Charlene Sands (18 page)

She wanted to tell him just what he could do with his engaging ways. If what Tyler told her was true, and she believed him wholeheartedly, then this man shouldn’t spend another moment with Bethann. He most certainly shouldn’t be on Kincaide land. Or expect friendship from her. “Tyler doesn’t want you here. You’d better leave right now, before he returns.”

He leaned over in the saddle. “I have a right to see my niece. Lillian, you’ve helped me in the past. I thought we were friends.”

“You’re right,” Lily said, realizing her blunder, “stay here. I’ll be right back.”

Glancing his way, she noted his smug expression. In a minute she hoped to wipe it clean away.

When she returned, Brett had tethered his horse and was standing by the front steps.

“Where’s Bethann?” He cocked his head in question.

“I’ve asked her to stay inside, Mr. Muldoon. I have to give this back to you.” She handed him the pearl comb he’d gifted her with days ago. “I no longer have need for it.”

Muldoon looked at the comb, then twisted his lips. “I see. You don’t need the comb or my friendship, is that it?”

Lily swallowed. “Yes. It’s better this way. Tyler wants you off his land and nowhere near his daughter.”

“And do you think that’s best, to deprive Bethann of her only other relation?”

Lily balked. Hadn’t she been looking for that very thing herself? To seek out and find her only living relation. But Tyler’s words rang true. She was beginning to see the dangerous side to Brett Muldoon. She needed to get him off Kincaide property before Tyler returned, or there would surely be trouble. “You’ve seen her. Spent time with her. That’s all Tyler will allow. When she’s old enough, Bethann can make her own choices, but until then, I must insist on carrying out Tyler’s wishes.”

“And that means I can no longer visit her?”

“Yes, I’m afraid that’s exactly what it means.”

His eyes flickered, then narrowed. Lily took a step back. The movement did not go unnoticed by Muldoon. “He’s poisoned your mind against me. At one time you believed me worthy of your friendship. What’s changed?”

Lily thought it unwise to engage in further conversation
with him, especially since she knew what this man was capable of doing. “I told you, I’m upholding Tyler’s decision. He is a man I respect and admire. I’m being paid to see to Bethann’s welfare while I’m on the ranch. And right now, it’s in everyone’s best interest if you leave immediately, Mr. Muldoon.”

Fury heated his gaze. The charming mask he wore disappeared, replaced by an icy glare. “Tyler is a bastard. He killed my sister. You’d be wise to take my advice and leave here before he destroys you, too.”

“That would never happen.” Lily hoisted her chin in defiance. Tyler may not love her, but he’d never let any harm come to her. She knew that as sure as the sun shining up in the sky. She softened her voice, hoping to convince the man of Tyler’s innocence. “Everyone knows what happened to your sister was an accident. Tyler was no more to blame than you or I. It was unfortunate.”

She watched Brett Muldoon throw his foot in the stirrup, then lift himself up onto his horse. With a snarl on his lips he said, “The only unfortunate accident was the two of them ever meeting.”

It was no use. Lily couldn’t get through to the man. His mind was made up. “I think you’d better go.”

“Oh, I’ll go. Remember my warning, Lillian. Get away from Kincaide before harm comes to you, too.”

Lily stared into eyes burning with hatred. She wondered if his warning was just that, or had it been a threat? Standing on the porch steps, Lily watched him ride off until his image was no more than a speck on the horizon.

That evening, Lily and Bethann ate a quiet meal together. Tyler had left word with Wes earlier in the day that he wouldn’t be joining them for dinner. Lily
wondered if he’d gone back into town to finish what he’d started with the buxom redhead from the night before. Not able to touch her own food, Lily watched Bethann eat heartily, happy to see the events of the past day hadn’t hurt the little one’s appetite in the least.

But Lily worried about Tyler’s whereabouts. Her stomach knotted at the thought of him returning to the Golden Garter. Jealousy ran deep. She didn’t want Tyler with any other woman. It didn’t matter that he’d pay for her services or not. She was a woman and Tyler would be… Oh, she didn’t want to dwell on such notions.

And her stomach twisted even more, pondering Tyler’s reaction hearing about Muldoon’s visit today. She had to tell him.

