“Laughing Badger. Yeah, he still causes trouble now and then, but nothing Josh and I can’t handle.”
”Kyle brought a young woman with him,” his mother blurted out.
“Oh, yeah?” His father beamed at him, and put a hand on his shoulder. “About time, Kyle. I was about your age when I met your mom. She didn’t want to have anything to do with me at first.” He winked.
“I wish I could tell you I was getting hitched, but she turned me down.” Kyle figured he might as well get that straight right now, or his mother and sister would be making wedding plans for him.
His father’s eyebrows rose, and he grinned. “You asked, and she turned you down? Maybe you didn’t ask in the right way.”
Kyle knew his father’s comment was meant to be light-hearted, but inside, he seethed. Everything seemed to always come easy for Chase Russell. Kyle never begrudged his father anything, and neither one of his parents had ever made unreasonable demands on him. Other folks, however, never let him forget about his famous father.
Kyle’s mother glared at her husband. “I might remind you, Chase Russell, that you never even bothered to ask me. You and my father made all the plans. I had no say in the matter.”
Kyle’s father swatted her on the rear, and kissed her cheek. “That’s how I was told it was done back then. I knew it’s what you wanted, Angel, and I would have been the biggest fool if I’d have let you get away.”
Kyle watched their easy exchange. That his parents were very much in love was obvious. He fervently wanted the same kind of relationship with Kate. His pride wouldn’t allow him to crawl to her on hands and knees. He’d have to figure out something else. He knew she had feelings for him, and dammit, he wasn’t going to simply let her walk out of his life.
“Maybe if you lay on some more of the old Russell charm, she’ll come around,” his father said, putting a supportive hand on Kyle’s shoulder. “If you’re sure she’s the one, you’d better do what you can to keep her, or you might regret it for the rest of your life.”
Kyle clenched his jaw. Women. Growing up with four sisters had to have taught him something, but apparently not. He was better at reading horses. He’d done everything he could think of to win her over. Kate’s reluctance to admit her feelings went far deeper than simply wanting to return to Boston. She’d told him on numerous occasions how she loved the Madison Valley, and she never spoke of Boston.
He might just take his father’s advice, and try once more. Tomorrow, he was heading for Helena. He was already a day behind. There was nothing he could do if she still wanted to run away. Kyle blinked. He didn’t like the sudden thought that entered his mind.
Chapter 18
Kate stood in the center of the small bedroom, fighting back the tears that constantly threatened just behind her eyes. She blinked several times, and inhaled deeply. Kyle’s sister, Hannah, had mercifully left, excusing herself to begin preparations for the evening family meal.
After asking endless questions about life in Boston, Hannah told Kate about herself. She chatted up a storm about her job as the town’s school teacher, and her engagement to a journalist from the local newspaper, the Montana Post.
Hannah seemed genuinely warm and friendly. Under different circumstances, Kate could well see a friendship develop between them. But you’re not going to be here long enough to make friends, Kate.
She glanced around the room. The simple furnishings consisted of a bed, a dresser, and a rocking chair in a corner. A wash basin and water pitcher stood on the dresser top, and above it hung a mirror. Sunlight filtered through the lace curtains of a small window. Her mother wouldn’t even consider a room such as this fit for servants’ quarters. Kate scoffed at the thought. She would trade her Boston life for a modest existence in a heart beat. Better yet, she’d much rather go back to the Madison Valley, and to Kyle’s cabin.
Kate walked to the window and glanced out. She didn’t bother to push aside the curtain. A barn-like structure was the next building over. Four people emerged through the wide entry doors, and Kate took a hasty step back. Kyle walked with his mother, and two other men. One of the men looked like an older version of Kyle. The other one bore a striking resemblance to Kyle’s mother, although he had straw-colored hair.
The four were headed into the mercantile, and Kate heard loud voices and men’s laughter below. She couldn’t recall any laughter in her home growing up, unless it was from some of the servants. And then only when her mother was out of the house.
