Diane R. Jewkes (23 page)

• • •

“Well, Hawke, I guess this is going to make it a wee bit difficult for you to ask her to marry you, isn’t it?” Alec said, casually buttering a biscuit, and biting into it.

Kara slammed into the kitchen, wanting to be as far away from that group of condescending, overbearing males as possible. Grabbing a biscuit from the counter, she was heading out the door when Consuelo called to her.

“Mija. What is going on?” Worry wrinkled the woman’s brow. “You should still be in bed resting. I was just preparing a tray for you. You should not be up; I can see you are still upset from last night … come sit.”

“No, Consuelo, I am not upset about last night. I am upset about today. About my father thinking because of last night he should lock me up in a house and throw away the key, or better yet, marry me off to some man and let
him
keep me locked up. I know most women are raised to be obedient helpmates, but not me! I want to have the same freedoms as a man. I know bad things can happen, but I refuse to live my life relying on some man to protect me from everything — even myself.”

Bob entered the kitchen, stopping by his wife and resting a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Miz Kara, I know you ain’t been raised like other girls, and you got some strange ideas, but you know your Papa is only looking out for what’s best for you.”

“What is best for me,” she snapped, “is for people to quit telling me what is best for me and thinking I’m incapable of making my own choices.”

“Your father just doesn’t want to see you hurt.” The soft voice came from behind her. Kara turned to see Hawke leaning against the doorway calmly watching her, his eyes hooded and unreadable. “And neither do I.”

Stepping closer to her, Hawke looked directly into her eyes, his gaze intense. “The sight of your injuries has upset your father more than you realize. No father wants to see his child in pain or injured, and the sight of your bruises has made him feel he has failed you in some way.”

“No,” she whispered. “No, he has never failed me.”

“It’s his love for you that makes him want to see you protected.”

Realizing she had been the one to overreact, Kara moved to go speak to her father, but Hawke’s hand on her arm stopped her.

Standing so close, the memory of his warmth as he cradled her in his arms and to the night in the hotel and the heat of his naked skin next to hers washed over her.

Looking into his eyes she felt her thoughts were as naked to him now as her body had been then. The heat of desire sparked in the gray depths, and she could feel him caressing her naked skin. Disturbed he could make her feel so vulnerable and forget her anger with just a look and a touch, Kara broke eye contact, pulled her arm from his grasp and moved past him.

• • •

She felt better after she had apologized to her father. She loved her father and would do what he asked, within reason, to be safe. He had understood her need to return to her normal activities, and with a few compromises they had come to an understanding. She stepped onto the porch ready to go back to work.

“Hey, kid, are you sure you’re prepared to use that thing?”

She looked up from buckling the gun belt around her hips at Austin, who was leaning nonchalantly against the wall.

“Well, you and Papa taught me. What do you think? It’s been a while since I’ve worn one, but I still remember how to use it. Besides,” she smiled, “I really don’t think I’ll need it. It’s just to make Papa feel better. I’m sure that coyote is long gone.” Nodding her head towards the holster strapped around his slim hips. “I see you have decided to wear yours.”

In general the men didn’t wear a pistol, preferring to have a rifle in a scabbard tied to their saddle.

“I’m not the only one. If he isn’t smart enough to have already made tracks out of here, there are plenty of people ready to put him out of our misery.” Austin stepped up to her, placing his hands on the leather belt and adjusted the fit for her. “Including me. And if he is still around.” He grinned as he stepped back to observe his handiwork. “The sight of a woman armed with a Colt would probably scare him to death.”

Kara laughed, glad he was here. Austin always made her feel better, less worried.

It didn’t surprise her to see Joe and the other hands had already donned holsters. Her father had told her until Black was caught, or they were sure he was gone, the men were going to be armed and guards were going to be stationed. He also informed her that she would not go anywhere without an escort. He assured her it would only be temporary.

She was surprised however, to see Hawke and Alec mounted and holding her horse. She raised a questioning brow to Austin who shrugged.

“I have to get back home. Hawke and Alec have decided to keep you company.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek, trotted down the stairs to his own horse, mounted and with a wave rode away.

