Yellowstone Romance Series - Bundle (# 2-5) (46 page)

Her heart sank. “I’m sorry for asking. You’re right. That was silly of me.” She smiled at him, and her fingers absently stroked the fur she sat on.
You can do this, Kate. You just need to stay away from Kyle as much as possible.

“Can I get you a cup of water or something?”

“Thank you, Josh. Some water would be appreciated.”

*****

Over the next several days, Kate had no problem staying away from Kyle. It was simple, since he was never around. He left early in the morning, and returned late at night. When she’d asked Josh about it, he told her that Kyle was working with some of the horses higher in the mountains to get them sure footed on the rough terrain.

She spent her days wandering along the riverbank, or conversing with Rosie while grooming the mare’s coat for hours at a time. The simple task of stroking the horse with a brush had a soothing effect on Kate’s frayed nerves, and she allowed herself to get lost in thought during those times.

Josh always seemed to hover nearby, keeping an eye on her, but he left her alone for the most part. She’d confessed to him that she didn’t know how to cook, and his mischievous grin told her he already knew. He brought food to the cabin for her, but never stayed to share a meal or kept her company, which she found rather odd.

Most often, Kate’s mind wandered to Kyle. Try as she might, she couldn’t stop thinking about him. He was her first thought when she woke in the morning, and the last thing on her mind when she went to bed. The memory of his touch, his kiss, left her aching and lonely in her bed at night. Not seeing him made the longing even worse, it seemed, than when he was nearby.

She was ashamed of her feelings, and she repeatedly asked God for His forgiveness. Why would He want her to suffer with a husband who didn’t love her, and whom she held no affection for? The idea of divorce had crossed her mind. It was inconceivable. It simply wasn’t done, and Hiram would never grant her one if she asked. Hiram Devereaux did not part with his acquisitions willingly, and that’s all she was to him; a piece of property. 

Almost a week had gone by since she’d fainted. Almost a week without so much as a glimpse of Kyle. Kate woke to sunlight streaming through her window. She rose and dressed, then pinned her hair back out of her face, letting it fall in cascades down her back. It was less tedious than pinning it all the way up. On a few occasions, she’d even braided it.

She entered the main room. Her breath caught in her throat. Kyle sat at the table, apparently deep in thought. Several papers lay spread out in front of him. His head lifted in her direction, and their eyes met and held across the room. Kate’s heart pounded upward into her throat, and a warm tingling sensation coursed through her, settling in the pit of her stomach. The intensity of her reaction to him apparently hadn’t diminished over the days she hadn’t seen him.

“Mornin’,” he said slowly.

She swallowed nervously. “Good morning.” Her voice was as unsteady as the legs she stood on.

“How’ve you been, Kate?” His dark eyes reached out to her, and drew her in like an invisible rope.

“I’ve been well. And you?” she managed to say.

“Are you feeling up to a ride today?” he asked, rather than respond to her inquiry, and left the table.

“Oh. I . . . I don’t think so,” she stammered, and lowered her gaze. He walked slowly toward her.

 ”Why not? What do you think’s gonna happen? I’ll never hurt you, Katelyn. I hope you believe me.”

She clasped her hands firmly in front of her, and he covered both with one of his own. The heat emanating from him as he stood inches from her reached every cell in her body. She inhaled his masculine scent, and closed her eyes momentarily.

Finally, she glanced up at him, fresh tears spilling out of her eyes. She drew in a deep breath. “It’s not your behavior I’m worried about,” she sobbed.

He stared at her for what seemed like forever. Then the corners of his mouth twitched and curved slowly upward.

“You feel it, too, don’t you?” he whispered, and swiped at her tears with his thumb. “There’s something going on here, Kate, and damned if I can explain it, but I can’t stop thinking about you. All I want to do is hold you, and kiss you, and . . . I’m on fire for you. I tried staying away, but I can’t.”

She gasped at his words, and pulled her hands out from underneath his. She shook her head. “I can’t have feelings like that for you, Kyle,” she whispered.

“Why not, Kate?” He reached for her, and cupped her cheek in his hand.

“I . . . I’m going back to Boston soon. No good can come of any of this.” Was she trying to convince him, or herself?

