Charlene Sands (12 page)

He studied the interior, from the polished carved-wood bar to the flocked paper on the walls. The stage, the piano, the cane-backed chairs, everything spoke
of refinement and taste. An unwelcome sense of admiration for Kate and her accomplishment washed over him like a sudden blast of rain. It was momentary, fleeting and just plain stupid. How could he admire something yet hate its very existence?

Kate came out of the back room then, her face brimming with joy. She stopped short when she spotted him just inside the saloon doors. “Oh, Cole.”

It wasn’t much of a greeting. What did he expect—her eyes to light when she first saw him? Her face not to lose that incredible glow? “Morning, Kate.”

She stared at the gun he had holstered, his badge, then focused her green eyes directly at him. Chin up, she went behind the bar. “What would you like?”

He gritted his teeth. “What I would like is for you to take down those damn signs out front. What I would like is for you to see reason.”

“Cole, I’m not going to take down those signs. And as far as seeing reason, if that low-down snake of a banker, Mr. High-and-Mighty Wesley hadn’t refused my mama a loan, the Silver Saddle would’ve never shut down for good. I’m within my rights here. The signs stay.” She came around the bar to face him head-on.

“I’m asking you, Kate, for all that we’ve meant to each other through the years, take them down.”

“And I’m asking you, Cole, for all that we’ve meant to each other, let them stay.”

Cole’s temper flared and his voice rose. “You know I can’t do that.”

“Well, I can’t, either.” Kate folded her arms across her middle. Her face held an expression of resistance, defiance and sheer stubborn will.

“You’re asking for trouble.”

“I want what’s right.”

“You’re gonna keep the saloon open?”

“Yes.”

“And defy the town ordinance?”

“That ordinance isn’t fair.”

“You’re breaking the law, Kate.”

She stared into his eyes, hers shining bright with green fire.

He returned her gaze, burning into her with myriad emotions packed tight and ready to explode. “Then I’m placing you under arrest for violating Crystal Creek Town Ordinance Number 735.”

She gasped. An expression of sheer astonishment crossed her features and Cole’s gut clenched. “F-fine,” she said bravely.

“Let’s go.” He took her by the arm, just under the elbow, as though he was escorting her to a grand ball.

Kate didn’t fuss but insisted on locking up the saloon. Cole allowed that and, once again, took her by the arm. They strode in silence, passing the shops and the curious onlookers along the way. Thankfully, the jail wasn’t a far walk. Cole stopped just outside his office and glanced around once. He released a breath, pushed open the door and led Kate inside.

Johnny Martinez rose from the desk and stared first at Kate, then at him.

“Not a soul comes in here today, you got that?” Cole commanded. He pointed to the front door. “That door stays locked.”

“I got it,” the deputy replied.

Kate began walking toward one of the cells. “Where in hell do you think you’re going?” Cole snapped.

“I’m under arrest, aren’t I?”

He glanced at the dingy cell Kate had headed toward. “Get back over here, Kate.”

“But…I thought,” she began, then hesitated and peered into one of the cells.

No way in hell was he going to lock Kate up. He’d never had a woman prisoner before and he damn well wasn’t going to start now. Whether she deserved it or not, Cole wouldn’t subject Kate to such humiliation. “Do you
want
to spend the night in that filthy cell?”

“Of course not!”

“Then sit down and let me think on it.”

Kate took a seat across from his desk and sat quietly, which was unlike her. He’d expected anger. He’d expected retaliation. He’d expected anything but a subdued Kate. Placing her under arrest had really rattled her today. He’d seen it on her astonished expression when he’d taken her into custody. He supposed Kate never thought he’d really do it. Hell, he’d been dreading this moment since the woman had walked back into his life, weeks ago.

Cole paced the floor, the silence in the small outer office stifling. After long moments he came up with
the only solution that made any sense. “Johnny, watch the pris—uh, lady for me. I’ll be right back. And remember, don’t open this door to anyone.”

Johnny nodded.

