Yellowstone Romance Series - Bundle (# 2-5) (45 page)

“We’ll be home before dark,” he said to Josh, and guided Blackjack next to Rosie.

“Don’t make me come looking for you,” Josh mocked.

Wordlessly, Kyle nudged his horse, and the gelding trotted off. Rosie followed quickly behind.

“Let me know if you’re uncomfortable,” he turned his body in the saddle, looking back at her. “We’re going to cross that river up ahead, and follow the Firehole. The terrain gets a bit steep further up ahead. But these horses are used to the footing.”

Kate remained silent. Dammit! Was she going to act like this all day? It was only a kiss.
Hell, Kyle. It wasn’t just a kiss. You’ve kissed other women, and it never felt like that before.
 Nothing had ever come close to what he’d felt this morning when Kate wrapped her arms around his neck. He slowed his horse to match Rosie’s pace when they splashed through the water.

“Do you ride much in Boston?” The awkward silence was killing him.

“No,” she replied. “There’s no time to ride.” Her voice took on a wistful tone.

“So, what do you do there?”

She shrugged her shoulders. He waited for her to say something, but she didn’t.

 “Doesn’t sound very exciting.”

“It’s not.”

Okay. If she didn’t want to talk, he’d play along for now. At some point she would have to speak to him again. Kyle guided Blackjack toward the mountains until they reached the banks of the Firehole, then veered south to head upstream along the river. The rocky terrain began a gradual uphill climb, leaving the river to carve a course below them. The tall lodgepole pines became sparser the further they went. They left the river below while traveling along a narrow trail higher up the mountain. Soon, the loud rushing sounds of a waterfall could be heard above the noise from the many cascades as the river churned and tumbled its way through the canyon.

Kyle turned in the saddle. They’d ridden single file for close to an hour now in silence. The falls would be just ahead around the bend, and he wanted to witness Kate’s reaction when she saw them. Her hands gripped the saddle horn, and she allowed Rosie to pick her own way, the reins hanging loosely along the mare’s neck. Kyle’s heart swelled at the expression on her face. Her head turned in all directions as she absorbed the beauty of the mountains and the river just below them.

“Look up ahead, Kate. You should be able to see the waterfall now.” Rounding a bend, the falls of the Firehole River tumbled some forty feet down a wall of rocks as the river swerved sharply to the right into the canyon. It wasn’t the most spectacular water feature in the area, but it was the closest.

Her eyes widened in awe, and a brilliant smile formed on her lips that caused his gut to tighten painfully. If only she’d favor him with such admiration.

“The trail widens around the bend, and we can stop for a while if you’d like.” He had to raise his voice considerably over the roaring rush of the water. Kate eagerly nodded her head.

Kyle pulled Blackjack to a stop along a flat outcropping, and jumped from the saddle. Kate was already trying to dismount Rosie on her own. She leaned forwards awkwardly, trying to swing her right foot over the saddle. Her dress somehow caught on the cantle. Rosie, unaccustomed to a woman’s skirts waving at her sides, took a few nervous sideways steps, her ears twitching back and forth.

“Here, I’ve got you,” Kyle said, coming up beside the mare, and reached for Kate’s waist. It wasn’t a moment too soon.  Rosie decided at that moment to jump sideways in an effort to rid herself of the flapping skirts. Kate’s left foot slipped out of its stirrup, the horse’s movements sending her off-balance, and she fell backwards into his arms. Kyle twisted her body around to face him, and with a surprised shriek at her near fall, she grabbed hold of his shoulders.

The waterfall seemed forgotten. The sounds around him suddenly went still, his heart pulsing in his ears. His body came alive with her so close, and his arms tightened around her. Kate’s loud gasp, and the panic in her wide blue eyes startled him back to his senses. He softened his hold on her, and swallowed hard.

“I promised I’d never let you fall,” he managed to say in an even tone before stepping back and away from her.
Dammit, Kyle. You’re acting worse than a moose in rut.
Each time he touched her, his feelings became more intense, and he knew he’d lose his mind soon if he didn’t get his emotions under control. He swept his hair out of his eyes and inhaled deeply. His grandfather would say he was being tested for something. Tested for what? How much torture a man could withstand?

