Charlene Sands (8 page)

He touched the skin just above the lace of her chemise, his fingers teasing the valley between her breasts until she nearly cried out for more. He witnessed her desire and drew a deep breath, then thumbed one nipple, flicking the tip until it puckered up from under the material. She flinched, and that ache between her legs intensified with hot, fiery waves, her want undeniable.

Her breaths came rapidly now, her heart pounding.

“Lay with me,” he whispered. “I’ll show you what it’s like to be with a real man.”

For a moment she wanted nothing more but to lay with him. To give in to him. To let him take her. But his words stopped her cold. She took a good long look into his gleaming eyes before she removed his hand from her breast and retied the sash to her robe.

Clint didn’t really want her. He wanted to best his father—to show Hoyt up and lay claim to his widow. The cool splash of reality brought her to her senses. She stepped away from him. “I’ve known a real man, Clint.”

He stared at her, his lips quirking up. “Don’t be a fool, Tess.”

Her lips burned for his kiss and every bone in her body ached for his touch. Yet, there wasn’t anything
real
about Clint.

He was a deceiver and a vengeful man.

She smiled with great remorse. “I almost was a fool…
just now.
”

Clint watched her leave, her head held high, her body straight, but the slight tremble in her strides told him what he needed to know.

He spun around and headed back to the corral, shaking off sensations that rippled through him like a forceful downriver stream.

For a minute Tess had made him forget she was his father’s widow. He’d almost forgotten his purpose in coming back to the ranch. But he wouldn’t soon forget holding her in his arms and kissing her. He wouldn’t forget the liberties she’d granted him or his instant arousal when he’d touched her skin and fondled her breasts, making her breaths catch and her body melt.

Leaning against the fence post, he focused instead on the stallion, who had settled down, unaware of Clint’s presence. He’d never come up against an animal with such a strong will. Clint’s gift for bringing animals into his circle of trust seemed nonexistent with this one stallion. But he wouldn’t give up.

The golden animal he’d named Sunset wouldn’t best him.

They’d come to an understanding soon.

The twitch in his pants reminded him of another stubborn creature. Only he had no plans to tame Tess.

No, he wanted her wild and wanton.

Both horse and woman posed a challenge, and he wouldn’t cease until he’d achieved his goals.

Shortly after, Clint went inside and climbed the stairs. He entered the hallway, the house and surroundings quiet but for the sound of his boots scraping against the wooden floors.

He still tasted Tess’s sweetened breath on his mouth, and her fragrant scent lingered in his nostrils. He’d pulled her against the barn, and she’d gone willingly, flowing into him from his slightest tug. Her body had pressed to his and sparked quick, hot desire. That desire hadn’t waned or ebbed but rather embedded within him.

He stopped outside her door. Put his hand on her doorknob. Listened.

The silence in her room irked him.

She slept.

She would lay with him one night—he would make sure of it. But it wouldn’t be tonight.

He continued down the hallway and entered his room. He set his hat on a hook, sat on his bed, ready to remove his boots, when a flash of light caught his eye. He turned fully to look out his window.

“Dammit!”

He grabbed his hat and raced down the stairs to the bunkhouse. He pounded on the door, shouting and hoping to wake every able-bodied man. “Fire! Out by the storage shed. Move! Now!”

Clint didn’t wait for the men to rouse. He mounted a horse and rode bareback to the shed that sat on the outlying area of the ranch grounds. There wasn’t much he could do but kick dirt onto flames shooting skyward, the roof fully engulfed and ready to collapse.

When the men arrived with buckets, they set up a water line that led from the water tank to the fire. They worked together for the better part of an hour, dousing bucket after bucket on the shed, splashing water out in their haste to contain the flames.

Clint stood in the front lines, gripping the buckets, heaving water and hoping to stop the fire before it caused too much destruction. One of the men gave him a bandanna to cover his face, and all men followed suit, trying to keep their lungs clear while they squinted their eyes fighting against the stinging smoke.

He figured the shed and all its contents—wheat, oats, barley, straw and various ranch tools—were destroyed, but he couldn’t let the fire jump.

They continued to douse water into the night until all that was left of the shed were molten ashes, steaming with heat and smoke.

Sometime during the chaos Tess had appeared, dressed in her tan riding pants and boots. She’d worked the back of the line with the men, filling buckets and handing them off. Her face soot-stained, her hair in a tangle, she walked over to him as they both surveyed the damage. Smoke billowed up, bathing their faces in dirty steam.

“We’ll need to get more feed in town for the livestock. We’ll rebuild.”