Cole was back at the jail in less than ten minutes. He found Johnny sitting on the edge of his desk and Kate in her seat, weaving a tall tale about the beginnings of her grandfather’s saloon. Their smiles brought an unbidden twist in his gut.

“Having a good time?” he asked, slamming the door.

Johnny bounded up from the desk. “Just, uh, passing the time.”

“Is that also a crime in this town, Cole?” Fire sparked in Kate’s eyes and Cole knew the old Kate was back and ready to give him hell.

He ignored her irritating question and turned to his deputy. “I’m taking Kate out of here, the back way. She’ll be in my custody until this thing gets resolved. I’m counting on you to see that no one comes inside this jail for any reason. Keep the front door locked at all times. Make your rounds as usual. The whole darn town knows by now that I arrested Kate, so I doubt you’ll have too much explaining to do. But just in case, keep it simple, Johnny. And don’t give away anything.”

“Where are you taking her?” Johnny asked.

“She’ll be staying at my house.”

Johnny’s dark eyebrows rose.

“Don’t I have anything to say about this?” Kate asked, a sour expression on her face.

He pinned her with a glare. “No.”

“Cole, you can’t just sneak me out—”

“Do you have a better solution, Kate? ’Cause I’m listening.”

“You could let me go,” she replied haughtily.

“I could chop my head off, too, but I’m not gonna do it.”

Johnny chuckled, then coughed to cover up his mirth, but his eyes twinkled with mischief. “Ah, what a job I have, boss. I stay here, locked up like a prisoner myself, while you take a beautiful woman to your house.”

Cole didn’t see humor in any of this. He didn’t want to take Kate home with him, but he couldn’t fathom tossing her into one of his jail cells.

And why did she have to look so pretty today? She’d dressed up real fancy for her grand opening, wearing a shimmering satin dress that matched the meadow-green of her eyes. Her hair was trussed up, all curly, with coppery ringlets caressing her throat. His gaze drifted down a ways to the hollow between her breasts and Cole swallowed hard. A soft, lacy fringe teasing the skin there set off lust-filled thoughts in his head. How he’d like to play a bit with that lace, stroke her flesh with it, put his mouth there.

Cole cleared his throat and took the lead. “Let’s get going, Kate. We’ll head for the trees back behind the jail, then follow the path to the edge of town and
enter the house through the back door. You ready?” he asked, reaching back to slip her hand in his.

They had run like this a hundred times over in their youth, with Cole taking Kate’s hand. It felt familiar, it felt right, but Cole knew this wasn’t childhood play. This was a far more dangerous game.

And Cole wondered grimly who would come out the winner this time.

M
eggie ran straight into Kate’s arms when she entered the kitchen. “Miss Kate!” Kate lifted the child up and hugged her tight. She’d missed seeing the little girl all these weeks, forcing herself to stay away from Cole and his daughter. Kate didn’t think any good would come of getting too attached to Cole’s child, but as she held her in her arms, smelled the sugary sweet scent of apple pie on her mouth, and touched the soft curls of her golden hair, Kate’s heart tumbled with love.

“Hello, Meggie. How’s my favorite little baker today?”

“’Kay.”

“Have you been practicing skipping, like I showed you?”

Meggie bobbed her head up and down. “Mrs. Gregory says you’re gonna sleep in her room tonight.”

“Oh, uh—” Kate glanced at Cole, uncertain how to respond.

“That’s right. I gave Mrs. Gregory the day off to spend with Caroline and the new baby,” Cole added.

“What did she have?” Kate’s curiosity overrode her anger with Cole.

“A boy,” Cole answered. “It was a long labor, but the child is healthy.”

Kate nodded, then asked, “Mrs. Gregory has a room here?”

“It’s a small room off the parlor. Sometimes I need her to stay overnight.”