Hannah had given her a quick tour of the residence earlier. It was attached to the back of the store, with a kitchen, living room, and master bedroom downstairs. Two bedrooms comprised the upstairs. Kate pictured the family in the kitchen at this very moment, catching up on family news since their last get-together. She was a mere outsider.
Kate moved away from the window, and listlessly sat at the edge of the bed, rubbing at her temples. She sighed deeply. Her mind wandered to her conversation with Kyle from the morning. He had cornered her with his sudden questions.
Telling Kyle to forget about her was the hardest thing she’d ever said to anyone. She’d almost broken down and confessed her love for him. But what good would it do either of them? It would be best to break the ties now. She could see in his eyes that she’d hurt him deeply, but the pain would only get worse if he found out about Hiram. Instead of love in Kyle’s eyes, Kate would see hatred and contempt.
You’re still a coward, Kate. Tell him the truth, face to face. She shook her head. The risk that he would take her to Helena with him was too great. He might love her now, but he wouldn’t be able to ignore the fact that she was married, and therefore still the rightful property of another man.
Kate shook her head at the irony. He was leaving the following day to meet up with her husband! The thought that Kyle would somehow find out about her directly from Hiram had crossed her mind. It was highly unlikely. Their residence in Helena bore no images of her, or any other visible evidence linking her to Hiram, should Kyle end up meeting him there.
A soft knock startled Kate out of her thoughts.
“Come in,” she said, thinking it might be Hannah. She glanced up, and Kyle walked into the room. She rose from the bed to face him.
“I brought up the bag with your clothes,” he said. He watched her intently, and Kate raked her teeth over her lower lip.
“Thank you,” she said quietly. “I hope it is all right with your mother that I am wearing your sister’s clothing.”
“She’s glad they’re getting some use. Turns out those clothes belonged to my oldest sister, Emily. After three kids of her own, she’d never fit into them.”
Kate’s eyebrows rose. Kyle grinned, and held a hand up in a self defensive posture. “My mother’s words, not mine.”
After an awkward moment of silence, Kate pointed to the bed. “You can, um, set the bag here.”
Kyle did as she asked. Her heart sped up nervously when he took a step toward her. His hand reached up as if to touch her, and she stepped out of his reach. She knew she’d be lost the moment his hand made contact with her.
“Don’t,” she said softly, shaking her head.
Kyle’s chest heaved, and his face hardened. “I’ll be leaving in the morning, after I finish my business with the horses. My folks said you can stay as long as you need to. The stage comes through next Tuesday.” He made a move to turn, then stopped to look at her again. “Oh, and I’m supposed to tell you that supper will be ready in twenty minutes.” He left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
Kate stared after him. She inhaled deeply, her body shuddering. The skin on her waist, her arms, and everywhere else Kyle had ever touched, ached. She desperately wanted to feel his supportive arms around her, and have him tell her everything would be all right. She yearned for his embrace, his solid strength, and his passionate kisses. Her fairy tale was over, not that there had ever been any hope for a happy ending.
Kate opened the leather bag. She didn
’t want to appear rude and be late for supper, even though she didn’t have much of an appetite. The idea of facing Kyle’s family was unnerving. What had he told them about her?
She pulled out the yellow floral dress that she’d worn when Kyle first gave her the clothes. She unrolled it, and held it up. It looked reasonably clean. Quickly, she changed from the dusty blue dress she wore into the yellow one, then took the brush to her hair.
Pulling her pins from a small pouch, she set to work putting up her hair, then stopped. Hannah wore her hair down, and Sarah Russell braided hers. Kate had never been in anyone’s home, including her own, for a meal without her hair properly pinned up and styled. This wasn’t the cabin in the wilderness. She knew Kyle liked it when she wore it loose. It doesn’t matter what he likes. Kate chided herself. Hiram would never allow her at the table if her hair wasn’t properly put up. With that last thought, Kate quickly removed the pins she’d already fastened in place, letting her thick tresses fall in waves down her back.
