Shotgun Bride (4 page)

The next morning dawned gray and overcast with a threat of rain in the air. The perfect match to Kathleen’s somber mood as she struggled for answers. The impending thunderstorm would slow the stagecoach down if the clouds burst open. And she wanted speed. Wanted to put last night’s scare far behind her.

A fresh shiver nicked her. She snatched up her bag and headed out, not allowing herself to look back at the shredded pillow or the shiny cartridges scattered under the bed.

She stomped off toward the stagecoach station in the dim, muggy morning. The smell of rain teased her senses while little dust devils danced up and down the rutted street. Signs creaked on rusty hinges and her footsteps echoed loudly off the wooden planks. Roosters crowed, heralding the dawn even though the sun, buried beneath the thick layer of dark ominous clouds, hardly lightened the sky. Sweat plastered stray hairs to her scalp and trickled down her brow.

Bag gripped tight in her hand, she glanced nervously around the deserted street. A sudden gust of wind whipped her skirt around her ankles and cooled her heated skin. A low rumble of thunder reverberated against the wooden buildings while lightning ripped through the sky, filling the air with electricity and an unnatural orange glow.

Stopped in front of the stage office, she peered back down the street. A few more passengers headed her way and one of them sent a spike of foreboding through her. She took an unconscious step backward. Right into a solid body. She gasped as strong fingers wrapped around her arms.

“You sure do have a habit of not looking where you’re going, don’t you?”

She spun around, pulse racing at the familiar voice. He looked slightly amused and a gleam of mischief emanated from his eyes. A hot flush stole up her cheeks.

“I—”

“Don’t you dare blame me this time.” He spread his hands wide. “See, no packages blocking my view.”

Kathleen laughed. “You could have jumped out of my way.”

“And spoil your chance to chew on me again? I’m not cruel.” He leaned in closer and whispered in her ear. “I’d watch out for that blue-eyed devil coming up the walk. He’s trouble.”

Before she had a chance to respond, he took her bag and tossed it in with the others. A cry of protest lodged in her throat. That bag contained all she owned in this world and the precious will.

When the stagecoach rolled out of Dodge City, Kathleen looked over the other passengers traveling alongside her. She raised her eyebrows at the vibrant blonde, well aware of her assets and making a practice of displaying them for the benefit of the male sex. Her eyes traveled around the coach. The father of the girl sat directly in front of her. A couple of cowboys occupied the seat next to him, both fixated with the young blond woman.

The blue-eyed man did indeed look more like an outlaw than a cowboy. Leery of him, she crammed her body into the corner next to the mother of the blonde. She twiddled her thumbs, already regretting her choice. The woman hadn’t missed a meal in decades. Bountiful meals. Now she was stuck next to the woman for hours.

Kathleen glanced at her cowboy. He looked comfortable and unfazed by the torrid heat. Of course he wasn’t plastered to the side of an overweight, sweating woman who took more than her fair share of the bench.

Kathleen sat stuck to the seat, half her body soaked from being plastered to the overweight woman next to her, and frowned. All hopes of a breath of rain-cooled air disappeared as the sound of rumbling thunder grew ever more distant and the sky lightened. A plume of dust followed and surrounded the coach as they tore down the dusty trail, the driver heedless to the ruts and bumps in the road.

When the stagecoach swerved to a halt amid a cloud of dust, she gratefully climbed off, shook out her damp skirt and looked around in the blazing noonday sun. The station didn’t offer much and the smell kept her outside, but she welcomed the bit of shade it offered. Lunch consisted of stale biscuits and day-old beans, but it quieted the embarrassing growl of her stomach.

“Food’s not much to write home about, is it? Sorry I’ve been lax in my manners. I never did introduce myself. Don’t seem right to keep calling you lady when we bump into each other so often. Name’s Mike.”

Kathleen glanced up and smiled at the teasing tone. “Pleased to meet you and finally have a name to include when I chew you out.”

Tiny lines crinkled at the edges of his eyes as he grinned at her banter. “Don’t I get a name?”

“Kathleen.”

“You get any sleep last night after all the ruckus?”

Kathleen’s chest constricted as her doubts about Mike’s involvement careened through her mind. And she had been enjoying his lighthearted conversation. Just knowing someone’s name eased a smidgen of her loneliness.