“The big city sure seems to have squashed all life from you,” he said. She tried to move away, but his warm hands on her shoulder prevented her escape. “Haven’t you ever just allowed yourself to follow your feelings?”

Kyle locked his eyes to hers, and looking away became impossible. “Tell me you feel nothing when I do this,” he whispered, and stroked her cheek with his fingers.

She closed her eyes to savor the gentle touch, and held her breath.

 ”Or this.” He touched his lips to hers for a fraction of a second. His arm reached around her waist, and he drew her to him. His other hand continued to caress her face, then he slid it under her hair behind her head.

 ”Tell me this doesn’t make your heart beat faster.” He covered her mouth fully with his, and slowly moved his lips across hers.

Kate stood stiffly for a moment, then she let herself fall. She couldn’t hold on to her resolve any longer. He had dissolved all her defenses with his gentle actions and sensual questions. Her hands slid up his chest, and around his neck, and Kyle groaned.  He pulled her up hard against him, which sucked any remaining air from her lungs, and crushed his mouth to hers.

She clung to him, giving in to her burning desire, letting him plunder her mouth and destroy any resistance she had left. Her world spun in delicious giddy circles as she gave herself over to her feelings. Nothing else mattered at this moment but his touch.

 His hands stroked her back, clutched at her waist, and skimmed up the sides of her ribs, and he lifted her off the ground. Kate wrapped her arms around his neck, afraid to let go. He slid her body back down flush against his solid strength, and she wanted to melt into him.

Kyle cradled her head in his hands, forcing her to look at him.

“Say it,” he demanded in a hoarse voice, his breath hot against her cheek.  “Say it, Kate. Look at me and tell me you’re not affected by any of this, and I swear I’ll never touch you again.”

“I . . . I can’t say it,” she cried. She clung to him, and buried her face in his shirt, sobbing uncontrollably.

Chapter 14

Kyle held her, stroking the hair down her back, and let her cry herself out. Whatever was in Kate’s past, whatever walls she’d built around herself, he was sure he’d broken through them, judging by her admission. His heart soared by the way she clung to him. He held this precious woman, and she was in his arms willingly, now that he coaxed the truth out of her that she had feelings for him.

 For nearly a week, he’d left the cabin before dawn, and returned late at night, hoping the distance would curb his desire for her. It hadn’t. If anything it had made him think more clearly about what was happening to him.

He was in love with Kate. There was no doubt in his mind. As incomprehensible as it seemed, it had happened instantly, the minute he first saw her. He hadn’t fully realized it until he spent some time away from her.

She stirred in his embrace. Lifting her head away from his chest, she gazed up at him, her tear-swollen eyes shimmering like crystals in the light streaming in from the window. Kyle swiped at her wet cheeks with his thumbs, and touched his lips to hers. Her eyes widened, but at least she didn’t pull away from him. It was a good start.

“Feel better?” he whispered.

She stared at him in wonder, and her expressive eyes betrayed her inner struggle and turmoil. She needed time to sort through her feelings.
Don’t push her, Kyle.
He’d broken though her barrier, and didn’t want the wall to go back up. He realized it was still a fragile surrender on her part.

Kyle stepped back, putting her at arms’ length.   If he didn’t do something, he’d stand here all day and hold her. He glanced down at her and when she favored him with a tentative smile, his throat constricting painfully.  A faraway sadness remained in her eyes, and he wondered about it, but didn’t dare ask. Not yet.

“How about that ride?” he asked with exaggerated enthusiasm, squeezing her shoulders lightly.  “A change of scenery might do you good. There’s a family of river otters a few miles downstream along the Madison. Would you like to go see them?”

“I’ve never seen a river otter before,” she said, wiping at her eyes.

“Well, then it’s about time you do. They’re fun to watch.” He took hold of her hand. She hesitated for an instant, but then allowed him to lead her out the door. The horses stood by the corral, already saddled. He’d gambled that she’d come along, and had won.

Josh was busy adjusting the cinch on Rosie’s saddle when they approached. His eyes darted from Kyle to Kate, his gaze lingering on their hands clasped together. One eyebrow rose, and a grin formed on his face. Kate tried to pull her hand from Kyle’s, but he tightened his grip. He was not about to let go of her now.