Kate’s insides churned, and she wondered if Cole had a woman somewhere. Did he visit her during the evenings when his housekeeper could stay over? Or did he spend nights with Patricia? Kate shook that thought clear, doubting the very proper Patricia Wesley would ever do anything remotely scandalous. Kate peered deeply into Cole’s eyes and he looked away. She set Meggie down and glanced around the kitchen, wondering what to do next.

“Meggie, sweetheart, Daddy needs to speak with Miss Kate for a few minutes. You go and finish your pie and we’ll be back in just a short while.”

“’Kay,” Meggie said, climbing up into her chair.

Kate followed Cole into the parlor. He turned when they were out of earshot of Meggie. “Listen, Kate. I spoke with Mrs. Gregory. She knows the situation, but Meggie doesn’t. I’d appreciate keeping it that way. You’re a guest in my house. When I’m gone
during the day, I need your word that you’ll stay put and not cause a bit of trouble. Besides, Meggie can’t be left alone.”

“I wouldn’t leave her,” Kate said in a huff. Did Cole think she had no motherly qualities? She knew enough not to leave the child alone in the house. What did Cole think she’d do, try to escape?

Cole paced the floor. “I know, I know.” He pursed his lips and rubbed the backside of his neck. “It’s just that this is such an unusual situation.”

“At last we agree on something,” Kate said in earnest.

Cole snapped his head up and stared deeply with the penetrating blue eyes that reminded Kate so much of the boy she’d grown up with. Their gazes locked and, after a long, quiet moment, Cole asked, “You hungry?”

“A little.”

“Let’s join Meggie and have some of Mrs. Gregory’s apple pie.”

Cole returned home as the sun was setting. He’d had better days, he thought wryly, what with arresting Kate then having to face the three men he’d met up with at the office. Both Cable brothers and Big Josh had been waiting outside the jail when Cole had arrived back to work.

News traveled faster than lightning in his town, and arresting Kate had been the biggest doings this town had seen in years. He’d stood just beyond the locked
doors of the office, listening to the three men rant about his tossing Kate in jail.

The woman had broken the law, Cole thought bitterly, and though he hadn’t let on that even he couldn’t abide making her serve real jail time, he also couldn’t very well admit that he was housing Kate in his home. He couldn’t tell Kate’s friends that she was in his custody, that she’d be safe and warm throughout the night.

He’d managed to assure them all that Kate wouldn’t be left alone and that he’d make a personal effort to see to her comfort. The three men scoffed at that notion as they walked away, but it was Jethro Cable who’d glared at him with cold disdain and obvious disgust, muttering about the indecency of throwing a woman like Kate in jail.

Cole walked into the parlor and poured himself a whiskey. He didn’t often drink, but today’s events had tried his patience. The amber liquid went down smoothly, caressing his throat before burning his gut. He closed his eyes, relishing the taste, the feel, the soothing effect the alcohol had on his nerves.

Giggles broke out from the kitchen and Cole went to investigate. He stood in the doorway, sipping his drink, watching Kate and Meggie splatter cake batter all over the counter and table.

Meggie looked up. “D-Daddy,” she said, chuckling, “we was making a cake and lookee what happened!”

“I can see that, sweet darlin’.”

“We scooped most the batter back into the bowl, Daddy. Miss Kate says it don’t matter. The cake’s gonna taste even better now.”

Kate smiled as she continued to mix up the batter. Cole took another swallow of whiskey, leaning against the wall, telling himself to walk out and let them finish without him intruding. Telling himself to leave things be. He didn’t want to spoil their fun. Hell, Kate wouldn’t even look him in the eye.

“I’ll make fried chicken for dinner,” she said, handing Meggie the wooden spoon for the stirring. When she finally glanced up, Cole noticed a dollop of batter in Kate’s hair.

“That’s fine,” he answered, walking into the room to face her. She looked away, pretending to busy herself with the cake. Cole took her chin in hand, gently turned her to face him then gazed into her curls. He wound a finger into one coppery lock to remove the batter, twirling it onto his own finger and wiping it clean. “Sticky stuff,” he said softly, looking into her green eyes before backing away. He took his daughter into his arms. “Looks like you need a bath before we eat, Megpie.”

