He'd slipped her dress, petticoats and chemise from her body so easily they'd practically fallen off. Obviously he had less experience removing jeans from a woman's body.
"Come lie with me, Meagan."
His husky voice sent shivers down her spine. "I want you naked, too," she whispered boldly before running her hands down the front of his shirt, unbuttoning it along the way.
His muscles tensed beneath her fingers as she slipped his shirt from his shoulders, following its path down his chest with little kisses. She claimed his nipple in her teeth, gently circling her tongue around its stiffened peak. He cupped her neck in his hands, urging her lips to his, easily removing his clothes before guiding her to the bedroll.
Meagan was ready for him before she even touched the ground. She explored as much as she was touched. She yearned for fulfillment as he begged to be fulfilled. She touched, tasted, kissed and nipped her way along the entire length of his sinewy body, claiming him as her own.
His entire body tensed with need, and he flipped her on her back, entering her in one long, deep stride. He rode her hard, intent on his pleasure. His hand explored her breasts, his fingers squeezing and prodding as his desire peaked. He lifted her hips higher, thrusting deep within her, his possession intense, his body demanding. She moaned deeply, stiffening her legs, pushing herself against him as her body convulsed with her release. His body tensed with wave after wave of pleasure as her spasms brought him over the edge.
He couldn't move. He'd never desired a woman more, or had a woman please him as intensely or thoroughly as Meagan. Several minutes passed before he slid off her. His eyes wandered to her face, surprised to find her fast asleep.
A deep tenderness invaded his soul as he stared at her still form. He knew he wanted to be with this woman for the rest of his life. It was his last thought until the sun peeked over the horizon. He squinted his eyes against the bright rays as he reached for Meagan. She wasn't there.
Sitting up quickly, his eyes scanned the area. Searching a nearby patch of trees for signs of her, he wondered if she'd needed some privacy. Waiting a few minutes, he decided it had been too long, and headed towards the camp.
Relief filled him when he saw Meagan visiting with cookie. He approached her, bending over and whispering so only she could hear. "You scared me. I woke up and you were gone."
Chancing a quick glance around, Meagan responded, "I wanted to get back to camp before anyone suspected we'd spent the night together."
"I intend to spend every night of the rest of my life with you," Cole declared firmly. "Sooner or later someone is going to find out."
His words spoke of commitment, and that made her very happy. Still, she whispered, "later is better.”
She jumped as he pinched her behind, turning several shades of red as Cookie grinned their way. She couldn't help but smile as he walked away, whistling. It felt right, being with him. She looked forward to the next days with him.
Or so she thought. By late afternoon she'd reconsidered. It was an unseasonably hot day, and sweat dripped from every possible crevice of her body. She swatted at the same damn flies for the hundredth time as they swarmed unendingly around her. She noticed a few head of cattle straying from the circle, and rode to detain them, leading them back to the herd. By the end of the day she was exhausted.
Desiring only sleep, Meagan forced herself to eat before leaving the men to their tales, finding a nice, semi-secluded place to lie down. In less than five minutes she'd fallen into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Cole approached Meagan, full of anticipation for the coming night. Disappointed to find her sleeping, he shook her lightly, hoping to wake her. When she didn't respond he shook her a bit harder. She was out cold.
Standing over her, Cole chuckled lightly to himself. "So much for passionate nights beneath moonlit skies," he whispered with a resigned shake of his head before lying beside her. He, too, was asleep in an instant.
Morning came too soon for Meagan. She frowned at the sunlight. Refusing to be the one to hold the drive up, she stood slowly, wincing at the stiffness in her legs. Walking it out, she noticed that many of the men were already awake, and that Cole was nowhere in sight. Deciding to search for him, she walked around camp, spotting him coming from behind a clump of trees about a hundred feet away.
Smiling at him as he approached her, she whispered, "sorry about last night. I'll make it up to you."
Cole's eyes roamed over her face with concern. "Take it easy today."
"I'm fine," Meagan reassured him. "Just a little tired."
