The Stafford Collection, Historical Western Romances (18 page)

She pretended to fuss with the saddlebags as Thomas left and Brock soon followed. She went and mounted Justice as they headed out of town in silence.

“I didn’t mean to put you in that situation. I was just asking him for advice and he volunteered to come with us.”

Brock had stopped his horse and looked down apologetically at Sabrina while he spoke. She leaned over and grasped his hand. “No, it’s a great idea. I’ll tell him in the morning. Maybe it is time to inform everyone. I mean I can’t pretend to be a boy forever, right?”

“No, you can’t, but I know it’ll be difficult for you. I’m here if you need me.”

“I know,” she said softly as she nudged Justice forward and they rode home together.

Chase was still asleep when they arrived back. Brock woke him none too gently by kicking the bed frame. He groggily sat up as Brock filled him in on the traveling party.

Sabrina decided to make biscuits for the trip. She had never made them without supervision before and wanted to prove she was up for the task. They needed some food to take with them and biscuits would keep for a day or two. After pulling out the ingredients she needed, she started mixing a large batch. A few minutes later, she frowned at her mess. There was flour everywhere. She had no idea how Mac or even Brock for that matter could make biscuits without getting a speck of flour on them.

Brock came over to check on her progress and carefully wiped a bit of flour from her cheek. He kissed her swiftly as she shooed him away.  She heard Chase laugh at the exchange and heard the door open and close and assumed Chase was gone.

She had never kneaded so much and her arms were aching from first mixing and then kneading the heavy dough. She laid out a clean pillowcase, covered it with flour and plopped out the sticky goo on top of it. Flouring her rolling pen, she began the tiresome task of rolling it out so she could cut it. Brock made drop biscuits; he was not into rolling. However, Mac and Alma rolled and so would she.

By this time her neck and shoulders were getting tired from the repetition. She took a second to stretch her arms, trying to ease the tension. She felt warm hands envelope her shoulders and massage gently. She stopped rolling to enjoy the sensations the manipulation was creating. She let her neck lull back as her muscles relaxed.

She heard the door open again and she jumped at Brock’s angry voice as he stepped inside. Sabrina froze as she realized it was not Brock but Chase behind her.

Embarrassed, she spun around, putting her floured hands on Chase’s chest and pushing. Taken off guard from the amount of force, he
staggered back to regain his balance. She had left two distinct handprints on his dark colored shirt and she smiled.

“What?” he asked innocently as Brock grabbed him and shoved him against the wall.

“Okay, okay,” said Chase, “I know when I’m in the way; I’m riding into town.”.

“I thought it was you,” she explained as Brock stepped toward her. He let his hands run upwards from her elbows to her shoulders. She let a shuddered breath as electricity ran throughout her body.  Brock smiled as he leaned over and kissed her neck, sucking gently; he was rewarded by her soft moan. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the
ir bed. Soon, they were both covered in flour. 

Afterward, Brock helped her finish the biscuits to make up for lost time. He took over the rolling and she used a cup to start
cutting out the individual biscuits. She was still quieter than usual and he asked her about her silence.

“What if they don’t like me?”

“My family?”

“Yes.”

He stepped forward, pulling her into his chest for a hug. “They will love you as I do. Chase already likes you an awful lot,” he pointed out apologetically. She pulled away to resume her cutting and rolled her eyes. “I think he likes irritating you more than he likes me. I mean, will they be angry since we aren’t wed?” she asked softly, refusing to look at him as she concentrated on her biscuits.

Brock paused. They had never discussed marriage before. He had thought perhaps that she would not want to marry someone of his stature. Sighing he lifted her face up to look at him.

“According to Comanche tradition, we are already married. “ She raised an eyebrow.

“Since when?”

“Since you moved in with me.”

She smiled, “You thought I was a boy.”

“Yes, but when I found out you were a girl you didn’t move out.”

She blushed, realizing how very close they had become since then. “Do you think of us as being married?”

He hesitated, not wanting to say the wrong thing. “I do. However, if you wish to make it official I am willing.”

She laughed aloud and he frowned, misunderstanding her laughter. Seeing his hurt expression, she pulled him down for a quick kiss. “I’m sorry, Brock, it’s just that girls grow up dreaming of the perfect proposal of marriage and I get ‘If you want to.’ “

Brock smiled wryly. “I’m not very good with words but if marriage means that when I’m with you I never want to leave and when I’m not with you I count the minutes until we’re together again. Then, yes, I believe we are already married.”

“I think your words are just fine,” Sabrina said as Brock crushed his mouth to hers and was rewarded by a small moan.

“Again?” a voice called from the doorway.