“I gotta help Miss Kate with supper first, Daddy.”

“Meggie, your daddy is right. You can help me put the cake in the cookstove, then off you go. When you’re all cleaned up, the cake will be ready.”

“But I don’t want no bath.”

Kate bent to Meggie’s level. “If you go, I promise to cut you the biggest piece of cake because you’ve
been such a big help. And you can help me set the table.”

“Mrs. Gregory puts flowers on the table sometimes. Can we have some?”

Kate glanced at Cole then shook her head. “I don’t think—”

“I’ll go out and pick some before supper, Meggie.”

An hour later, Cole returned from the meadow and handed Kate a huge bouquet of light lavender primroses. Her eyes lit with joy as she admired the flowers. Cole took his seat at the table, watching Kate bustle about his kitchen, setting the flowers into vases, turning the fried chicken and stirring the potatoes. Meggie dashed about, setting out dishes and glasses, then carefully and with her full attention, she centered one vase overflowing with flowers onto the table.

“Looks pretty, Daddy.”

“Uh-huh,” Cole agreed, his gaze fastened on Kate. Her hair had come loose, the curls falling onto her forehead, her cheeks, and down about her neck. She moved with grace around his kitchen, and with each swish of her satin skirts, each shift of her sleek curves, Cole’s body grew tight.

He didn’t want her here, yet it was where she seemed to belong. Cole cursed silently and tore his gaze away from the woman wreaking havoc with his mind.

She was his
prisoner,
he reminded himself. This was supposed to be her punishment. But just who was
being punished the most? he asked himself, catching a whiff of her scent as she leaned over to adjust the flowers in the vase.

He groaned aloud when he glimpsed sight of Kate nearly spilling out of her gown.

“Did you say something?” she asked, fingering the petals of a flower.

“Nope.” What in blazes was wrong with him, lusting after Kate when he knew darn well that she wasn’t the right woman for him? He needed a wife. He wanted a family.

Kate ran a saloon.

Maybe it was the ease with which she accepted her fate and took over the household duties like a wife…and mother that had him thinking crazy thoughts. Maybe Cole liked her being here a bit too much.

“Cole, would you like to say grace?” Kate asked.

He’d been so deep in thought he hadn’t realized Meggie and Kate had sat down at the table.

“Yeah,” he answered, staring at the food Kate had prepared, then staring into her expectant eyes. He reminded himself once again that Kate Malone was in his custody for breaking the law. She wouldn’t be here, offering up a delicious meal, caring for his daughter, delighting in a simple bouquet of primroses if he hadn’t arrested her.

Cole cleared his throat and began, “Heavenly Father, let us give thanks for the bounty before us…”

Kate sat in the parlor, staring at the hearth, a shiver creeping up her spine. She huddled her arms about her, closing her eyes, wondering what tomorrow would bring.

“Cold?” Cole asked, coming into the room and startling her.

She opened her eyes and nodded. “Maybe a little.”

“I’ll start a fire.” She watched him set wood into the fireplace and spark the kindling until a low, glowing blaze cast the room in dim evening light.

He stood and stretched, then sat down next to her. “Meggie’s asleep.”

She nodded. “When I kissed her good-night, she barely knew I was there.”

“She’s a sound sleeper. Always has been, ever since she was a tot.” Cole’s chest swelled with pride.

“You’re a good father, Cole.” Kate didn’t mind offering up the truth. As angry as she was with him, she couldn’t deny him the praise he deserved when it came to Meggie.

He seemed taken by her compliment. “Thank you. I don’t know if I’m always doing right by her, but I try. Made a promise to Jeb that I intend to keep.”

“You are…keeping it, I mean. She’s a wonderful child.”

His face broke out into a grin. “She is, isn’t she?” Then his expression turned somber. “But she needs…more. Mrs. Gregory isn’t going be with us much longer. She’s planning on moving in with Caroline and helping out with the grandchildren.”

