To Bed A Montana Man (Montana Men) (12 page)

* * *

Allison woke early. Thoughts of Joseph kept her tossing and turning most of the night. Last night, he had made it very clear that he was interested in more than friendship. She wasn’t quite sure how she wanted to handle the situation.

“Hello.” She startled seeing TJ sitting at the table with a bottle half-full of amber colored liquid and blood shot eyes. “Am I disturbing you?” She stood in the shadow cast by the one low-lit lantern burning on the table.

“Yes,” he said in a deep, gravelly voice.

“Then I’ll leave you alone,” she said, and turned to leave the room.

“Allison, wait.” His voice was softer. “You don’t need to leave.”

She stepped into the light. “I came down to make bread for the children. Do you want a cup of coffee or something to eat?”

He lifted his drink and took a hefty swallow. “I’m good.”

Allison went to the wood box and grabbed some kindling. She opened the oven door and built a fire. She could feel TJ’s eyes boring into her back as she worked around the kitchen. She also took notice of the clink of glass each time he took another drink.

“How was your trip to town?” She tried not to sound petulant, but thinking about him going into Sandy’s bedroom and doing those deliciously naughty to another woman made her throat tighten.

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

She wanted to ask him if he’d seen Sandy. Of course, that was out of the question. It was none of her business, and he wouldn’t tell her anyway. He didn’t have to. She was more than capable of imagining the activities he’d engaged in. Living at the brothel may not have brought her experience, however she did receive an education in matters of the flesh.

“Sissy and I planted a garden. Joseph helped us work the soil and get the seeds in the ground.”

“So, it’s Joseph now. Only his mama called him Joseph. The two of you must have gotten close.”

Allison didn’t understand the scowl marring his mouth. “If you’ll tell me your given name, I’ll gladly call you by it. Does that satisfy you?”

“I don’t want you keeping Train from his work.”

“You told me to go to him whenever I need anything which is exactly what I’ve been doing.” She stood near the stove with her hands on her hips. “If that is no longer an option, what do you suggest I do?”

He stared into his glass. Picking up the drink, he swirled the contents and upended it. He swallowed and exhaled a gasp. “You come to me from now on.” He set the glass on the table a bit too forcefully.

Allison stood still as TJ’s stare burned through her dress. Warmth rushed into her nipples and pooled in her belly. Moisture flooded between her legs. Tightening her thighs, she pivoted away.

When she’d come downstairs, she’d assumed she’d be alone. The children were asleep and TJ…TJ wasn’t asleep. He was with Sandy.  Had she known he’d be home, she would’ve dressed differently. The nightdress she wore allowed light to filter through the fabric outlining the contours of her figure. She had no doubt TJ noted every curve. She wasn’t built like the women in the brothel. Not enough curves, or flesh. She didn’t want TJ comparing her to a whore. She didn’t want to know she lacked the qualities a man needed in his bed.

After pouring two cups of coffee, she set one in front of him. Then she sat at the table and wrapped her hands around the warmth of the mug.

TJ took the bottle of whiskey and topped off his coffee. Before Allison had time to move her cup, he topped off hers. “No,” she said too late. “I don’t drink.”

“I seem to recall that conversation,” he said.

“It seems like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it?” She took a drink of her coffee and then choked on the hot liquid. “Oh,” she coughed. “That tastes awful.”

“I stopped tasting it a couple of hours ago.”

Allison went to the kitchen door, opened it, and dumped the contents onto the ground. Then she went to the sink and rinsed her cup. “Maybe we should go to bed.” After the words were out of her mouth, she realized the implication. “I mean, maybe you should sleep off what ever is bothering you and I’ll go back to my room.”

TJ stood from the table and slowly crossed the room to stand in front of her. He trapped her between his overwhelming, strong and powerful body and the kitchen sink. The smell of whisky on his breath didn’t bother her. The beating of her heart thundered in her ears. She stood perfectly still afraid of what would happen if she moved.

His gaze locked on her mouth. Whiskers shadowed his cheeks. Lines creased the corners of his eyes as they narrowed and he leaned into her. His breath was warm. Dear God, he was going to kiss her. She sucked in a breath and waited.

“Good night, Allison.”

Her body went limp as he dropped his drink in the sink, turned, and left the room. With white knuckles, and weak knees, she gripped the edge of the counter to keep from losing her balance.
That was close…too close.

* * *

The following evening, Allison fed the children early. She wanted extra time to get ready for her walk with Joseph. Technically it could be called courting, but she preferred to think of it as an act of friendship.

Allison brushed the wrinkles from her favorite dress. It was one of the few possessions she had from her life in Boston. The neckline cut across her collarbone and wrapped around her shoulders leaving them bare. The deep green color matched her eyes. Carefully she centered and pinned a cameo broach to the collar of her dress between her breasts. Montana sun had created fire-like highlights in her hair, which fell to the center of her back in soft curls. She like the way she looked. Montana made her feel beautiful. The way Joseph responded to her made her feel like a woman. Alas, TJ’s indifference rattled her most.

