Charlene Sands (15 page)

“Nora!”

“Am I wrong?”

Kate tilted her head coyly. “I’m not saying.”

“Go see him, Kate.”

“I have to get back to the saloon,” Kate declared adamantly.

“It’s Sunday. You said earlier you don’t expect much business today. I’m sure Big Josh can handle it.”

Kate chuckled. “There’s not much that man
can’t
handle.”

“There, you see. You have time. You want to. Just go and see if you can help him.”

“No, Nora. You don’t understand the situation fully.” She wasn’t ready to tell Nora details of her brief time with Cole although Kate was sure she’d already guessed.

“Okay.” Nora finally relented. “But if he were my man, I’d go see him.”

“That’s just it, Nora. Cole’s not my man.”

Twenty minutes later, Kate found herself in her kitchen cutting up chicken, dicing carrots, peeling onions and throwing them all together in a big pot.

Cole’s not my man.

But he was an old friend. And what harm could come from bringing a sick man a pot of soup? She’d leave it with him and hurry on home.

Cole closed his eyes as hot water swirled around him, soothing his bones, bringing life back to his limbs. He’d been down and out for days, but he was finally beginning to feel human again. Even his head began to clear from the cloudy haze he’d been in the
last part of the week. He washed his hair, soaped himself from top to bottom, scrubbing away heat and sweat.

It felt so good to lie here peacefully and enjoy the quiet solitude, his house absent of sound, perfectly silent. Ah, Cole closed his eyes. No reason why a man couldn’t enjoy a good nap while soaking in the tub.

The back door creaked. Cole immediately snapped his eyes open and listened intently. He heard noise, the back door closed. Quiet footsteps. It wasn’t Mrs. Gregory and Meggie. Those two made an awful racket when they entered the house. No, someone was stealing into his home.

Cole lifted himself silently from the tub and wrapped a large towel about his waist. He moved cautiously, quietly swearing that he’d left his gun holstered in his bedroom. He headed with slow deliberate steps toward the kitchen and dropped his jaw open when he saw her from behind.

“Kate?”

Her body jerked and the lid to a pot crashed to the ground. It rattled around on the floor in a spiraling motion, making tinny sounds, until finally, it stopped.

She whirled around with surprise in her eyes. “Cole, you about scared me half to death!”

Cole nearly laughed aloud. Kate had sneaked into his kitchen, for heaven only knows why, and she was admonishing him? “What are you doing here?”

“I’d heard you were sick.” Her gaze traveled over the length of him and a spark of desire she couldn’t
conceal crossed over her lovely face. “I, uh, made you a pot of soup. I’ll just leave it here and go,” she said hurriedly, and began walking toward the back door.

“You broke into my house,” he stated evenly.

“I knocked, but you obviously didn’t hear me.”

“As you can see, I was bathing.” Cole tightened the towel about his waist, drawing her attention there.

She cleared her throat and lifted her gaze to meet his. “Don’t let me disturb you.”

“You always disturb me, Kate.” And pretty soon, Kate would see just how much. If only she’d stop looking at him as though she’d like to dry him off with a female talent only Cole knew she possessed.

“I don’t mean to.”

Cole ignored her. The woman got under his skin and there was no denying it. “You made me soup?” He peered at the cookstove and the large pot she’d set there.

“Yes.”

How could she look so damn innocent, wearing a Sunday-finest yellow dress with pretty white lace and fancy high-top boots when every flash of her eyes, every flutter of her lashes, every breath she took said she wanted him? “Why?”

“Why did I make you soup?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Mrs. Gregory said that you’d caught a germ. When you didn’t answer the front door, I thought I’d come the back way and leave the pot for you.”

“Why?”

“Because you were sick, Cole.” She stared at him, her lips parting. A droplet of water fell from his damp hair onto his chest. Kate followed its path along his chest, sweeping down his torso until it disappeared beneath his towel. “You don’t look…sick.”

He watched her take a deep swallow. “I’m better today.”

“Good.” She had trouble meeting his eyes.

“Why did you really come, Kate?”

Her head snapped up. “We were good friends once, Cole. Isn’t that reason enough?”

Cole smiled. “I could drop this towel and show you that we’re more than friends, Kate.”

Kate’s breath caught. Her eyebrows lifted and her bright green gaze flew to the towel wrapped around his waist. There was no concealing his desire now. Lord, he wanted her. And Kate wanted him too. He gauged it by the warm gleam in her eyes and the way her body trembled. “You should go.”

She nodded then said softly, “I know.”

“Thanks for sparing me your time.”

“Cole?” Puzzled, Kate bit down on her lip.

“Go on back to your saloon, Kate.”

She left then as quietly as she’d come. Cole fought the urge to call her back, to strip her of her proper Sunday clothes, to lay her down atop the table and ease the ache hidden beneath his towel. He fought the urge with every ounce of willpower he possessed. And when the back door shut, Cole closed his eyes as well, letting go a string of profound oaths entirely indecent for a Sunday afternoon.

T
he next day Kate walked into the general store and didn’t hesitate to approach the proprietor. “Good morning, Mr. Becker.”

