by Linda Broday
“You’re looking well, Skye,” he said quietly. “No kids?”
“A blessing I missed.” Her gray-green eyes met his.
Life plainly hadn’t been kind to her. Cuts, some new and some scabbed over, on her hands came from constant toil. His gaze swept her curves, pausing at the unbuttoned dress that revealed the swell of her breasts. She was still a mighty fine-looking woman. He longed to undo the braid that snaked down her back and plunge his hands in her reddish-golden hair, smell the sweetness.
“I’m sorry. I remember how badly you wanted kids.”
“Have you eaten?” She focused on something in the distance, as though she already pictured him leaving.
“Not since yesterday. I’d be obliged.”
“I’ll have something ready by the time you wash up.” With those curt words, she turned and disappeared into the house.
He released a deep sigh. His sweeping glance of the homestead took in the broken fences, little livestock and no crops. Could his brother have brought his bride to a more desolate, godforsaken place? Everything was in a sad state of affairs.
Before she ran him off, he’d do all he could to make repairs. Another deep sigh rose. Pushing away from the post that held up the slanted roof of the porch, he ambled toward the well.
A few minutes later, he sat down at the table with Skye. The meal was simple. He wasted no time digging in.
“How far is your closest neighbor?” he asked around a mouthful of food.
“Six miles.”
“And your nearest town?”
“Zapata is twenty miles. I only go every six months.”
“Makes for a lonely life.” Cade fought the urge to lean across the table and tuck a flame-colored tendril behind her ear. “How long since Matthew died?”
“Over five months ago. What’s with all the questions, Cade?”
He shrugged. “Want to get a feel for things, is all.”
“You won’t be here long enough for that.”
“I understand why you’re angry and I don’t blame you. This wild country is unforgiving. Lord knows you’ve given it your all. But why do you stay? Why not pack up?”
“And go where, exactly? With what? I don’t have anything but this god-blessed land and you can see men are lining up in droves to buy it.”
“I apologize. Didn’t mean to say you aren’t trying.”
She pushed back her chair and stalked from the house.
Cade ate the rest of the meal then went out to sit in the shade of the porch and regain his strength. He didn’t know where Skye disappeared to. Clearly, showing up like he did had thrown her. Deep regret weighed him down. He closed his eyes.
The next morning, he woke on her porch, still in the chair he’d dropped into. A light blanket covered him. He felt stronger. Getting to his feet, he noticed Skye working with the downed fence posts. He walked down to join her. Something wasn’t right. He didn’t like the feeling in his gut.
“Who pulled these posts up?”
“I never said anyone did.”
“Didn’t have to. I’ve got eyes. Someone yanked these out of the ground deliberately.”
“Stay out of it,” she said sharply.
“Matthew would want me to help. Who did this?”
Skye slumped as if all the air went out of her. When she spoke, her voice was low. “Hiram Dunston.”
Fury burned a path inside him. “Let me guess. You resisted the bully and things got ugly. That about right?”
“After Matthew died, Hiram got wind of it and tried to force himself on me. I threatened to shoot him if he didn’t leave me alone. Ever since, he’s been doing things like pulling these fence posts up, making my cow sick, and burning my wagon.”
“Where does he live?” Deadly calm underscored the question.
“If I wanted to kill him, I’d have done that, Cade.”
“I’ve never been one to turn the other cheek. Where does he live? I’ll find out one way or the other.”
“In Zapata. He’s nothing but a drunk and a gambler. I can handle him.”
“I can see that.” He clenched his jaw. Watching someone bully a woman or child got to him quicker than rising flood waters on the Rio Grande. He’d deal with Dunston before he rode on.
Taking the shovel from her, he gently pushed her toward the house. “Go do something easier. Make us some breakfast. I’ll take care of this.”
Cade removed his shirt and laid it aside, then tackled the job. He only stopped to eat. The sun beat down and sweat dripped off him. It felt good to use his hands, though, doing something meaningful. By the time the sun set, he had all the posts back in the ground and the wire restrung. He carried everything to the barn and washed up for supper.
Skye was busy dishing up red beans and cornbread. She turned when he entered. “Have a seat. I’m sure you worked up quite an appetite. I appreciate the help with the fence.”
“I’ll do more tomorrow.”
She didn’t mention his leaving as they ate. He guessed she wouldn’t toss him out on his ear. Not yet.
“Mind if I borrow your horse tomorrow? I need to ride into town and see about getting another of my own. I’ll pick up anything you need.”
“You can use the horse. Don’t get anything for me, though.”
He laid his hand on hers. “If you had plenty of money what would you buy?”
****
Skye glanced down at his long, tanned fingers, remembering when they’d caressed every inch of her body. Oft times, she’d remarked that he had a magical touch. Even now, a ribbon of pleasure spiraled down her spine.
Jerking her hand from beneath his, she spoke sharply, “This is a crazy game that serves no purpose. I’ll give you a blanket and you can sleep in the barn.”
“Didn’t expect anything else.”
Minutes later, she tossed him a blanket. When he closed the door behind him, she moved to the window. Tall and lean, he had a fluid unhurried walk, like a stream meandering along its course. His corded forearms hung loosely at his side in reach of the Colt in his holster.
