Lady of the Gun (25 page)

"Doc?" Cass called as they entered the tiny waiting room
of the town’s only doctor.

"Yes?" a voice called from the back of the building. "Is
someone here?"

"Doc, it's me, Cassidy Wayne," she called
.

The doctor, a tiny, balding man with thick spectacles, came
through a curtain-covered doorway. "Cass, are you injured?" he was saying. "Oh, my, it's seems not. But someone is." He hurried to help. "Bring him in here," he directed, leading them through the curtain to an examination room.

Ca
ss helped Ramsey get up on the table, then stepped out of the way. "I think his nose is broken," she offered.

The doctor
looked over his spectacles at Ramsey. "I'd say you've made an accurate diagnosis. How many men jumped you?" he asked Ramsey.

Ramsey just glared at him.

"Brett Ryder, the marshal, did it," Cass explained.

"One punch?" the doctor asked.

Cass nodded.

"
My, my. He does seem to pack a good one," he said. Turning toward Cass, he stepped closer. “I think you might want to leave while I set his nose, Cassidy, It won't be a pretty sight." He glanced back over his shoulder at Ramsey. "And he might do a little yelling. That can embarrass a young man'"

"Oh. All right. I'll wait outside
.'

"Cass," Ramsey said, his voice thick with pain and anger,
"you go on home now. I'll be fine."

Cass stepped around the doctor and went to Ramsey's
side. "Are you sure? I'll wait outside if you want me to."

"No. You don't have to wait." He lowered his eyes. "The
marshal is waiting for you," he said accusingly.

Cass felt a small stab of guilt at hearing the jealousy in
his voice. She'd really started trouble by accepting that one date with Ramsey. And right now, with his face so swollen and his nose broken, she felt truly sorry for him, even though his own stupid remark had caused the punch.

"Brett's co
ming out to the ranch because of what happened last night. He's worried there'll be more trouble and that I won't be able to handle it alone," she told him, feeling compelled to explain.

“
My father told me someone desecrated your family cemetery, but you and your uncle weren't harmed. Perhaps the trouble is over," he mumbled through swollen lips.

"I don't think it is. The intruder left me a
message, Ramsey. Last night was only the beginning. Having Brett on the place will give me another gun. I can't turn that down."

"I see," he said, frowning angrily through his pain.

Cass shivered at the painful grimace covering Ramsey's face. "You let the doctor do what he has to do. I'll see you later," she told him.

Cass turned toward the doctor "Okay, Doc, he's all yours."
She raised one hand in farewell to Ramsey as she left.

Ramsey watched Cass leave and felt the urgent need to
follow her. Glancing up at the doctor approaching him with the wooden sticks he would use to straighten his nose, Ramsey knew it would be a while before he'd be up to courting her again. Filled with intense hatred, he thought about the marshal staying out at the ranch with her. The marshal wanted Cass too, that was obvious, but how did Cass feel about the marshal? It would be too bad for her if she fell in love with the wrong man.

Back at the sheriff’s office, Brett paced impatiently, waiting for Cass to return. He'd seen her help Ramsey in the direction of the doctor's office, and was glad he knew what the doc was going to do to him. Having a broken nose set was wholly unpleasant; he knew that from experience. When he'd had his own broken in a bar fight several years earlier, he’d discovered that having it set was worse than having it broken in the first place. “It couldn't happen to a more deserving person,” he said out loud about Ramsey.

Cass stepped up on the sidewalk outside the sherif
f’s office and yelled, "Let's get going if we’re going.”

Brett heard her and headed for the door. Swinging it
open, he saw she'd left the sidewalk and was mounting her horse.

"I'm not waiting for you," she told
him angrily, turning her mount and spurring him to a trot.

Brett hurriedly closed the door and picked up the saddle
bags he'd dropped when he punched Ramsey. He flipped them over the back of the horse, just under the saddle cantle. Mounting quickly, he nudged his horse to follow Cass. "Damned stubborn woman," he said to himself.

Cass barely spoke to Brett during the next few days. When he tried to explain himself, she shunned him. She already knew why he'd punched Ramsey, she just didn’t like the fact that he'd taken it upon himself to defend her honor. It wasn't his place.

Uncle Darby, however, had been thrilled to hear that
Brett had broken Ramsey's nose, and their friendship seemed to grow even stronger because of that. Each evening they played checkers after dinner. At first Darby offered Brett drinks of whiskey during their games, but Brett always refused. After a few days, the older man stopped offering and slowed his own drinking considerably. Cass noticed this and was at least grateful that Brett's presence seemed to be having a good effect on her uncle.

Soony, too, see
med to have adopted Brett and had begun fixing his favorite dishes, something that irritated Cass, though she was loath to understand just why.