“Not much. Do you know what happened?”

“A couple of fools that couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn two feet away were trying to kill each other over a spilled beer. Once they ran out of bullets they resorted to fists. Nothing to worry about.”

Easy for him to say. No one tried to rob him or kill him. She’d bet her new ranch the fight in the hotel hallway was a cover for the murder’s shots.

“I’m just glad to be away from Dodge.”

“All aboard.” The driver’s bellow disrupted Kathleen’s dark thoughts.

Mike took her elbow and guided her up the step. She bit back a groan as Mrs. Gibbs lumbered in behind her. Kathleen resigned herself to a long hot ride. A loud crack of the whip and the coach shot off into the flat, dusty trail. She closed her eyes and tried to convince herself Mike had no part in her ghastly nighttime visitor.

Just as she found a reasonably comfortable position the coach lurched violently, ramming her shoulder roughly against the side. She grimaced. A loud snap burst through the thunder of hoofs. The driver shouted something and the coach skidded to an abrupt halt. Kathleen’s head collided with the hard, inflexible wood as Mr. Gibbs flew into her lap. Sharp pain exploded in her head. A plume of dust swirled through the windows. Coughs, curses, and moans spewed from the passengers.

The door slung open as the driver, covered in dust, stuck his head inside. “Get out. All of ya.”

Kathleen stumbled out and felt her skull. Mike jumped out and put a steadying hand on her back.

“You hurt?”

“Just banged my head.”

“Let me see.”

“I’m fine.” She held up her fingers. “No blood, just a lump.”

“Well, folks, looks like you get to walk a ways. Station’s about four miles back yonder.” The driver waved a hand down the trail. “I’ll ride back to Dodge for parts and pick you up tomorrow. I’ll leave two horses for you.”

An instant argument broke out over who got to ride. Mike shook his head, unhitched the horses, and whistled. Everyone turned to face him. “Why don’t those who need to, take turns riding. Anybody got a watch?”

“I do,” Mr. Gibbs said.

“How about swapping riders every fifteen minutes?”

“What about my luggage?” Mrs. Gibbs planted her fists on her ample hips and glowered.

“We could pack luggage on one horse.”

“Just throw the woman on a horse and let’s go.” The two cowboys flanked the blond girl, offered their arms, and strolled off. The shady-looking fellow just grumbled and followed.

Mike turned to Kathleen. “Do you need to ride?”

“No, let the Gibb’s take the horses. But could you dig my bag out for me? I’d rather not leave it.”

He handed the reins to Mr. Gibbs and searched out Kathleen’s bag. She did seem attached to the old thing.

“I’ll carry it for you.”

“That’s not necessary.”

Mike furrowed his brow at her agitated tone.

“You sure you’re all right?”

“Yes.”

“Then what’s wrong?”

Kathleen shot him a half frightened look. “Ever feel like someone is out to get you?”

His blood froze. “Sure do. Why do you ask?”

“First, someone tried to rob me. Second, if I hadn’t gotten out of bed last night, I’d be dead.”

Sweat broke out on his brow as he stopped and tugged her to a halt. “What do you mean?”

“Someone came in my room and emptied their pistol on the bed. Now this? We could have easily had a terrible wreck.”

Mike balled a fist until his hand ached and searched the horizon. “Maybe you should stay away from me.”

“Why?”

“Because I think your intruder was after me.”

“What for?”

“I don’t know. That’s why I can’t be sure. But during my drive I’d swear someone had it out for me. Three attempts were made.” He kicked the dirt. “Can’t prove anything except a gut feeling, but they all were close calls.”

“But what about the robber?”

“Probably just a broke cowboy looking for money.”

“How do I know you’re not involved?”

His muscles bunched. “Because I wouldn’t have missed.”

Kathleen paled, and then, in the sweltering heat, she shivered.

Mike dropped the bag and hauled her into his arms. “It’ll be fine. Try to forget about last night.”

When Kathleen let out a soft sigh and buried her face in his chest, a fierce wave of protectiveness attacked him. He glanced at the increasing distance between them and the rest of the group. Much as he wanted to stand and hold Kathleen it was time to go. He dropped his arms, heaviness fisted in the middle of his chest.