Clint looked at her. Heard the determination in her voice.

“There’s another shed on the property,” he said.

She shook her head. “It’s not big enough. But it’ll have to do for now. When Sonny gets here, have him send a man into town for supplies.”

“Already done.”

She nodded. “I don’t suppose anyone saw anything?”

“Nope. They were all sleeping when I spotted the flames.”

“
You
discovered the fire?”

He drew oxygen into his lungs. He didn’t like the accusation in her tone or the way she searched his face. “I came inside a while after you did. Wasn’t more than two minutes before I saw the shed go up.”

She used her shirtsleeve to wipe sweat from her brow and move strands of hair from her eyes as she continued to watch him.

“I suppose it’s a good thing you saw the fire when you did,” she said with enough reluctance to irritate him. Then she turned to the men and got their attention by raising her voice. “Thank you, all. You’ve worked hard tonight. Go back to bed and take the morning for yourselves.”

“There’s work to do in the morning,” Clint said to her, peeved that she’d taken it upon herself to give the men time off. Seems they were coming around and starting to respect their lady boss.

“It can wait.”

Clint ground his teeth.

“What can’t wait is finding out who’s doing this.”

Clint agreed with that. “That’s why we’re setting up guards around the ranch. I don’t care what Sonny thinks. Things could have gotten outta hand tonight if I hadn’t seen those flames when I did.”

Tess arched her brows but said nothing.

But Clint knew her suspicions, and they were directed solely at him. “You’ve got it dead wrong, Tess.”

“Do I?” she asked, perplexed, looking at him for answers.

Hell, he had no answers. He shrugged. “Believe what you want, I’m not here to prove anything to anyone. You know why I came.”

“Is that the only reason you’re staying?”

“Damn right it is,” Clint said, nodding his head. He wouldn’t show Tess the inkling of doubt creeping into his mind about the Double H. “Come on,” he said, taking her arm and leading her away from the burned shed. “We can’t do anything more here tonight.”

“No,” she whispered, and he didn’t miss the irony of her next words. “We’ve done quite enough.”

E
arly in the morning Clint stood by the downed shed, the acrid smell of destruction filling his nostrils and mixed with an eerily familiar scent wafting through the air of burned oatmeal. He picked up a shovel and dashed the last remaining embers with dirt, more to occupy his hands than any concern over those few hot spots that were dying out on their own.

He’d slept restlessly last night, scouring his mind for the reasons behind these incidents at the ranch. And when sleep had eluded him, impatient, he’d risen from bed before dawn and come outside to think.

He didn’t like being threatened. He wasn’t a man to stand by and watch his property abused like this. For the time being anyway, the Double H was his ranch. He’d come to know the men—all good men who’d served Hoyt with loyalty. And now they took orders from his widow, some with grudging respect and others out of duty. She signed off to them on payday, after all.

But he was amazed at Tess. She’d dug right in last night and worked hard, helping douse the flames. She’d lined up with the crew as if one of them and hadn’t stopped to rest or complain. She was no wilting flower. He’d seen her lift those buckets and move them along the line as ably as any man, though there’d been strain on her face and worry in her eyes.

She’d made plans to rebuild and given orders without hesitation or doubt.

Out of his resentment, a measure of unwanted admiration took hold in his gut. He didn’t want it. It was as unwelcome as the taste of soured milk.

But he did want her.

Plain fact: she tempted him with those summer-sky eyes well versed in concealing her truths. He recognized it every time he looked at himself in a mirror, seeing the death of innocence on his own face. He knew that secrets Tess had locked away in her soul had followed her to the Double H.

They had that in common.

When he’d touched her skin, so fine and smooth and polished, she’d welcomed him. He’d been easy with her, caressing her with tenderness born of deep desire, knowing that’s what she’d needed. But it hadn’t been easy to hold back, to restrain what wanted unleashing inside him.

One day she would give herself freely to him—and he would take her.

And he wouldn’t concern himself with anything but bringing them both a good deal of pleasure. Her troubles were hers alone. Clint couldn’t afford to care.

That was not his purpose.

Sonny’s gruff voice from behind stopped him from shoveling the next clump of dirt. “I guess I missed the excitement last night. Had me a good night’s sleep. Should have sent one of the boys to wake me.”

Clint planted his shovel in the earth and leaned onto it. “Couldn’t spare a man to fetch you. The flames went up quick-like. It was a good thing I spotted them straightaway.”

Sonny nodded and eyed the damage without flinching or bringing accusation to his expression.

