Moaning into his mouth, Heather rested her hands on his arms, gripping him as if she never wanted him to stop. The warm heat of his mouth triggered a quivering sensation that traveled through her body and down to her toes, settling in her belly.
She moved her hands behind his neck, her fingers playing with the silky strands of his hair as she squirmed to get closer. Both his arms were clamped around her, yet she still didn’t feel close enough.
Heather felt his taut muscles shift as he lifted her, settling her on his lap, never breaking their kiss. The action caused her already quivering belly to ignite as waves of heat flashed through her. His hands were everywhere—moving over her back, up her arms, then gripping her hips in a gesture so possessive, she sighed in pure pleasure.
Breaking the kiss, he drew in a shuddering breath. “Ah, Heather…you’ve got me burning for you,” he whispered.
Looking up, she stroked his stubbled face, her eyes glassy. “Show me what to do.”
The plea hit him square in the chest. Although he had some experience with the ladies at Buckie’s Castle, Heather was innocent, untouched by any man but him. He wanted to treasure her, teach her all he knew, bring her passion to life. The bigger obligation was to take care of her, not let emotions carry them so far they couldn’t turn back. He needed time to come to terms with his future, while she needed to be sure her feelings for him were more than passing lust.
Lowering his head, he kissed her once more, hot and passionate with a promise he wasn’t sure he’d be able to keep. Drawing away, he loosened his hold, tucking her head under his chin.
“We’ll give this time, Heather. Once you’re certain I’m the man you want to teach you, I’ll show you everything.”
Pulling back, she looked up at him, a question burning in her eyes.
“But it won’t be tonight. Not until I know you’re sure of your feelings.”
Confusion flashed across her face before her features stilled. Licking her lips, she placed a kiss on his chin, moving along his strong jaw, then back to settle her mouth over his.
Cupping her face with both hands, he let her explore, his body igniting to a point he felt ready to explode. She was all he’d ever imagined and more. Her passionate response to his touch caused his heart to pound painfully in a chest already tight with need. Lifting his lips from hers, he drew in a ragged breath.
“You’re making we want things you’re not ready to give.”
She shook her head slightly, uncertainty in her eyes. “I don’t understand.”
Blowing out a breath, he stroked a finger down her cheek. “Then I’ll be clear. You make me want to strip off your clothes, lay you down, and not let you up until daybreak. Is that clear enough?”
Her lips parted, eyes widening at his meaning.
The corners of his mouth tilted into a wry grin. “I see it is.” Lifting Heather off his lap, he set her on the seat, then stood. Holding out his hand, he helped her up, placing his hands on her shoulders.
“I care a great deal for you, Heather, but I won’t be taking advantage.”
She’d never felt so nervous or uncomfortable. Even her first cattle drive didn’t scare her this much. “You’re confusing me, Caleb. Do you want to give this a try or not?”
It was all he’d wanted since he’d first met her. He didn’t understand why he hesitated when she finally stood before him, ready to give their relationship a chance.
“If you’re agreeable, I’d like to take it a day at a time.”
Her gaze shifted away, her expression blank for a long moment before she looked at him again. “A day at a time it is, Caleb Stewart. But I’ll be warning you…I’m not a patient woman.”
His head fell back as he let out a loud rumble of laughter, his entire body shaking. “Ah, darlin’, I never thought of you as having patience.”
Punching him lightly in the arm, her lips twitched before she joined him in laughter. “I’ll not have you thinking me a shrew,” she said, although a smile brightened her face.
Wrapping an arm around her waist, he hauled her to him for one more heated kiss before stepping away. “I’ve never thought you a shrew, darlin’. Petulant, opinionated, cantankerous…” This time, he moved fast enough to avoid the punch, laughing as he bounded down the steps. “I’ll see you in the morning, sweetheart,” he called over his shoulder, chuckling again when he spotted her at the edge of the porch, hands on hips, a peevish expression on her face.
Hearing the front door close, he found himself wondering if a life with her would always be filled with surprises, arguments, and laughter. If so, he figured it could be a pretty good life after all.