“Then what will you do?”

“Hire someone, I suppose.” Cole stared into the flames, his voice low and deep with regret. “Or get married.”

“Patricia?” Kate asked, dreading his reply.

Cole didn’t hesitate. It was as if he’d thought on the subject many a time. “She’s suitable, but I don’t…”

“You don’t…what?” Kate’s heart hammered fiercely. And she wondered if Cole would ever describe her as “suitable.”

“…know,” he said. “I don’t know. What about you and Jethro?”

“Jethro Cable?” Surprise elevated her voice. “He’s a friend, Cole. A dear friend.”

Cole nodded, but a deep frown marred his handsome face. “Like we were friends?”

“No.” Kate wouldn’t lie. Nothing and no one would ever compare to her one-time treasured friendship with Cole.

“Are we still friends, Kate?” he asked, taking her hand. He turned it over and traced a finger over the scar she’d had since childhood. It was a mark, a brand on her palm that symbolized both the pain and joy of her youth. Cole pressed his palm to hers, entwining their fingers, joining their mutual wounds.

Kate closed her eyes and answered truthfully. “I don’t know, Cole.”

Several silent minutes passed with both watching flames snap and spark in the fireplace. When Kate
yawned, rather indelicately, Cole took note. Heaving a heavy sigh, he rose from the sofa, lifting her with him. “It’s time for bed. I’ll show you to your room.”

With hands entwined, Cole led the way to a small alcove behind the main room. Kate’s rapid heartbeats thumped hard in her chest from the possessive way Cole held her hand. “It’s not fancy, but it’s clean.”

Kate did a cursory glance around the small room. “It’s fine, Cole. I’ll be okay.”

He applied light pressure on her hand before releasing her. “The meal was delicious.”

“Thank you. Just fried chicken and fixings.”

“Cake, too.”

She bit her lip and stared into his eyes.

He stared back, burning her with scorching blue heat.

“Well, good night.” Her insides nearly turned to tapioca just looking at him. He was so handsome, so enticing, the most appealing man she’d ever known. They were on opposite sides of the law, but that didn’t matter right now. He still made her queasy with want.

Cole hesitated, then brought his body up close so that her shoes touched the tips of his snakeskin boots. His gaze focused on her mouth and he leaned in, his warm breath fanning her skin.

“Kate?”

Her breath caught. She couldn’t speak, so she mumbled, “Hmm?”

“I’m still your friend.”

Kate’s knees buckled when his lips touched hers briefly, tenderly, exquisitely. But he broke the kiss off too soon, looking into her eyes, searching, probing. When he seemed to have his answer, he wrapped her closely into his arms, the extent of his desire clear and potent as their lower bodies brushed. He spoke quietly into her ear. “All those years ago, I wanted you, Kate. I never told you. I should have, but I didn’t. It nearly killed me when you left town. You were my best friend, but you were so much more. And I didn’t realize it fully until you were gone.”

“I’m here now, Cole,” she offered bravely.

A slow, sexy smile stole over his face. “I know, darlin’.” He took claim to her lips again, kissing her deeply, stroking her with his tongue, creating a rhythm, a cadence that Kate found easy to follow. He streamed kisses onto her hair, the crest of her cheeks, the hollow of her throat and lower still. She arched and allowed him free rein over her body, moving with him, flowing into him. It was natural and true.

“Kate,” he said, breaking away to gaze intently into her eyes, his voice ragged with need. “You’re the only woman I want. Lord help me, but I need you.”

Intense heat flamed her body, a quick blazing spark that only Cole could extinguish. She knew that she needed him, too, and she wanted him as badly as he did her.

Her nod of affirmation was all he needed to see. Cole lifted her up into his arms and carried her out
of the small room, past the low-burning fire in the hearth until they reached his room. He kicked open his bedroom door and set her down, holding her snugly about her waist. “Are you sure, Kate?” he rasped.