Meagan was exceedingly grateful for the break from the heat as a cool breeze brushed against her cheek. Clouds formed in the sky, blocking the sun for most of the day. Cole appeared beside her.
Meagan arched her brow his way. "Did you need something?"
"No." Cole rode in closer. "I just missed you."
Pleased with his confession, Meagan rode quietly beside him. Every so often they'd spot an elk or a small herd of antelope. Meagan smiled in delight as they passed a large hill of wild flowers, a variety of fragrances teasing her nostrils. They were just a few miles south of the Karren meadow. They'd be approaching the mountain sometime tomorrow. They rode in tranquil silence.
Nodding toward a large rock protruding from the middle of the meadow, Cole broke the silence. "That's the Arapaho rock."
Meagan studied the rock. It stood nearly fifty feet high, with perpendicular sides towering up to a good half acre flat top. "Why is it called the Arapaho rock?"
Cole remembered the story well. "A battle took place between the Arapaho and the Utes. The Utes considered this rock a sacred hunting spot. Some Arapaho's came to hunt, and invaded the Ute's territory. A great battle took place right here, a bloody war which the Ute's won by climbing up the rock through a crevice in the middle. With the advantage of their height, they wiped out the Arapaho, and called the rock, the Arapaho Rock."
Meagan had heard tales of battles fought around these parts, and she knew that Ute's still occupied much of the surrounding land. She shivered as she thought of all the lives that were lost, and yet cheered the victory that allowed this rock to be part of a legend that the Ute's would pass on to their children for years to come.
She recalled a story her pa had told her on their first ride together. "My pa told me a story of a deep love that began on Blue Mountain, between the daughter of a great Indian chief who lived to the north of the river, and the son of another great chief who lived on the south side of the river."
Seeing she had his attention, Meagan continued, "They were at peace with each other, and the Indian princess fell deeply in love with the chiefs son, and he with her. They decided to marry, and their fathers agreed upon a joint meeting ground to join their children." Loving this story from the fist time she'd heard it, Meagan paused a moment, remembering the details.
"Go on," Cole urged.
"The day of the ritual arrived, and the chief of the north set off with his daughter to meet with the chief of the south. At the same time, the chief's son headed off to meet with his soon to be bride. The Indian princess arrived at the hollow on the south slope of Douglas Mountain. She waited there anxiously for her love to arrive."
"In the meantime, the chief’s son traveled to a draw in the mountains south of the river, expecting to meet his love there. Disappointed when she didn't show, he called the place "Disappointment Draw," and continued on his way. He journeyed toward the Yampa river, which he crossed, certain he would find his loved one in a break in the mountains just across the river. The story goes that when she wasn't there, he wept bitterly, and a member of his tribe suggested they call the place the "Vale of Tears."
"Not one to give up, he continued on his journey, tired and weak from lack of food. It was then he came upon the hollow on the south side of Douglas Mountain, and rejoiced at seeing his loved one safely waiting his arrival."
A slight smile reached Meagan's eyes as she finished. "They were united that very night. Joyous
at their fortune, they christened the place of their uniting "Happy Hollow." Meagan sat silent for a while before she stated, "I never really understood how someone could love someone else so much. I didn't believe that such a strong love existed."
"And now?" Cole prodded.
Meagan smiled. "Now, I know it does."
Cole returned her smile. They rode in silence the remainder of the day. By the time they made camp that night, Meagan knew something was wrong. Her head ached and she felt queasy. Worry filled her as she contemplated their trek up the mountain. It would begin late tomorrow afternoon. It was imperative she remain alert through the long, tedious day.
Not wanting to alarm Cole, and having no intention of becoming a burden after her insistence on accompanying him, Meagan said nothing. She retired shortly after dinner, once again falling asleep long before Cole approached her. She never saw the disappointment, or the worry on his face as he slipped in beside her and cuddled against her sleeping form.
Meagan awoke late, once again. Her head ached, but she ignored it as she prepared for the day. It was late morning when she experienced a strange, tingling sensation in the tips of her fingers and toes. They were approaching the northern peak and Meagan searched the dark skies with worry. "Cole."