After hours of reading in her room and weary from today’s incident with Muldoon, Lily undressed and got into bed. She must have dozed off, because a soft knocking at her door startled her. She rose abruptly and rubbed her eyes.

“Lily, you awake in there?” Tyler whispered.

“Yes, uh, just a minute.” Lily ran a hand through her hair, leaving it to flow down her back, then grabbed for her white cotton robe. Quickly jamming her arms into the sleeves, she wrapped the tie around her middle as she reached to open the door.

“Evenin’,” he said with a crooked grin. His eyes danced, taking in her appearance.

“Tyler, I tried waiting up for you. We have to talk,” she said in a hushed tone. She stood in the open doorway, wearing nothing more than a thin chemise and robe, staring into twinkling dark eyes. He was the most handsome man she’d ever known. And right
now, the intent look he was giving her made her heart flutter.

Living under his roof and seeing him every day, still didn’t temper the strong emotions Lily had every time she laid eyes on him. If anything, the close proximity heightened her feelings.

“I know, that’s why I’m here. May I come in?”

Come in?
When she hesitated, he added, “We’re going to wake up Bethann if we talk with me half out and you half in your room.”

It was highly improper, she should suggest the parlor, but she hadn’t been the picture of propriety lately, anyway. She opened the door wider and allowed him entrance, then closed the door behind him.

“I don’t know how you’ve heard,” she began on a whisper, “but I suppose it’s good that you know.”

The lines on his forehead wrinkled and his eyes narrowed. “Know what, Lily?”

“Why, that Brett Muldoon showed up here today.”

Tyler’s calm expression faltered. He took a step closer and glared at her. “Did anything happen? Did he hurt you? Bethann?”

“No, no. Nothing like that. I told him to leave. I thought you knew.”

Tyler shook his head and lowered himself down on the bed. Bracing his elbows on his knees, he raked his fingers through his hair. “Damn, maybe you better tell me everything.”

Five minutes later, after undue questioning by Tyler, she had related the entire conversation, nearly word for word, that she’d had with Muldoon.

Tyler stood and stepped closer to her. His eyes pinned her down with a look so…intense Lily wanted
to back up against the wall. But she didn’t, she remained where she was, rooted to the spot.

“What you did…” He began softly, but didn’t finish the sentence. It was as if he wanted to say more but couldn’t.

“I didn’t want that man near Bethann. Not after what he’d done to you.”

Tyler took another step closer. There was less than a foot separating them. Lily held her breath. His gaze pierced hers, capturing her with a slow burn. He reached out with his hand and skimmed a finger down her arm. She trembled from his touch. His eyes shone with what Lily regarded as admiration. “You stood up to that man, defended me. Chased him off my land.”

Lily swallowed, then nodded. “He, uh, you were…right. He still blames you. I was afraid…” Lily couldn’t think beyond the sensations Tyler was creating along the path of her arm. She tingled with awareness.

“Did he frighten you?” he asked, taking his eyes off her arm long enough to look at her.

She gulped, seeing his dark lashes lift to her. “No, not in that way. I was afraid you’d come back and he’d…you and he would…”

“You were worried about me?”

She nodded. “I—I didn’t w-want any trouble.”

He slid both hands up and down her arms. Lily thought to turn away. Or to send him out of her room. For half a second. Then she banished the thought. Tyler was staring at her lips. She wanted him to kiss her. She hoped he would.

“If he’s your enemy, Tyler, then he’s mi—”

Tyler’s mouth covered hers. Lily relished the warmth and firm texture of his lips pressing her into
a deep kiss. He cupped his hand behind her head and her loose hair flowed over his arm. His other hand wrapped around her waist, bringing her closer yet.

His rigid, well-honed, muscular body enveloped her. Lily felt wrapped in a cocoon of safety. Desire flared in her woman’s center, bringing on a hot, moist heat. He continued the kiss, slanting his lips over hers, moving her body in tune with his rhythm. A deep groan escaped as he brought his lips to her throat and pressed his hips into hers.

Lily braced a hand to his chest and pulled away slightly. She gasped for a breath, then rasped, “T-Tyler, is this w-what you did with that w-woman last night?”