“Poisoned…” The word rolled from Colin’s lips, his mouth twisting in anger.
Sean nodded. “Aye. If I’m right, the pond was tainted with arsenic.”
“How many head?” Quinn asked, taking a seat in the living room of Ewan’s house. They’d all congregated there early the following morning.
“Twelve. Five heifers, all close to calving. The rest were steers.” Sean cradled the cup of coffee in his hands. “I could be wrong about the arsenic. I’ve been reading about it, though, and it’s the one thing making sense.”
Sean read everything he could about cattle and horses. Illnesses, breeding, and general care—every topic fascinated him.
He looked at Ian. “If it’s all right with you, Da, I’ll be riding into town this morning. I want to send a telegram to a doctor in San Francisco who works with cattle.”
Everyone knew Sean had formed a friendship with the doctor, a man who’d visited August Fielder a couple years ago. Even though it was a new field in America, he’d encouraged Sean’s curiosity about becoming a veterinarian. The doctor was the one who suggested he apply for admission to Highland Society's Veterinary School in Edinburgh.
Ian nodded. “Aye. It’s a good idea, Sean. You should be speaking with Doc Vickery or Doc Tilden, also. They may have some answers.”
“What you’re saying is someone poisoned our cattle.” Caleb sat forward, resting his empty cup on the table, his gaze on Sean.
“Aye. It could be intentional. It could also be natural poisoning.”
“What do you think, lad?” Ian asked.
“I’m thinking the men who took the cattle, hung our ranch hand, and burned the hacienda also poisoned our water.”
Ewan nodded his agreement. “Bram, Blaine, Fletcher, and Camden stayed with our other men. They’ll be moving the herd a little south, posting more guards around the watering holes.” He looked at his brother. “We’ll be needing more lads, Ian. At least until we find who’s responsible.”
Quinn stood, glancing around the room. “I’ll ride out with Levi.”
“I’ll be going with you.” Colin walked over to him.
“Nae, Colin. You’ll be riding into town with Sean. Put the word out we’re looking for more men, and let Brodie know about the poisoning.”
Caleb placed his hands on the table in front of him, pushing to his feet. “I’ll ride out with Quinn and Levi.”
“What of us?” Heather sat at the dining room table with Emma, Geneen, and Coral, as well as Sarah and the older MacLaren women.
“You’ll be staying here, lass.” Ian looked at Quinn. “Send word if you need more help, and the lasses will ride out.”
Quinn nodded. “Aye, Uncle Ian.” His gaze moved to his wife. He didn’t miss the disgruntled expression on Emma’s face.
Ian ignored the women’s dissatisfied looks. “Colin, you’ll need to be hiring at least six lads. Bring them back with you today.”
“If I can find them.”
“Do what you must. Even if they’ve no experience, they can stand guard.”
Colin nodded, rubbing his jaw as he glanced at Sarah. He knew the events of the last few days worried his wife. “Aye, Uncle Ian.”
“What of my parents, Uncle Ian? They should be warned.” Emma sent an anxious glance at Quinn.
Ian leaned toward Ewan, speaking in hushed t
ones before looking at Emma. “You and Heather ride over this morning. Ask Boyd Doggett if he has any lads he can spare,” he said, mentioning the Pearce foreman.
Emma nodded, letting out a relieved breath, as Ian continued.
“Geneen and Coral, you lasses and the rest of us will be keeping watch here.” Standing, Ian picked up his hat and headed toward the front door before turning back. “We’ll be finding the lads responsible for this.” Slamming his hat on his head, Ian walked outside, Ewan close behind him.
As the others filed out to prepare for the day, Caleb lagged behind, waiting to speak with Heather. Getting her attention, he nodded toward the study a few feet away. When she followed, he closed the door behind them, fingering the brim of his hat.
She looked at him, seeing lines of worry around his eyes. “What is it?”
Caleb’s lips pursed. “I want you to be careful riding with Emma to the Pearces’. If you’re approached by anyone you don’t recognize, get out of there.”
Merriment danced in her eyes. “Are you worrying about me now?”
