Charlene Sands (16 page)

“Yes, and if things were different tonight, I’d show you just how appealing you are.”

Lily stared at his lips. “Show me, Tyler, please.”

She watched as emotions, raw and deep, flowed over his face. He hesitated—she could almost hear the debate going on inside his head.

“Tyler,” she pleaded, “I want to know. Just once,” she whispered.

“Lily,” he said in a tortured voice. He cupped the back of her head with tender care and slowly brought her closer. His coal-black eyes pierced her with their intensity, sending warm shivers of delight down to her
toes. She wrapped her arms around his waist. When his lips touched hers, Lily’s heart soared.

This is what she’d dreamed about, what she’d always wanted. Tyler’s mouth caressing hers, his body close, keeping her warm, safe, protected. When she murmured his name, he slipped his tongue into her mouth.

A hot sensation flowed down below her navel. Her woman’s center ached sweetly as his tongue delved deeper, stroking her gently at first then more boldly. Stroking him back, she leaned into him until no space separated them. They stood chest to chest, hip to hip, thigh to thigh. She heard a rich deep sound coming from his chest and she knew she had pleased him.

Abruptly he broke off the kiss.

Taking her shoulders, he squeezed with gentle pressure. He almost looked angry. “I’d better get you home, Lily. I’ll talk to the sheriff about McGee. Wait for me at the wagon.” He took his suit jacket and laid it over her shoulders.

Puzzled by his odd behavior, Lily did as she was told. Tyler had answered her innermost dreams with a kiss so potent and passionate, her head swam with vivid images. No fantasy she could ever conjure up would have equal measure to the reality. Tyler Kincaide has kissed her, but good. But he’d stopped too soon, seeming to berate himself as if he’d committed a terrible sin. She saw the look of regret in his eyes, then condemnation.

Why hadn’t he enjoyed the passion they shared as much as she had? Was he just being kind?

Lily leaned against the buckboard and stared up at the night sky. A warm breeze drifted lazily by, calming her nerves. Her dress was in ruins, her hair smattered
with dirt, her body bruised, but Lily had never felt more alive.

And Tyler was taking her home.

“Hold still, Tyler,” Lily said, dabbing at the blood caked onto his face. “You don’t want to wake Bethann with all your grumbling.”

Tyler sat on the kitchen chair in the dimly lit room, breathing in Lily’s lilac scent. “I’m not grumbling, Lily,” he defended. Having her bend over him while she administered to his bruises was causing havoc to his insides. Her breasts, plumped up from the tight fit of her dress, were directly at eye level. He couldn’t resist taking a sneak peek. But the peek did him more harm than good. Soft and creamy smooth, he itched to touch her there. He fisted his hands.

Hell, he itched to do more than touch.

“Does it ache?” she asked innocently.

Oh, yeah. It ached. “No, not much.”

“Good,” she said softly. Her breath caressed his cheek. She brought her face close, pouting with a twist of her lips. Surveying him, she shook her head. “I’m afraid there’ll be a bump.” She fingered his cheekbone. He didn’t flinch, he wanted her hands on him. Anywhere.

Tyler closed his eyes and tried to quell this need he had for her. She was an innocent. She was under his protection. She would leave soon.

It didn’t matter. None of it. Tyler wanted Lily in his bed. He couldn’t have her, he knew, but he wanted her all the same.

Having her touch him was torture. Not having her touch him was…torture. When she slid her fingers in his hair, he looked up, surprised. “Lily?”

She was busy, caressing his scalp. “I’m looking for more bumps, Tyler.”

He groaned inwardly. She stood beside him, the soft curve of her breast brushed against his arm.

“Nothing seems to be coming up,” she said resolutely.

She was dead wrong. Thankfully the lower half of his body was hidden under the wooden table or she’d see what was coming up. “Th-that’s good,” he mumbled.

Lily sat down on the chair at an angle to his. She rested her elbow on the table and smiled at him. “I never thanked you for coming to my rescue.”

“No thanks necessary.”