Cole rode up beside her. "What?"
"I don't like this."
Her tone alarmed him more than her words. "What is it Meagan?"
Glancing at the thick, dark clouds, she stated with certainty, "the cattle. They're going to spook."
Cole glanced warily at the herd. "What makes you think that?"
"A storm's going to hit. The cattle are going to spook."
"Meagan, the cattle are used to storms." His eyes wandered across the expansive herd. "They appear calm enough."
"I have a sense for these things, Cole. I always have. I don't know if it's in the cattle's eyes or the way they move, or what. I'm telling you, they're going to spook."
Cole hesitated for several seconds then nodded. "Okay, Meagan. We'll take precautions." Cole rode up to each man and issued orders. Stephen, having been filled in by Cole, assisted in the procedure, and soon all hands began milling around the herd, causing the cattle to collide with each other as the outer layer circled inward. It slowed their progress considerably.
Ten minutes later, the first crack of lightening struck. Soon after, rain began pouring in wet sheets, so heavy it was difficult to see two feet in front of them.
Meagan knew it was going to happen just seconds before it did. The lightening hadn't struck yet, but she saw the fear reflected in the eyes of the cattle. Then it hit, loud and vibrating, lighting the skies with frightening streaks, vibrating the ground.
Later, Meagan couldn't decide if it was the lightening that had caused the vibration or the stampeding of a thousand cattle. She reined Angel sharply around the frightened beasts, continuing their circling pattern around the herd, praying they'd slow. She didn't pay any heed to the other riders as she concentrated on keeping the cattle calm.
Several cattle strayed, but she concentrated on the main herd. Stragglers could be found later. Struggling to stay clear of the raging beasts, she knew the biggest danger was to be drug into the center of the herd, and she relied heavily on Angel to keep her safe.
Meagan ignored her weak body, using every bit of her strength and skill to slow the herd. At last, what seemed like hours later, they calmed. Cowboys could be heard singing to the cattle, and Meagan followed suit. The slightest provocation could create another stampede, and everyone's aim was to keep the herd calm.
Rain continued throughout the day as they located the stray cattle. They'd lost nearly thirty head, a number which could have been much higher had they begun their ascent up the mountain before the stampede. They'd been lucky.
Each mile brought them to steeper, narrower trails. Unable to circle around the cattle in the narrow area, the riders took stationary positions, urging them up the mountain. Meagan concentrated on the task at hand, ignoring the deep chills that racked her body.
It was a strange mountain, no definite peaks but rather steep climbs to flat valleys splattered here and there. Sagebrush covered a large amount of the ground, and on the higher rims you could see patches of quakers and pines. Meagan knew they wouldn't make it to their destination tonight. They trudged on, hoping to reach some semblance of flat ground. Still, there was no relief from the rain.
Her eyes blurred and her stomach rebelled against the steady gate of her horse. She wondered if she could continue holding the reins as her hands began to shake. She was blinded by the slashing rain and couldn't see ahead far enough to locate Cole. She didn't realize she was so close to the edge of the trail. Seconds later, Angel was struggling to maintain her footing, and she was tossed from the saddle, rolling down the mountain.
Coming to an abrupt halt against a tree, she lay there, dazed, and felt the rain pelt her face. She reached up to wipe away the moisture, and when she brought her hand away it was stained with blood. A wave of dizziness overwhelmed her, and she looked up to see Cole bending over her. She started to speak, but no sound escaped from her numb, cold lips. Then she knew nothing.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Fear knotted inside Cole as he wound his way down the steep bank toward Meagan. She wasn't moving. His boots caught and sank in mud with each step, allowing him to descend without falling. What was likely a matter of minutes seemed like hours, but he finally reached her.
Blood seeped from a wound on her head, no sooner appearing before the rain washed it away. Buttons popped as he tore his shirt from his back and carefully propped her head with it. "Meagan, I'm here," he whispered, his voice hoarse with worry. She opened her eyes, but her gaze wasn’t focused and before he could do or say anything else, she went limp.
