Texan's Touch

TWENTY-SEVEN

ADAM LEANED HIS knee on the bed and slowly unbuckled Nichole’s gun belt. The leather was soaked, the Colt covered in mud as he unwrapped it from around her.

“She handed me the last kid,” Wes mumbled, “and I turned to pass the child along. In that moment, her foot must have slipped and no one was holding the rope tight. We were all laughing and hooting, because it was over and all the children were safe. She fell back hard before I could grab the other end of the line and start pulling her up.”

At the bedroom door, Daniel held one of his twins on his arm. “Is she all right, Adam?”

Adam ran his hand along her ribs and felt her slow, steady breathing. “I think she’ll be fine,” he answered. “Both of you get into dry clothes. I’ll take care of her. I’ll call if I need anything.”

Wes raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t argue. He left Adam and Nichole in Daniel’s bedroom and closed the door behind him.

Slowly, Adam began undressing her, checking for any bumps or cuts as he worked. Her breathing was normal, even her body temperature was not unduly low considering she’d been in cold water for the past hour. When he’d lifted her from Wes and carried her through the rain to Daniel’s house, she’d held to him tightly. Silently her embrace told him that maybe she was in need of a very special kind of care.

He opened her shirt, feeling slightly like a Peeping Tom as she laid unaware. He moved his hands to her waist and began unbuttoning her trousers. She was so beautiful, not like an untouchable statue or doll as he used to think of women, but like a real flesh-and-blood woman.

He slid down beside her and felt her curl against the length of his body. Raising his hand to her throat, he spread his fingers wide as he moved down the length of her with enough pressure to let her know that he was touching her. His hand stopped below her waist. He shoved her wet clothes aside.

When she didn’t respond, he repeated his cure, pressing her flesh with his bold action as he moved downward from throat to below waist. Holding her breast as his fingers passed over her, feeling her ribs, pressing into the soft valley where a child would someday grow within her.

His touch was not light like an admirer, but bold and demanding as a seasoned lover’s.

She rocked slightly with pleasure, but didn’t open her eyes.

He repeated his action, bolder, feeling her fully as she lay beside him, imprinting his hand upon her skin, warming her with his gentle branding.

Finally, he could wait no longer to taste her half-opened mouth. He lowered his lips and kissed hers lightly. When she didn’t move, the kiss deepened, forcing her mouth wide with its plundering, taking fully while demanding a response.

Her eyes opened.

Adam didn’t move. He stared into the bottomless depths of her fiery green eyes as she lay so close against him. Her shirt barely covered her shoulders, but she made no effort to pull it closed. Without breaking his stare, his hand spread out across her abdomen. There could be no doubt what he’d been doing while she’d been unconscious. The only question was how she’d react.

Without a word, she raised her lips to his once more, offering her mouth. As he kissed her, she stretched beneath his hand, offering her body as well.

Silently, he made love to her. Gently worshipping with a touch what she willingly surrendered. Unlike the first time that had been wild and free, loving now was deep and sweet with tenderness.

She gave herself easily to his every embrace, and he lost his very soul in the depths of her. They were not two people mating, but one being intertwining around and around itself until there was no place where one began and the other ended. He entered her again and again, pulling out before completion so that he could continue to hold her and touch her as she strained for more. Her breathing quickened with need for him, but he held her away, forcing her to endure more of his endless pleasing, allowing himself all he wanted of the feel of her.

And he took his fill, turning her on first her side and then her stomach, so that his hands could caress every part of her. When she cried out in pleasure, he pulled her back against him and cupped her breasts tightly as she felt his need for her pressing against her.

He held her there, denying her the fulfillment she wanted until she relaxed once more in his embrace. When she leaned her head back on his shoulder in truce, he tasted her throat hungrily as his fingers explored her now soft, waiting body.

She was pure joy in his arms, responding to his every touch now. Her body was warm and wet and shaking with need for him. For a moment he’d tamed the wild spirit and caught the fire in his hand. She responded to his needs, be they bold or slight.

As he moved across her, she welcomed his every advance. He closed his fingers around her breasts, gently tugging them again and again until they felt swollen and ripe. His mouth made her senses explode as he kissed her with the hunger of starvation. He gave her the sanctuary of his arms, and the warmth of his nearness and all life’s passion.