He took a step toward her. “I’ve always worried about you, Heather. Whatever is going on is serious.”
The amusement left her face, a tinge of red coloring her cheeks. “Aye, it is, but I’m not an eejit. I know to be careful.”
“I’m not saying this because I think you’re stupid, Heather. Quite the opposite. I understand how much killing those men bothered you.” He looked away, sucking in an unsteady breath before pinning her with a hard stare. “I’m hoping you’ll never have to do it again.” His features softened. “I’m also hoping to sit next to you at supper tonight.”
Swallowing her initial frustration, Heather wrapped her arms around her waist. “You’ll not be back here tonight. You’ll be guarding the herd, the same as the other lads.”
A grim smile spread across his face. “True, but you understand my meaning.” Reaching out, he placed a hand behind her neck, pulling her forward. Lowering his head, he kissed her. “Promise me you’ll be careful,” he whispered before kissing her again, drawing it out this time.
Moaning against his mouth, he felt her nod. “Aye, I’ll be careful.”
Resting his forehead against hers, he let out a relieved breath.
“I’m expecting you to be careful as well, Caleb.”
Lifting his head, his gaze met hers. “So you do care about me.”
Pushing away, she laughed. “Perhaps a wee bit.”
He tilted his head to the side. “Only a wee bit?”
“Well…”
They jumped apart at the sound of the door opening, Audrey poking her head into the study. “Ah, there you are, lass.” Her knowing smile landed on Caleb. “Emma’s waiting for you. Should I be telling her you’ll be a while longer?”
Caleb brushed a hand across his mouth, hiding his smile.
Heather clasped her hands in front of her as she shook her head. “Nae, Ma. Tell her I’ll be coming right away.”
“Be safe today…both of you.”
Watching the door close, they looked at each other and laughed.
She put a hand to her mouth to stifle the sound. “I’m thinking she knows.”
Leaning down, Caleb couldn’t pass up one more kiss before settling his hat on his head. “I’m thinking you’re right.”
Chapter Sixteen
Heather and Emma glanced over their shoulders, waving to the men before the trail turned toward the Pearce ranch. They hadn’t ridden more than a mile when Emma reined her horse closer to Heather.
“It is true?”
Heather’s brows furrowed. “Is what true?”
“You and Caleb, of course.”
Heather’s mouth opened, then closed, her mind flashing back to last night and this morning in the study. “I’m not sure what you’re saying.”
“You don’t have to tell me, but Quinn went downstairs last night and heard noises on the porch. When he looked out the window, he saw you and Caleb on the swing, and well…Quinn said, well…you probably don’t want to know exactly what he said.”
Heather closed her eyes, biting her lower lip, then looked over at Emma. “Was the lad’s face all red, his eyes shooting fire?”
Emma laughed, nodding. “I’ve never heard him say some of the words that came out of his mouth last night. Of course, when he calmed down, he couldn’t apologize enough.”
Sucking in a breath, Heather thought of Caleb and Quinn riding together toward the herd. Her stomach churned, thinking of what Quinn might do.
“Did he tell you what he saw?”
Emma’s sympathetic expression was all the answer Heather needed. “Truly, he didn’t tell me much. Just that you were in Caleb’s lap and…well, you know…kissing and such.”
Reining up, Heather turned Shamrock around, her stomach churning. “I’d better be going back. I need to explain before Quinn kills him.”
Emma stopped next to her, shaking her head. “Quinn won’t kill him. He and I had a long talk before he finally got back into bed.” Her lips twisted in a grimace. “Although when he woke up this morning, it was the first thing he mentioned, so maybe he’ll just rough him up a bit. He loves Caleb like a brother. Besides, everyone knows he’s been sweet on you for a long time. Deep down, I’m pretty certain Quinn is happy for you.”
Placing a hand on her stomach, Heather bent over the saddle, sucking in air.
“Are you going to be sick? If so, you’d best get down.” Emma slid off her horse, walking around to try and take Shamrock’s reins from Heather’s hand.
Tightening her grasp, Heather shook her head. “Nae, I’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to get down, walk around a bit?”