The cause of her frustration sat in the living room with his feet up. He opened his eyes when he heard her on the stairs. He stood.

His eyes narrowed as she came into the room. If only she could distinguish the difference between happy, mad, or apathetic. Would he comment on her dress, the way she looked? She’d studied her reflection in the mirror. The dress couldn’t be more different from her usual attire, or anything he’d ever seen her in for that matter.

“Did you get something to eat?”

He nodded. “Allison—” He was about to say more when a knock sounded at the door. “I’ll be right back.” He took two steps when she stopped him by placing a hand on his arm.

“I know who’s at the door.”

He moved her hand, went to the door, and opened it.

“Evening, TJ.” Train’s eyes immediately scanned the room to find Allison.

“I’m ready.” She loosely draped her wrap around her shoulders.

“Did you do all this for me?” He placed his hand on the small of her back.

She smiled at him and nodded.

“Where in the hell are you two going?” TJ folded his arms across his chest.

“Joseph is taking me for an evening stroll.” She placed her white gloved fingers on his forearm.

“You don’t look dressed for walking. You look ready for the opera or something.”

Allison did a small curtsy. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“This is a ranch. Your dress will be filthy.”

“A night like this, with a handsome gentleman, is worth it.”

Train and Allison walked down the front steps of the house.

“I think we can assume TJ doesn’t approve.” Train looked over his shoulder to the house. His boss was upset and Train knew why. Allison looked incredible and TJ wasn’t on the receiving end of Allison’s efforts for a change.

“I don’t see what business it is of his.”

 They were across the front yard and heading down the hill before they finally heard TJ slam the door.

“I like you, Joseph. You’re the only friend I have in the whole Montana Territory. Except of course, Marion and Sandy. There were others at the brothel, but I wasn’t close to them. I suppose if I’d been there longer, I would’ve gotten to know them better. But then again, maybe not. Marion and I got along best.”

Train covered her hand with his. “Allison,” he interrupted. “I’m not real good with words, but I didn’t ask you to come walking to build a friendship. I think you know I’m interested in more.”

“I do,” she said.

A mild breeze blew her hair gently around her face. His fingers grazed her cheek, and then pulled a tendril from her eyes. “I guess we ought to put our cards on the table.”

Allison looked at the ground. “Joseph, you don’t really know me.” She started to walk again. “I don’t want to be courted. I want to go for walks with a friend I can trust. We can share supper and laugh together.”

“You just described courting.” He stopped her again. Pushing his cowboy hat higher onto his head, he leaned into her. “There’s just one other thing that goes along with courting.” He brushed his lips softly against hers.

Allison didn’t pull away. She waited for the tingle that never came. Granted, it was nice. His lips were soft and he only applied the slightest pressure. After she opened her eyes, she saw him looking at her with interest.

They walked without much conversation for a little while longer. As the skies began to grow dark, Train stopped at the bottom of the steps leading to the house. TJ had neglected to leave a lantern lit for her return.

“I’ll go in with you.” He placed one foot on the step until Allison put her hand on his chest.

“TJ didn’t look happy when we left. Your coming in wouldn’t be good for either one of us.”

He nodded his agreement. “When can I see you again?”

“Tomorrow,” she said and laughed. “I’m going to be working in the garden. Come by for a minute if you get a chance.”

“I’ll make time.” He didn’t try to kiss her lips again. Instead, he kissed her gloved hand.

Allison opened the door. The room was much darker than she expected. There was usually some light from the living room. However, because of the warm evening, TJ hadn’t built a fire.

Allison tried feeling her way to the nearest lamp. She cleaned every inch of the house. She ought to be able to find the side table without hurting herself or tipping anything over. The spark of a match startled her.

“Did you have a nice time?” TJ held the match near his face and then lit the lamp next to him.

“You scared me.” She tossed her wrap onto the chair and walked across the room with a stiff stride. “What are you doing sitting in the dark?” Her pulse suddenly jumped into an erratic rhythm. She poured two fingers of something into a crystal glass at the bar. “Can I get you a drink? I need one.” She brought the glass to her lips and swallowed the liquor. A cough erupted from her chest and her throat caught fire from the burn.

TJ vaulted out of the chair. She barely saw his quick movement. “You don’t drink, remember.” He took the glass from her trembling hand and set it back on the bar. “And I’ve already had enough.”

“I do what I want.” She poured another two fingers and drank it the same way. Her body convulsed over the taste. She swallowed, trying to get passed the vile flavor. “I am your maid and nanny,” she said, her voice hoarse. She coughed. “How does that give you the right to choose my evening activities?” Pulling off her gloves, she tossed them aside.

“You can do what you want, not with Train.” He grabbed a glass and filled it half way. His head fell back as he drank the entire amount.

Allison replenished her drink, this time taking as much as TJ.