by Stephy Smith
Whoever the woman was, she came from a solid background. Offering to pay him for carrying her trunk was an admirable gesture. The idea of her traveling alone without a chaperone didn’t make sense. Nor did the tingling sensation when he kissed her hand. She must have felt it too, the way she jerked her hand free of his.
How could he stand having her just down the hall? He wanted her in his room, his bed. His excitement became apparent, and he prayed his mother didn’t walk in. Any minute she would call him to eat. If he put his mother off for too long, she would take that wooden spoon of hers and put a few knots on his head. Miss O’Sheay would probably be joining them at the table.
What did she have that stirred his blood? Other women didn’t affect him this way, so what was so special about her? He didn’t have an answer. Opening the door, he sauntered down the hall to the dining room and waited for the guest to appear.
****
How could an innocent touch provoke an eternal desire with such force? Her whole body heated from inside. Mattie chided herself for letting one small touch affect her in such a foolish manner. His effect on her had to be ignored, or she would be sucked into the man’s soul forever.
He stood so near, she could not get the fresh smell of him out of her mind. His dark eyes filled with kindness, yet he remained so quiet he sent a tremble through her soul. No smile or frown displayed on his lips. His character was neither intimidating nor friendly. About the only thing she was sure of, he was extremely handsome.
She busied herself with putting her clothes away. Light colored wallpaper with pink roses warmed the room. Soft pink curtains framed two windows. A four-poster bed sat between the windows. Mattie’s eyes fell on the matching pink spread and fluffy pillows. Soft, white mosquito netting draped from a rod and was tied to the front post of the frame. The room was so inviting, she almost forgot her main mission was to carry out her plan.
Lanterns placed on bedside tables on each side of the bed gave the room a delicate romantic atmosphere. An ivory washbasin with hand-painted pink roses on one side sat on the corner of the dressing table. A majestic wardrobe was stationed against a wall close to the wooden door.
Mattie sank into one of the pink, velvet-covered chairs. She tried to forget the impressive, handsome man. He had to be dangerous with his quiet manner and assertive walk. The man’s full image and smell lived in her mind. A gnawing in her gut told her she had to be careful of him. Her husband’s body wasn’t even cold in the ground and here she was having desires to coddle another.
She was not here to woo a man. Mattie drove him from her mind. He did not stay gone. Jonathan was nice looking enough with a pleasing build. This stranger, he was tall, broad shouldered, and every muscle in his body strained the material stretched over it. Gooseflesh rose on her arms as a flush warmed her face.
She smiled to herself. Impressed, she glanced around the room with its elaborate furnishings. Her mind wandered, adding the stranger to her fantasy. His loving arms wrapped around her. Warm lips pressed against hers. Desire wrote its way to the deep place in her heart. Heat once again rose across her cheeks.
She refused to step further inside the fantasy world and instead concentrated on the peaceful feel of the room. How it relaxed her to the point she almost forgot to be cautious. The few people she met comforted her, except for the man who invaded her thoughts and the little weasel Bagwell, who she wished were in a different state.
She scolded herself for allowing Mr. Handsome to know where to find her. Instinct told her to trust him. Nevertheless, she could not trust her own judgment, much less a stranger in an odd town. Especially when he showed up along with the Howard clan.
Mattie paced the small room. She was happy with her new surroundings, finally safe knowing the Howards and their accomplices wouldn’t be guests in the beautiful establishment. They wouldn’t be sleeping next door, keeping her awake at all hours of the night, or dining at the same table. A sigh of relief slipped through her lips.
She crossed over to the writing table to make a list of skills for a job search. She played her life back and found she possessed no skills except sewing. At best, she hated the thought of being a seamstress. Mattie always seemed to prick herself with the needle and leave blood-stained fabric behind.
Mattie resumed her pacing of the large room. A solid knock on the door distracted her train of thought. With heart leaping, she leaned against the door, “Who is it?”
“It’s me. Rose.”