Kate hadn’t moved, and her hands were clasped together in a tight knot in front of her. What? She was afraid of him now? Anger took hold in him.

“I’m not going to ravish you, Kate,” he said between clenched teeth. “I brought you here to see the waterfall, not to have my way with you.” 

Kate’s eyes widened, and she opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but then closed it again and took a step back. What the hell had that bastard Ezra, or whatever his name was, done to her? He moved past her to the edge of the canyon, staring at the churning waters below.

Kyle felt, rather than saw, her move up beside him.

 ”It’s magnificent here, Kyle,” she said. “Thank you for showing me this. I never imagined the world held such beauty.”

Every nerve-ending in him was aware of her standing next to him, and he fought the urge to touch her. Slowly, he turned to face her. She looked up at him, the panic in her eyes replaced by sadness and longing.

“I’m sorry for my behavior this morning, Katelyn. I was out of line.”

She shrugged. “You named your terms for bringing me here. I accepted them. There’s nothing more to it,” she said matter-of-factly.

Nothing more to it?
Kyle restrained himself from grabbing her and shaking some sense into her. He had felt her response to that kiss. She couldn’t simply brush it off and pretend nothing had happened. His hands balled into fists at his side.

She stared up at him. “I am not worried that you will take advantage of me, Kyle. You are the kindest and most decent man I’ve ever met, and I owe you a great debt and my sincerest gratitude for everything you’ve done for me.”

Debt and gratitude?
That’s what she felt? To prevent himself from taking hold of her and demand she be truthful with him, Kyle bent to the ground and picked up a rock, hurling it across the chasm of the canyon in frustration.

“Let me know when you’ve seen enough, and we’ll head back,” he said, and turned toward the horses. This day was heading nowhere fast.  He couldn’t have read her reaction to his kiss wrong. Why was she acting so damned formal and dismissive now? Kyle cursed under his breath, his eyes on her back as she stared into the canyon below.

Chapter 13

It has to be this way.
Kate stared at the rushing waters below. Her insides churned and raged much like the wild river that carved its way through the rocks, trying to find the quickest route on its journey through the jumbled maze of the canyon to an unknown destination. She couldn’t allow Kyle to see how he affected her. Her feelings frightened her, and she needed to put some distance between them.

Why did fate have to be so cruel? She longed to give herself over to the overwhelming feelings Kyle aroused in her. Her body tingled each time he touched her, even slightly, and her hands itched to reach out to him. She sensed similar feelings in him, although she couldn’t understand why.

Her husband had told her she was undesirable, and lacked passion on numerous occasions. He blamed her for his inabilities in the marriage bed during his times of drunkenness. The beatings that followed were almost preferable to his otherwise ruthless and cruel domination of her body. It was true that she felt no desires for her husband, but she had no choice but to submit to him, no matter how repulsive she found him.

Kyle had stirred hot waves of need in her with that kiss, and left her wondering if he might find her lacking as Hiram did. She would never find out. She wouldn’t be so foolish and kiss Kyle again. After he’d left the cabin this morning, she’d stood there, trembling as she tried to bring her emotions back under control. She’d wanted to call him back, beg him to hold her again, and stir all these wonderful sensations that no other man had ever awakened in her. There would never be another man like Kyle.

She’d left the cabin, determined to enjoy her outing to see the beauty of the land around her, and put all silly thoughts of love and desire out of her mind. She was not free to give, or receive, such attention. Kate was well aware that Hiram kept at least one mistress, and probably more. Truthfully, she was grateful for these women. Better he bestow his attentions on them than her. It was acceptable for a man to go against his vows, but not so for a woman.

Throughout the day, she had relied heavily on her formal teachings by her mother that a lady hid her feelings and emotions at all times, and needed to act aloof in the presence of men. It was her only defense against her body’s yearning for Kyle’s touch.

As she gazed at the tumultuous waters crashing down the steep chasm, dread enveloped her. Her life was in the same kind of turmoil. For the first time, she thought about her future. A week ago, her only goal had been to flee her abusive husband. She hadn’t looked beyond anything after escaping Hiram’s clutches.