She was standing near the window, having just fi
nished dinner, listening to Darby and Brett set up the checkers when she decided to go for her usual evening walk, something she’d stopped doing lately because of the trouble. "I'll be back in a little while," she announced.

"Ten minutes?" said Brett, which was his way of asking
if she was going to the outhouse.

"No. I'm going for a walk."

"I don't think that's a good idea. It's almost dark," Brett told her.

"I don't care," she returned. "
I've got to get outside for a while." She rubbed her arms nervously.

Brett could tell she was antsy
. "I'll go with you. Can we play checkers later?" he asked Darby.

"Sure, Brett. Don'
t worry about it at all. We can skip a night. You go take Cass for a walk," he answered.

“
I don't need a bodyguard," she protested.

"How about a friend?" Brett asked.

Cass didn't answer. Instead, she opened the door and stepped outside into the early evening air.

B
rett walked out behind her, careful to give her enough space as they started toward the barn. He figured she was headed for the cemetery, and decided to wait for her at the top of the hill. She needed the time alone.

Cass crested the hill and gazed down over her val
ley. It was smaller by far than the Lazy T, but it was more beautiful. The Losee River ran smack through the middle of it, willow, aspen, and some pine marking its path with their foliage. She could see her herd just on the other side of the river, munching on tall grass. There wasn't much to do with the herd during the summer months except watch them fatten up. She'd have to hire a few temporary hands in the fall, but until then she could handle the work. Next year, if her plans for expansion went well, she'd have to hire one or two permanent people.

She'd surprised herself a few days earlier when she r
ealized she liked the idea of expanding her ranch. She'd begun the whole thing as a ruse to coax Tylo into the open, but somewhere along the way she'd become serious about it.

Letting her gaze sweep downward, she looked upon the
graves of her family. Starting down the hill, she glanced over her shoulder to see if Brett followed. She was grateful to see he'd thoughtfully stopped at the top. She suddenly felt foolish for being so cross with him the last few days. "I'll only a be minute," she called to him.

Brett was surprised. It was the first time she
’d spoken directly to him in what felt like a very long while, and her tone had softened. The harsh, condemning edge had disappeared from her voice. "I'll be waiting,” he replied, his thoughts jumping ahead now that she didn’t seem angry with him anymore. His pulse rate increased as he watched the swing of her hips as she continued on down the hill.

Cass knelt beside the graves and talked to her family as
though they could answer her. Brett watched this from the hill, and his heart broke for her. She should never have had to go through this, he thought.

After a while, Cass started back up the
hill. “Do you want to walk down to the Losee?" she asked.

"It looks pretty far. I don't want to be out too long after
dark," he said.

Reaching forward, she took his hand.
“Come on. I’ll race you. And I'll win," she challenged.

"You want to bet?"

"Certainly. What do you want if I lose?”

"A kiss."

She scrunched up her face. “I should have expected that,” she teased. "And what do I get if I win?”

Brett lowered his voice seductively.
“Anything you want.”

Pu
nching him playfully on the arm, she grinned up at him. "I'm serious. What do I win?"

"A kiss."

"A kiss for winning or losing? Then what’s the point?" she asked.

"All right, then. What do you want?
” he questioned.

Cass thought about it for a few seconds. "A kiss. Go
!" she shouted, taking off as fast as she could run.

Brett raced after her. "You cheat!" he yelled after her
retreating form. He knew he could catch up with her. This race was really no contest at all. Gaining rapidly, he began to laugh. "Cass, I'm going to win," he told her when he was only a few feet away and closing.

"I don't think so," she said. Just the
n she took a flying leap, jumping as high and far as she could.

Brett didn't have
time to understand what she was doing. It was too late. He'd run headlong into a wash that wasn't visible until he was right on it. Flailing about in the dirt, certain he'd broken vital bones, he heard her laughing as she continued to run. "You cheat!" he yelled as loud as he could.

Cass lay i
n the grass giggling and catching her breath some time later when Brett came limping up to find her. "I won," she stated simply.

"You cheated," Brett said accusingly.

“I never cheat. I simply knew the course. You didn't. That's not my fault."

"Really?" he said sarcastically as he fell to the ground
beside her.

"Nope. I'd never accept a challenge to race unless I knew
the course. It just makes sense." She began to giggle again. "You should have seen yourself fly into that wash."

"I could have been killed," he said.

"Not likely."

"I could have cracked my head open."

"Hah! Your head's too hard."

Brett closed his eyes. "I still say you cheated."

Cass continued to giggle as they lay there side by side, the soft sounds of the river soothing them.

“
When do I have to pay up?" Brett asked her quietly.

