He cleansed her body with the cool rag, praying it would help. It didn't. She was shivering one minute, burning up the next. First she was begging him to hold her, then she was pushing him away. Chills coursed through her body, and he winced as she shivered visibly, her teeth chattering. Every time he placed the icy cloth against her skin, it warmed almost immediately. Still, the fever raged.
Beads of perspiration covered every inch of her, and Cole absently watched a single drop travel from her throat downward, between her breasts. He watched drop after drop fall, until they melded together in a blur. He was mentally and physically exhausted. He allowed his eyes to close.
"No! I won't allow you to steal their cattle."
Cole was instantly awake. Meagan was tossing back and forth, striking out at him. He pinned her arms gently to her side, and she moaned, "let me go. I won't allow it, not anymore. I know all about you."
She was delirious. "Meagan, wake up. It's going to be alright." Cole breathed a thankful sigh as she calmed. He began his bathing ritual once again, frustrated by his uselessness.
His hand stilled as he recalled having a raging fever himself, as a boy. His ma had put him in a tub of ice. It had been so damn cold he thought he'd die, but it had worked. In no time his fever had broken.
Cole grinned with relief. He may not have any ice, but he had the creek, and it was nearly as cold as a tub of ice.
"Cole, are you still here?"
Cole realized he'd stopped bathing her. At least she was aware of his actions. "I'm right beside you."
"Cole?"
"Don't talk right now. You need your rest."
"I'm cold."
"I know."
"Don't put that cold rag on me anymore."
"I won't baby. I won't." Having made a decision, no matter what kind of hell he'd catch for it later, Cole picked her up and held her tight against him. He carried her outside.
"Where are you taking me?"
"You have a bad fever, Meagan. We have to break it."
"Oh."
Cole unfastened the buttons of her shirt and slipped it off her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and shivered as the cool breeze brushed against her skin. She relaxed into his arms. Cole entered the icy water and held on tight as Meagan began to splash and struggle as she desperately tried to free herself from him. Her scream was stifled as her breaths escaped in sharp, deep stabs from her chest. No other sounds escaped from her blue lips.
Cole cursed his stupidity as he held her in the frigid water. He should have eased her into the water gradually, allowing her body to accept the icy cold. He'd shocked her system, and if she didn't die from the fever, she'd probably die from heart failure, or some equally disastrous ailment.
He took two steps toward the bank of the creek, intending on exiting, when he felt her relax against him. Her breaths evened out. She was shivering, and her teeth were chattering, but she was calm.
Cole held her in the water until he could no longer feel his legs. His worry had been for her, but he was the one who was suffering now.
Still, he remained, not caring if he lost his legs. If she'd live to take care of him, he'd be a happy man. After more than ten minutes of torture, he walked gingerly to the edge of the stream, wincing as the warm air forced feeling back into the numbed lower half of his body.
Meagan moaned in protest when he placed her on the blanket, then sighed with deep contentment as he lay down beside her. She curled her body around his, and Cole flung a blanket over the top of them. Soon, their bodies warmed each other, and he fell into a deep, exhausted sleep beside her.
Cole was the first to wake, and he noted with relief that Meagan's fever had broke. She slept peacefully, her breath flowing from her easily. He rolled onto his back, stretching his legs out as far as they would go. With no warning a vicious cramp tore through his calf, and he was up and stomping his foot in a matter of seconds. Several minutes later, when the pain subsided, he glanced down to find Meagan smiling up at him, her eyes clear and full of amusement.
Cole bent to rub the sore muscle. "What are you laughing at?"
"You."
He smiled back at her. "Well, I'm glad I can amuse you. For a while I thought I might never see you smile again."
She stretched, unaware of her nakedness, and Cole's eyes darkened. "How are you feeling?"
"Better, I think."
He forced his eyes away from her body, concentrating on her face. "Are you hungry?"
"A little."
"I'll get you something to eat." He disappeared out the flap of the tent without another glance her way. He returned minutes later with the promised food.