“We lost the shed and all its contents—but they’re replaceable. We’ll rebuild. We sent two men into town to get the supplies we need,” Clint said.

“The whole ranch could’ve gone up if the flames went without notice.” Sonny slapped his shoulder. “You did good, Clint.”

“Gut reactions, Sonny. If those flames had jumped, the barn could’ve been next…or the bunkhouse.”

“You saved lives last night, boy.” The admiration in his tone unwound a tight coil inside. Sonny had always been a source of support and friendship, and Clint had forgotten what that felt like. His praise meant something.

“I’m just glad I spotted it when I did.”

“Did Mrs. Hayworth see the damage yet?”

“She was out here last night, working the fire lines.”

“You don’t say? She’s got a spark in her, that woman.”

Clint held back a comment. He’d seen her spark. She’d practically ignited in his arms last night, and he’d not soon forget how that felt.

“Soon as the embers cool completely, have a few men clear the area.”

“Will do. We’ll get a new shed built by tomorrow’s end.”

Still baffled by these incidents of sabotage, he drew sooty air deep into his lungs. “What’s your take on all this, Sonny? Who do you suppose is doing this? And why? There’s potential danger, but the acts themselves cause more nuisance than anything else.”

“I know. I don’t understand it myself.” Sonny moved away from the smoke that seemed to be bothering his eyes.

Clint felt the sting, too, after standing over the ashes, pitching dirt. “There’s got to be a reason.”

“Don’t know one,” he said, shaking his head.

“We’re putting guards up around the ranch. There’s no choice now.”

Sonny let go a resigned breath. “I suppose you got a point.”

“Damn right I do. So far no one’s been hurt, and I intend to keep it that way.”

“Don’t sound like a man bent on revenge anymore, Clint.”

“Don’t mistake my concern for human and animal lives for any love I have for the ranch. They’re two different things, Sonny.”

Sonny removed his hat to scratch his head. His eyes narrowed to a squint. “Guards, huh?”

Clint assured him with a nod. “The boys will take turns, won’t be so hard on them. And tell them they’ll get more than a day’s extra pay for each shift they work. There’s a big bonus if they catch the ones responsible for this. You tell them that, too.”

Again Sonny scratched his head. “Mrs. Hayworth okay with this?”

Clint cocked his lips to one side. “She has no choice. This is how it’s gonna be.”

One week after the fire at the ranch Tess paid a visit to Laura. She’d always loved Tom and Laura’s small, charming house that bordered the east side of town. Theirs was a real home, especially now that they were a family.

“You don’t have to wait on me, Tess,” Laura said quietly, looking up from the bundle in her arms.

Tess poured steaming tea into patterned china cups and set them down on the parlor table. She watched new mother and baby with envious eyes, her insides softening to butter. She spoke in softened tones so as not to wake the baby. “You’re right. I’m not about to let you hold little Miss Abigail Larson without sharing.”

Tess leaned down and took the babe from Laura’s giving arms. “Come here to your Aunt Tess, Abby. We’ll let your mama drink her tea. You gave her a tough time coming out and now she needs her rest.”

As soon as Abby was safely ensconced, Laura leaned back in the sofa seat and sighed wearily. “She’s worth all the trouble.”

Tess sat beside her carefully, arranging the blanket and looking into the sleeping face of the most beautiful baby she’d ever seen. “She’s precious, Laura. You’re so fortunate.”

“I know. Tom and I feel blessed. It’s just that I’m…tired all the time.”

“I suppose that’s natural. You had the pains for nearly a full day. It wasn’t an easy delivery.”

Laura’s gaze fell on her child. “No, not easy, but she’s perfect. I’m grateful for that.”

“She is. But you’re not. You could use a little break, Laura. I see how tired you are, even while you try to hide it from me. I’d like to stay over tonight to help out.”

“Tess, I’m…fine. You don’t have to.”

“I
want
to.” She gazed down at the week-old child in her arms and rocked her gently. There was such beauty and innocence in a new life. Such hope. “Besides, I need to make further arrangements for HELP tomorrow. The first meeting is next week. I hope you’ll be feeling well enough to come.”

“I’ll be there, Tess. I wouldn’t want to miss that.”

“Good, then let me tend to Abby today and tonight while you get back into bed and get some sleep.”

“But Tom will need supper when he gets home and—”

“I’ll take care of Tom and the baby. Please, Laura, let me do this for you. I’ll leave in the morning.”

“You’ll bring Abby in when she’s hungry?”

Tess smiled. “Of course.” She glanced quickly to her own breasts, then grinned even more. “That’s one way I
can’t
help you.”