She straightened. He loved it when indignation lit her soft eyes, darkening them to a deep sky-blue. “Oh, but it is. I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t come along when you did.”

Tyler knew, and the thought didn’t bode well. He still wondered whether he should have sent McGee to his maker. An image of that man’s hands on her made Tyler’s blood boil. He couldn’t fathom anything else happening to her. Not to Lily.

“I did and that’s all that matters.” He took hold of her hand. “Try to put it out of your mind, honey.”

“But why did you come outside?”

“When I learned you went outside with McGee, I went searching for you. I knew the man was trouble. Randy was your escort. Where in blazes was he all night?”

“Oh, he spent time with me. We danced, then I, uh, well, I don’t want to get him in trouble.”

“I’m not ignorant to how my men celebrate, Lily.
When I found him, he was booze-blind and emptying his gut.”

Lily flinched.

“Oh, sorry.”

She chuckled. “I’m not that delicate, Tyler. Your description of Randy surprised me, is all.”

Tyler squeezed the hand he still held. “It’s good to see you laugh tonight.”

“I
was
having fun at the dance.”

“Humph, dancing with every cowpoke west of Louisiana.” He shot her a narrowed look.

“How would you know? You spent every second in the company of Miss Letty Sue Withers.” She hoisted her chin.

“Only ’cause I couldn’t get near the woman I wanted to dance with.”

Lily gave him a genuine, heartfelt smile and Tyler’s heartbeat sped up. “And who would that be?”

“You.” He met her eyes directly, the pull of them holding him to the spot. A man could get lost in those eyes, he thought, and not even know it until it was too late.

“Why did you come to the dance, Tyler?”

He pulled his hand off of hers. Admitting the reason, the real reason, would not be wise. He hoped Lily wasn’t expecting things of him he couldn’t give. He didn’t want to hurt Lily, but Tyler had closed off his heart long ago. Nothing much was going to change that. He hesitated answering, rubbing his jaw. “Wes convinced me I was too young to be put out to pasture.”

“Oh,” she said, disappointed. “So it was Wes’s idea.”

“Not exactly.”

“You came for Letty Sue, then,” she stated quietly in a shaky voice.

The hurt look on her face injured Tyler more than the fist fight he’d just had defending her honor. He closed his eyes briefly, knowing encouraging Lily now would do her more harm than good. “Not exactly. Ah, hell, Lily. What do you want me to say?”

Lily put her hand to her chest. Her blue eyes rounded. “Why I—”

Tyler glanced at her overflowing bosom. His groin throbbed with need of her. He sunk his head in his hands. “It’s late Lily, go on to bed.”

“But—”

“Please, Lily. For once, no arguments. Just go.”

“Well, it is late.” She cleaned up the rags and water bowl she’d used administering to him and was halfway out the door when she stopped. Turning, she ran to him quickly and kissed his good cheek. “Thanks again for saving me.”

“’Night.” This time she made it all the way out of the kitchen and Tyler could breathe again.

Damn. That little peck on the cheek reminded him of the kiss they had shared earlier in the evening, the one he hadn’t been able to shove from his mind. Lily’s lips, soft, warm, inviting, had felt like heaven. Her mouth was sweet. He doubted she’d been kissed by too many men. He relished her innocence and knew her response to him had been spontaneous and pure. It made him want her all the more.

Heaven help him. He was in deep trouble.

L
ily fingered the delicate blossoms with care. Three beautiful lavender-blue flowers were beginning to bloom. Their vivid color lifted gently toward the sun. With a sigh of contentment, Lily wandered to the side of the house where she’d planted sunflowers and corn. The stalks of both were two feet high, developing evenly in size and color. The sunflowers, blooming now with wide yellow-orange bursts swayed in the slight breeze.

Lily smiled amid her endeavors. Her garden was only one source of her joy. The other, Tyler, had been especially quiet lately. Since the kiss. Lily closed her eyes to the warming rays of sunlight and remembered the texture and taste of his mouth covering hers just two days ago. Each time she recalled the kiss, she tingled inside. Shivers of excitement flowed through her veins. She wanted Tyler to kiss her again.