“Hello, Miss Malone.” Mr. Becker was cordial to his customers, but Kate knew she wasn’t his favorite person. He wiped his hands on his apron and leaned in against the counter. “What can I get for you today?”

“Actually, I came here with a proposition for you. As you know, the Silver Saddle opened a short while ago. Business is fairly good, but I think I know a way both of us can prosper even more.”

The tall, lanky man scratched his head. “I don’t know, miss. Folks around here don’t much approve of your saloon.”

“This is business, Mr. Becker. And it’s between you and me.” Kate pressed her point by lowering her voice. “I have a glass case by the bar ready to sell
items from your store. If we can agree on terms, both of us stand to benefit.”

His eyebrows lifted and Kate knew she had his attention. “Hmm, what kind of items?”

“I’d like to sell pickles, tobacco, candies. Those sorts of things. If you supply them for me, we’ll share in the profits.”

“I don’t know…”

“Well, take some time to decide, but I’ve already spoken with the mercantile owner, a Mr. Whitmore in Grass Valley. He’s willing if you’re not. Of course, I’d rather give you the first opportunity since you’re local and all. It’d be a good way to increase your business here in Crystal Creek. I’ll come back later on if you’d like?”

The man did quick calculations in his head, Kate surmised, watching myriad emotions cross over his face. It was clear he was a businessman first, as Kate had hoped, knowing that if he didn’t take her up on her offer, another competitor would benefit. “No, no. That’s not necessary. I think we might agree on terms.”

Twenty minutes later, Kate walked out of Mr. Becker’s general store with a smile and a handwritten contract of terms. Once she closed the door, she bumped directly into Miss Ashmore, her old schoolteacher. “Miss Ashmore! I’m sorry.”

Miss Ashmore steadied herself then glanced at Kate. “Mary Kathryn?”

Kate grinned. She’d know her schoolteacher anywhere.
The brown-haired woman always wore the same kind of drab-colored clothes, a black bonnet with cream lace and the same black crocheted handbag. “It’s me.”

“Hello.”

“It’s good to see you,” Kate said, noting that Miss Ashmore wasn’t as old as she’d once thought. Perceptions often changed as one grew older and wiser. Kate had once thought the woman ancient, but as she gazed upon her with adult eyes, she looked beyond the dreary tones she wore and knew her teacher couldn’t be more than thirty-five.

“I wish I could say the same.” Her lips pinched together and she frowned. “Oh dear! I don’t mean to be cruel. It is good to see
you,
but it’s your saloon I’m not all that happy about.”

“I knew you were against it from the start.”

“And with good reason.”

“I don’t understand what the town has against the Silver Saddle, but it’s operating legally now.”

“Yes, I’d heard you were taken into custody for a time.”

Kate shifted uncomfortably, pressing a crease out of her skirt. She chose not to lie to her teacher, but Kate had become rather proficient in evading a subject. “It all worked out. Actually, I’d planned to come see you one day after school let out.”

“Really? Well, it’s always nice visiting with my older students. So many have left the area that I don’t get the opportunity to see how they’ve fared.”

Kate nodded and smiled. It was obvious Miss Ash-more didn’t approve of the way Kate had fared, being arrested then opening a saloon most of the town didn’t want. “Many have done well for themselves.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

“Nora is a good friend of mine now.”

“Ah, Nora. She was a bright child. Pity the children taunted her. I tried my best not to allow that to happen.”

“She’s going to be a mother soon.” Kate couldn’t help boasting. “And she’s very happy. She’s married to Abe Cable.”

“I don’t believe I’ve met him yet, but I’m very glad to hear she’s doing well. I like to know my students are making their way in life.”

“You were a good teacher, Miss Ashmore,” Kate said sincerely.

The woman seemed surprised by Kate’s blunt pronouncement. “Why, thank you.”

“I know you probably thought me a bit on the wild side, but I did learn quite a great deal from your lessons. I
was
paying attention.”

Miss Ashmore laughed, something she did seldom. “I was never really sure.”

“Well, I’m confirming it now. I didn’t always want to be in school, but I did learn,” Kate said. “I walked by the schoolhouse the other day and noticed how different it appeared. Are my recollections wrong or is the school in shabby condition?”

Miss Ashmore let go a wearisome sigh. “No, your
recollections are correct. When you attended school, things were different. We had supplies and money to do repairs. I’m afraid we’ve hit a bad time. The schoolboard promised us money for reparations, but we’re still waiting. And a few months back, our new shipment of McGuffey Readers, the dictionary and almanac I’d ordered, as well as chalk and boards were lost when the train bringing them here caught fire. I’m told there’s no money available to replace them.”

“How are you managing?”

“The children must bring in their own supplies. Some can afford to, others can’t. I have half-a-dozen readers. We share. We make do. What’s important is that the children have a chance to learn.”

“Mmm.” Kate’s mind began spinning with thoughts of how she could help. Frankly, she was surprised the townsfolk hadn’t done anything to remedy the situation. “I agree. The children must learn.”

Kate hadn’t always liked going to school. At times, she hadn’t liked Miss Ashmore, plain and simple, but she’d always respected her and knew her to be an excellent teacher.