• • •

Hawke dismounted and climbed the stairs to her. The sight of her standing there with a gun belt strapped around her hips, but still managing to look so feminine, made his gut clench. What was he going to do with her? After her tirade this morning, he knew he couldn’t just come right out and tell her … or even ask her to marry him.

He had heard most of what she had said in the kitchen. She had made her feelings about belonging to a man crystal clear. Unfortunately, the sight of her standing there staring at him nervously, sapphire eyes large in her face, looking so vulnerable, caused an overwhelming surge of protective and possessive desires to roar through him. He wanted to sweep her into his arms, carry her back to her room and prove to her that she needed him.

She would probably shoot me if I suggested it
, he thought. Knowing she was worried about him bringing up the night they made love, he decided to put her mind at ease … for now.

“Alec and I were thinking you might show us some of the training techniques you use for your horses.” Looking into eyes narrowed with suspicion, he smiled, knowing she was looking for a trap. “We have been quite impressed with the way you and your horse work together so effortlessly.”

He knew he would have to get past her reticence to regain her trust before he could reach the passionate woman underneath. But he wanted more than her passion. He wanted all of her, needed her to surrender to the desire they shared, to the love lying just beneath the surface. It might take patience and possibly a small deception on his part, but he was willing to take the gamble. Thoughts of making love to her and feeling her come apart in his arms again had filled his mind since that night. Even when she was not near, her scent lingered, drawing him like a wolf to its mate. She would be his.

Taking advantage of her hesitation, Hawke took her hand and led her down the stairs, all the while asking her questions about horse training. The feel of her hand, small and warm in his, increased his determination to get through her barriers. He could give a tinker’s damn about horse training right now, but she was beginning to open up and answer his questions and he knew this would be a way to get past her guard.

As Kara continued to explain her techniques and answer their questions, Alec got into the spirit of the day and appeared impressed with her knowledge. There were so many facets to this woman. It was going to take a lifetime to know them all. Hawke smiled at the prospect of lessons to come.

“So you’re telling me.” Alec’s voice broke his reverie. “You think your horse can outrun Titan? I find that rather hard to believe.”

The two were in an animated discussion of racing. Alec was an aficionado, an owner and breeder of thoroughbred racers.

“Only at the quarter-mile distance,” Kara clarified. “The breed is called Quarter Horse for a reason.”

“That’s because they are only a quarter the size of a real horse.” Alec snorted.

“Very amusing, Lord Peyton. Care to put your money where your mouth is?”

“With pleasure, Miss Jonston. I will wager Hawke’s Titan can outrun your horse … no matter the distance. Shall we say fifty of your American dollars?”

“Now wait a minute.” Hawke tried to intrude. “You seem to be betting my horse without asking my opinion.”

Two pairs of eyes looked at him like he was daft.

“I haven’t said I would be willing to race. Besides, Alec,” he glared at his friend. “I have heard of the breed. You’d be making a fools bet.”

He saw Kara’s mouth quirk up mischievously. She was purposely baiting Alec. Hawke laughed when she winked conspiratorially at him. Well, if it would cost Alec fifty dollars to keep Kara this relaxed and happy around him, who was he to say no?

“However, Alec, you might be right.” He tried to sound convincing. “Titan could probably outrun her horse, no matter what.”

• • •

“That’s more like it. So, Kara,” Alec turned back to her. “When would you like to lose your money?”

Kara covered her mouth with her hand so Alec couldn’t see her laughing. The goofy look on Hawke’s face had her almost falling out of her saddle. She knew he would have as much fun as she taking the arrogant Alec down a peg.

“Well, we are headed towards the training track. The quarter mile is marked from the starting point, so there would be no question of the exact distance. So now will suit me just fine.”

Kara and her father had gained a reputation for breeding some of the fastest quarter-mile runners in the west. There was a straight extension joining the main track for the quarter-mile race. The dirt oval was outlined with an inner and outer rail similar to a real racetrack. A raised platform stood at the finish line so the trainer could watch the horses on the backside of the track. Kara had spent countless hours working with her horses on this track. She knew every square inch of dirt as well as she knew her name.