“Yes?” Mattie pulled the door open and gestured for the woman to enter.
“Lunch is ready in the dining room. If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you down.” Rose declined Mattie’s offer to step into the room.
She followed Rose to the dining room. One other occupant was present. He was the one who carried her trunk. He rose to his feet and pulled her chair out. Mattie nodded her appreciation and lowered herself into it. Her tongue refused to form a simple ‘thank you’. Heat crossed her cheeks, and her breath stilled in her lungs.
How could she get through a simple meal with him at the same table? His nearness made her feel small and defenseless. Her heart plummeted. Shocking thoughts crossed her mind. She inhaled deeply and tried to still her shaking hands.
Mattie lowered her gaze. If the stranger stayed near, she could keep an eye on him to find out if he were a part of the gang she hunted. She pulled her eyes from his and turned toward Rose’s voice, thankful for the distraction.
“Your room comes with three meals a day. If you have laundry, it’ll cost extra.” Rose smiled. “Of course you can always do it yourself if you choose.”
“I’ll have you do it for me or teach me how.” The heat crept to Mattie’s face again. “I’m afraid I have no domestic skills.”
Rose smiled, and shook her head before she disappeared just long enough to return with bowls of chicken and dumplings.
“I’ll make you a deal. You learn to do laundry and help with the house, and I’ll pay you fifty cents a week plus room and board.” Rose placed a bowl in front of the stoic stranger and the other in front of Mattie.
“I’ll give it a try.” She smiled at Rose. With the knowledge she was safe for a while, Mattie no longer needed to find a job in the public eye. Although it would cut down on her chances to find the other assassins, it would allow her to work on a plan. Keeping up with the Howards shouldn’t be hard. They can lead me to the killer. Have patience Mattie, have patience.
Chapter Three
A couple of weeks had passed since she moved into the boarding house. There had been no time for her to make plans to carry out her mission. When she would return to her room, she would fall asleep shortly after climbing into bed. She welcomed the rest.
It was always late when Mattie climbed the staircase. Her body wasn’t the least bit impressed with the newly acquired domestic skills. She collapsed on the bed and remained there a few minutes before she sat up to reach down and remove her shoes from her aching feet. Mopping floors, dusting, and laundry proved strenuous work. Cooking was more to her liking, although she was not fond of that chore either.
Slowly, she undressed and then lowered herself into the tub of water to soak out the aches and pains. Its warmth encased and relaxed her. The rose scented soap reminded her of the sweet lady who rented her a room. How could it be anything but roses? After all, The Rose Garden Boarding House was her new home. A deep long breath drew in the scent of the soap. Just like mama’s garden.
A sudden guilt hovered over her. There was doubt anyone remembered to contact Laura. With little effort, she climbed from the tub, dried, and slipped into her nightshirt. It was no wonder she hadn’t thought of her sister with the state of mind she had taken up lately. She strolled the short distance to the writing table, took a seat, and grabbed the pen; she twirled it in her fingers.
Her sister lived in Louisiana. Mattie knew the pain her sister would feel to hear of Jonathan’s death. She sat at the table until she talked herself out of writing the letter.
/> If authorities contacted Laura, they would find Mattie. She couldn’t risk a chance of someone finding her before she could carry out her revenge. Mattie tossed the pen on the table and lowered herself onto the bed.
The soft, feather tick enclosed her with security and peace. Mattie woke with renewed strength. She slipped on a simple, blue blouse and skirt for comfort as she did her chores. She pinned her hair to the top of her head and descended to the kitchen.
After a short pause at the kitchen door, she took a deep breath and let it out. James entered her mind uninvited. “Leave me alone.” She demanded the image to clear itself from her mind.
Rose was bent over the stove frying bacon and scrambling eggs. The aroma of the fresh cooked breakfast lingered in the air. Hot biscuits cooled in a basket on a counter. Mattie’s stomach grumbled. In an instant, she pressed her hand into the belly growl.