“We should catch up to the others.”

Kathleen nodded and stepped back, a faint pink glow on her cheeks. “It’s a hot day.”

Mike smiled and swallowed the playful urge to tease. She sure looked cute standing under the hot sun and avoiding his eyes. He picked up her bag and curled his fingers around her hand.

“Let’s hurry,” he suggested, even though a leisurely pace, fingers twined with Kathleen’s, sounded much more appealing.
Damn
. He released her hand. She was one temptation he could not give in to.

When the group finally made it to the station, he handed Kathleen her suitcase and left her in the company of the Gibbs. Then he circled the building, searching for any sign of danger.

The morning sun drifted above the horizon and a stiff breeze blew up dust pebbles, stinging Mike’s face and hands. He’d finished with breakfast before anyone else even stirred and hiked down to the river for a quick bath. He stood outside in the muggy heat of the plains and waited impatiently for the rest of the passenger to come out.
Well, to be completely honest, he waited for one.

Hands shoved into his pockets, he squinted in the blowing dust. Last night’s steamy dream about Kathleen had been so real his body still pulsated with desire. The swift, cool, river water was incapable of washing away the memory branded into his mind. Perspiration beaded on his forehead as he fought to rid himself of her imaginary caresses. He had plans. Plans that did not include her. She didn’t have land next to his, she didn’t have money, and she didn’t have an excellent herd of cows, prime horseflesh, or fields of hay. Sally’s father did.

Only a fool threw opportunity away because he found a girl attractive. Attractive and exciting. Excitement wouldn’t feed him or his hired hands. Excitement wouldn’t increase his land holdings and cattle. Mike closed his eyes and exhaled. No, once and for all he intended to quell his over-active desires and get back to concentrating on his upcoming wedding to Sally.

The door creaked. His eyes snapped open. A rush of desire swept over him as Kathleen stepped outside. Sunlight caught red hues of her hair. The wind molded her blouse to her small breasts and trim waist. Her skirt whipped close to long legs and rounded hips. Good intentions blew away on the wind. His heart skipped a beat and hot fingers of passion traced along his skin. A smile curved his lips upward and his feet moved toward her without conscious thought.

“Good morning. You sleep well?” Her shoulders drooped and weariness dulled her eyes.

“Not a wink. Mrs. Gibbs got sick. She’s still moving rather slow. How about you?”

Heat burned his ears. “I had a good night.”

“Why don’t you ride next to me today so you’re not squished by Mrs. Gibbs?”

Kathleen laughed. A mischievous smile broke out on her face. He blinked. No fake smile here, it encompassed her entire body. “Lead the way.”

Mike held out his arm and thrilled at the feathery touch of her fingers through his shirt. The view of her backside as she climbed in stirred his nocturnal fantasy to life. He climbed in and scooted to her side.

“Where are you headed?”

He glanced sideways. Big mistake. Conscious thought dissipated he gazed at her lips. He wanted to kiss those silky curves of rose.

“Mike?”

Mike tore his gaze away and forced his mind back to her question. “What?”

“I asked where you were headed.”

“Home,” he answered.

“And . . .?” She twisted to face him better, and he lost himself in her steady gaze. Breezes ruffled her neatly braided hair and sunlight caressed her cheek. Other passengers began to filter inside.

“Where’s home?”

“I have a spread in New Mexico Territory.”

“Really?” She sounded almost breathless with excitement.

“Yes, really.” Mike smiled as her words tumbled out almost before he finished speaking.

“What’s it like out there?”

Mike entertained the idea of telling her wild tales of bravery and adventure, but refrained. “I think it’s a great place to live. The weather’s great. Sun shines ‘most every day. Not too many people. Great cattle country.”

The stagecoach lurched forward.

“Describe it to me.”

And he did, for nearly an hour. He wanted Kathleen to feel, see, and smell the country. Have it seep deep into her soul so she would stay.

Stay?
He stilled.
What was he doing?

“Sounds wonderful.” A dreamy expression came over her face and he tore his gaze away, pulled his hat low, and pretended to sleep.