“Where are you headed?” Josh asked casually.

“A few miles downstream. Not very far,” Kyle answered, giving Josh a warning look not to offer to tag along. He still didn’t know why Kate had asked Josh to her room the night she’d passed out, and Josh had steadfastly remained secretive about their conversation.

Kyle remembered the surge of jealousy that had taken hold in him when Kate had asked for Josh. It’s what had prompted him to stay away from her for the duration of the week. Kyle knew with certainty now that there was no reason to be jealous. Kate made it clear she had feelings for him, not his cousin, and she was definitely not the type of woman Josh would be attracted to.

Why are you so smitten with her, Kyle?
Kate was unlike any woman he’d ever met. To survive the harshness of this land, the people inhabiting it needed to be tough and prepared for whatever nature tossed at them. Kate was everything he’d scoffed at when dealing with escorting adventurers from the east through the wilderness. None of them would survive a week in these mountains without a reliable guide. Didn’t he have a firm rule about not allowing women along on expeditions he led?

Kate was as soft and vulnerable as a newborn elk calf that required constant protection. He guessed her big city upbringing had created that. Kyle was sure he could bring out a side in her that showed she could survive extreme situations. If she’d let him. She’d already survived two days wandering the wilderness on her own after her guardian died, or so she’d said. She hadn’t turned hysterical in the Indian camp, and taken most everything in stride since he brought her here.

He firmly believed that, with his guidance, she’d learn all the skills required to live in the mountains.
Have you even asked her if she wants to stay here?
She mentioned she was going home to Boston. She’d also told him on numerous occasions how much she loved the valley and her surroundings. What would it take to persuade her to remain here, with him? It was too soon, he decided. Too soon to ask her the question foremost in his thoughts.  Self doubt lingered in his mind. What good reason would a rich lady from back east have to choose a simple life with him? He had nothing to offer her.

Kyle released Kate’s hand, and assisted her in mounting Rosie. His hands slid from her waist to her thighs after she sat in the saddle, and she glanced down at him, a tentative smile on her face.

“Here, Kyle. Take these with you. You might as well make this a productive outing.” Josh’s voice brought him back to his senses. Kyle tore his eyes away from Kate, and shot his cousin an annoyed glare. Josh held out a couple of fishing poles. Kyle walked around to Blackjack’s other side, leading the horse a short distance away.

“You want me to take Kate fishing?” he asked with some disbelief, his voice hushed.

“Why not?” Josh shrugged. “Nothing wrong with fishing. Trout sounds pretty good for supper.”

Kyle frowned, but tied the poles to his saddle. Perhaps Josh was right. Fishing might be just what Kate needed. He gathered his horse’s reins, stepped lightly into the left stirrup and swung his leg over the saddle.  He guided Blackjack next to Rosie.

“Ready?” he asked, seeking Kate’s eyes. She nodded and offered a shy smile. He led the way across the meadow, following an easy course along the banks of the Madison.

He nudged Blackjack up close beside Rosie, and reached for Kate’s hand. She stiffened briefly, but then allowed her hand to rest in his. She glanced at him, and adrenaline flooded his veins at the look of uncertainty in her eyes. Why couldn’t she just let herself be free and give in to her feelings? She had to know he wouldn’t hurt her.

Kyle cursed inwardly. It had to be because of that guardian of hers. He was sure that bastard had done something to her, perhaps abused her in more ways than just knocking her around to give her bruises. Anger consumed him. If the man wasn’t dead already, Kyle was overcome with the urge to do him bodily harm, just as her guardian had done to Kate. What sort of man mistreated a woman? Kate gasped suddenly, and Kyle realized he was squeezing her hand.

“Sorry,” he mumbled, and rubbed her palm with his thumb. He didn’t dare ask her what was on his mind. If he questioned her about being abused by her guardian, he would lose everything he’d accomplished today. She’d been elusive and not forthcoming with any information from the beginning, and he knew she wouldn’t offer any now. In time, he hoped to uncover all her secrets.