“T
arnation, Lily! You sure do know how to break a mood.” A bucket of ice water splashing Tyler right smack in the face wouldn’t have startled him more. He stepped away and stared at her. Rounded sky-blue eyes sparked with curiosity questioned him.

Lily’s face flamed. She touched a finger to her swollen lips. “I can’t get it out of my head, Tyler.” She turned away from him and hugged her middle. “I know I shouldn’t have gone up there last night. The barkeeper warned me. And now I’m paying the price, because the vision keeps tormenting me.”

Tyler scraped his boots across the wood floor noisily, moving to the window. He needed a distraction, something to restore his wits. Lily’s blunt question nearly undid him. And her response to his kiss was potent enough to destroy any man.

Gazing up, the sky was filled with hundreds of stars shining brightly. But he couldn’t enjoy the view. Lily’s lilac scent permeated the room, reminding him of the woman he’d held in his arms just seconds ago. He opened the window to let the cool evening breeze
dilute her feminine scent. “What vision exactly, Lily?”

“Of you and that…that woman,” she said breathlessly.

Tyler winced. How had life become so complicated? If only he could make Lily understand why he went there. But to do so would mean revealing things he wasn’t sure he wanted to face. “It was a mistake, my going there.”

“Men go there for one reason. You can be honest with me, I won’t break in two hearing the truth. I know what you wanted,” she said quietly.

Tyler closed his eyes and knocked his head against the glass of the window. He could envision the blush creeping up her lovely neck. This conversation was costing her a measure of her pride. But she was dead wrong. He should let her go on believing what she was thinking. It would be better all the way around. And he should get out of her room right quick. But he couldn’t do it.

“No, it’s not what I wanted.”

“I…see.”

By the doubting tone of her voice, Tyler knew she hadn’t a clue as to what he really wanted. “No, I don’t think you do, honey.” He turned to look at her. The length of the room separated them.

“Then,” she said, darting her tongue out to lick at her swollen lips, “what is it that you want?”

Tyler held back his retort for one brief second. He walked over to stand in front of her. She stood boldly, looking beautiful in the moonlight slanting its way across the room. “The only woman I want is…you, Lily.”

Lily swallowed and stared up at him.

He brought his hand to her soft rosy cheek. “I couldn’t touch another woman. Lord help me, but you’re the only one I want.”

He moved away from her and put his hands into his back pockets. “You won’t agree to marry me, and I won’t compromise you, so—”

“Tyler,” she said on a breath, “I want you, too.”

To his surprise, Lily came forward and lifted her mouth to his, kissing him soundly. Her sweet taste, her immediate passion, nearly knocked him to the ground. She was bold and beautiful and so terribly innocent. He enfolded her in his arms to keep her close. “Ah, Lily, this isn’t proper.”

She kissed him again. “I know.”

“You know and you’re still willing?” A smile was beginning to emerge from beneath all of Tyler’s rising qualms. How he wanted this woman.

There was a light in her eyes, shining like the clearest river waters on a bright sunny day. And the smile that graced her face beamed with delight. “I’m twenty-five years old, Tyler. It’s time for me.”

“But—”

“You
do
want me?”

“You know I do, but—”

“Damn it, Tyler, kiss me again. I won’t change my mind.”

“Cursing again,
Miss Lily?
” He grinned and swept her up in his arms. “Now that’s highly improper.”

“You see? I’m a fast learner,” she teased.

“That much I know.” He looked down at her clinging to his neck, the tie on her thin cotton robe falling away to reveal creamy skin and a tempting view of treasures that lay hidden beneath her chemise.

“And maybe it’s time I did some improper things, Tyler,” she offered with a sweet sigh.

Tyler groaned his pleasure and kissed her lips. “I doubt you could do anything really improper, Lily, but I’ll try my best to teach you.”

Lily snuggled closer in his arms. With his heart thudding in his chest and his body tight with desire, he carried her to his room.

Tyler closed his bedroom door with a soft kick. He lowered Lily down onto the bed. Nervous, and biting her lip, she remained there in eager anticipation. More than anything, she wanted to be in Tyler’s arms. He looked down at her. The hunger in his dark eyes smoldered and a shiver ran up Lily’s spine.

“You’re so beautiful, Lily,” he said softly.