Her heart sped up when she left the confines of the little bedroom, and headed down the stairs. Everyone seemed to be speaking at once. Kate inhaled deeply, and entered the living room. Talking ceased, and all eyes were on her. Kyle stood with the two older men near the hearth of a stone fireplace along the back wall. Heat crept up her neck when her eyes connected with his. Even from across the room, she saw his look of admiration, along with something more intense. His facial features softened, but he didn’t smile, nor did he make a move toward her.
Sarah Russell rushed over with an outstretched arm. Grabbing Kate’s elbow, she said warmly, “Kate. You’re just in time. Supper’s just about ready.” Sarah’s gaze fell on Kyle. “And since my son seems to have the manners of a porcupine, let me introduce you to my husband and brother.”
Sarah ushered Kate to where the men stood. “Kate, this is my husband, Chase, and my brother, Sam Osborne.” She pointed each of them out. Kate had already guessed who Kyle’s father was. Kyle was a younger version of his father, but with longer hair. Standing next to him, Sam Osborne wasn’t as tall, but there was no doubt he was Sarah’s brother. Their eyes were nearly identical.
Chase reached for her hand, and shook it heartily. “Nice to meet you, Kate. I already told Kyle it’s about time he brought a girl home for us to meet.” He looked over at his son, and winked, a broad grin on his face. “I’ve sometimes worried about that kid spending most of his time with those horses out in the middle of nowhere, but it seems he’s got enough sense to notice a pretty girl after all. How do you like Montana Territory so far?”
Kate stared at the man, forcing her mouth to remain closed, or her chin might reach the floor. She didn’t know what to make of Kyle’s father. His comments and mannerism were not something she’d expect someone to say after an introduction. She forced herself not to look to Kyle for help. She needed to stand on her own two feet.
“Chase,” Sarah said in a low, warning voice. He merely grinned, pulling his wife up close to him.
“What’s wrong, Angel? I’m just making conversation with our guest.” There was a definite sparkle of humor in the man’s eyes, giving him a rather boyish face.
Kate squared her shoulders, and raised her chin. “I’ve enjoyed Montana very much,” she said in response to his question. Spending time in the company of Kyle and Josh had toughened her up a bit, after all. A month ago, she wouldn’t have been able to find her voice after such comments.
Sam Osborne took her hand in his at that particular moment, giving it a light squeeze, and Kate recognized Josh in the man’s smiling face.
“Forgive my brother-in-law. He can be a bit unconventional at times. Well, actually he’s like that all the time.”
“No offense taken,” Kate said. Her eyes darted to Kyle before she could stop herself. He was staring at her, a hint of a smile on his face. She swallowed reflexively, even though her mouth had gone completely dry. She longed for the time of peace and happiness she’d know at Kyle’s cabin. It had been so easy to forget everything and simply give in to her feelings. Here, she was on edge and nervous.
Hannah appeared from the kitchen, announcing the meal was on the table, and everyone moved in her direction. The table was smaller than the one at the cabin, which could comfortably seat six people.
“Kyle, you sit here to my right,” Sarah directed. “Kate can sit next to you.”
Wordlessly, Kyle held the chair his mother had indicated for her, and Kate had no choice but to accept, or appear rude. She sat, and Kyle pushed the chair forward. His warm breath behind her sent her heart racing. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered in her ear, then quickly took a seat beside her. His softly spoken words doused her skin in warmth from the neck down. Perspiration beaded her forehead.
Hannah had certainly prepared a hearty meal in a short amount of time. Dishes filled with boiled potatoes, greens, freshly baked breads, and thick slices of roast, and gravy were passed around the table. Although she had no appetite, Kate politely took a little of everything. Conversation around the table was loud and boisterous.
Kate picked up her fork, intent on stabbing it onto a piece of potato, when Kyle’s warm hand branded her thigh. Startled, she dropped her fork. It fell to the porcelain plate with a loud clank. Her face burned, and she apologized profusely for her clumsiness.
“You all right, Kate?” Kyle whispered, leaning toward her.
“I’m fine,” she hissed between gritted teeth. “Please move your hand.”
“Sure thing.” Kyle’s hand moved up along her waist, and worked its way between her body and the seat, settling at the small of her back.