Cade Coltrain was a dangerous man. He’d always been someone to reckon with, but adding in the hardness that swept the length of him now he could put the fear of God in a man with only a look.
In her heart, she knew the truth. He’d become a gunfighter.
But, it didn’t matter. Nothing did.
A sudden need to be held in those arms washed over her. She rested her head on the thick window pane and let the tears fall.
The loud ticking clock reminded her she had dishes to do. Raising her head, she brushed away her tears. Glancing out the window once more, she found Cade standing beside Matthew’s grave with his head bowed.
What would he say to the brother who’d married the woman Cade had cast aside when adventure called?
She prayed he’d move on soon, before she gave in to the desire that created such a powerful ache in her body.
Just to be held again, feel warm breath on her cheek; lay her palm on the hard muscles that rippled beneath the skin. Those desires were something she couldn’t put a price on. But they were the things she’d buy, if only she could.
Skye wanted to be a woman again. Someone cherished.
Chapter 3
When Cade came in for breakfast before daybreak, clean clothes stacked neatly in his chair surprised him. He lifted an eyebrow in askance.
“You and Matthew wore about the same size. Put these on and I’ll wash yours while you’re in town,” Skye said.
“I appreciate that. They sure could stand freshening up. I’ve saddled your horse and will head out after I grab a cup of coffee.”
“I’ve cooked eggs. You’ll eat them.”
He grinned. “Yes, ma’am. Anyone tell you you’re bossy?”
“They didn’t dare.”
His heart turned over when she smiled back. He suspected she’d had no reason to smile in a long time, and was glad he could do that small thing for her.
About
two hours later, Cade rode into Zapata, Texas. He went straight to the livery. With luck, he could trade his services for a horse. The liveryman’s eyes lit up when Cade inquired about work. Seemed he’d busted his leg and couldn’t do more than hobble around on a crutch.
“I’ll swap that four-year-old buckskin out in the corral and two dollars if you’ll muck out the stalls and do odd jobs for me,” the liveryman said.
“Seems a fair trade,” Cade agreed.
After finishing, he collected the horse and his two dollars. The mercantile beckoned. No matter what Skye said, he knew she had needs. Selecting a smoked ham, he turned to the women’s portion of the store. A pretty chemise made of soft linen caught his eye. He had the clerk wrap that up along with a silken nightgown and he set out for the homestead.
Though it took his last cent, he considered it money well-spent.
****
With Cade gone, Skye hauled water from the well and got ready to do laundry. When she picked up his shirt, a gold locket with a broken chain fell out of the pocket. Curious, she opened it.
On one side was her image. Cade’s sat opposite.
A wounded cry sprang from her mouth as she gripped the locket. Her heart beat wildly.
Memories came unbidden. He’d given it to her years ago when they’d lain beneath the stars and dreamed of a life together. The broken chain was no surprise. When he’d told her he had wanderlust and a thirst to see what the world was like, she’d angrily ripped it from her neck and thrown it at him.
Clutching the necklace to her breasts, she allowed tears to fall, crying for the love she never could forget no matter how hard she tried.
The keepsake evidently meant a lot to him. He’d kept it all this time, over the many miles he’d traveled. That was something, seeing as how he could number each of his worldly goods on one hand and have two fingers left over.
Stifling a sob, she laid it aside and sank into a chair, trying to understand what his keeping the locket meant.
****
Cade returned just as the sun was setting. He was satisfied with his purchases, but disappointed that he hadn’t located Hiram Dunston. Folks told Cade he’d gotten stinkin’ drunk and was in jail. His conversation with the rotten cayuse would have to wait. He didn’t like waiting.
Clothes hung on the line beside the house. Skye had been busy. He didn’t see her anywhere and assumed she was inside. He took the horses to the small corral beside the barn, unsaddled them, and turned them loose.
That’s when the thought struck him and sheer panic set in.
He’d lost it. His most cherished possession. Maybe it fell out. Hurrying into the house, he stooped down to look under the table and around the room. Movement drew him up short.
Skye stood with arms folded. “Looking for something?”
“You might say that I am. Something I greatly treasure. Must’ve fallen out of my pocket.”
“Would this be it, by chance?” A gold locket dangled from her hand.
Cade swallowed hard, waiting for what was to come. “You found it.”
The lines of her face softened. “Why did you keep it?”
“It reminded me of the price I paid for my own stupidity.” He covered the space between them and took it. “And I never get tired of looking at your picture. Remembering. Dreaming.”
“I didn’t know you cared; that you gave me another thought after that day.”
He forced out the words he’d locked in a far corner of his heart. “I cared. Always.”
Slowly, he moved closer until only a whisper of distance remained between them. He caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “You don’t know what you do to a man. You’re impossible to forget.”
Skye leaned into him. “What did we do, Cade? I loved you, you know.”
“But Matthew—”
“Matthew wasn’t you. He was a good husband, but I never loved him. I only gave my heart away once…and you gave it back.”