“My heart’s pounding so fast, Tyler.”

“Mine, too.”

He lay down next to her and took her into his arms. His lips brushed over hers lightly then skimmed her eyelids, nose, cheeks and chin. Lily caught his lips once again and he stroked his tongue over the contours of her mouth. Instinctively, Lily allowed him entrance by parting her lips. His touch let off an explosion of reactions all over her body. Like dynamite, the tiny blasts took her by surprise and she wiggled and squirmed, then a soft whimper erupted from her throat.

Sensations swirled. Lily was enveloped in a hazy glow of passion. Tyler slipped the robe from her shoulders, unlacing the tie. Then slowly, keeping his eyes steady on her, he raised her chemise over her head. Lily thought to be embarrassed, to hide from his scrutiny, but Tyler’s eyes never wavered from her, and the appreciation she witnessed there assured her more
than any words he could utter at the moment. As he let his gaze roam slowly over the slight curves of her naked body, his swift intake of breath made Lily feel, for the very first time in her life, truly beautiful.

No man had ever made her feel that way. She doubted any other man could. Lily gave her heart freely, loving Tyler, wanting so much for him to love her back. She held on to that notion, a flourishing flutter to her insides, like a butterfly spreading the wings of hope.

She put her hand to his cheek, bringing her lips to his. The kiss was filled with emotion, pent-up from years of wanting, a desire too strong and potent to be denied any longer. She whispered into his mouth, “Touch me, Tyler.”

A slight slant to his beautiful mouth told her she had amused him. “I’m trying to go slow, Lily. For you.”

“Don’t,” she said in a quiet plea. “I’m not afraid.” And the honesty in her words struck her with powerful force. She wasn’t afraid to trust in this man. Tyler would never hurt her. She cared little for propriety now, the rules of society had no import on what she was feeling. Her reputation mattered not. Being here with Tyler, loving him with every fiber of her being…was right. She knew it deep in her heart, the truth bursting forth like a glorious new dawn. She loved this man wholly and completely and that was all that truly mattered.

Tyler stroked her cheek. “You are a special woman.”

He stood and shed his clothes quickly. Except for the time she administered to him when he was near
death, she had never seen a man fully unclothed. And she certainly had never seen a man…aroused.

Lily gulped, but the sight to behold was too magnificent to turn away. She kept her gaze focused on him as he stood in front of her. The rapid beats of her heart thudded in her chest and she wondered if the town of Sweet Springs could hear her and know what sizzling sensations whirled inside her trembling body.

“Are you afraid now?” he asked gently.

She lifted her eyes to his and shook her head slowly.

Another smile from him and Lily’s heart rate accelerated even more. He was the most breathtaking man she had ever known. And when he lay back down beside her and took her into his arms again, Lily’s love poured out in a passion so deep, so natural, so stirring, she may have even shocked Tyler from her responses. Although his soft agonized groans and the way he caressed her body told her she had done nothing but please him.

His lips left her mouth and traveled a path down her throat. A rich aching exploded below her waist when he cupped her breast and slid his tongue over her awaiting peak. She arched up, hips riding high and Tyler moved his other hand to the center between her thighs. When his fingers touched her there, she felt a jolt of heat and a moan of ecstasy escaped her parted lips. She bit down on them, containing the sound and endured the torturous pleasure he was evoking.

Her body wanted to dance, to move, to undulate under his bold stroking. She held back, wondering at the pressure building. “Tyler?”

He kissed her. “It’s natural, Lily. Let go, honey.”

Trusting him, she did just that. Her hips dipped and rose with a rhythm that both were creating. His mouth
moved over the length of her, touching her, kissing her, caressing her everywhere. She felt treasured. Cherished. And a deep and potent sensation coursed through her, heightening her awareness as she reached out for more.

Tyler gave her a deep satisfying kiss, then lifted himself over her. He closed his eyes as he entered her carefully. “Lily,” he said on a low breath.

There was a small bursting pain. Lily gasped, then the ache subsided. Tyler waited, she thought, patiently. “Sorry, honey. Happens like this the first time.”

