Luke’s Runaway Bride (18 page)

Her skirts had somehow hiked up her thighs. She planted her boots on the bed, then daringly raised her legs and wrapped them around his waist. He moaned.

He was hard. Knowing she’d done that to him filled her with pleasure.

She responded with sensual abandon. She wanted him. How could he affect her so? Where would this lead them?

She didn’t care, didn’t think.

When his hand dipped to her bare thigh and trailed up to forbidden places, she let him.

He suddenly bolted upright, sliding from her grasp. His boots hit the plank floor. Her eyes widened as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped on her head. Why had he pushed her away?

“I think you’d better get dressed. This is not…” He gulped. “I don’t want to…”

He didn’t want to what? Make love to her?

She looked toward the door. No one was there. But they’d be back soon. She tried to calm her bounding pulse.

Color flushed Luke’s face. He was breathing hard. He ran a hand through his ruffled hair, gazed down at her parted blouse and exposed breasts, and turned away from her.

His cold shoulder hurt Jenny more than words could express. She didn’t give herself lightly to any man! What a blunder she’d made. She thought he cared for her!

Heaving with emotion, trying to catch her breath, she rose and straightened her clothing. Unable to look at him, she turned and buttoned her blouse.

“It’s getting late,” she said with a trembling voice.

“Yes, it is.”

“The others will be coming back soon.”

His voice hardened. “Yes, they will.”

“I should go.”

With a ragged catch to his breath, he responded, “Yes, you should.”

He didn’t stop her. And he didn’t say one word about what had just happened between them.

She tried not to run out of the room, even though she wanted to. Oh, how amused he must be, thinking of how she’d returned his kisses! With a shiver of remorse, she dashed out of the room and raced into her own.

Rage clawed at Daniel Kincaid’s gut. He shoved back his chair and swung his booted feet onto his desk. He ignored the man lurking in the doorway, who was waiting for a response to the papers and ring he’d brought. Outside the house, the windows and streets of Denver were quiet and dark. Daniel puffed on his cigar, trying to temper his hostility.

Staring at his clenched fist, he turned Jenny’s engagement ring around on his baby finger, watching how the large diamond glistened in the blazing light of the fireplace. The ring was a fine piece of jewelry, bought for a fine woman. And she’d just spat in his face.

He’d been waiting for days to get wind of what was happening in Cheyenne, and he finally had an answer.

Son of a bitch.

He jerked forward and banged his fist on the desk. The diamond punctured his skin, and he hurled the ring across the room. He wouldn’t take this treatment from anyone.

His breath burned his throat. Harley, still in Cheyenne, had sent back word he’d seen McLintock
kissing
her? Just outside the saloon? And on her first night there, McLintock had taken her to his
room?

Daniel muttered a curse. What kind of a tramp was she? And here he was, suppressing his own sexual urges with all sorts of beautiful, inviting women, vowing to be faithful. Hah! This is what Jenny did to him? Damn her!

She made him look like a fool! Pretending she was an innocent young virgin…

And that smooth son of a bitch, McLintock. He always had been jealous of what Daniel owned.

Well, Daniel hadn’t suffered through years of hard work and kissing ass at the railroad just to have her screw it up. Trying to fit in with folks like Jenny and her father. Always believing
he
was the one who came from less, who had to work harder to escape his inferior background.

Hellfire! Daniel snarled and bit into his cigar. Who would have thought the quiet little kitten would be so hard to tame?

His features hardened. Doing so would be his pleasure.

Oh, yeah, he’d have her back and he’d keep her down. And McLintock would pay tenfold for what he’d started. Daniel wasn’t going to waste his precious time worrying about any orphaned kid. This kid wasn’t his. Daniel had slept with the Mexican woman only once. What were the chances? How many other men had slept with her, even though she’d denied it?

The only thing the kid was to Daniel was a means to get Jenny back. He crumpled up her note and hurled it into the fire, groaning with satisfaction as the edges caught and blazed.

Daniel ground his teeth. Picking up a quill pen, he replied to the messages. Then he turned to the dark shadow in the doorway. “Tell Harley to deliver these and to keep his eyes on the paper trail. They’ll lead him to McLintock. Tell Harley not to touch the woman.” Daniel knew Jenny had to come back to him of her own free will, if he were to salvage the situation with her father. With a few diplomatic tactics, he’d have her back. Especially with McLintock out of the way.