They’d ridden for almost an hour along the blue waters of the Madison. The river flowed wide and meandered snake-like through the valley. Occasionally it veered south toward the tall mountains that jutted out from the valley floor, only to return and bisect the flat meadow again. Lodgepole pines grew in groves here, rather than one large forest.  Kyle studied the riverbank, trying to decide on a good location to stop, and where he’d last seen the family of river otters. Finally, he reined in his horse, deciding on a sunny location where the river flowed straight. The banks had been washed away in such a manner that they weren’t steep, but provided easy access for wading in the water.

“This is where I last saw those otters,” Kyle said, pointing along the shoreline. “There’s a mother and her three pups. We can sit by the river here for a while and see if they show up.”

He dismounted his horse, and came around to the left of Rosie, reaching up to assist Kate off the mare’s back. She didn’t hesitate this time, and put her arms on his shoulders as he lifted her down. Kyle pulled her to him, and she held her breath. Her eyes widened, and Kyle recognized a spark of panic in her blue depths.

“One of these days you’ll trust me completely, Kate,” he whispered, and kissed her lightly on the lips. He stepped away from her. Patience. If only he had more time. In two weeks they were headed to Virginia City. Two short weeks to convince her she wanted to be with him.

“I trust you already, Kyle,” she said. He blinked, trying to focus on her words rather than his inner thoughts.

“Then help me understand your reluctance to relax whenever I touch you.” His hand reached up to brush some loose strands of hair from her face.

Kate pulled out of his embrace, and turned to pat Rosie’s neck.  “I’m frightened of my feelings, Kyle, not of you.” She’d kept her back turned as she spoke the words.

He stared at her backside and slumped shoulders for several moments. He smiled. At least she did admit she had feelings for him. Patience.

“Come on, let’s go see if those otters are around,” he coaxed light-heartedly. He stepped around the horses, and untied the fishing poles from his saddle, then removed the horses’ bridles so they could graze.

“What are those?” Kate asked, staring at the poles.

“You’re gonna catch some supper for tonight.” He grinned widely at her.

Kate shook her head, her eyebrows drawn together in confusion.

“Have you ever been fishing, Katelyn? The river has an abundance of trout. We might as well catch some while we sit here. I’ll even dig for worms and hook them for you.”

Kate’s mouth fell open, and he had to laugh. “I don’t know how to fish,” she protested.

“Then it’s about time you learned. Come on, Kate. It’ll be fun.” He took hold of her hand, and pulled her toward the river. The banks of the Madison were carpeted with lush deep green grasses, and Kyle settled himself on the ground, pulling his hunting knife from his belt.

Kate stood and gazed out across the waters, and he smiled inwardly at the content look on her face. She closed her eyes, and tilted her head back, as the breeze caressed her face. Her hair flowed behind her like strands of spun gold. She seemed completely relaxed for the moment, and Kyle drank in her beauty. His gut clenched, and the blood pooled in his loins.  To ignore his body’s heated reaction to her, he pried his eyes away, and used his knife to dig into the soft dirt for some worms to use as bait for their fishing poles. 

Kate settled herself on the ground next to him, watching his every move. A few inches underground, the first wriggling worm made its appearance in the moist earth, and Kyle pulled it out with his thumb and forefinger.

“Oh, this one’s fat and juicy,” he said, holding it up in front of Kate’s face for her inspection. She pulled her head back, a look of horror and disgust on her face.

“What are you going to do with that?” she asked with some apprehension.

“This is fish bait. You hook it to the fishing line. The fish’ll love it.” He studied her. She looked at the worm writhing between his fingers in wonder. “You’ve really never been outdoors much, have you?” he asked with a smirk.

Memories of fishing with his grandpa when he was barely old enough to walk came back to him. Grandpa preferred to fish in the river, not along the banks. Kyle remembered balancing on the old man’s shoulders while grandpa waded waist deep in the water, casting his line.

“No, I haven’t ever been fishing.” The wistful tone of sadness in her voice stirred him to the core.

Kate moved in closer. “May I hold it?” she asked, and his eyebrows rose in surprise. His eyes met hers, and he couldn’t help but smile at her innocence.

“Sure, just don’t make a pet out of it. This worm and a few of its closest friends will catch us some supper.”

Kate held her palm out, and Kyle dropped the squirming worm in it. She held it as if it was the most precious thing in the world.