Her head sagged against his shoulder and he ground his teeth. Kathleen was so much easier to be around than Sally. Damn Herman for making him second-guess his motives. Guilt and doubt assailed him as he shifted to better accommodate Kathleen’s slumber.

He let out a low growl, hating the fact he lost control around Kathleen. And where were her parents? Or brother? Or husband? He needed an angry champion right about now. A hard punch in the nose or the cold steel of a gun barrel pressed against his ribs would cool his lust real quick.

But how was he supposed to ignore Kathleen when her head rested on his shoulder, her breast bushed against his arm, and erotic visions from his dreams kept flashing in his mind? When his body hummed in excitement? He swore softly, long sting of cuss words barely a whisper.

When it came time to change the horse, the stagecoach finally lumbered to a cumbersome stop. Kathleen smiled as she woke, still resting against Mike’s muscled arm. This part of the journey was much more pleasant than the previous stretch. Mike had painted a comforting picture of her destination with his words. But as soon as the door opened, Mike jerked upright.

Kathleen blinked the sleep from her eyes and frowned as he jumped out without a backward glance. She shrugged. Maybe nature called. But when she climbed out he stood scowling at the world and actually turned his back when she approached him.

Blood roared in her ears and she dropped her gaze to the dirt as heat shimmered like a mirage across her skin. Kathleen stalked to the opposite side of the coach and swiped at the tear threatening to fall.

She paced. Activity was always her best defense at holding her emotions under tight rein.

“Kathleen.”

She spun around at Mike’s voice. “What?”

At least he had the grace to flush at her harsh tone.

“That was rude of me. Let me explain.”

“I don’t need or want an explanation.” She stiffened her spine and tilted her chin up. “Leave me alone.”

He reached out. “Please.”

“No.”

Mike’s mouth opened and closed a few time before he nodded and stalked away.

An angry hoard of wasps erupted in her stomach. She stared at the empty plains that matched the emptiness of her heart. This morning had started so blissfully happy, and now she wandered around like a lost soul. All because she’d fallen under the spell of his voice as he described, in vivid detail, her new home. A place full of promise.

Kathleen rubbed her stiff neck. Mike was just a passing acquaintance. A handsome man. Just a fleeting fancy to tuck away in the journal of her memories. So, he carried her bag, comforted her with his arms and regaled her with stories of the New Mexico Territory. That did not mean a darn thing. And she did not intend to suddenly get sentimental over his beautiful eyes. Or develop some scatterbrained attachment to him. Besides, she’d best make sure that the man she finally considered marrying wasn’t some fortune-hunting lout only out to get her land.

At the call to board, she once again chose the uncomfortable seat next to Mrs. Gibbs. Who promptly and volubly gave her a whispered lecture on virtues and impressionable young girls falling prey to the wiles of men. Kathleen twisted her fingers tight. The woman needed to have this talk with her daughter.

Much to her discomfort, Mike kept casting pleading glances her way. She squirmed. With his puppy brown eyes a woman didn’t have a chance. By the time evening rolled around and the stage crawled to a halt, Kathleen decided Mike’s fickle moods were better tolerated than Mrs. Gibbs unceasing discourse on her behavior. All she’d done was fall asleep on Mike’s shoulder. That wasn’t immoral. Neither was a smile.

And with the driver’s insistence on the slow pace due to his shabby fix of the axel, she was forced to endure another day of travel and the choice between more berating from Mrs. Gibbs or Mike’s shoulder. Not a difficult choice.

At the cramped dining table, Kathleen avoided Mrs. Gibbs and chose the remaining seat beside Mike. If she wouldn’t look so ridiculous, she’d stand at the stove and eat.

Kathleen filled her plate and wedged in next to Mike. She would not offer entertainment for this crowd. Nor would she cower in the corner and let Mike’s snub affect her. Besides, he did try to apologize. And he was much more pleasant to sit beside than Mrs. Gibbs.

“Guess we have one more day till Trinidad.”

Mike shifted to give her more room and smiled. “Looks that way.”

She swallowed a few bites of the sour-smelling beans, put her fork down, and leaned close to Mike.

“Do you think it’s safe to walk around outside? The smell in here is awful.”

“I reckon it’ll be safe enough. Just don’t wander too far.”

