at church have taken up quite a collection for her, and I think the reverend has found a house for her to rent.”
“That’s good news, and I’m sure she could use some, after all she’s been through this week. Have you told her yet?”
“No. There is a group planning to go visit her tomorrow. I was wondering if you would like to be there when we tell her?” No one else in her group of friends knew she was asking Jared, but that didn’t matter. She’d needed an excuse to see him again, and this was as good as any.
“What time will you be going?”
“At two o’clock.”
“If I can get away, I’ll meet you there.”
“That would be wonderful, and if not, I’ll probably see you at the Women’s Solidarity tomorrow night, won’t I?”
Jared felt as if he were in a trap. “If things are quiet around town, I should be there.”
“I’ll see you then,” Melissa said as she turned and started from the office. “Good-bye, Deputy Wells.”
As she opened the door she found herself face-to-face with Tessa. She blinked in surprise, wondering what the other woman was doing there.
“Hello, Tessa,” Melissa said.
“Melissa.” Tessa smiled at her.
“Hello, Tessa,” Jared greeted her, his voice warm and welcoming.
“Jared.” She looked over at him, trying to keep her expression blank.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Jared,” Melissa said, then flitted from the office feeling quite triumphant. She would be with him tomorrow afternoon.
A slow smile spread across Jared’s handsome features as Tessa entered the office. She was wearing a simple skirt and blouse, but he thought she’d never looked lovelier.
Nathan was oblivious to any undercurrents between them. He was just glad to see her.
“Afternoon, Miss Tessa,” Nathan said.
“Hello, Deputy Wells. Are you keeping things good and quiet around town?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m working hard at it.”
“Speaking of which, why don’t you go see Lyle Stevens and ask him if he’s had any news on that shipment we were discussing?” Jared suggested. They had been talking earlier about the gold shipment that would be passing through the area sometime in the next week.
“I’ll do that. Miss Tessa, it was sure enough good to see you again.”
“Why, thank you, Deputy. It’s always nice to see you, too.”
Jared waited barely a minute after Nathan had gone before he stood up. They shared a quick, excited look and he took her by the hand and drew her back to the cell area.
The moment they were out of sight of the front door, Tessa was in his arms. Ja
red’s kiss was tinged with a hint of desperation as he crushed her to him. It seemed so long since he’d been able to hold her last, and there was much unfinished business between them. His lips moved over hers persuasively, evoking a wild response from her. She had wanted this kiss as much as he had, and when they finally broke apart she smiled up at him seductively.
“I like coming to the jail to talk to the marshal. Maybe I should do this more often. Or maybe, better yet, you can arrest me for something tonight,” she said, glancing toward the cell and the single cot there.
Jared groaned at her teasing. “Don’t tempt me. I can think of several reasons to lock you up right now.”
“Name one,” she said, looking up at him hungrily.
“Disturbing the peace,” he said as he pulled her back into his arms. “My peace,” he whispered as his lips sought hers again.
“Is that all? That wouldn’t get me much time in jail, would it?” she asked when he ended the kiss.
“Ummm, let me see . . .” He pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth, then shifted a little to forge a path down her throat to the buttons on her blouse. “There could be the matter of indecent exposure.”
Tessa sighed as his lips traced the vee of her neckline. She arched slightly to him and slipped her hands up his back, drawing him closer. “What about trespassing?”
“That, too,” he agreed, sounding more distracted as he did some trespassing of his own.
A sensual haze enveloped them. They both knew they could do no more than kiss. Their doings would be too easily discovered if they dared attempt any more, but their desire built to such heights that they had to force themselves apart. They knew that they just might reach the point where neither one of them could say no, and this definitely wasn’t the time or place. Jared, however, was considering the merits of being locked away in solitary confinement with Tessa for a few endless days and nights. He found the prospect of no visitors or interruptions most intriguing.
“There was a reason I came to see you,” Tessa said in a slightly breathless voice as she regretfully moved away from him.
“You didn’t just come by for the tour of the back of the jail?” he asked with a wicked grin.