“Did you say something? I’m afraid I wasn’t paying much attention.” Rose continued to dish food into the bowls.
“No. No, I was talking to myself. I’m sorry I disturbed you.”
“A couple came in late last night. They rented a room down the hall from yours. They said another man would come by around lunch for the other room. Their names are Mr. and Mrs. Church. I believe they said the other man’s name could be Bagwell.” Rose smiled and spared a moment to pat Mattie’s arm.
The breath choked from Mattie. Her hands wadded in the apron strings she was trying to tie behind her back. Taking a quick step back, she leaned against the cabinet and waited for the chill to run its course down her spine. The mere mention of the man’s name spurred hatred that invaded her mind.
A plea of refusing Bagwell would only draw attention to herself, and she couldn’t risk the temptation to ask. She stared at Rose trying to think of something to say.
“Where would you like me to start?” Mattie crossed her fingers behind her back; she prayed Rose wouldn’t suggest laundry. The only good thing about doing the laundry first would be to get that chore out of the way. She glanced at her raw, red hands. She held her breath and waited for Rose to reply.
“After breakfast, I need you to clean the room.” Rose handed her a platter of bacon and a bowl of eggs. Rose carried the biscuits and coffee. They moved through the swinging door, which led the way to the dining room. Mattie smiled at the new couple seated at the table.
“Is there a seamstress in town?” The curious, blonde haired woman asked Rose. Mattie set the food on the table, raised her head to the woman, and marveled at her accent. She wondered if her own accent was as noticeable as this woman’s was.
“Yes ma’am. Right up the street.” Rose nodded the direction to her new tenant.
“Do you know if they need any help?” Her Swedish accent lingered in the air.
“I believe they may.” Rose raised her head and paused before she poured the coffee. “That’s the word around town. The last woman left to have a baby and isn’t expected to return.”
Jessie Church kissed his wife on the cheek, excused himself, and dashed to the door. Between bites, Mattie heard him say he worked at the hardware store.
“I have laundry we need washed, and can you arrange to have our room cleaned in the mornings? I want to talk to the seamstress.” The blonde Mrs. Church hurried out the door with a slice of the bacon in her hand.
“Sure, whatever you wish.” Rose smiled. Mattie knew her shoulders had slumped, and she quickly straightened herself.
Rose filled her plate. “Once you find your own routine, it won’t be that bad, dear.”
Mattie raised another fork full of eggs to her mouth. A thick lump made swallowing difficult, yet she forced the food down. Instantly, she sensed the mocking look from the dark haired mystery man. She thought for a moment she noticed a gleam of amusement twinkle in his eye. When he was around, her mind and body seemed to turn to mush. He never talked, and that was fine with her. It kept her from saying something foolish, since his presence stole her senses.
“James, fetch some water for Mattie and place it on the stove. She has a lot cut out for her today.” Rose glanced at him. James casually sat sipping coffee and eating a slice of bacon.
James nodded his head and disappeared out the door with a pail in his hand. Rose’s gaze followed him. Mattie let out a deep sigh.
He was out of sight when Rose turned back to her. “That son of mine has got to be the quietest man to ever walk this earth. Especially when there’s a pretty woman tempting him.”
Relief washed over her. The last thing Mattie needed hanging over her head was ‘coveting thy neighbor’s husband’ guilt along with her other troubles. Her heart pounded a little harder and quicker. She needed to keep focused on why she was here and not off chasing some man like a reckless fool.
James was handsome and mysterious. A yearning of desire mixed with intrigue topped with a bit of charm set a spark bouncing she couldn’t identify. He remained distant from the rest of the world. Yet there was something about him, and it wasn’t just his dark brown eyes. His character drew her to him.
Gathering the breakfast dishes, she carried them to the kitchen. Her mind still lingered on James Parker. Mattie wiped the dishes out and stacked them on the counter to await the heated water.