He allowed his eyes to drift over her naked body until he could stand no more. "Cover yourself, Meagan," he pleaded, though his eyes spoke of a different want.
Meagan glanced down, a crimson blush heating her skin as she realized what had him so unsettled. She quickly lifted the covers to her chin and glanced shyly at him. He looked worse than she felt. She grinned broadly.
"What's so funny?"
"You."
"Me?"
"Aha." Meagan's stomach rebelled at the sight of the beans he set before her, but she picked up the biscuit and nibbled on it. She gave him a tender look. "You make me happy."
"You make me happy, too." Cole's eyes bore into hers, and she knew he was about to kiss her. Then he pulled away. "However, I'm going to have to be careful to make certain that, in the future, that happiness doesn't override my common sense."
"What common sense?"
"In the first place," Cole began, "I never should have let you come along on this cattle drive."
"But..."
Holding his fingers firmly against her lips to silence her protest, he continued, "in the second place, I will have to remember that taking your clothes off should be a prelude to something much more entertaining than a dip in the stream, and," seeing he had her full attention now, he finished wisely, "in the third place, I'm going to have to be much more careful how I stretch in the morning, after a night with you in my arms."
Meagan laughed with delight at his final words, choosing to ignore his previous ones. It would be heaven to spend every night in his arms. She'd be thrilled to rub the cramps from his legs in the morning.
It was going to happen, too. She made that promise to herself then and there. When they got back she was going to find her brother and end this fiasco. That thought sent a thrill up Meagan's spine. She glanced up at Cole. She wanted him. "Cole, come to me."
He leaned closer, touching her lips gently with his, rubbing them back and forth across her mouth, teasing her. Meagan opened her mouth to deepen the kiss, but he pulled away.
"Not now, Meagan."
Hurt eyes met his. "Why not?"
"Because," Cole touched her cheek tenderly, "you're ill."
"I'm fine," Meagan protested, upset at his rejection.
He ignored her protest. "Just eat, Meagan."
"I intended too," Meagan flashed an inviting look his way, "but I'm not hungry for food."
Cole threw his head back and laughed heartily at her words. Meagan," he scolded, "eat your food. I'll see you later."
"I'm not a child you can order about." Meagan tossed him a petulant glare. "I told you I'm fine. I want to make love."
He didn't know if he should be startled by her bold words, amused by her childish expression, or frustrated by her stubbornness. He chose all three. "Stand up, Meagan."
"What?"
"You heard me. Stand up."
With a slight incline of her chin, Meagan stood. Her shaky legs wobbled beneath her, and her head throbbed violently. She absently touched her finger to her forehead, wincing at the pain that centered around a large knot on the left side.
"Sit down, Meagan."
She complied without argument, relieved when the pain subsided a bit.
"Now eat."
She turned up her nose at him as he exited the tent. He thought he knew everything. She nibbled on the
biscuit as she scolded herself for her weakness. Left alone, with only her thoughts to entertain her, Meagan pondered over her fall. She'd wanted to prove herself to Cole, to show him that she could handle any situation as well as he. Then she'd fallen off a mountain. Not a very good start.
Cole reappeared with a comb in his hand. He sat beside her. She reached out her hand to take it, but he moved it out of her reach. "Let me."
She dropped her arm to her side, allowing him to begin the tedious process. Each stroke of the comb was like a caress. His hands brushed against her cheek, her neck, her back, as he patiently worked the tangles out. She was aware of every movement, every touch. He buried his face in her hair, nibbling on her neck, and Meagan melted against him. A simple touch from him left her trembling for more.
"All finished," he whispered, his breath tickling her ear. He lay down and urged her to onto her side, her back to him. Meagan slid against him, tensing as he placed his hand lightly on her stomach. "Go to sleep now, Meagan."
She'd never fall asleep with him so close.
It was the last thought that crossed her mind before she drifted off. It was several hours later before Cole managed to calm his desires enough to join her.