Brock reluctantly released her and turned to glare at his younger brother. “Sorry, Little Beaver. I didn’t realize you were keeping count.” He was satisfied by Chase’s frown at the use of the Indian name he was called as a child.

“How cute,” Sabrina giggled. Chase winked at her and was rewarded by a smile.

After finishing their meal and packing for the trip the next day, they were all ready to retire early for the night. They had a long journey ahead of them.

Chase bunked in the loft at Sabrina’s insistence. He was going to stay in the barn but, with the fire still fresh in her mind, she refused to allow it. She readied for bed and climbed in, waiting for Brock to join her after extinguishing the lights.

Brock was dismayed as he settled into bed. He had just discovered that Sabrina was still wearing her long johns. Discontented that the obstructive fabric was separating his body from hers he rolled onto his side with a defeated sigh. Still self-conscious, Sabrina pulled away slightly turned her back
to him and snuggled against his chest. She used his thick bicep as a pillow and tried to go to sleep since they had to awaken early.

Brock wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. He tilted his head and kissed the back of her neck. A shiver ran through her. He shifted a bit and her eyes opened wide as she felt his hardness pressing against her bottom. He moved his left arm from around her chest slowly down to the juncture of her legs. He slid two fingers further down and was gently massaging her through the fabric. She froze. She grabbed his wrist, trying to pull his hand away before Chase heard them but his hold was like iron. She could not budge it. She elbowed him in the chest and whispered “Chase” as she motioned up at the loft above him.

“Shhhhh,” he whispered, continuing his ministrations. Her body soon vetoed her mind and she was dazed to find her legs relaxing giving him better access. He suddenly pulled his hand away and she wanted to cry out in objection. She felt movement behind her and her eyes widened in surprise as she realized he had released the flap in the back of her garment.

Brock lifted her thigh as his hardness sought out her entrance. Wanting to make sure he found the correct one, she shifted forward a bit to assist him. He adjusted and entered her, oh so slowly. Sabrina let out a little hiss at the unfamiliar angle. Brock paused again moving his hand forward to massage her with his fingers. Her passion returning, she moved her hips, wanting to take in all of him. `She turned her head, twisting her torso to capture his lips with hers. His tongue mimicked the movement of his body as he thrust in and out, each plunge more demanding
than the next. He felt Sabrina tighten around him as her body trembled. He continued to kiss her deeply as she moaned into his mouth. Feeling her body relax in his arms, he groaned, giving her his seed.

Their breathing labored.  He pulled her tightly against him, hugging her closely as he kissed her now-damp neck and whispered his love to her. Sabrina smiled as she mumbled her love in return. Spent, they drifted off to sleep.

In the loft above them, Chase held a pillow over his ears, wishing he had slept in the barn.

Chapte
r
19

B
rock awoke way before dawn. He marveled at the sleeping figure in his arms and eased out of bed so as not to disturb her. Dressing quickly he headed out to saddle up the horses. Chase followed him noiselessly as they went to the barn and worked in comfortable silence. After readying all of the horses, he headed in to rouse Sabrina. She sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Brock stepped outside to make sure she had privacy. Thomas had just ridden into the yard and he nodded to him.

Sabrina awoke fully and cleansed herself from the wash basin that Brock had thoughtfully left for her. Feeling refreshed, she dressed and went outside. Seeing Thomas she nodded to him. She was nervous about telling him the truth, probably because he’d been  so kind to ‘Will.’ Brock came toward, her, leading Justice.

“Do you want me to stay with you while you tell him?” he murmured.

Sabrina nodded gratefully as she tried to combat the butterflies in her stomach. She was nervous and was not sure how to approach him but decided to
handle the situation as she did all others, with her chin up and head held high. She marched up to Thomas and before he could greet her she spat out: “Thomas, I’m a girl.”

Before responding, he cast a quick look at Brock who was standing very close behind her. Returning his gaze to his friend, he smiled down at her.

“I know.”

Sabrina frowned at that as Brock’s eyes narrowed. “Since when have you known?” she asked.

He lifted his head and pretended to scratch his chin thoughtfully. “I guess it was when I returned home from medical school. We spent a lot of time learning about proper development. But you hadn’t grown any since you arrived, never had any whiskers, your voice never changed…” He shrugged, his voice trailing off.

“You’ve known all this time? But you’ve always been so nice to me...” She shook her head in wonder.

“I know. I guess I should have spoken up.” He looked a bit sheepish and his meaning slowly sunk in. A soft “Oh” escaped her lips.

“I suppose Will isn’t your real name,” he said in a more cheery voice, trying to cover the awkward encounter.

“It’s Sabrina.”

“Nice to meet you, Sabrina,” Thomas said serenely.