But what now? After Kyle delivered her to Virginia City, what would she do? She had no money, and no means of supporting herself. The only skills she’d ever learned were how to act as a lady in polite society, and manage a maid staff to keep a household running smoothly. Hardly the kinds of skills that would gain her employment anywhere. Going back to Boston would be foolish. Hiram would find her in an instant.

Kate turned away from the spectacular beauty of the falls. Kyle stood near the horses, leaning against a large boulder, his arms crossed over his chest. He watched her intently, the features of his face hard and unreadable. Her heart rate increased at his perusal, and she averted her eyes. Lifting her skirts slightly to step over some rocks, she headed in his direction.

“What lies beyond the falls?” she asked when she stood close enough to him so she wouldn’t have to raise her voice over the water’s roar.

“There are some really pretty cascades up ahead, and a place where my sisters and I, and Josh, used to go swimming. Beyond that, the river widens and comes out of a valley that leads to hot water springs further south. Would you like to keep going?”

“Perhaps another time. I’m feeling rather tired.” It was a lie. She felt anything but tired. The beauty of her surroundings had an energizing effect on her. But it would be best to return to the cabin and put some distance between herself and the irresistible man in front of her.

“Suit yourself,” he shrugged. He moved to check Rosie’s saddle girth, then assisted her onto the mare’s back. His hands on her waist were warm and gentle, sending currents of electricity through her body. She pressed her lips together to keep from crying out to him to please not let go, and hold her like he’d done this morning. She fought back the sting of tears in her eyes when his hands didn’t linger as they usually did after she sat securely in the saddle. Was his behavior in response to her aloofness?
It’s for the best, Kate
.
Don’t dwell on what can’t be.

Kyle grabbed hold of his horse’s saddle horn, and in one swift and fluid motion swung his leg over the animal’s back. She stared at him while he wasn’t looking, taking in his rugged masculinity. When he guided his horse around, she quickly averted her eyes, as heat crept up her neck. 

Wordlessly, Kyle led the way back in the direction they’d come from. Kate tried to concentrate on her surroundings and absorb the beauty all around her, hoping she would be able to recall all the features later in her mind. She was sure there couldn’t be another place like this on earth. The silent minutes dragged on into hours, until the canyon finally opened up, and she recognized the Madison Valley up ahead. There was the narrower river to cross that combined with the Firehole, and beyond that stood the cabins.

Oh, to truly claim a homecoming to this beautiful place. Kate sighed deeply. In a few short days, she had fallen in love with this valley, the mountains and trees that surrounded it, the river that meandered peacefully through here, and the man who called this place home. She gasped loudly at her thoughts.  Her hand hastily covered her mouth with her sudden realization. She loved Kyle! There could be no other explanation for all those thoughts and sensations swirling around inside her.

“You all right?” A deep voice startled her. Kyle had slowed his horse to move alongside Rosie as they prepared to cross the river.

“Yes . . . yes, I’m fine,” she managed to say, and her eyes darted to his handsome face. His brows furrowed in a frown as he considered her, and she forced her gaze straight ahead again, nudging her mount through the water.  He mustn’t see what she was thinking.  Dear God in heaven. How did this happen?

Kate’s stomach churned. She felt nauseous all of a sudden. Rosie’s body heaved underneath her as the mare readied for a leap up the river’s embankment, and Kate’s vision blurred as the world spiraled and turned. Her realization was too much to think about. She reached a hand up to touch her temples, and strained her eyes, trying to clear her vision. What was she going to do? Her world seemed to tumble out of control more with each passing day. She was a married woman, in love with another man! She’d run away from her husband, with no clear prospects for her future.

I’m going to faint
.  She swayed in the saddle, and braced for a hard fall. Instead, strong arms reached for her and pulled her up against a solid chest.

“I’ve got you, Katelyn. I won’t let you fall.”

“Kyle,” she whispered, just before the world went black.

*****

 ”How is she? Did she wake up yet?”

“No, she’s still out.”

“Tell me again what happened.”

“Hell if I know. She was fine one minute, then she almost fell off her horse the next.”

“She’s been out cold all afternoon. Shouldn’t we try and wake her?”