“Tell Harley to corner that son of a bitch, McLintock. And then,” Daniel growled with contempt, “tell him to finish the bloody job.”

I
t was awful trying to keep his distance.

Luke studied Jenny as she maneuvered between the others around the outdoor fire, stacking the lunch plates. Locks of her rich, honey-colored hair brushed her supple breasts, and her hips swayed seductively as she walked. When he thought of how she’d looked in his arms yesterday, with her blouse unbuttoned, the tips of her satiny breasts exposed, he grew hot all over again.

He shouldn’t have taken advantage of her like that. He knew she was a virgin, for cripes sake, and he had no right to lead her on, to the point where she trusted him.

She shouldn’t trust him. Ever.

He was the one who’d brought her here and interfered in her life. And what was he supposed to give her in return for her sweet affection?

She hadn’t talked to him since last night, and he didn’t blame her. The situation between them was complicated and difficult. And waiting for word from Daniel was even tougher. Today was day four. Friday. The first day the legal papers Luke had sent might have a chance of returning. Everyone was jumping at the slightest noise in the bushes, scouring the horizon for signs of riders. For word of any kind.

Luke ran a hand through his damp hair. He hated arguing with Jenny. If he judged her correctly, he knew what’d get her speaking again. Adam would. She could never remain silent when Luke talked about the little boy. Another thing Luke admired about her—her devotion to the child.

Luke eased himself closer. Jenny passed the plates to Adam, who disappeared toward the river to wash them with Olivia. His men rose and left for their lookout points.

Luke sat on the log beside her. The smell of junipers wafted through the balmy air. “I’ve come to a decision about Adam.”

Just as he expected, Jenny turned her startled face up to his. She was so slender compared to him. Her femininity made him feel more masculine, strong and virile. Her sharp blue eyes sparkled with curiosity and the stiffness in her shoulders eased. “What is it?”

“I’ve given it a lot of thought. I thought about what you said, watching him that day with the kite.” Luke hiked a booted foot across his leg. “How happy he is in town, at the saloon. Much happier than he was alone at Daisy and Nathaniel’s ranch.”

Her pink mouth softened. “Go on.” She slid her fingers along her faded skirt. “I’d…I’d like to hear your thoughts. I have high hopes for Adam.”

Luke craved the touch of her soft skin. “I know you do.” His voice lowered. “At first, I thought what Adam needed most was a regular home. Like a ranch, with two parents and a big yard for him to play in. Not that I wouldn’t like to give him that, but I see how happy he is with the simpler things. Being at the saloon, surrounded by people he knows, the memory of his mother, and the little friends he grew up with down the street.”

She hugged her knees.

“He likes the saloon,” Luke said with an easy smile. Then, pausing for a moment, he swallowed and glanced down at his boots. “I like him, and he likes me.”

Why did those words come with such difficulty? It was true. And he felt more than “like,” Luke silently admitted. With a long sigh of deep contentment, Luke knew he loved Adam.

Jenny reached out and touched Luke’s hand. His pulse surged at her tender brush. “Adam adores you. He mimics everything you do, right down to the way you loop your belt buckle. He asks for scrambled eggs for breakfast, just like you, and tries to match the color of shirt you wear each day.”

Pride made Luke grin. “I see it, too.”

“He loves to hum that tune you do. That ballad about the Wild West, and horses and cowboys.”

Luke stared into her eyes. She’d noticed an awful lot. But then, she was a perceptive woman.

“I’m thinking of taking the chance with Adam,” he said slowly, “to raise him as my own.”

Her eyes moistened. “Oh, Luke.”

“I want to see him grow up healthy and strong. I’d like to give him a home. I want to adopt Adam.”

She was silent for a long time. Her voice came out as a soft whisper. “That would be wonderful. You’ll make a fine father.”

He filled with pride again. Her opinion meant more to him than anyone else’s.

Why was that? Was there any hope for him and Jenny? Maybe when this was over, he’d dare to ask. But it was all coming so fast—his feelings and this decision about Adam, his awakening feelings for Jenny. He had to take his time and not rush into making a promise he wasn’t able to keep. First, he’d see how it worked out with Adam. Then maybe he’d be ready for another step…. Until then, he had to keep his hands off Jenny.