Stephen's head peeked over the edge of the cliff, and Cole yelled frantically up to him, "Get help. Meagan's hurt." His words were lost in the wind and rain, but Stephen's expression told Cole he understood. Within minutes Cookie, who served as the trail doctor as well as the cook, was at Meagan's side, gently probing her for serious injuries or broken bones.
"What do you think?" Cole asked, his tone harsh with worry.
Troubled eyes met his. "I don't think anything's broken. But hell, Cole, I give out pills and potions and wrap burns or bandage scratches. I've never even had a woman patient before."
Cole knew Cookie was doing all he could. He'd been loyal to the ranch for most of his life, and his concern over Meagan was evident. "We have to get her up this mountain and somewhere dry."
It was so steep, so treacherous, that it took nearly thirty minutes to get her to the top. "Find a flat spot and set up a tent." Cole ordered. His words were no sooner spoken before men buzzed to obey.
Meagan turned her head, and moaned. Cole bent and blocked the rain from her face. "Meagan, I'm here."
Cole's voice penetrated her pain. Meagan tried to find him, but her vision was blurred. "Cole?"
"Yes, darling. I'm right beside you."
He clasped her hand, and Meagan relaxed. "What happened?"
"You fell. Nothing's broken, but you need to rest. You hit your head."
"I'm hot."
"I know." A smooth, hard object touched her lip. "Drink this."
Meagan tried, but couldn't swallow. She felt the liquid trickle past her cheek, down her neck.
"It's okay, Meagan. You rest now. You'll feel better soon."
She attempted to respond, but no words escaped. She was unaware of the moment she fell to sleep.
Cole exited the tent and flashed Stephen a worried frown. "Meagan's burning up."
"What should we do?"
"I'm staying with her. You and the other men get those cattle to the top."
"All this rain has made the trail muddy. It's going to be slow, treacherous riding the rest of the way. We may not be back until day after tomorrow."
Cole nodded. "We'll be fine. As soon as she's able, I'm going to start down the mountain."
> "What if she gets worse?"
"I'll deal with that if it happens." Cole turned an anxious gaze back toward the tent. "I'd better get back in case she comes to."
"Take care of her."
Cole nodded. "You know it." He'd do everything in his power to assure Meagan pulled through this.
"Cole, Cole, where are you?"
Cole entered the tent and knelt beside her. "I'm here, Meagan."
"I can't see Cole. Everything's black."
"It's dark outside. Sunrise isn't for another hour."
Meagan relaxed. "I don't feel so good."
"I know."
"My head hurts."
"I know."
Her voice scolded him. "Stop saying I know."
"Okay."
Meagan started to sit up. "Ow." She touched her head then protested with a louder "ow!"
"Stay still, Meagan. You're sick."
Meagan reclined back. "What happened?"
"You fell down the side of the mountain."
Pain filled eyes stared at him. "Angel? Is she okay."
"She's fine. She caught her footing, throwing you in the process."
"It wasn't Angel's fault," Meagan defended her horse with surprising spunk.
"I imagine not." Cole smiled, though it was too dark for her to see. "I don't think she was pleased to be put in my charge. I sent her with Stephen."
"I guess I shouldn't have come, after all."
"You saved a lot of cattle, alerting us to that stampede." Cole leaned in closer. "I think it's a very good thing you came along."
Meagan cuddled closer to him. "Will you hold me, Cole?"
"You know I will." He gathered her into his arms, and they fell asleep.
It was almost noon, and Meagan was burning up. Cole had spent the morning trying to cool her with rags dipped in the icy stream, but to no avail. Cookie had left them plenty of food, but she hadn't been able to eat a thing. He was worried.
Walking wearily to the stream, he bent down and dipped the rag into the flowing water for maybe the hundredth time. He'd tried using a pail, but after only a few dips the heat from Meagan's body warmed the water, so it seemed pointless. He made his way wearily back to the tent.
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