Brock stepped forward, placing a telling hand on Sabrina’s shoulder. “We need to go,” he announced, gently guiding her toward the horses. They headed out soon after.

Chase led the way---then Thomas, Sabrina and, lastly, Brock. The party was moving slowly since the sun had not risen as of yet. The trip they were taking would normally take about four days; they would make it in three, Chase did it in two. He boarded his horse halfway here and would pick it up on the return journey. She had gotten into the habit of sleeping in since she moved in with Brock. Well, she slept in until the sun came up at least. Of course, it was
partly his fault since he kept her up most nights. She blushed as she thought of their time together. Looking back at him she slowed Justice so they were riding side by side.

“Penny for your thoughts,” she said to the brooding Brock. He spoke softly even though the others were too far away to hear. “I don’t know, just thinking.”

“About your father?”

“No.”

“About me?”

She couldn’t see him shake his head ruefully but she did hear him sigh. “I always thought it was odd that Thomas was so concerned about your
well-being. First time I noticed it was after the fire, then when you were hurt after the train incident, and, of course, when you had your fever. I thought, well, maybe Thomas is partial to boys.”

Sabrina could not help herself; she laughed.

“It’s not funny! Heck, to tell the truth I was starting to think I was into boys.”

Feeling a bit guilty and wanting to comfort his ego, she leaned over and patted his knee sympathetically.

“And now?”

“And now I’m wondering if maybe Thomas would be a better suitor for you than me.”

Sabrina pulled her horse to a stop, forcing him to stop also. “You listen; I am sick and tired of men trying to control my life. It is my choice and I chose you. I cannot believe you would say such a thing to me after you said you thought of me as being your wife. What has changed since yesterday? Nothing! You are just twisting things up in your mind and it ain’t right. If you are not happy with me, fine. I’ll leave but don’t be passing me off like some used up whore.” Tears burned her eyes as she spat out the last words. She could not think straight. Her heart ached in her chest and she just wanted to be alone. Knowing that was not an option, she chose to speed up and stay close to Chase and Thomas until she could sort out her thoughts.

Brock watched her go, wishing he could kick himself in the head. He did not mean for it to come out the way it did. Now she thought he didn’t care for her. All he wanted was for her to have the best out of life. Moreover, compared to Thomas, what was he? What did she call him before? ‘A two-bit
sheriff not smart enough to know that water and dirt made mud.’ Yes, that was it. She was right. He was an idiot.

They decided to take a break as dawn was breaking beyond the tree line. Still angry, Sabrina refused to acknowledge Brock. She did not know what else to do. She wanted to head back to Tulsey town but knew she needed to sort things out with Brock. It felt like her insides were twisted into knots and she knew she would not feel right until they talked but, by damn, she was not going to make the first move. Not having an appetite, she nibbled at the biscuit that Chase forced into her hand as he glared at his older brother.

Brock feeling just as bad, if not worse, went over to try to talk to her. She turned her head, ignoring him. Thomas and Chase watched the scene in quiet amusement as they heartily ate their breakfast. He frowned at the pair and Thomas looked away.

Sabrina was taken by surprise when Brock boldly picked her up and tossed her over his broad shoulder. She squealed and pounded on his solid back as she cursed him with every word she could think of and some she made up in an instant. He carried
her far enough away so they could speak privately. When he set her down on her feet, she hauled off and hit him in the face busting his lip open.

She frowned as a drop of blood dribbled from the corner of his mouth. She had hit him, hoping it would make her feel better if he were hurting as much as she, but it didn’t. In fact, it made her feel worse. She wanted to step forward and dab at his face but her stubborn pride stopped her in her tracks.

Brock was still. “I deserved that,” he said, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. He was surprised by the strength behind the blow.

“Yes, you did,” she stated fiercely and he smiled a little and instantly winced. At least she was talking to him now. 

“I’m so sorry. I’m an idiot. I didn’t mean what I said. Hell, I don’t think I could ever live without you. I guess I was just jealous.”

She looked surprised. “Jealous? Of Thomas? I have known Thomas for
years
. Yes, he didn’t know I was a woman all of that time, but I knew he was a
man
. If I was interested in Thomas don’t you think I would have revealed myself to him?”

“You didn’t reveal yourself freely to me,” he pointed out.

“I was going to. I just had to figure out a way to do it so you didn’t think I was a freak of nature.”

“A freak? Why the hell would I think that?”

“Well, most women don’t go running around pretending to be boys.”

“Well actually I kinda like that in a woman. Keeps things interesting.”

Sabrina raised an eyebrow not sure if he was kidding or not. “Why are you jealous of Thomas anyway? There are lots of available men in town.”

Brock shrugged, not wanting to get her riled up again. He answered timidly. “Well, you’re both rich.”