Mike’s gaze followed Kathleen out the door and a rush of shame swamped his gut. How could he let her amble about in the dark after her terrifying close call at the hotel? He glanced around the table and noted smirks on Mrs. Gibbs and her daughter’s faces. He grimaced. The nosey busybodies who looked askance at Kathleen irritated him. Especially when the daughter herself blatantly ignored all proper social conduct.

To hell with them.
Mike drained the last of his coffee and stared at the door. Outside, in the dark with no one around, could he resist her? He clenched his fists. Kissing those inviting lips would be heavenly, but heavenly or not, he would stick to his commitment to Sally.

The questionable fellow with blue eyes got up and followed Kathleen outside. Mike cursed. He couldn’t leave her alone outside in the dark with such a man. He had no proof the man might bother Kathleen, but the guy raised his hackles, and his instincts screamed a warning. He pushed away from the table, crammed his hat back on, and strode toward the door. Miss Gibbs intercepted him. She dredged up a huge smile, took a death grip on his arm, and said, “Oh mister, I’d love to get some fresh air.”

Mike didn’t care who went outside, he needed to check on Kathleen. He opened the door for her and scanned the area for Kathleen. His gut seized into a tight knot when he didn’t immediately spot her. Squinting in the darkness he scanned the area. A small sigh of relief escaped his lips when he spotted the other man casually leaning up against the wall smoking a cigarette.

He heard a soft step behind him and turned. There stood Kathleen. The night didn’t offer much light but he didn’t need much to see the disgust in her eyes as she arched one brow high as the Tetons, pushed the door open, and stepped inside.

Mike glared into the darkness. Kathleen obviously thought he had resorted to lapping up Miss Gibbs offered pleasures. He shuddered. Not a pretty mental picture. The girl may not be as fat as her mother but her tongue was just as sharp as Sally’s. Mike froze, glanced sideways at Miss Gibbs, eased her hand from his arm and darted off into the night.

Now why did that particular comparison have to pop into his mind?
Because it was true
. In the time he had spent on the trail, he had deliberately kept his mind from dwelling on Sally. Not what any normal fiancé would do.

He shoved his hands into his pockets. Hawkins had wined and dined him during the week prior to Sally’s arrival. Filled his mind with all the possibilities of dual ownership of their combined holdings. Lavished praise on his ability to manage a cattle ranch, handle personnel, and how he’d make a fine husband and father.

Then Sally had come home. Mike had been stunned by her beauty and cocky at the assumption she’d chosen him over all the other men around. He had closed his eyes and jumped in with both feet at her come-hither look. He never considered the fact they may not even like one another. Or that some chance encounter with a stranger would have him regretting the choices he made.

Mike glanced back at the station. Inside that building was the first and only woman who had instantly wormed her way under his skin and latched on with a vengeance. But only a fool would give up a once-in-a-life-time deal on the slim chance Kathleen would even consider staying. She had to be headed somewhere. She would be the fool for hanging around with no promises from him. And that, he wasn’t prepared to do.

Kathleen once again found herself jammed next to Mrs. Gibbs on the long, slow ride to Trinidad. She perked up as the air began to feel infinitely cooler. The sun had disappeared hours ago. Everyone was tired and hungry, which meant everyone was grumpy.

Sore from the constant bounce of the carriage, Kathleen rubbed her weary eyes. She had finally come to her senses and gave Mike a cool reception earlier in the morning. He took the hint and left her alone. She had other business to worry about than mooning over some man she would never see again.

Somewhere out there, in the vast range of mountains, mesas, and canyons, she planned to put down roots and make a home. A spark of excitement flared in her belly. Soon, real soon, she’d be home.
Home
. She smiled. A brand new start. And this time, she was determined to succeed.

Step one, find a way to make a living. Kathleen knew her little bit of savings would not repair a house if she had to spend it all on meals. She hoped someone needed help in a restaurant, a store, or perhaps the town could use a school teacher. She wasn’t foolish enough to count on this neighboring rancher to lease her land.

Kathleen cast a wistful glance in Mike’s direction. He stirred up a hornet’s nest of longings she couldn’t afford to give into. If, she could forget his dark gaze and irresistible smile.