CHAPTER TWENTY
"Meagan, hold still," Cole scolded for the third time that morning. She'd been wiggling against him ever since he placed her in front of him on his horse. He was becoming crankier by the minute.
"I can't," Meagan complained, "I'm having trouble getting comfortable."
"You're not the only one." Cole frowned, wondering at his insanity for insisting she ride with him. He'd thought it would be enjoyable, but instead it was pure torture. Every move she made increased his desire for her until it was no longer pleasurable.
"You're cranky," Meagan stated, thinking him rather rude. She was the one whos head was aching, and it wasn't exactly comfortable sitting in a one person saddle when there were two of you. She shifted sideways in an effort to relieve her discomfort.
"Okay, enough is enough." Cole reined in his horse. "Get down."
Meagan slid from the horse without protest, stomping away.
"Where are you going?"
"If it's any of your business," Meagan tossed him a sideways glance, "I need to attend to a private matter." With that she disappeared behind some bushes about twenty feet away.
Cole relieved himself where he stood, and waited. Several minutes passed. "Meagan, are you okay?" No response. He walked closer, not wanting to intrude on her privacy. "Meagan, what's going on?" Still no answer. Cole decided to hell with her privacy, and walked through the brush to where he'd last seen her.
She stood, absolutely motionless, six feet in front of him. Not four feet from her was a rattler, coiled and ready to strike. "Hold still, Meagan," he warned unnecessarily as his eyes searched the area for a stick or branch long enough to reach the snake. Sagebrush and wildflowers were abundant, but the nearest tree was too far away.
"I have to get a gun, Meagan."
Fear, stark and vivid, glittered in her eyes. "There's no time, Cole."
Seeing no other option available to him, Cole whispered, "I'll be right back. Just hold still." He retreated slowly until he was a safe distance away, then ran full speed back to his horse, pulling a colt 45 revolver from his saddlebag. He cursed himself all the way back for not wearing his chaps, which had a special pocket sewn into them to hold the gun.
By the time he made it back, Meagan was gone. His eyes darted first one way, then the other. She'd disappeared.
"Were you looking for me?"
He pivoted and stared at her, tongue tied. She was standing before him holding that damn snake in one hand, a very small knife in the other.
"Are you hungry?" Meagan teased, lifting the snake even higher, grinning widely.
A muscle flicked angrily at his jaw, and Meagan sobered instantly. He wasn't finding this a bit funny. She dropped the snake.
Cole stomped off.
"Wait a minute." Meagan had to take two strides for each one of his. "What's wrong?"
He turned abruptly, and she ran straight into him. In a lightning fast motion his hands snaked out and caught her cruelly in his grip. A thin chill hung on the edge of his words. "You could have been killed. What were you thinking?"
Meagan twisted in his grip, trying to free herself. When that didn't work, she stiffened, meeting his icy gaze straight on. "I wasn't thinking. I was simply trying to save my life." Her lips thinned into a straight line as anger mounted within her. "How dare you yell at me after you left me there with that snake." Reaction settled in. Megan felt her body begin to tremble. "You're hurting me."
Cole loosened his grip. "I was getting my pistol. I didn't leave you."
Meagan threw up her hands in disgust. "I don't care. Just leave me alone." With that she turned, practically stepping on the snake in her haste to get away. She'd nearly been killed, and all he could do was yell at her.
"Meagan."
She turned blindly towards him, her eyes filled with tears. "What?"
He pulled her gently into his arms. "I was so scared."
His confession was her undoing, and Meagan broke into sobs. He pulled her closer and she pounded on his back with closed fists. "Don't ever yell at me like that again."
"I'm sorry, baby."
She kept hitting him. She couldn't quit. Over and over her fists pounded into his back, and he just held her. Finally he pulled away enough to grasp her arms and bring them gently in front of her. She tried to jerk away, but he held fast. "Forgive me?"
"You're no gentleman." Meagan accused.