“
Pay up?" She wouldn't admit she'd been thinking the same thing.

“
The kiss?"

"Oh, that. You don't really have to pay up. I guess I did
cheat a little."

"Nonsense. I always pay
my debts." Rolling over, he poised himself above her. “Cass, open your eyes," he instructed.

Cass's heart leaped at the sound of his words. Opening
her eyes, she saw his dark gray ones watching her. “yes?”

Lowering his head slowly, Brett stared into her eyes. They
shimmered like sunlight on the surface of a deep blue lake. When his lips touched hers, she closed them. “Cass, keep your eyes open," he said.

Cass obeyed. She lost herself in his eyes as she savored
the sensuous kiss he gave her. Minutes passed slowly, his mouth possessed hers, his tongue darted between her lips, his breath mingled with her own. And then he stopped, lying back on the soft ground next to her once more.

Brett took deep, cleansing breaths as he lay very still. If
he kissed her much longer, he'd end up doing much more. And although he could think of nothing he'd rather do, Cass had to want it as badly as he did before he'd go any further. He didn't know what had come over her the first time, but she'd only been able to call him her friend since then. He wanted much more than that.

The warm evening air actually felt cool to Cass's feverish
skin. Her temperature had risen several degrees in but a few seconds, and her heart was beating out of control. She didn’t know why Brett had stopped kissing her, but she hadn’t had enough of him yet. Turning her head to the side, she let her eyes search his body. It was evident that he too wanted more. Rolling toward him, she reached up to touch his face, his whisker stubble feeling rough to her hand. "Brett?” she murmured into his neck as she nuzzled him.

Brett felt a siz
zle of excitement course through him as her breath caressed the underside of his jaw. She wanted him, and the knowledge sent a surging rush of blood to his loins. Turning toward her once more, he wound his arm around her back and pulled her to him, molding her curves to the heated length of his body. Parting his lips over hers, he delved deep into the sweet, warm cavern of her mouth.

Cass arched against him, moaning into his kiss, the taste
of him sending her over the edge of complete desire. She felt the pressure of his manhood throbbing against her and moved her hips in a rhythmic pattern.

Brett was on fire, burning with a need and a passion that
exceeded the first time he'd held her. He was stunned by the level of desire he felt for her. Reaching between them, he began to unbutton her shirt.

Cass raised her hands to assist him, her desire flaming out
of control. She needed to feel him next to her naked skin. She needed to feel him inside her once more. She felt the night air touch her flesh when he pulled her shirt open and pushed it off her shoulders. She gasped as he lowered his head and suckled urgently on the hardened bud of her nipple. "Brett, Brett," she moaned.

Teasing Cass's breast with his teeth, he tugged gently,
pulling her swollen nipple deep into his mouth, feeling her quiver with emotion, emotion that he too was feeling.

Cass clenched her jaw against the shivers that coursed
through her at Brett's touch. Sliding her hands down his chest to his waist, she fumbled as she tried to hurriedly undo his belt. She finally managed to release the buckle and pull the leather strap from its loops. She then unfastened his trousers and pushed them down, urgently needing to touch the heated shaft of his passion.

Brett groaned as Cass's fingers
closed over him. He had to hold still, her nipple still pressed against his tongue, as a deep shudder began to course through his body. Rising slightly, he released her breast and pushed her hands from his body. He saw the look of curiosity that crossed her beautiful face and smiled. Unfastening her trousers, he pulled them down over her hips, stopping only to remove her boots before pulling them completely free, baring her long, shapely legs to his sight. He then tugged his own trousers downward, letting Cass see his desire, his need for her projecting upward.

Cass lay dazed by t
he desire she felt for this man. He was so beautiful, so perfect, so ready to satisfy her. She watched as he finished removing his clothes, then lowered himself to her. The hot tip of his manhood instantly found the moist center of her need and prodded forward, plunging deep within her as she rose up to meet his claiming thrust. Stars began to dance behind her eyes as he moved within her.

"Cass . . . I can't wait . . ." Brett groaned, shocked by
the overwhelming battle he was losing with his control. He felt the throbbing spasms of his manhood within the molten confines of her body and shuddered at his release, exploding again and again, spilling his seed to once more nest deeply, safely inside her.

Cass felt as though she were being pierced over and over
again by a huge, pulsing bolt of pure lightning. Rising to capture it with her legs, she twisted and turned with the wild storm raging within her. Lights burst in maddening explosions, blinding her to everything but the passion of belonging to Brett, being one with him, riding the maelstrom together. She rose, then descended with him, only to rise again in the molten eruption of their lovemaking. She ceased to feel separate from him, her body becoming part of his, and his a part of hers. The frenzied pounding in her ears became both their hearts beating in perfect unison. Many long minutes passed before she heard their hearts slowing once more.