Miss Ashmore looked at her then, a light of admiration shining in her eyes. “You do surprise me, Mary Kathryn.”

Kate laughed and nodded. “I’m all grown-up now, Miss Ashmore.”

“Yes, I see that. I believe I may have misjudged you. If that’s the case, I apologize. I still can’t abide the saloon, but I do admire your persistence and determination.
I understand the Silver Saddle is quite elegant.”

“Thank you for saying,” she said. It was the greatest compliment Kate had ever received from her.

“Well, I’d better tend to my chores. I’ve got a list for Mr. Becker to fill.” Miss Ashmore patted Kate’s arm and looked warmly into her eyes. “It was good seeing you, dear. Good day.”

Kate beamed with joy all the way back to the Silver Saddle. It was years late in coming, but she did believe now that she’d truly earned Miss Ashmore’s respect.

Kate tossed and turned that night, unable to sleep. She’d been having many restless nights of late. Bone weary from running the saloon most of the day, Kate didn’t understand why, when she collapsed into bed at night, sleep didn’t overtake her.

An image of Cole popped into her head. Again. She’d been trying hard to forget about their encounter in his kitchen, without much success. She kept seeing him, dripping wet, with hair slicked back, eyes dark with desire and…and his chest covered with moisture. Heavens. Her throat had constricted, going dry. She’d swallowed back her longing, fearing he would witness it in her eyes.

Cole hadn’t expected her in his home and she surely hadn’t expected to find him near naked. She’d known him once that way. She’d never forget the night of passion they’d shared, but that night would
have to remain a cherished memory. That’s all they’d ever have. And, oddly, Kate felt no shame in their joining, only considered it a shame that they couldn’t find their way back to each other.

Kate faced the truth without hesitation, although the pain of losing Cole would be permanently etched in her heart.

She tossed a coverlet aside and groaned. “Stop thinking, Kate. Stop
thinking.
”

She needed sleep. The saloon was bound to be busier than usual tomorrow. While making her visits to ranches last week, she’d learned that spring roundup was just about over. And tomorrow was payday. Cowpunchers with cash overflowing their pockets would be filling up her saloon. At least, she hoped they would be. She’d done everything within her power to offer her patrons the best deal around. The saloon was something new to try and that always seemed to attract business.

Kate nestled down further into her bed. This time, when she closed her eyes, it wasn’t Cole’s image popping into her head. It was Miss Ashmore’s. And she was standing on the steps of the run-down schoolhouse.

Kate thought about that situation long and hard before finally, long sought after sleep claimed her.

“Here’s your next round,” Kate said to a group of cowboys from the Bar T Ranch. She set their glasses down and took up the empty ones placing them on
the tray she held. A deep sense of accomplishment settled inside, watching the Silver Saddle prosper. For the first time since she had opened her doors, the saloon was entirely full with customers. She’d counted at least forty men, some standing at the bar, others sitting at the tables playing pike monte, while the rest were happy just to have a seat for their behinds and drinks in their hands.

Her notices throughout the county had panned out nicely. Most of her customers were from five sizable ranches in the area. Some patrons came from Grass Valley and Kate was happy to see a few locals in her saloon tonight. All seemed to be enjoying themselves. The place hadn’t been so lively since the old days when her mama had run the saloon.

Shady began playing the piano, the tunes barely heard over the boisterous crowd. Kate walked up to the bar. “Two more beers, Josh. And two cigars.”

Josh poured the drinks and set the cigars on the tray. “Here you go, Miss Kate. Sure you don’t want me to serve these up?”

“I don’t mind. You’re too busy behind the bar.”

Josh smiled. “You’re just like your mama, Kate. Smart as a whip and a hard worker.” He winked and she laughed, taking up the tray.

“Flattery might just get you a raise in pay, Josh,” Kate said gaily.

“Did I mention that you’re pretty and kind and sweet natured, and talented to boot?”

Kate rolled her eyes. “My, my, a girl’s mind might
turn to molasses for all that sugary talk you’re pouring on.”

Josh smiled as he wiped some glasses clean.

Kate took up the tray again and headed for a table near the stage. She bent to serve the drinks to a table of five when a handsome cowboy put his hand on her wrist. “Didn’t get a chance to meet you when you came out to the ranch the other morning. The boys here said I missed out. Said you was real pretty. For once they didn’t fracture the truth.”

“Oh, well, thank you,” Kate said, pulling her wrist from his grasp.

“My name’s Cody. Head wrangler at the Randolph spread.” He took in the bodice of her satin dress before lifting his eyes and granting her a seductive smile.

“I’m Kate Malone,” she offered tentatively. Kate knew enough not to encourage a man who’d been drinking. “Nice to meet you.” She finished setting the glasses down and scurried back to the bar.

“He giving you trouble?” Josh asked, eyeing the wrangler intently.

“Nothing I can’t handle, Josh.” Kate shot him a reassuring smile.

“Good, because you might not like what you see when you turn around.”

Instantly Kate whirled around to find Cole Bradshaw making his way through the front door.