“Have you told Adam yet?”

“Not yet. I’m waiting to see—”

She finished for him. “What Daniel does.”

Luke nodded slowly. When it was settled, he’d discuss the adoption with Adam. Luke might even consider buying a property in town, a house maybe, or a small ranch just outside the limits, a place for him to raise his son. Luke smiled at the thought. His
son.

Olivia came back from the river, with Adam skipping at her side. The boy never stopped moving, Luke noted tenderly. When Adam plopped into his lap, Luke ruffled the boy’s hair. He swallowed nervously. Would Adam accept him as a father?

Travis hollered from the riverbank and came running. “Some whittlin’ sticks for Adam.” He joined the group, unfolded his pocketknife and handed it to the boy. Adam became absorbed in the craft, sitting by the crackling fire.

Olivia made her way to Jenny’s side and sat down. Her brown muslin dress caught the sunshine. “To pass the time, Jenny, why don’t you tell Luke the ideas you’ve been kicking around for the saloon?”

Jenny’s brows dipped. Luke thought he saw her blush, but she turned away so quickly he couldn’t be sure. “Oh, no.” She fiddled nervously with her sleeve.

Luke pulled out a pocketknife from his pants, opened it and picked up a chunk of wood. He began slicing, trying to sound casual. “What ideas?”

“Oh,” said Olivia, “ideas for drawing a crowd into the place. Go on now, tell him, Jenny. And make sure you charge him. He can surely afford it.”

Amusement tugged at the corner of Luke’s mouth. Jenny bit her pretty lip, then jumped to her feet. Before she could escape, he grabbed her hand. Her fingers were always warm, her touch always arousing. She pulled her hand from his.

“Tell me,” he urged, “I’d like to hear your ideas.”

Her earnest eyes held his for a moment, then, with a slight hesitation, she sat back down. “I’ve noticed how busy it is in town on Saturdays.”

He nodded. “Ranchers, farmers and miners work during the week. They come in on Saturdays to sell their goods at the market, and to buy supplies. Maybe catch up on some gossip.”

“And I’ve also noticed the saloon has a different feel to it during the day.”

“That’s right,” Olivia interjected. “It’s full of sunshine and the smell of soap.”

“And gleaming polished oak,” Jenny added. She flushed with enthusiasm, totally capturing his attention. “And the girls aren’t dancing.” Her forehead creased. “You really ought to get some entertainment that isn’t quite so…burlesque.”

“I’m tryin’, but it’s hard to come by. Lola and the girls are only here till the end of the month as it is, then they’re booked for the winter in California. But what’s all this talk got to do with more business?”

“Have you ever thought, in addition to drawing a crowd of men, you might try to draw a crowd of women?”

“Women?” Luke looked up from his wood.

With a soft gasp, Travis inclined his dark head in their direction and shook it. Luke knew Travis’s mustache was hiding a stunned expression.

“That’s right.” Olivia glanced at Travis with a sharp look of irritation. “Women.”

“Why would I want more women in my saloon?”

“Well, women draw men, don’t they?” Jenny asked.

“True enough,” Travis muttered. “True enough.”

They certainly do, Luke thought. Just like she drew him.

“And you want more customers, don’t you? And with women around, there’d be less violence, don’t you think? Less fighting. More of a calming effect on the men.”

Well, she did have a point. “Yeah…?”

“Getting women in for the evening, now that might take some doing. I think you should try to draw them in at lunchtime first.”

“Lunchtime?”

“Why, Annie’s Café is packed on Saturdays. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. There’s always a lineup. At first I thought it was just the clam chowder, but Daisy told me no. I’m sure some of the women shopping would love to get off their feet and come in for a bite.”

“That might be so. But convincing them to dine in a saloon is more difficult than getting them to a café.”

“That’s why you can’t charge them.”

His knife froze in midair. “Beg your pardon?”

“You can’t charge them.” She shook her head, her hair tumbling around her high collar and stiffly buttoned blouse. She was serious. “You can call it the Ladies’ Luncheon. Free lunches on Saturday. But not their drinks. Charge them for drinks—coffee, tea, whatever they like.”

“Are you sure you read your brothers’ commerce books correctly? How are we supposed to stay in business if we don’t charge them?”