She grew uneasy. Natural instincts sent a shudder of uncertainty into her mind. When she turned to find the reason for the strange sensation, she found James was staring over her shoulder. With a start, Mattie gasped. “That will be all for now. Thank you Mr. Parker.” Her voice broke his gaze. He nodded once more, turned, and left the room without a word.
Her hand trembled as she rubbed the back of her neck. She attempted to erase the awkwardness of the situation from her tense body. His nearness always left her immobile. Mattie stood for a moment to gather her thoughts then set about doing chores.
James Parker had a way of taking over her train of thought. His haunting eyes pierced her core every time he turned them on her. She stifled a laugh. Mattie wasn’t afraid of the man, even if he did cause discomfort with his silence. The feel of contentment settled in her soul when she knew he was close at hand. Her mind drifted to the pulsation he had sent through her body when he kissed her hand.
Mattie didn’t know how long she stood at the dishpan daydreaming with her hands immersed in the warm water. With rhythmic movements, she washed and dried the dishes. She set each one in its place then focused on cleaning the room upstairs.
Why would Bagwell want a room here? He couldn’t bring his trollop around. She suspected Rose would turn Bagwell into a kettle of witches brew if she thought he was taking part in sordid activities under her roof.
She didn’t know Rose that well, but one of the rules to rent here was that no dishonorable function would take place in the boarding house. Mattie hoped when Bagwell heard the condition he would find another place to rent.
The front door slammed, and Mattie spun around. Pounding in her chest thundered, and she shook with fury. How could Rose consider letting Bagwell rent a room? The sound of footsteps beat in quick succession across the floor. Mattie glanced at the back door. It was close enough she could make a hasty retreat if necessary. Why should she be running? She hadn’t done anything wrong… yet.
Frozen to the floor, she waited for the intrusion to right itself. It wasn’t long until she saw the Swedish woman run to Rose. She squeezed Rose and announced her new job of being the new tailor in town.
Rose gave a quick hug to Mrs. Church. “Good for you,” she encouraged the new tenant. Good- natured, Rose rolled her eyes skyward when she caught Mattie’s attention and flashed a brilliant smile. One look at Rose and everyone could tell she was truly happy for folks around her.
Mattie thought about Rose’s actions. The sweet little proprietress gave support to all of the tenants. She encouraged Mattie to give herself the chance to get used to the chores. Deep down, Mattie knew she would do the same for the Swedish woman.
Mrs. Church immediately ran to her room and closed the door with a bang.
Rose and Mattie stared after the energetic woman’s hasty retreat. They both shook their heads and suppressed their giggles.
“I best get back to my chores.” Mattie nodded to Rose.
Dusting and sweeping the floor of the empty room for the new tenant gave her a small amount of time alone. It didn’t take long before she had the curtains removed from the window and placed them in the scrub bucket. Mattie was in the process of hanging the freshly aired curtains from the linen closet. A shiver ran down her spine. She glanced over her shoulder and lunged back.
“Mr. Parker, I didn’t hear you come in.” She didn’t expect an answer from him. He crossed the room with little effort and reached up to help hang the curtain.
Mattie stumbled backwards. James caught her around the waist and pulled her body against his. His warm breath brushed her face. A flash of energy traveled between them. Her heart beat passionately, and her knees grew weak.
She moved closer to lean into his strong frame. Her hands flat on his chest. There was a massive thunder of his heart pounding against her palms. He traced her bottom lip with his finger and her lips parted. James tightened his grip and pulled her into the hard, massive length of his body. Mattie wrapped her arms around him and held him as if she could melt into his warm embrace.
How can I stand here with this magnificent man thinking the impossible? This is not what I came to Texas for. I need to keep my mind on the job I came to do. However, until then, I don’t see what the harm is by partaking in a few kisses from this man.
His eyes filled with passion and he lowered his lips to hers. The way he worked his tongue to pry her mouth open drew a muffled moan from the back of her throat. She gave way to his invasive tongue and enjoyed every moment. His sweet taste sent intense desire deep into the hollow of her core.