But he’d been evasive since the night of the dance and overly polite when their paths did cross. She’d catch him at times, in the parlor, puffing on a cheroot, sipping brandy with a look of deep concentration, or
out by the corral, arms flung over the fence, staring out.

“Afternoon, Lily.”

The rich deep tone of Tyler’s voice startled her out of her musings. She turned to find him watching her. “Tyler,” she said on a gasp. The sight of him made her head swim with delightful thoughts.

He cast her a brief half smile, flashing only a portion of white teeth. His eyes bore a solemn look, partly narrowed and penetrating. “We need to talk, Lily. Tonight, after Bethann is asleep.”

Lily was shocked at his serious tone. Was he angry with her? She bit her lower lip. Tyler’s eyes caught the movement, glancing down at her mouth, then back up to gaze steadily into her eyes. He took in a deep breath, waiting for her response.

“All right.” She bit down on her lip again, which drew his focus to her mouth a second time. Lily restrained herself from asking what was so darned important. She smiled at him instead.

He took one last glance at her lips, said, “Tonight then,” turned on his heel and walked into the barn.

Lily retreated to her bedroom. She poured water from a pitcher and washed her hands and face, throwing a bit of lilac oil into the water. The fragrance helped refresh her and calm her jittery nerves.

Darn the man.

He could still make her heart hammer hard in her chest.

He seemed so intent and serious earlier when he had summoned her. What did he want? She admonished herself for simply not asking why he wanted to speak with her. Now she’d have to go the rest of the afternoon
and evening before finding out what was in that man’s head.

Lily changed her clothes, putting on a cornflower-blue dress with a lovely lace collar. She glanced in the mirror, perusing her appearance. She wanted to look pretty tonight. For Tyler. And the new blue dress she’d sewn made her feel that way. The dress was more feminine, hugging her slight curves more tightly, than any other she owned. Not that it was indecent. The dress held to the modest tastes of ranch-town society. And the lace made her feel a bit more…confident. For some unknown reason, Lily felt she’d need all her wits about her tonight.

Three hours later, seated at the kitchen table, Lily took her eyes off of Bethann sinking her teeth down on a biscuit, to look at Tyler. He sipped lemonade and stared at the wall straight ahead. He hadn’t even noticed her new dress. Or if he had, he hadn’t said a word.

Lily leaned in, trying to snap him out of his silent brooding mood. “How was the meal? I was afraid the chicken roasted a bit too long.”

Tyler set down his cup and glanced at her. “It was delicious, Lily. Thank you.”

“The potatoes—”

“Were perfect,” he offered without a smile.

“And the biscuits seemed too—”

“Light and fluffy, as always, Lily.”

Lily slumped back in her chair. The man wanted no part of her conversation tonight.

“Papa, can I ride Pint-Size after supper?” Bethann chimed in after devouring two biscuits.

“Not tonight, darlin’. After you help Lily with the chores, you’re off to bed.”

“But, Papa, you promised I could ride her.”

“Tomorrow is soon enough. You need to get into bed early tonight.” Tyler’s gaze flickered Lily’s way, before glancing back at his daughter.

Bethann’s mouth twisted into a disappointed pout. Lily’s heart went out to her. Any other evening Tyler would have allowed his daughter the ride.

“How about I read you another chapter of
Little Women.
Would you like that, sweetie?”

Lily knew her offer held little consolation. She lifted her brows slightly to coax her. Bethann had enjoyed listening to the first chapter the other night, but this evening her heart had been set on riding her new pony.

“I guess,” she said, looking at her impenetrable father.

It was clear to Lily that Tyler was preoccupied. And Lily had the sinking feeling it had something to do with her.

“Well, then, let’s get the dishes cleared.” She stood and began gathering the plates. Tyler moved with efficiency, helping her load the dishes into the tub of water by the sink. Bethann wiped down the table.

When the kitchen was cleaned, and all things put back in order, Lily turned to Bethann. “Time for you to wash up and get ready for bed, sweetie. I’ll meet you in your bedroom in ten minutes.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Bethann replied, her face still a picture of disappointment. With a little loving shove, Lily moved her toward her bedroom.