Brett lay replete over Cass's body, cradling her to him.
Her breath fluttered softly against his chest, fanning him with her moist warmth. She was truly an amazing woman, flying with him to an impassioned level of lovemaking he had never known existed until this moment. “Cass,” he murmured hoarsely into her hair.

Cass heard her
name but could barely remember how to speak. "Hmmm?" she breathed.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

"Mmmm," she replied, smiling. Opening her mouth, she let the tip of her tongue flick over the damp skin of his chest, tasting the saltiness there.

Brett's heart took a startling leap at the unexpected touch
of her hot little tongue. "Cass?" Did she want more? He wondered. Surprisingly, his body stirred, nearly ready to make love again. He caressed the smooth curve of her shoulder.

Cass opened her eyes and looked up at the man lying
over her. He was so beautiful, so masculine, so desirable, so nice to have around. She closed her eyes again and wondered at her thoughts. She knew she was on dangerous ground thinking about him in this manner. It was nice to have Brett around, and not just for sex, although she doubted she'd ever feel this way with another man, but until she finished what she'd set out to do, she couldn't allow herself the luxury of feeling these emotions for anyone. "I'd say your debt for losing the race is paid in full," she said in a teasing tone.

Brett's heart skipped a single beat at her words. She was
going to keep things easy between them. She wasn't yet ready to face the fact that people didn't experience the kind of ecstasy during lovemaking that they did without it meaning much more. He smiled to himself. He was willing to wait. He knew she'd have to face the truth sooner or later. "I'd say the debt is paid," he agreed. "In fact, you owe me change." He grinned at his own wit.

"You think so, do you?" Cass was relieved he hadn't been
offended at her lighthearted attitude.

"Yep. I just wonder whether I should go after
my change tonight or wait until another time," he commented, trying to sound serious.

"I think you'll have to wait. Right now I'm going to take
a swim." Cass tried to sit up. "The water should feel wonderful about now."

Brett pushed
himself to his feet. "I agree." Stepping away from her, he walked quickly to the water's edge, being careful where he stepped in the darkness. "I'll race you," he called, then waded quickly out into the river.

Cass giggled. "You win," she announced, standing up. She
noticed her body was slightly sore from their lovemaking. Sighing, she let herself enjoy this particular soreness. Walking to the riverbank, she could barely see Brett swimming lazily against the slow current. Wading out to meet him, she lowered herself into the water and closed her eyes as the soft fingers of the river touched her all over. "This feels so good," she murmured.

"I can think of a few things that feel better," he answered
suggestively.

"So can I," she replied with a husky laugh. Moving to the
water's edge once more, she anchored herself by grabbing the roots of a tree that had grown into the river. Floating, she heard Brett follow her. He, too, grabbed the roots and floated next to her.

Minutes passed quietly. Brett reveled in the fact that Cass
hadn't immediately become defensive after their lovemaking. This quiet, friendly time they were sharing meant she was becoming used to the idea of their being lovers.

Cass sighed deeply. She knew they'd been gone a long
time, and that Darby would begin to worry about them if they didn't hurry home. She sat up in the water. "I guess we'd better head back," she said.

"I suppose so," Brett reluctantly agreed. He stood and
gave her his hand to help her up. As he led her from the water, he asked, "Any more surprises like the wash on the way home?" he asked.

"None that I'll tell you about," she teased.

"Well, I'm certainly g
lad to see you two gettin' along again," said Darby as Cass and Brett came into the house laughing.

"Me too," Brett agreed
. The look he sent Cass caused her to blush hotly. "Are you ready for that checker game now, Darby?" Brett asked, remembering he'd told the older man they'd play when he got back.

Darby stretched in his chair. "I don't think so. I'm gettin'
kind of tired. I think I'll turn in." He stood up and headed for his room. "Good night, you two," he said over his shoulder.

"Good
night, Uncle. Sweet dreams," said Cass. Turning to Brett, she crossed her eyes and briefly stuck out her tongue. "What about you?" she then asked, grinning.

Brett grinned back at her. Cass had taken the first watch
every night so far because of her insomnia. It had been hard for Brett to sleep on the small daybed with her still awake in the room. "I think I'll stay up and keep you company for a while."

"Okay," she said. "But
I'll warn you. I might talk your head off."

Five hours later Cass was finally getting sleepy. Brett had
dozed off in the middle of a conversation about cattle, and she'd sat in Darby's chair staring off into space since then. Standing up, she stretched and yawned. It was time to wake Brett for the next watch. As she leaned over him, she thought she heard something outside. "Brett," she whispered urgently, shaking him with one hand. "Wake up."