When she could stand his sweet caresses no longer, she turned to face him, opening to allow him inside her once more. Wrapping her arms around him, she drew him close, welcoming him fully.

All the control he’d so carefully practiced vanished as she melted against him, her heartbeat matching his. There was nothing for either of them to do but ride the fire of passion, holding tightly to one another as their hearts melted together.

He thought he heard her whisper his name as she shuddered and fell back to reality. For a long time he could only hold her, marveling at the way she moved him. Even with passion spent, he still hungered for the taste of her, the feel of her, the smell of her.

Then, just before they fell asleep he said the words he swore he’d never say again until he’d heard them from her.

He whispered, “I love you.”

It was almost noon when he awoke. The rain had stopped and the sun blinked between the broadcloth curtains in the bedroom. Nick was gone from his side, but the taste of her was still on his lips and the feel of her against his skin. He could hear muffled voices from beyond the door and knew they must be preparing lunch.

Adam dressed quickly. He needed to check on the children before eating. He should have done it two hours ago. Smiling, he told himself that he’d have to remember his work in the future no matter how inviting Nichole was in bed. And she’d understand, he knew she would. No matter how many times he had to leave her, he’d always come back, hungry for her once more.

When he stepped into the kitchen, Willow and the twins were alone at the table. Willow smiled up at Adam as if she were surprised anyone was still in the house.

“I forgot about you.” She giggled. “I think I was to wake you.”

“Where are the others?” Adam asked as he poured himself a cup of milk.

“The man with the scar and Nichole left about an hour ago. I heard Nichole say her brother was coming to Fort Worth and she wanted to be there.” Willow seemed happy to have someone to talk to so she related every detail. “Mr. Daniel tried to talk her into waking you, but she said she was in a hurry to see her brother and get back home.”

Adam fought down the anger. She’d left him again. After the way they’d made love, he’d believed that they could find a middle ground somewhere. To him, loving someone meant more than just wanting that person for a night. It meant wanting someone for a lifetime. She was his. How could she have any doubt after this morning?

He’d been a fool, he realized. She’d never said she loved him. For her, he was just one more adventure. Well, this adventure was going to last a little longer than she may have planned, for he wasn’t going to give up.

He forced his voice to sound calm. “Where’s Daniel?”

“He’s in the barn getting your horse saddled,” Willow answered. “He says he wants to ride over with you and pay his respects to Nichole’s brother.”

Adam didn’t hear the last few words. He was out the door and heading to the barn. An hour later, Adam had made a final check on the children and Daniel had arranged for Mrs. March to keep a close watch on Willow and the twins. The brothers rode toward Fort Worth.

Halfway across the open land, they crossed near Emery’s Post. The half-Indian, half-Frenchman’s farm could hardly be called a trading post, but it had served as one in this country for almost twenty years. Emery welcomed travelers with a free cup of coffee and sold them spirits if they were willing to stay and share. He considered himself more a trader than a salesman and was always looking to make a deal for a horse or a few weeks’ rations if the traveler had something to barter.

Adam hadn’t planned to stop on the return trip, but when he saw Wes’s horse in the corral, his interest was piqued. Wes’s animal was ten times the worth of any horse Emery owned.

“Maybe Wes traded that stallion back to Emery,” Daniel offered as they rode in. “I thought when Wes told me of buying it from the old man that Emery must be losing his eyesight to allow such an animal to go.”

“Maybe.” Adam shook his head. There wasn’t a better horse in Texas. “He didn’t say anything about wanting the horse back when Wes and I stopped to water our horses yesterday on our way to your place. But looks like he’s got the horse back now.”

Something didn’t feel right around Emery’s cabin. Adam couldn’t shake the feeling. The place had not only a look of neglect about it, but also one of abandonment.

Atop the dugout cabin rose a flagpole as fine as any found in a fort. Emery might not have fought in the war, but he considered himself a patriot. During the war he’d flown both the Union and the rebel flag and would raise a glass to either side, some said.

Daniel glanced up at the pole as they rode near Emery’s home. “Do you see it?” he whispered.