Jenny laughed with excitement. “The women will bring in their husbands. You charge the men regular price for their meals. And the husbands are bound to order an ale or two. It’ll catch on, and maybe the women will come in for lunch on other days, too, when it’s not free.”

Luke thought about it for a moment, not quite sure what to say to her. She’d obviously spent some time thinking up this plan, but it was
his
saloon. He glanced at Travis, who was rolling his eyes in disbelief at the very prospect. Luke frowned. “That’s a mighty big risk. I’ve been in business a lot of years.”

Jenny’s smile faded. She looked away. He felt a twinge of guilt. Still, it was his saloon, and he wasn’t sure….

“You’re right,” said Jenny. “I don’t know why I thought… Let’s forget about it.”

He didn’t want to forget about it. Her ideas were important—

“Rider comin’!” Beuford hollered from the crest of the hill. “Rider!”

Luke jumped in alarm. So did the others. They turned toward the grassy slopes, Luke stepping protectively in front of the women. “Ladies, get inside, please, until I see it’s safe. You too, Adam.”

“It’s only Tom,” Beuford screeched, waving his hat. “It’s Tom, and he’s alone.”

Luke let the ladies stay where they were as Tom raced in on his black gelding. Panting, he slid to the ground, removed a large square envelope from his saddlebag and dumped it in Luke’s hands.

Luke’s heart began to race. The moment of truth. Daniel’s reply.

“What’s that?” Adam peered around Luke’s leg, squinting in the sun. His nose was streaked with dirt and his lips stained with sugar.

Luke crouched down low and met Adam’s inquisitive gaze. “Some papers from town I’ve got to look at. Why don’t you go for a walk with Travis?”

Travis and Olivia left with Adam. Beuford, Tom and the three other men watched from a distance.

Jenny stepped closer to Luke as he opened the package.

Perspiration collected at his temples. His eyes raced down the page. Nothing. He flipped through the sheets, one by one, then the second set. “No signature,” he muttered to Jenny. “Daniel didn’t sign a thing.”

“Nothing? He didn’t sign either set?”

The tension stretched tighter. Luke shook his head. “No. But he sent a note.”

Jenny stepped beside him as Luke unfolded the creamy linen paper. His chest felt like it would burst, half from anticipation, half from dread.

The coldhearted bastard.

Jenny took loud, deep breaths beside him.

Luke shook with anguish at the possibility of losing either Adam or Jenny. There was no way he would trade either one. Dammit, he wanted them both.

It had never been clearer than it was at this moment.

He wanted Adam
and
he wanted Jenny.

He couldn’t bear to meet her eyes. She deserved better than this.

As he struggled for control, the words tore from his mouth. “
No deal.
Blackmail doesn’t work with me.”

“But Luke—”

“
No.
I won’t even consider it.” Fury gripped him, and until he calmed down and figured out what he had to do, he couldn’t face her. He needed time to think. Alone. He stalked off to his horse.

Jenny couldn’t let him make that sacrifice.

She watched Luke ride over the hills at full speed, the wind billowing his shirt, his head bent.

He wanted to adopt Adam. Her breath hitched when she thought of Luke’s tender admission. She gloried in the knowledge that Adam would have such a fine father.

How could she risk that powerful bond of love by ignoring Daniel’s demands?

She glanced down at the ground, to Daniel’s crumpled note.

Oh, she didn’t trust Daniel one bit. There was no telling what he was capable of, since he’d proved himself to be a coward. She’d stay as far away from him as possible.

But was there a way to get to him without risking herself?

There might be if her father were involved. With the railroad deals hanging over Daniel’s head, her father had a colossal amount of influence over Daniel. More than anyone else. Certainly, she’d come to realize with a pang of remorse and shame, more influence than her.

There was a morning train leaving for Denver. If she took the adoption papers with her, to her father, she was certain he’d get Daniel to release Adam. If her father wasn’t home, she’d wait for him without alerting Daniel that she was back.

Then, when Daniel signed the papers, he’d get his land deal. And she’d insist on her freedom.

Most importantly, Adam and Luke could be together.

There was no sense arguing with Luke, though; he wasn’t about to let her go anywhere.

The notepaper trembled in her fingers. So how could she sneak out of camp and catch the train tomorrow without anyone stopping her?