“I was a fool.” His ragged breath was loud in his ears. Heat pooled low in his belly. Without stopping to think, he bent his head and kissed her.
****
Skye closed her eyes. Like the brush of fine silk, the sweep of his mouth across hers stole her breath, her thoughts, any desire to resist.
An overpowering need rose up.
But what would happen when he rode off again without looking back? Could she keep it from destroying her?
Pushing away from his broad chest, she stumbled outside. The old dugout, the place she always sought when life pressed around crushing her, drew her. She sank down into the chair she’d put there long ago and buried her face in her hands.
The lines had blurred, and she didn’t know how that happened. Cade Coltrain was no longer her husband’s brother. He was her love. And God knew if he kissed her again, she’d lose all ability to resist.
Even if he made no promise to stay.
Purple twilight fell around her before she went back to the house. She busied herself bringing in the clothes and folding them. Supper was easy once she spied the smoked ham on the table.
The package wrapped in brown paper sitting beside it aroused her curiosity. She rested her hand on it.
Cade strolled through the door. “Open it.”
“I told you I didn’t want anything.”
“But you never said a word about need.”
“The money used to buy these things—”
“Was come by honest,” he finished for her. “Worked at the livery in exchange for the buckskin and two dollars.”
Tearing away the paper, her breath caught in her throat. “Oh, Cade!”
The chemise was lovely with its lace and ribbon. She held it up to her as she ran her fingers across the nightgown that had tiny pink rosettes sewn around the neck and sleeves. Simply beautiful, and much needed.
“I thought you’d like them,” Cade said softly.
“No one ever bought me anything like this.” She laid her gifts down. “Is this a peace offering?”
“No. My reason is simple. I saw them and thought they might put a smile on that pretty face of yours. Nothing more, nothing less. You have every right to your anger. Hold on to it, Skye. At least you’re feeling something. Helps you remember you’re not dead.”
“I want to be sometimes when life stomps on me.” Without saying more, she sliced some of the ham and opened her last jar of fresh peas. She also found a can of peaches for dessert.
Sitting across from him, she brought up the subject she’d been dreading. “Did you find Dunston in town?”
“Nope.” His startling blue eyes stared into hers. “You can relax. He’s in jail. I still mean to have a talk with him before I leave, though.”
“I wish you’d let it go.”
“Not a chance.”
After they ate, Cade disappeared outside while she washed the dishes. Probably doing some last-minute chores before turning in. She rigged a blanket to separate the kitchen from the rest of the house. Getting her washtub, she filled it with water. She wanted to be clean when she put on the new nightgown. Her bath didn’t take long and when she came out, Cade sat at the table.
Still wet, his hair curled around the neck of his clean shirt. He smiled. “Looks like we both had the same idea. Not much water in the pitiful little creek I found behind the house but it was enough. The gown looks real pretty on you, Skye.”
“Thank you again for it.”
He unwound his long legs and stood. “I’ll empty the tub for you.”
“I appreciate that.” The bed against the wall drew her attention. Something rested on the pillow.
Curiosity was so strong she barely heard Cade carry the tub outside. She walked over to the bed. A perfectly shaped heart made from a small piece of leather lay there. A thin strip of red fabric was woven around the outer edge, and colorful feathers filled the center. Her breath caught as she picked it up and stroked the small gift.
Cade opened the door and stepped inside. “April isn’t
a good time for celebrating Valentine’s Day, but I wanted you to have it.”
“It’s just lovely. Did you make it?”
“Yes. Not a very good job, I’m afraid. Didn’t have a lot to work with. The leather came from a flap of my saddlebags. The rest, I found in town today. Do you like it?”
“I love it.” Skye laid it down. “Cade, would you hold me?”
He nodded and moved to her. She melted in his arms, breathing his clean fragrance. His light touch on the back of her head, his gentle breath ruffling her hair, and his strong heartbeat beneath his ear renewed her sagging spirit.
Skye looked up into his face. “Do you think you could sleep inside the house tonight? I’m so lonely.”
For answer, he swept her into his arms and laid her on the bed. “Anything I can do to ease your loneliness, pretty lady. Just let me blow out the lamps.”
Minutes later, he sat on the side of the bed and pulled his boots off. Then she heard him getting out of the rest of his clothes. She wished the lamp still burned so she could see his muscular body. It had been so long.
Tears filled her eyes when he stretched out beside her and pulled her close.
This man who wanted to protect her and had fashioned a heart from a piece of leather from his saddlebags was unaware of the true gift he gave her.
She rose long enough to pull her nightgown over her head, then she nestled in his strong arms.
The kiss they shared spoke of need and passion.
Chapter 4
Light filtered in through the window, illuminating the beautiful woman next to Cade.
He rose on an elbow and trailed feathery kisses across Skye’s eyelids, high cheekbones, and down her slender neck. Though she tried to pull him on top of her, he would have none of it. He’d waited long enough for this, and he meant to enjoy every second of their time.
A groan rose up when he reached the swell of her breasts. He ran his tongue over a raised tip before he took it fully into his mouth.
Her velvet skin was silkier than he remembered. He moved lower, kissing and caressing every inch of her body.