Men’s voices echoed faintly in her mind. She struggled for consciousness. Kate’s hands reached out, and she fingered the soft furs underneath her. Her eyelids felt as though weighed down by lead anchors, and she forced them open. A dim light shone off to the right, and she turned her head in its direction. A lamp cast a soft glow in the otherwise darkened space. She tried to raise her head. Her temples throbbed with the effort, and she let it fall back to the pillow with a soft moan.

Where am I?
Hiram would surely not approve of her lying in bed. Her eyes adjusted to the dim light, and she noted the irregular walls of a log cabin, not the wallpapered smoothness of a Helena mansion.  Hiram wasn’t here. She was not lying on freshly pressed sheets in a four-poster bed. This was animal fur. She’d run away. With that realization, everything came back to her. She was in Kyle’s grandparents’ bed. It had to be nighttime. There was no light coming in from the window. How long had she been unconscious? The last thing she remembered was Rosie splashing through the river.

Kate rolled to her side, and forced herself to sit up. The blankets covering her fell away. She swayed, and her head pounded in time with her heartbeats. A sudden chill touched her skin, and her hand shot to her chest. She wasn’t wearing a dress! The only thing covering her was her chemise. Heat crept up her neck. Had Kyle undressed her? Or Josh? Instead of feeling violated, the thought of either of these two men removing her clothes conjured warm sensations of deep caring on their parts. She knew she would trust both of them with her life.

Why had she fainted? Kate strained her mind to recall what had happened today. It all came rushing back to her. Kyle’s kiss. Their ride to see the waterfall. The horse, wading through the water when realization hit her that she loved Kyle. She pressed her hands to her throbbing temple and gave in to the tears that overpowered her.  It had all been too much to think about. That’s why she’d swooned. And Kyle had caught her.

 
I won’t let you fall, Katelyn.
But she had fallen. She’d fallen in love with him, and there was no running away from that, like she’d run away from her abusive husband. The best she could do now was mask her feelings, and hope to forget him once they parted ways in a few weeks.

“You’re awake.” Kyle’s quiet, deep voice reached right into her soul. Her eyes sought him out in the dim light, and he stood framed by the door, the glow from the lamps in the main room casting him in a dark silhouette. Kate hastily grabbed for a blanket and pulled it around her shoulders.

“Feeling better?” He walked over, and knelt on the ground in front of her. His hand reached up, and she held her breath, bracing herself for his touch. It never came. He must have thought better of it, and lowered his hand to rest on his thigh.

She nodded, her throat suddenly too dry to speak. The warm look of concern in his eyes was too much for her to bear. She scooted back fully onto the bed and faced away from him.

“Please . . . can you send in Josh,” she croaked.

“Josh?” His raised voice of surprise startled her, and she ventured a glance over her shoulder. Kyle stood, and glared at her. He ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah. Sure. I’ll go get him.”

Kate squeezed her eyes shut. She needed time to think. She couldn’t face Kyle yet.

“You wanted to see me, Kate?” Josh appeared in the room moments later. He hesitated, and then ambled over to the bed. Kate studied his features. He was slightly shorter than Kyle, but they were both built the same. Everything about these two men projected strength and self-assurance, and a life of daily physical activity. Josh’s black hair was contrasted by Kyle’s sandy hair, and his skin was a bronze color to Kyle’s olive complexion. The familial resemblance in their features was startling. They shared their grandfather’s deep expressive, dark eyes. Kate judged Kyle to be at least three or four years older than his cousin.

“Kate?” Josh asked, and she realized she’d been too absorbed with her thoughts, and forgotten to respond.

She might as well get directly to the point. “Can you take me to Virginia City?”

“What? When? I thought Kyle was taking you in a few weeks.” He seemed genuinely surprised by her question, and his eyebrows furrowed.

“I don’t think I should stay here that long. I don’t wish to be a burden to either of you.”

“I don’t think you’re a burden, and I know Kyle sure doesn’t think so.” He actually looked uncomfortable, running a hand through his hair as she’d seen Kyle do on so many occasions. Another familial trait? He didn’t stand still, but rather paced the room. Abruptly, he stopped and faced her. “Virginia City is a hundred miles away, Kate. It’s a three day trip, at least. I’d take you, but I’ve been gone for a few weeks myself, and there’s things here that I need to attend to.  I’m sure you can put up with me and my cousin for a while longer, can’t you? There’s no need to make a special trip.”