“Nae, Emma.” She cast a worried glance along the trail. “Are you certain we shouldn’t be riding back?”
Shaking her head, Emma sighed. “Quinn is not going to kill Caleb, but I’m certain they’ll talk. They’re grown men. What could possibly happen?”
“What the…” Caleb sat up, rubbing his jaw and shaking his head to clear the spots before his eyes. “What’d you do that for?”
Quinn stood over him, fisted hands on his hips. “You and Heather,” he sputtered.
Looking up at him, Caleb cocked his head to one side, still massaging his jaw. “What about me and Heather?”
“I saw you last night, on the swing. The lass is my sister…my sister!”
Jumping to his feet, Caleb took a tentative step toward him, mindful of the distance between them. “I know who she is, Quinn.”
“You’ll not be taking advantage of her.”
Caleb touched his lip, then looked at the blood on his finger. “I know that, too.”
“And you’ll not be hurting her.”
“I’ve no intention of hurting her. What you saw is as far as I intend for it to go.” Until I’ve made up my mind about the future.
Scrubbing a hand down his face, Quinn pointed a finger at him. “Does the lass know you’re talking of leaving?”
The air left Caleb’s lungs. “I haven’t told her.”
Quinn had been silent during the ride north. After the two of them had split with the others, riding to one end of the herd, Quinn stopped, slid to the ground, and before Caleb knew what was coming, hauled him off Jupiter, landing a fierce blow to his jaw. Staggering backward, Caleb landed on his butt, blood trickling from a cut on his lip, his face throbbing. He still felt dazed, but at least he knew the cause of Quinn’s anger.
“Then you’ve decided to stay.” It wasn’t a question, but a demand.
Stretching his jaw, Caleb studied his friend, judging how much of the anger remained. He didn’t blame him for his concern. Quinn and Heather were close, protective, and unforgiving to those who threatened the other. They also valued honesty.
“I don’t know.”
Mumbling a curse, Quinn turned away, pacing several feet before whirling back to face Caleb. “You’ve got to tell her what you’ve been thinking.”
/> “Not yet.” He bent to pick up his hat, which had flown off his head with the first punch.
“What do you mean not yet?”
Slapping the hat against his thigh, he jammed it on his head, his own temper beginning to take hold. “Just what I said. I’ll tell her, but now isn’t the time.”
Quinn’s voice hardened. “It’s as good a time as any. The lass won’t take it well if you keep secrets from her.”
“You’re right.” Grabbing Jupiter’s reins, he swung into the saddle. “She’s unpredictable on her best days. I’ll tell her when I’m ready.”
Staring at the ground, Quinn shook his head. “You’re an eejit, Caleb.”
A bleak smile crossed his face as he waited for Quinn to mount up. “I’ve been told that.”
Quinn spun his horse around, concern etched on the corners of his mouth and eyes. “You hurt her and I’ll have no choice but to kill you.”
The threat, delivered with deadly resolve, had Caleb flinching. “And I’d let you.”
He saw Quinn’s eyes widen before he turned Jupiter toward the herd and rode off.
It had taken some persuasion before Emma could talk Heather into continuing to her family’s ranch. When she’d offered to ride on alone, allowing Heather to follow the men, she’d declined.
“It was a few kisses, certainly not what you and Quinn did.”
Emma groaned at the reminder. “Maybe not, but Quinn won’t see it that way. He’ll assume the worst. It’s the way older brothers are with sisters. Jimmy was the same.”
An eerie silence followed at the reminder of Emma’s dead brother and Quinn’s best friend.
“He was a good lad. Quinn took his death very hard.”
Nodding, Emma kept her eyes focused on the trail. She missed her brother as much as Quinn did. Their mutual love of Jimmy was one of the bonds holding them together.
The pounding of horse’s hooves coming toward them caused them to stop, both reaching for the rifles in their scabbards. Settling them on their laps, the women waited, seeing a man they didn’t recognize ride up and stop several yards away. Before he had a chance to speak, they’d lifted their rifles, aiming them toward the man.
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