“Go on now, you’ll ride Pint-Size tomorrow.”

When Lily turned, Tyler’s eyes were on her. “She doesn’t have to get her way every time, Lily.”

Shocked, Lily lifted her eyes to his. “I don’t believe
she does. She’s just a little girl, Tyler. She needs lots and lots of love and security. Every girl does.”

Tyler raked his fingers through his hair. He let out a pent-up sigh. “I know. And you’re doing a fine job with her. She minds both of us better since you’ve been here. It’s just hard to always be the one to discipline her.”

“I do my fair share of that, too,” she stated evenly.

“True enough, you do.”

“But she was disappointed tonight. No harm in making her feel a little better, is there?”

He shook his head. “I guess that’s what mothers do. Make their children feel better when they’re hurting.”

Lily blinked. “I do love Bethann, but I’m… I’m not trying to replace her mother.”

Tyler looked away. His mouth tightened into a fine thin line. “I know,” he said quietly.

Lily ventured further, “Is that what you wanted to speak with me about?”

“Uh, no,” he said, looking at her again. “Go on and read her a story. I’ll wait for you in my office.”

“You’ll come in to kiss her good-night?”

Tyler smiled. “Sure. I like to listen to her prayers.”

Tyler leaned on the window jamb, the cool spring breeze blew in and lifted the curtains, causing them to flap and sway against the window frame. He stared skyward, noting the smattering of stars out tonight.

Minutes later he heard the door close softly from behind. He turned to find Lily watching him. She looked lovely in her cornflower-blue dress, clinging enticingly to her small bosom, dipping in at the waist and flaring slightly at the curve of her hips. Blue-eyed
and rosy-cheeked, she looked somewhat hesitant as she stood against the door with hands behind her back.

Hesitant and beautiful, he noted.

“Hi,” she said with a shaky smile.

“Lily, please sit down.” He gestured to the wing chair facing his desk and watched her approach.

Once seated, he began pacing with arms behind his back. “I know I owe you a deep apology for the other day. I, uh, well, I’m not good with words, but dragging you into the hotel, just wasn’t right.” He shook his head.

Lily said nothing, but her eyes stayed on him.

“I owe you more than an apology. I owe you an explanation. You see, when I saw Muldoon with you, I…went a little…crazy.”

“Why, Tyler?”

“He’s not a decent man.”

“He said you and he had bad feelings, but he wants to rectify that.”

Tyler snorted. “Hardly, Lily. The man would like to see me dead.”

“What!” Lily said, coming to the edge of her seat.

Tyler stopped pacing long enough to look her straight in the eyes. “He blamed me for Lizabeth’s death, you know that. At the time, I was blaming myself pretty badly, too. Felt I deserved every awful thing that happened to me. Except, for Bethann, I had nothing.”

“You had the ranch.”

“In my heart, I had nothing. I would get spitting drunk every night. It was the only way I could forget. One night, I was coming out of the saloon when I was jumped and pulled into an alley. Two men beat me near to death.”

Lily stood and gasped. Her hand flew to her mouth. “No!”

“I know it was Muldoon who put them up to it. I wasn’t so drunk that I couldn’t make out what they were saying. They were robbing me, beating on me and laughing. The voices were distorted, but I could swear I heard one say Muldoon would have loved to see the pulverizing I was taking. The other man said the boss paid them to see me beg for mercy.”

“Dear heavens. Tyler, what happened?”

“They did nearly kill me. One held me, the other, well…the alcohol I’d consumed nearly cost me my life. I couldn’t fight back much. If I’d had my wits about me, they’d have never got the jump on me. I guess luck was on my side, because a group of local cowhands came out of the saloon, saw what was happening and chased the men off. I was laid up for a month after that. I swore I’d get revenge, but Bethann needed her papa and I realized I couldn’t go chasing after Muldoon.”