They both chuckled.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Please, have your tea and then settle into bed while Abby and I get better acquainted. And don’t worry about a thing.”

Tess spent the rest of the day tending to little Abigail Larson. While the baby slept, she looked in on Laura. And when the child wakened, needing a change of clothing, Tess relished every second of cleaning and redressing her and rocking her back to sleep. She’d brought Abby in to Laura twice during the day to nurse until both mother and baby fell into slumber again.

Often Abby’s breaths would come fast, in quick bursts, then she’d quiet down for a long few seconds when it appeared she wasn’t breathing at all. Laura told her it’s the way with new babies—they are just learning to fill their lungs, and their irregular breathing was enough to keep a new mama up all night watching them.

While thick soup boiled on the cookstove and ebbing sunshine gave way to dusky afternoon shadows, tears glistened in Tess’s eyes as she watched the baby in her arms now. She’d never know this joy for herself. She’d never have a baby of her own. Tess had long ago given up on the dream that so many women took for granted.

She wanted a family. She wanted tenderness and innocence brought back into her life. She yearned for someone to love, someone to give her children, but deep down Theresa Metcalf knew she wouldn’t attain that dream. Thanks to Hoyt, she no longer believed that she didn’t deserve those things. But she doubted she’d ever get the chance. She had other obligations now, other heartfelt duties to perform.

She didn’t trust easily. There were only a few people in her life she called “friend.” And now she had little Abby to adore. She would love this child as if it were her own. She already did love her. But Abby had a wonderful mother and father.

Tess would be the outsider again.

She’d fight those feelings embedded in her because she knew Tom and Laura loved her and did everything in their power to make her feel welcome.

A sole tear escaped the well she’d tried to shore up. It trickled down her face and dropped onto the baby’s fat cheek. Abby opened her eyes and looked straight up at her, those blue, blue eyes so clear, watching her.

Tess smiled at the baby she held. “You are so blessed. You have two parents who treasure you, Abby. And an aunt who will always be here for you.”

Then she sobbed quietly, both with joy over this new life and with sorrow, her heart hurting for the child Tess would never have of her own.

“The posters are perfect, Tom. Thank you. I plan to distribute them tomorrow,” Tess said, sitting across from him in the parlor.

Tom held little Abby in his arms, watching her with a look of pride and awe. Reluctantly he tore his gaze away from his daughter to look at Tess. “I hope it works. I won’t tell you what the men at the
Herald
said when I was printing them up.”

Tess frowned but wouldn’t be dissuaded. She held the posters in her hand, perusing them with satisfaction. Tom had done exactly as she’d asked, making the posters look like delicate invitations to her first women’s meeting.

Hayworth’s Exceptional Ladies Partnership.

Everyone in attendance would receive a special gift from Mrs. Hayworth and the Double H ranch.

“I suppose they aren’t happy.”

“Not exactly. They don’t understand why you need a woman’s meeting in the middle of the week. Takes the women away from their chores.” The baby fussed and he rocked her gently until she quieted. “I can imagine what they’d say if they knew your true intent.”

“Most are good, decent men, Tom. But some are…not so decent.”

“It’s a good thing you’re doing, Tess,” he said with a quick smile. “Just hope it works.”

Tess nodded. “So do I.”

“Thank you for helping out with Laura today. She’s pretending otherwise, but I know she’s exhausted.”

“She didn’t fool me, either. She’s sleeping soundly. I won’t wake her for supper. I made you a meal and we can have that as soon as you’d like.”

“You’re a good friend, Tess. As soon as Abby falls back asleep, let’s have that soup. Smells darn good.”

Thirty minutes later they’d filled their bellies. Tom insisted on cleaning up the dishes, and they worked for a few minutes in companionable silence until the dishes were dried and stacked away.

“I heard about the fire out at the ranch,” he said, returning to the table with two mugs of coffee. He slid one toward her place at the table and gestured for her to sit.

“How did you hear about that?” She dried her hands on a kitchen cloth and took a seat.

Tom blew into his cup, cooling down his coffee. “Hayworth news travels fast. Randy came into town, buying up new supplies.”

“We’re being sabotaged. Both Clint and Sonny are in agreement now. Clint set up guards to work in shifts around the ranch.” Tess sighed wearily. “I just don’t know who would do this or…why.”

“Hoyt wasn’t a man who enjoyed making enemies, but I suppose there’s some out there who didn’t like his business tactics. He’s gone…so who would stand to gain anything by doing this now?”