He pinched the bridge of his nose as he heard her moving around in her room. The occasional snap of cloth and mutter of sound had him guessing she was removing her clothes from her satchel.
It’d likely take her an hour to decide what to wear to dinner. He couldn’t see the fuss as all the clothes she owned were much the same–fitted, bustled, and revealing not one bit of skin.
The clang of metal wheels rattling the tracks invaded his ruminations a moment before the train whistle let out a squawk of steam. He pulled the curtain back and saw the westbound train pull into the depot.
Nobody got on, but three men got off. From here they appeared to be well-dressed and completely out of their element standing on the loading platform.
Not that they stood there long. The trio climbed into a waiting surrey and started up the road.
Understanding slapped Dade upside the head as the surrey turned down the lane to the Crossroads. He suspected few cowboys and sodbusters in the area could afford the favors of Miss Jennean’s girls. Yet she appeared still to offer feminine entertainment.
The question of who could afford it was answered. The train allowed gents to take a short trip either east or west to the Crossroads, spend the evening on business, and catch the train the next day back to their homes.
Damned clever way to stay in business.
He turned his attention back to the map. As the foreman had noted, Dade would be obliged to go out of his way around the sections of open prairie that were now fenced. That left him the choice of two possible routes that would take him through small towns.
Heading southeasterly was the logical choice. The last person he wanted to meet on the trail was Allis Carson.
The outer door to Maggie’s room opened and heels clicked on the hardwood floor. He lent an ear, not to eavesdrop on any conversation but to determine if she was leaving her room.
“Everything is covered in dust,” Maggie said, and he guessed she was referring to the contents of her satchel.
The fancy cloth bag was fine if it was contained in a baggage car or boot. But strapped on a saddle? Why she would’ve done just as well draping her dresses over her lap.
“Would you prefer I have a maid beat it out or launder the pieces?” the housekeeper asked.
“Launder them.” Maggie heaved a sigh that likely stirred the window curtains. “But then I won’t have anything to wear to supper.”
The idea of her in those daring unmentionables sent a bolt of heat spearing through Dade. He was on his feet and pacing, the map forgotten.
“With the proper undergarments, the gown you have on now would suffice for supper,” the housekeeper said.
Dade closed his eyes with a groan, but couldn’t blot out the memory of Maggie’s creamy breasts spilling out the deep vee of that gown.
“I couldn’t wear this in public,” Maggie said.
The housekeeper clucked her tongue. “Now, now. You and your friend are dining in Miss Jennean’s private room. They are the only people you’ll see, besides the serving girl and myself.”
“You’re sure?” Maggie asked, and he went dead still when he realized she was considering it.
“Positive,” the housekeeper replied, then all was quiet except for the glide of drawers opening and a few murmurs between the women.
What the hell was Maggie thinking to agree to wear that gown to supper?
“I’ll see if I can find a dust cover for your satchel,” the housekeeper said.
“Thank you again.”
There was a rustle of fabric, then the door to Maggie’s chamber opened and closed. Footsteps beat a rapid retreat in the hall and faded.
Dade forced himself to swallow. The idea of sitting across the table from Maggie while she was wearing that revealing gown had his heart pumping like an oil rig. Had his blood thumping to a fare-thee-well below the belt too.
Yep, it promised to be a tense evening and an even longer night of wanting what he couldn’t have.
Chapter 16
Maggie gave herself a critical look in the cheval mirror and flushed. She’d pinned the low bodice together, but the cut of the neckline still showed an unseemly amount of flesh.
The housekeeper’s promise that she’d be dining alone with Miss Jennean and Dade didn’t reassure her. She knew where his gaze would roam, and the memory of his hands cupping her bosom was not one she could dismiss.
That experience should’ve angered her. Instead it had left her awash with need and cold humiliation that she hadn’t been the one to pull away. She feared if he hadn’t stopped, she’d have gladly let him have his way with her.
That should humiliate her into taking more care around Dade Logan. It shouldn’t leave her dreaming of the next time he took her in his arms. But it did.
A firm knock sounded at her door, and she jumped. “Yes?”
“You about ready to go down for dinner?” Dade asked.
“Not quite.”
She went hot all over again just thinking of walking beside him down the stairs. This giddy fascination she had with him had gotten way out of hand.
It was what she’d expected to feel toward the man she’d one day marry. It was exciting and a bit naughty and so enticing that she never wanted the feeling to end.
But it must for exactly the reason Dade had stated.
She shouldn’t feel annoyed with him for having a level head, but she did. She should be glad he was an honorable man instead of smarting from his rejection.
She shouldn’t still want to make love with him, but she did.
They had a month of travel together, if he held to the promise he’d made Doc. She was sure Dade was a man of his word.
They’d be together day and night. This guise of traveling as brother and sister would only fool some folks.
Those who were savvy would see straight through it. Talk about Dade traveling with a woman would eventually reach the bounty hunter. Allis Carson would waste no time wiring that information to Whit.
Then all hell would break loose.
Oh, Whit wouldn’t want her as his wife after that. But he wouldn’t wipe his hands of her until he’d made her pay for humiliating him.