“Oh, Tyler,” Lily said, coming forward. She placed her hand on his arm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

Tyler took Lily’s hand into his. “You see, Muldoon is a dangerous man. And I don’t want him on my property ever again. I have no way of proving that he was behind what happened to me that night, but I know it was him.”

“Yes.” Her lovely blue eyes filled with compassion. “I won’t let him near Bethann ever again.”

“Or you, Lily?” he asked with a warning in his voice. “I don’t trust the man at all.”

Lily’s eyes flashed with fear. “No, I won’t let him near me, either.”

“Good,” he said, releasing her hand.

Lily sat back down. She folded her arms under her chest and shuddered. “I wish you would have told me this earlier.”

“It’s hard reliving bad memories.” With a slight shrug, he added, “And I wanted to spare you this unpleasantness. I thought my asking you to steer clear of Muldoon was enough.”

Lily frowned. “It should have been. I should have listened to you. After all, this is your ranch. I have no right imposing my beliefs on you.”

“Lily, I’m not putting blame anywhere but with Muldoon. Since he’s come to town, I’ve spoken with the sheriff and there’s more. Seems Muldoon was incarcerated for quite some time. He was just recently released.”

“He was in prison? Why?”

Tyler took a deep breath. Lily’s sweet innocent face was stark now and pensive. He hated that he’d put that look there. No decent woman should have to hear of such things. But this was for her own good—to make her see the kind of man Brett Muldoon really is. “He abused a woman. Beat her so her own mother wouldn’t recognize her.”

Lily gasped. “Oh, my, Tyler. That’s just so awful.”

“I’m sorry, Lily. But you had to know.”

“I understand everything more clearly now.” Lily stood and made her way to the door. “I’m glad you trusted me with this information. I’ll be on my guard from now on.”

“Lily, don’t go. There’s more I need to say to you.”

A puzzled expression crossed her features. “More?”

“Yes.” He rested his hands on the window jamb. With his back to her, he was able to conjure up the
words he needed to say. “I, uh, the truth of the matter is, what happened to you the other night at Henderson’s barn dance—”

He heard Lily suck in a breath. She probably hated discussing the incident, and Tyler hated putting her through the anguish again, but he had spent long hours thinking on this and had come to a conclusion.

“What about it?” she asked quietly.

He turned to look into her sorrowful eyes. Bracing himself against the window, he conceded, “It damn well shouldn’t have happened, Lily.”

“I know. It was my fault.” Her voice was low in self-condemnation.

“No! It wasn’t. But the fact remains, as long as people get notions in their heads, there’s bound to be talk. I’m afraid your reputation is at stake. It’s partly my fault and I aim to correct the situation.”

Lily took a step forward. Her eyes, big as silver dollars, honed in on him. “How?”

He scratched his head, looked down at his boots, glanced at the hem of Lily’s dress then mustered the courage to look her straight in the eye. “Well, uh, I think… I really think we…we should get married.”

“M-married?” Lily’s face flushed. Why did her voice squeak so?

“Yep, Lily. Married.” There, he’d said it.

Lily stared at him in disbelief. Hell, he had a hard time believing he was offering marriage to her again. True, he wasn’t proposing for the reasons most men do. He didn’t want a wife, and Lily deserved more than what he could give, but what better way to keep her safe?

“You’d have my protection, my name. No man would ever get the wrong idea about you again, Lily.”

Lily paused, as if deep in thought. Lord, if he only knew what she was thinking. With a tilt of her head, she said slowly, “But you don’t want to get married.”

The woman could be exasperating at times. “I asked you, didn’t I?”

“No, you suggested, commanded. Whatever it was, it certainly wasn’t a proposal in the proper way. Do you want to get married?”

Tyler closed his eyes momentarily. “Lily.”

“I’d like an answer, Tyler. Then I’ll give you mine.”

She came within inches of him. He could smell her fresh lilac scent wafting up from her skin. Her hair flowed down around her shoulders. But her face was void of all emotion. She stared blankly, waiting.

“Not actually, no. But I’m willing.”

“For my reputation,” she said, folding her arms and tapping her foot like a stern schoolmarm.