“Rich?” Sabrina laughed aloud. “Yes, I’m rich. In fact, my family has always been rich. We are rich enough to know that money is not important. People are. When my parents met, do you think my mother cared how much money my father had? Do you think your mother cared about your father’s wealth? No. They did not because they loved them for who they were, not for what they could buy them. They loved them just as much as I love you.” Brock watched in shame as she collapsed yet again in gut-wrenching sobs. Not knowing if he should try to hold her or not, he sat gingerly next to her and eased her onto his lap. Still sobbing, she buried her face into his chest as he rubbed her back and kissed her hair.

“I love you, too,” he told her as she shifted so she could wrap her arms around his neck. She took long slow breaths as she started to calm down.

There was a rustle nearby and Chase poked his head out of the brush. “Sorry to interrupt this tender moment but there is another pig-headed Stafford we need to knock some sense into.”

Embarrassed that they were delaying the journey she stood up and wiped her face with her hand. Brock offered her his handkerchief and she mopped her face. She blew her nose and handed it back to him with a slight grin. Nonplused, he tucked it away and offered her his hand to assist her on the way back to camp. Almost
shyly, she took it. She was glad for the might of his grip; it seemed to give her strength.

She was grateful when Thomas and Chase acted as if nothing out of the order had happened and soon they were on their way.

They rode quickly now that it was light. They stopped only long enough to rest the horses when they needed rest. Brock was concerned about Sabrina’s stamina but she was holding up and he was proud of her. Thomas was not faring as well. When the sky darkened, and it was difficult for them to see effectively they stopped and rested.

Brock set out his and Sabrina’s saddles and bedrolls. He was not sure how she would feel about sleeping with him in the presence of others so he set her bedding up a couple of feet from his to be safe. Sabrina frowned at this. She was sore and tired and wanted nothing more than to settle down in Brock’s arms and fall asleep. She reached down, grabbed her bedding, and dragged it over next to Brock’s. She gingerly lowered herself to the blanket and waited until Brock brought her supper. Her legs ached and her thighs were chafed from the hours of riding. She thought about skipping supper but she knew she would need the energy for tomorrow.

She glanced over at Thomas. He was sitting hunched over with his head in his hands. He looked very uncomfortable and Sabrina felt bad for him. Brock returned with her plate and she automatically ate. Brock returned soon and she sighed as he pulled her into his arms. Shifting, she pillowed her head on Brock’s chest and fell asleep listening to his heartbeat.

She was in the middle of a wonderful dream when she was gently nudged awake. She had no idea what time of day it was since it was still dark outside.

“We gotta go,” he whispered apologetically.

“What? I just lied down.”

“We rested about four hours. There’s a full moon; we can travel by that. Plus it’s cooler and easier on the horses at night.”

Sabrina pushed herself up to a sitting position and Brock helped her to her feet. She was still sore and could not imagine climbing into the saddle for another minute---much less, two more days. Knowing what was at stake she gritted her teeth and hobbled over to her horse. Brock had lifted up her saddle already and she shooed him away as she fumbled with the straps. She quickly located them by feel and buckled them into place. She had not worked in a stable that long for nothing.  Saddling a horse in the dark was no problem for her. She noticed Brock had stepped over to help Thomas with his saddle and she smiled.

The moon crept out from behind the clouds and Sabrina looked up in wonder. It was a huge orange disk. Brock stepped behind her and hugged her as he whispered into her ear. “It’s a hunter’s moon---some call it blood moon. “

“It’s beautiful,” she breathed and right then, in the middle of the night, with Brock holding her, all was good. She wanted to stay like that forever.

“You’re more beautiful,” he said, turning her and kissing her softly. Reluctantly, he pulled away and helped her onto Justice.

The cool breeze helped refresh her and, although she did not get a lot of sleep, the sleep she did have was restful. Brock was right. The large, low hanging moon painted a soft orange-red glow on the earth. The only time she had trouble seeing was when clouds crept by, blocking out the soft light.

The horses’ more acute vision enabled them to keep plodding along the faint trail. Even they seemed to sense the importance of the journey. The party took a short stop for breakfast and then were on again. Sabrina’s body was taking a beating. On the rocky terrain, it was hard for her to time the horse’s movements and her thighs were burning where they rubbed the saddle. She tried standing up in the stirrups from time to time to relieve the sensation but the jostle made her legs feel like rubber and she could only stand for short spurts.

She was desperately looking forward to arriving at their destination, not only to help Brock’s father but also to give her tired bum a rest. She had grown up riding horses all of her life, but she had never ridden for such a long duration at one time. If you looked up
saddle sore
in the dictionary, it would probably show a picture of her bottom.