From what she’d heard, Whit Ramsey lived and breathed revenge. He was, as Dade would say, one mean son of a bitch.
Her becoming Dade’s lover wouldn’t stop Whit from extracting his vengeance. Quite the opposite, in fact. He’d have Dade shot dead just for encroaching on what he deemed was his, and then he’d make her life hell for her defiance.
She pressed her hand over her heart, which was pounding too fast again. If Dade died because of her, she’d surely wish herself dead.
The admission brought her up short, for it was morethan empathy for an innocent man. No, what she felt for Dade Logan went beyond friendship.
She couldn’t love him. Could she?
Is this what that emotion felt like, being nervous and bold, hot and cold, quiet and giddy in turn?
“Maggie? You all right in there?”
“I’m fine. Really, I just need a moment or two.”
Maggie closed her eyes and saw him clear as day, a crooked smile, brown curls grazing his forehead and nape, and warm brown eyes that looked clean to her soul. It hadn’t taken Dade long to chisel away all the lies and half-truths and uncertainties that made up her world.
She wanted to run from him, and she wanted to crawl into bed with him and know him in the age-old way a woman learned about her man.
They couldn’t have a future, but they could have the here and now. They could love the night away, and she’d know the gentle needy touch of one good man in her life.
A man who wanted her as his lover. Not to dominate. No, to share that bond that she’d only dreamt of.
No matter this noble front he’d put up, his kisses told her he felt the same. He wanted her. But he was being the gentleman.
She had pulled away from him before.
She couldn’t do it again.
They’d have tonight in
a safe comfortable bed, in a place that was designed for lovers. Somehow she had to get him to stop fighting these urges.
After that... Well, they’d pose as husband and wife until they found Daisy. They’d take what they could now. They’d enjoy each other to the fullest.
Then he could leave her at the nursing school in St. Louis and go on with his life. Yes, she would become Dade’s lover.
He’d made an enemy of Whit already. The punishment couldn’t be worse if Dade availed himself of her.
Dade wanted her.
And she wanted him.
The question was, who was going to make the first move?
She toyed with a curl that had slipped loose of her bun again. She had a feeling it would have to be her. Sadly she knew absolutely nothing about the art of seduction.
But she knew where to find the answers.
“Dammit, Maggie. What’s taking so long?”
“I’m ready.” Bother her hair and propriety! “Coming.”
She paused a second to steady her breathing. Yes, she was ready to turn a new page on her life.
Miss Jennean had told her if there was anything she wanted she had only to ask. Well, she intended to ask.
Maggie gave her reflection one last glance and carefully unpinned the blue cameo holding her bodice tightly together. This was her chance to woo Dade Logan. She was going all out to see her dream become a reality.
She crossed to the door and opened it wide. Dade stood there scowling but not for long. His brown eyes bugged and lifted no higher than her bosom. The firm brown column of his throat worked.
“I thought you’d changed clothes,” he said, his voice oddly strained.
“I wanted to, but there was more trail dust on my dresses than there was on the trail.” She smiled and smoothed her palms over her hips, surprised when his gaze followed the movement. “So I’m resigned to wearing this while my garments are being cleaned.”
He nodded, looking back toward the big staircase and frowning. “The Crossroads just got a trio of visitors, so we’d best take the back stairs to the dining room.”
She went ice cold inside, her plan for seduction faltering. “Allis Carson?”
“He wasn’t one of them, but we’d best keep out of sight all the same. No sense advertising that we’re here.” His gaze finally lifted from her bosom to meet her eyes. “Besides, you’re bound to be remembered wearing that gown.”
Maggie didn’t know if that was a complaint or a compliment, but she wasn’t about to argue that point. They wanted to avoid the attention of strangers–not draw it.
Anyway, her plan to tempt a man began and ended with Dade. She didn’t want any other man seeing her in something this revealing.
“Come on,” he said. “Sounds like one of the men and his lady for the evening are headed upstairs.”
His big palm closed over her bent elbow and guided her toward the door at the end of the hall. Before ducking through the door, she glanced back down the hall.
When had that heavy velvet rope been hung at the start of the hall? It had to have been recently, likely to serve as a gentle reminder that this hallway was private.
The man’s laugh joined a woman’s, getting closer to the hall. She slipped into the stairwell with Dade at her side.
The closing of the door closeted her in and gave rise to her fears. These stairs were narrower and closed in and for a tense moment she had trouble drawing a decent breath.
When she finally did, Dade’s scent of castile, shaving soap, and fresh air wrapped around her like welcoming arms. It was vastly different from being trapped in a shed with Whit and the heavily spiced scent he favored.
They emerged into the far end of the kitchen. A plump gentleman worked at the stove and barely spared them a glance. The housekeeper greeted them with a smile.
“Miss Jennean is waiting for you in the dining room,” she said and motioned to a door to their right.
“Thank you, ma’am.” Dade gave Maggie a nudge that direction.
She balked a moment, reminded that the Crossroads had other visitors now. “You’re sure nobody else is joining us?”
“Positive,” Mrs. Wray said. “Miss Jennean always guards her visitors’ privacy whether they are simply taking a meal here or availing themselves of other pleasures.”