Gally began prancing and tossing his head, feeling Kara’s mounting excitement through her legs. Reaching down she stroked his neck to settle him down.

“So, Hawke, are you ready to take us on?”

“Anytime, lass. Anywhere.”

She felt herself blush. The sparks in his eyes weren’t over the race and she knew it. It sent a thrill streaking along her nerves knowing this man wanted her.

“Let’s race then.” Alec interrupted her thoughts. “I will stand at the finish line. I look forward to collecting my winnings from you.”

“Don’t count your money yet.” Kara laughed. “Come on, the starting line is down here.” She wheeled her horse around and started towards the end of the straightaway.

“Hawke,” Alec called to him, “Don’t let her win just to try and please her. She won’t respect you if you do.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that Alec.” Hawke laughed. “I just hope you won’t make to big a fuss about handing over the money.”

“I expect you to run this to try to win,” Kara said as he joined her at the starting line. “I don’t want you to let me win just because I’m a woman.”

“There is no way, Miss Jonston,” he replied indignantly, “I would make allowances because you are a woman. The fact is even though my horse is larger, he is carrying considerably more weight than yours and thus puts me at a handicap already.”

“You are right. I want this to be fair. Can you ride bareback? You can take off the western saddle to help even the odds.”

“That is quite all right.” Hawke laughed. “I am not worried the extra weight will slow Titan down.” Reaching down he patted the big gray affectionately on the neck. “Shall we?”

Looking down the track she saw Alec holding a white handkerchief up. The horses were lined up next to each other at the starting post. Kara nodded to Hawke, then looked towards the end of track.

• • •

Alec saw each rider was ready. Hesitating just a moment he dropped his arm and both horses leaped forward.

Alec was stunned. It was like Kara’s little red horse had been fired from a cannon. He exploded from a standstill off his powerful haunches and seemed to fly to the lead. He had already taken two strides before Hawke’s big horse even began to move. Alec could only stare in amazement at the speed of the smaller horse. His legs were a blur; he skimmed over the ground. Kara was leaning low over his neck, clinging to his mane as they flew past Alec, lengths in front of Hawke. Seconds later, the other horse came thundering past the finish line. Titan was stretched out, running hard and beginning to catch up. Kara’s face glowed with happiness and triumph as she pulled Gally to a trot and turned back towards Alec. Hawke had also slowed his horse down and turned to ride beside her.

“That was amazing to watch. I don’t think I have ever seen an animal move so fast from a dead standstill. It must feel like being shot out of a gun.”

“Oh, it does, especially on the really fast horses.” Kara reached down wrapping her arms around the sweaty neck of her horse. With her cheek resting on the horse’s mane, she looked up at Hawke, smiling. “Gally really isn’t the fastest runner I have. My real race horses are with our trainer in Albuquerque for some meets.”

“He’s not that fast … .” Alec was stunned by what she was saying. It was the fastest he had ever seen a horse move. “I see,” he said slowly, still amazed.

“It must be something,” Hawke said. “Well, now you are just going to have to take me to a real race so I can see it for myself.”

Hawke moved his horse closer to Kara’s, reached over and tugged playfully on her braid. “It’s good to see you smiling and happy, lass. I always want to see you happy.”

Sitting up in the saddle, she reached up and grasped Hawke’s hand. Smiling at him, she squeezed his hand and continued to hold it as they rode towards Alec.

“Well, isn’t that lovely.” Alec snipped. “I lose fifty dollars and you just sit there on that big lump of a horse, grinning like a fool.”

“I’ll just go now, beginning to feel like a third wheel. Besides if you can’t find me, then I don’t have to pay you.”

He laughed as Kara swung her head around, leveling him with a glare. “Now just a minute, a bet is a bet. You owe me fifty dollars.” Wagging a finger at him, she grinned. “And believe me, I always collect on my bets. I’m worse than Madame Varnish at making sure losers don’t welch on bets.”