“I see it,” Adam answered as he moved his coat away from the handle of his gun. The Stars and Stripes were flying upside down, a sign of distress. “You got another weapon besides that rifle?”

“No,” Daniel answered. “Maybe he was just hung-over this morning when he raised the flag.”

Adam shook his head. “A man who takes the time to post a flag every morning takes the time to do it right. That pole is the only thing around this place Emery seems to take any pride in.”

Adam remembered having the same uneasy feeling the night he rode into Wes’s camp. Nichole had said he hadn’t trusted his feelings. Well, he planned to trust them now. Something was wrong.

Emery appeared at the door of his cabin. His smile was friendly enough, but he didn’t call them in.

“Welcome,” Emery said as they stopped. “You strangers just passing through?”

Now Adam knew there was trouble. Emery wouldn’t have forgotten him. Before, he’d offered a drink, now he seemed to be just waiting for them to leave.

Adam played along. “We thought to water our horses.”

Emery nodded. “Help yourself,” he said, and waved them away as he walked back inside.

Daniel watered the horses while Adam lifted his Colt and followed Emery into the house.

As he stepped inside, he blinked, trying to pull the shadowy cave of a room into focus. Just as he made out Emery sitting at the table with his head in his hands, the cold barrel of a gun pressed into his left ear.

“Move,” a man whispered, “and you’re a dead man. We don’t mean you no harm, mister, we just don’t want you in the way.”

Adam lifted his Colt and the stranger grabbed it away without decreasing the pressure of the barrel at the side of his head.

“In the way of what?” Adam straightened.

“Soon as our boss gets here, we’re going to have a trial. We caught us a horse thief a few hours back. But don’t you worry, we’ll let you and your friend go after the hanging.” The man’s voice bore no malice. “If you’d just watered them horses and moved on, we wouldn’t be slowing you up none.”

“But-”

“No more questions. Walk!” The stranger shoved Adam toward the back of the room where a small door lead to a dugout. “You just think of the next few hours as a rest time on your trip.”

When they reached a doorway leading to the back room, the stranger encouraged him with the barrel of his gun. Adam stumbled down the steps into a room dug out of the earth. It was full of supplies and built with only the roof aboveground. The cool room smelled of dirt and apples and spices.

“Got another one for you and the boys, Charlie.” The stranger shoved Adam hard, sending him tumbling into a man twice his width.

Adam was surrounded by men who looked to be more like ranch hands than thieves.

Before he could react, his hands were tied behind him and his feet strapped with something that felt like a belt. He was pushed into a corner. A minute later, Daniel landed on top of him. Charlie and his boys left the room, closing the only door. The room darkened to musty gray. Their corner was completely without light.

Adam shuffled to a sitting position as Daniel leaned against the wall beside him.

“I was right about the flag warning.” Daniel sounded proud of himself. “You should have taken heed. I knew there was trouble.”

“Well.” Adam kicked, trying to free his feet. “I figured my little brother would come to my aid if I got into trouble. So I thought I’d take a look.”

“So did I,” a voice said from only a few feet away in the shadows, making both Adam and Daniel halt all struggling.

“Wes?” Adam whispered.

“It’s me, little brothers. I’ve been waiting for you to come to my rescue. You did a good job of finding me, but the rescue part is a little lacking.”

“But I thought you were with Nick.” Adam asked.

“He is,” Nick answered. “In fact he’s the reason we’re in this mess. It seems that fine horse he bought didn’t belong to Emery.”

“That’s a horse trader for you,” Wes mumbled. “Only sold me the animal because he thought I’d be in Kansas before the real owner came back.”

Nichole continued as if he had only been talking to himself. “These men are from a spread south of here and have been waiting for Wes to come back so they can hang him as a horse thief. It seems the boss man only left his mount here for a few days. When he came back, Emery claimed the animal had been stolen.”

“We’re going to be hung as horse thieves?” Daniel shouted.

“Only me,” Wes answered. “I’m the fool who told Emery when we rode by earlier that I’d be back before nightfall to share a bottle with him. I deserve to be hung. Mom always said my drinking would get me in trouble. They just tied you three up to keep you out of the way.”