Now that was surely an interesting way to put it. If Maggie had her way tonight, she’d avail herself of the same pleasures with the handsome man at her side. But first she’d have a few moments alone with Miss Jennean.
They stepped into a dining room that was small and cozy and not the least bit pretentious. Miss Jennean sat at the head of the table, looking more like royalty than the queen of a prairie brothel.
“Just in time,” she said, smiling at Maggie and then Dade.
A pearl pendant the size of a robin’s egg rested between her breasts, which were nearly as luminous as the stone. Her deep blue gown gave her almond-shaped eyes a knowing, sultry look that the curve of her ruby lips mirrored.
No wonder the woman had made a good living from her trade. She oozed sensuality–something Maggie was certain that she lacked.
Dade held the chair for her, and she quickly slid onto it. She thought nothing of him seating her until she heard his breath catch.
She was baffled at what had captured his interest until she heard Miss Jennean’s throaty laugh. The lady smiled and slid a finger across her own bare bosom to toy with the pearl.
And then she knew what Dade had been staring at.
Maggie dropped her gaze to her neckline and felt her cheeks burn. Sure enough he could see the valley of her bosom clearly. Why, she might as well be naked.
“I trust your bath was satisfactory?” Miss Jennean asked her.
“It was heavenly,” she said as she spread her napkin on her lap and surreptitiously adjusted her neckline. “Thank you for the loan of the gown.”
“It fits you well.” Miss Jennean took a sip of her wine and looked across the table at Dade. “Don’t you think so, Mr. Logan?”
Dade stared at Maggie’s bosom and smiled, his gaze lifting slowly to her eyes. “Yes, ma’am, the gown does fit her like a glove in places.”
“Really, Dade.” Maggie fidgeted with her neckline and fought off a wave of self-consciousness. “Forgive me, Miss Jennean, but I’m not used to wearing anything this revealing.”
“I can see that,” she said. “I dare say you’ve never showed that much skin to another person, let alone a man.”
Maggie managed a weak nod and knew her cheeks had turned an unbecoming pink. Could this conversation get more uncomfortable for her?
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Dade shift in his chair. Instead of looking at him, she reached for her wine and hoped the spirits would dull her embarrassment.
Miss Jennean rubbed her thumb over her wineglass and looked from Maggie to Dade. “I thought you two were old family friends, but I can see that I was mistaken.”
Maggie nearly choked on her wine. “We’ve only known each other a few weeks.”
That earned her a scowl from Dade, but really, what was the point in lying to Miss Jennean? If they weren’t posing as a married couple, and if they weren’t lovers, then what did that leave but traveling companions?
“Like Maggie told you,” he said, “Maggie was my sister’s friend on the orphan train.”
Miss Jennean leaned back in her chair as if considering that. “A very devoted one, I’d say. But I sense there’s another reason why Maggie has tossed convention and mores aside and set off on a journey with a man.”
“Suffice it to say I am fleeing from a situation that was being forced on me,” Maggie said.
“By your parents?” she asked.
Maggie stared into her knowing blue eyes and recognized a kindred spirit there. “By the couple who took me in.”
She hoped the woman wouldn’t ask about her parents. She had no idea who her father was. As for the Suttens, she barely remembered the tense woman–her aunt, she
believed–who’d placed her in the orphanage because she couldn’t be bothered with another mouth to feed.
“It’s best if nobody recalls us being here,” Dade said.
“My staff have very poor memories.” Miss Jennean smiled as a young woman brought platters of steaming food to the table then left. “Help yourself.”
“Believe I will,” Dade said and went straight for the platter heaped with roast beef.
Miss Jennean took a portion of potatoes and onions before passing them on. “I hope you don’t mind eating family style. It’s one thing I enjoy doing when I have company.”
“Not at all. It looks scrumptious,” Maggie said, and realized she was starving.
“Isabella maintains that dining informally makes everyone feel like family.” Miss Jennean’s smile was a touch sad, and Maggie guessed the woman missed her daughter.
“How often is your daughter able to visit?” Maggie asked as she took a small portion of roast that smelled divine.
“She comes home a couple of times during her school year,” Miss Jennean said, taking the platter from her.
Maggie couldn’t imagine having a home to return to, even one that still operated quietly as a brothel. Shecouldn’t imagine having the love of a parent. Her gaze flicked to Dade. Or anyone’s love for that matter.
“Isabella will spend the summer here, then return for her last year at the university,” Miss Jennean said, pride ringing in her voice.
“What is she studying?” Maggie asked.
Miss Jennean smiled. “Law. Isabella feels that the best way to support the suffrage movement is by becoming a lawyer, which will enable her to see women are justly served.”
“She’s got her work cut out for her,” Dade said. “But she’s right. It’s past time that women and children had a voice.”
His remark brought a smile to Maggie’s face. “Well said.”
The rest of the meal passed with little said. But Maggie caught Dade’s gaze on her more times than not. She’d at least snared his attention. Now if she could just fully capture his desire tonight.
“This is fine eating,” Dade said and shoveled in another forkful of meat and roasted potatoes.
In a Cowboy’s Arms Page 21