She nodded. Tears of joy threatened. Lily couldn’t believe she was joined with this beautiful man. Tyler had once been her dream, a fantasy that lay hidden in the deep recesses of her mind. Only in her most private times would she allow herself to peek inside to wonder what it would be like to join with this man. Oh, how she had wondered. But the dream was real now and better than any of Lily’s vivid imaginings. His body slowly began moving over her; she marveled at the rightness of his touch. He was her reality and no matter what happened between them afterward, she would always have this one wonderful night.

“How do you feel, honey?” he asked minutes later with concern in his voice. He slid down next to her and enfolded her into his arms.

She laid her head on his chest and smiled when his hand toyed with tendrils of her hair. “Like I’ve just gotten down from Pearl after a long ride.”

Tyler’s chest lifted and rumbled when he broke out in a deep chuckle. “Ah, Lily.” He kissed the top of her head.

“It was wonderful.” That was an understatement. Lily’s heart burst in wonder and delight. She was in
the arms of the man she adored and he had just made love to her. She never wanted this night to end. She wanted an eternity of nights like this to block out the harsh reality of day.

But if all she had was this one night with Tyler, then Lily knew she would summon up the recollection with a clarity and truth that would belie the sad and lonesome years to come.

Sitting up, Tyler adjusted a pillow behind his head, then did the same for Lily. She made sure she covered herself, almost up to her chin, with the sheet.

Tyler bent over and lit his bedside lamp. The room took on a soft yellow glow. Reaching down from his side of the four-poster, he brought out a large rectangular package. “I rode into town today to pick this up. I was going to give it to you tomorrow, but now seems more fitting.”

“For me?” Lily glanced at the large box, both surprised and excited. Discounting Muldoon, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d received a gift from anyone. But this wasn’t a gift from just anyone—it was from Tyler.

“Go ahead, open it.”

Lily glanced at him. He gave her a reassuring nod. Slowly, she raised the top of the box and moved aside the wrapping paper. “Oh, it’s beautiful.” She lifted up a tan doeskin split riding skirt. The fabric had a firm texture, but was soft to the touch.

Tyler pointed down to the box. “There’s a vest to match.”

Lily stroked the vest that lay at the bottom of the box. The rich brown stitching along the lapel formed an intricate swirling pattern, both delicate and bold.

“Oh, Tyler. This is so lovely…and thoughtful. It’s the most beautiful gift I’ve ever received. Th-thank y-you.”

“You deserve it, Lily. And so much more,” he said softly. “I had Emma Mayfield’s sister make it up. She’s quite handy, owns her own shop in Abilene. It was fortunate for me she’s visiting Emma for a spell.”

Lily came out of her daze hearing Emma’s name. She breathed, “You mean, Emma knows about this?”

Tyler nodded. “Uh-huh.”

“Now the whole town of Sweet Springs will know.”

Tyler frowned. “I thought about that. Your reputation again, Lily. You know how Emma gossips. But I wanted you to have the finest and that meant asking Emma’s sister.”

Tears pooled in her eyes. The gift was truly a sweet gesture from Tyler. He wanted her to have the finest. Didn’t the man know, all she wanted, all she had ever wanted since she’d known him, was his love? Oh, to have Tyler whisper the words she so desperately wanted to hear. The gift of his love would make her heart soar.

And that would truly be the finest gift of all.

“Don’t cry, Lily. It hurts to see you cry.” He brushed the tears from her cheeks. His touch, ever so gentle, reminded her of the way he had made love to her just moments ago. Tenderly. He had given a part of himself to her tonight, and the sharing of their bodies had been glorious.

Lily wasn’t a greedy woman, but was it so wrong to want his heart, too? She knew now, she’d been right to refuse his proposal of marriage. Her heart would splinter in two if she’d married him without his love.
She’d settle for nothing else now. Nothing else would do.

Bravely and taking in a deep breath, she gave him her brightest smile and halted any more tears from flowing.

“That’s better, honey. No more tears from now on.”

From now on?
Dare she hope of a life filled with love and laughter with Tyler by her side and Bethann in tow? “I love my present, Tyler.”

“I hoped you would. I wanted to show you how much…never mind.” He frowned, then looked out the window.

“I gave the pearl comb back to Brett Muldoon. I didn’t want it or anything else that man offered.”

“Ah, Lily.”

“I guess I was a fool to believe him.”