“I’ve been in nothing but hot water since I came to Texas and found you all.” Nichole’s voice was laced with anger. “Your mother should have drowned the whole litter of you McLains. I’m getting out of here before Charlie and the boys discover I’m a woman.”

She struggled and Adam guessed she was on the other side of Wes. He didn’t blame her for being mad. For a Shadow, getting caught and tied was a great punishment.

“Between the three of you, I can’t figure out how the South could have possibly lost.” She continued to swear as she struggled. “It’s hard to believe that a handful of cowhands could have hog-tied three McLains without one bullet being fired.”

“And one Shadow,” Adam added teasing her. “Isn’t that why you’re angry, Nichole? Not because we were stupid enough to ride into a trap, but because you were.”

“Who you calling stupid?” Wes grumbled.

“Quiet!” Nick snapped at Wes. “Your wanting to stop for a drink got us into this mess. And Daniel, you’d be wise to learn from your older brother about drinking. Stop drowning your troubles in a bottle and start thinking of names for those twins.”

“Are you finished?” Adam said in the general direction of her voice. “I don’t care about this mess. We’ll explain our way out when the boss gets here. What I want to know is why you left in such a hurry this morning? Were you afraid of being tied down to me?”

“She-”

“Hush, Wes. I want to hear it from her.” Adam ordered. “In fact, you two stop listening. This is none of your business. As far as I’m concerned you aren’t even here.”

“Do we have to talk about it?” she whispered. “Now?”

“Yes,” Adam answered. “There’s never time for words with you. Having you tied up seems as good a chance as I’ll ever get. I know you feel the same way I do. This morning proved it even if you won’t talk about it.”

“We’re not right for one another.” Her voice shook a little. “You’ve never even seen me in a dress. You need a wife who-”

“Who can be as worthless as Bergette? I never needed that kind of wife. I was a fool to even think I did,” Adam answered. “As for seeing you in a dress, you couldn’t be more beautiful to me. Nick, I don’t care about that. What I care about is how you sleep so close beside me, and how you stand up to me when you think I’m wrong. And how you fight for my brothers as if they were your family.

“I know I’ll never have all of you. A part will always be free, but I can’t let you go.”

“You can’t stop me,” she whispered. “I’ll be out of here in ten minutes. You’ll never find me.”

He could hear her struggling with her ropes.

“In Tennessee, six-year-old children can tie better knots,” she complained.

“Daniel!” Adam shouted in anger, knowing his time was short. He had no doubt that she’d be untied and gone in a matter of minutes.

“I’m not listening,” Daniel answered. “I’m not even sure I’m here. How about you, Wes?”

“I think I left five minutes ago. I’d check if I was listening but Adam told me not to.”

“Are you still ordained?” Adam asked without playing into their joke. “Can you still marry folks, Dan?”

“Yes.” Daniel now sounded interested. “Providing both the parties are willing.”

“Then marry us,” Adam said. “Right here, right now. She’s not leaving me again without knowing she belongs to me as truly as I belong to her.”

“B-but-” Daniel stammered.

“Hold on, Adam!” Wes jumped in. “I want the kid in the family too, but she don’t seem all that willing.”

“I love her,” Adam said. “And she loves me, too. She can run from me, but she can’t deny it any longer. We’re one, we always have been since that first night. There will never be another for me or her. At least this time when she runs, she’ll know how I feel about her.”

“Nick,” Wes whispered. “Do you agree with Adam? Do you love him?”

“I don’t want to.” She sighed. “He’s the most frustrating man that ever walked the earth. Half the time I want to shoot him for what he does, and the other half stab him for what he refuses to do. There’s no understanding the man.”

“That’s not the question. Do you love me?” Adam asked.

“Love’s something for the weak-minded who don’t have anything better to think about.” She kicked in the darkness and Wes groaned. “You’ll fit in here, Wes.”

“Like hell,” he mumbled. “I’m never riding close to love again as long as I live. Stop trying to change the subject, kid. Do you love my brother or not?” Wes repeated.

There was a long silence. “I do,” she finally whispered. “But-”

“Daniel, start at the beginning,” Adam interrupted her. “She’s already said the end.”

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here together in this dusty dugout, while awaiting our brother’s hanging, to join this woman and this man in…”