She inhaled sharply. Her skin tingled, and her entire body seemed to come alive. It had been three long days since he’d last touched her like this. The last time had been when she had that nightmare. Why was he doing this to her? She thought she’d made it clear to him that there could be nothing between them.
“Deny it all you want, Kate, but –”
“Do you have any siblings, Kate?” Sarah asked at that moment, cutting off what Kyle whispered to her. His hand moved out from behind her back, but the warm sensations of his touch remained.
“No, I am an only child,” Kate answered, hoping her voice sounded steady.
“Kyle tells us your parents are dead,” Chase said. “What did your father do in Boston?”
Kate reached for her water glass, and took a sip before she replied. “He was a businessman.”
“What sort of business was he in?”
Kate’s mind raced. How could she best answer that question? She was not about to divulge in front of Kyle that her father had been a partner in a railroad company, the very same company Kyle hoped would support his national park idea.
“Transportation,” she finally said. Kate looked at Hannah. “This is a wonderful meal.” She needed to steer the conversation away from where it was going. Hannah nodded modestly.
“Chase, I’m sure Kate doesn’t want to talk about her parents. I don’t think it’s a subject you ought to bring up.” Sarah smiled apologetically at Kate.
“Sure, Angel. Whatever you say.” Chase Russell’s speech and mannerisms were the strangest Kate had ever encountered, but she had to admit she liked the man’s relaxed ways. It was so different from the stiffness and formality she’d grown up with. Thankfully, he stopped his questions, and engaged in conversation with Sam.
Kate offered to help with the dishes when the meal ended, but Sarah and Hannah firmly declined.
“You’ve got to be tired after three days on the trail,” Sarah said.
“I suppose I am,” Kate replied. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I might retire for the night.” It would be best if she slipped away quietly. She didn’t want to be confronted with more questions, or by Kyle.
Kate rounded the corner out of the living room, intent on heading to her room, and nearly ran into Kyle. He was apparently waiting at the foot of the staircase.
“Can we talk?” he asked.
> Kate clasped her hands tightly together in front of her. This morning had been difficult enough for her, when she told him to forget her. She steeled herself, and took a deep breath.
“I don’t know what we need to talk about, Kyle. I’m rather tired. If you’ll excuse me.” She tried to move past him, but he took hold of her arm and stopped her.
“We have a lot to talk about, and you know it,” he said, his voice hushed.
“What do you want from me, Kyle?” Kate swallowed nervously. She couldn’t hide her feelings much longer. Her resolve crumbled a little more with every moment she spent in his presence.
Kyle ignored her question. “I’ve had a new thought. Are you in some kind of trouble? Are you running from something, or someone?”
Kate was sure he could hear her heart hammering in her chest. If he only knew how close he was to the truth. She couldn’t produce any words, so she simply shook her head. She pulled her arm free of his grasp, and stumbled up the stairs. The heat seeping into her back told her he was right behind her.
“Please, just leave me be,” she whispered hoarsely, and reached for the handle on her door. Kyle placed his hand over hers, and pushed down. The door sprung open, and he nudged her into the room, kicking the door shut behind him. Kate darted around the bed, and spun to face him.
“Kate, if you’re in some kind of trouble, I can help you. You don’t have to be alone. I’ll take care of you.”
She steeled herself, and inhaled deeply. “I’ve told you this morning, I don’t belong here. This is not the kind of life I’m accustomed to. I’ve maintained since the day we met that I would be returning to Boston after you deliver me here.” Every word left a bitter taste in her mouth.
“Godammit Kate. Stop with your formal talk. This is not who you are.”
“This is exactly who I am, Kyle.”
He stepped closer.
“What happened to the vibrant woman I knew just a few days ago? The one who wasn’t afraid to laugh, and give chase after an otter that stole a fish she’d caught with her own two hands. You told me that day was the best day of your life. Do you remember? Or what about the day you walked boldly through a steaming hot geyser basin, and later took me up on a dare to stand underneath a frigid waterfall.”
Yellowstone Awakening (Yellowstone Romance Series Book 3) Page 15