Her words didn't hold even a small amount of conviction. Cole smiled teasingly, "I hope not."
Meagan's lips trembled with a hint of a smile, and she gave him one final punch on his chest. "I hate you."
"I know," Cole kissed her gently, "you hate me equally as much as I hate you."
She hugged him then, clinging to him as if he were her lifeline. She'd been so frightened.
"Meagan?"
"Mmm?"
"Where did you get that knife?"
"It was attached to the inside of my boot. Pa taught me a long time ago not to be on the trail without a weapon. I hate guns, so I carry a knife."
"Not a very big one."
She shrugged. "Big enough, I guess. Besides, any bigger and I wouldn't be able to keep it hidden. The best weapon is one no-one knows you have."
Cole thought her words wise, and he couldn't argue her success at concealing it. He'd undressed her on several occasions, and hadn't realized she'd been carrying a weapon. "Who taught you to use it?"
"No one."
"Oh." Cole mulled her words over for a minute. "How did you kill the snake, then?"
"I threw it at him, and it killed him."
"Oh." She made it sound so simple. If she'd missed, she'd be dead right now. He pulled her closer. "Good for you."
His words warmed her, and Meagan relaxed. "Have you ever eaten snake?"
He released her, his eyes wide with surprise. "Meagan, you don't really want to?"
Her gentle laugh rippled through the air. "No, I don't want to."
His mouth quirked with humor. "Let's go before you get any more wild schemes in that head of yours." He placed his arm lightly around her waist as they walked back.
"Cole, how long until we get back?"
"A few hours."
"Do we have to head straight back?"
"I guess not." Cole frowned, "what did you have in mind."
"Well, I'm feeling much better, and,"
She was in his arms and his lips were claiming hers in a passionate kiss. He guided her gently to the ground.
"What about a blanket," Meagan protested.
"To hell with a blanket." Cole dropped down beside her. He reclaimed her lips, crushing her to him.
"Well, I see Meagan's feeling much better."
Meagan flushed miserably as she met Stephen's gaze, along with ten others, all smiling at them from ato
p their horses.
"Nice timing." Cole stood and offered his hand to Meagan, pulling her up reluctantly. Their eyes clashed for only a second, but it was long enough. Cole knew she was as disappointed as he.
"We hurried," Stephen explained apologetically. "I was worried about Meagan."
"She's fine."
"I can see that."
"Mind your own business," Cole threatened.
"It would be easier," Stephen emphasized, making no effort to disguise his amusement, "if you'd pick a slightly more private place to, um, court Meagan."
Unable to stand any more of this humiliating conversation, Meagan turned sharply away, spotting Angel. She walked quickly to her.
Cole approached her from behind. "Meagan, I'm sorry. I had no idea they were there."
"I'm riding my own horse." Meagan stated, not bothering to answer.
"That might be best," Cole agreed as he untied Angel's reins and handed them to her.
Not a word was spoken between them on the way back. Meagan knew she should feel shame at being caught in such an uncompromising position, but she didn't. Being with Cole felt right and she didn’t care how many people knew about it.
She was, however, completely humiliated by the circumstances with which they found out about the relationship. She needed some time to compose herself. It was nearing dark when they reached the ranch, and Meagan turned wearily to Cole. "I need some time alone. I'll see you tomorrow."
Cole nodded. "Try to get some rest. It's been a long day."
Meagan was tired. She plopped wearily onto her bed and was asleep in minutes. She didn't wake until the next morning, when an insistent knock sounded at her door. Without an invitation the door opened, and Toby walked in.
"Toby, what on earth," Meagan sat up, startled. "Does your father know you're here?"
"It was too early to tell him," Toby confessed. "I'm here on important business."
"You are, are you." Meagan rubbed her eyes, clearing their vision. "What important business is that?"
"A man asked me to give this to you, but you were gone." He held a piece of paper in his hand. "I heard you were back, so I rushed right over. He said it was important and gave me a whole quarter."
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