Nevada lay watching the woman asleep in his arms. Sometime during the night he had managed to carry her to his bedroll. But neither of them had given much thought to sleep.
Their lovemaking had been by turns fierce and gentle, at times as playful as children, at other times so darkly passionate they came together with all the frenzy of a thunderstorm. Through it all, Jade had been a source of constant delight.
He watched her now as the sunrise cast her lovely face in light and shadow. She was so beautiful she took his breath away. She was an innocent and a temptress. A child and a woman. A lover and a friend.
She made him achingly aware of all the things he’d always known were beyond his grasp. Marriage. Family. Roots. The pain was so sudden, he closed his eyes against it.
If he could, he would hold back the dawn, so that they could stay here forever, safely sheltered from the civilized world. Civilized. He frowned. He much preferred this wilderness paradise to harsh reality. But sooner or later, civilization would have to be faced.
By now, Jade’s family would have received word that she was returning to Texas. When the stage didn’t arrive, they would think the worst. He had to spare them any more worry. Still, the desire to remain here was tempting. Here they had no one to please but each other. In Hanging Tree they would incur the wrath of everyone. He didn’t mind for himself. He’d made his choices, most of them wrong, a long time ago. But Jade was different. She was already vulnerable to attacks by the townspeople because of the Golden Dragon. She didn’t need the added burden of being linked to an infamous outlaw.
“Is that hunger I see?” She touched a finger to the little frown line between his brows. “Or are you worried about something?”
“Just thinking.”
“Sounds ominous.” She gave a throaty laugh. In an attempt to lighten his mood, she pressed her lips to his neck and ran feathery kisses across his shoulder. When that didn’t bring the expected smile, she lifted a finger and began to trace the furrow in his brow.
He looked down to find her watching him with a look of concern. Instantly his frown disappeared. Catching her finger, he dipped it into his mouth, nipping lightly. With a smile she traced the fullness of his lips, then brought her finger to her own mouth and tasted him, as he had once done.
She saw the way his amber eyes darkened with sudden passion.
“Um-hmm,” she muttered. “I thought so. Hunger.”
“But not for food,” he breathed against her mouth a moment before his lips claimed hers. “For you.”
And then there was no need for words. They slipped once more into their warm cocoon, insulated from the world outside. A place where there were no angry words or violent outlaws. A place where they were safe. And thoroughly satisfied. And completely loved.
“I don’t want another bandage on this hand,” Jade complained as Nevada cut a strip of linen and began to wrap it firmly around her cut.
She was still lying naked in the bedroll. Nevada, wearing nothing but a blanket, had little drops of water in his hair from his morning bath.
“Don’t argue. You need a clean dressing until the wound is completely healed.”
“But I wanted to take a bath in the creek and wash my hair.” She glanced up at him through a fringe of lashes as he finished tying the linen.
She was shamelessly flirting. And he loved her for it.
“Is that all that’s bothering you?” His eyes gleamed and she saw the hint of laughter in his smile. “Why didn’t you say so?” Before she could respond he tossed aside his blanket, picked up her fragrant soap and scooped her into his arms.
“What are you doing?” she demanded as he waded into the water.
“I’m going to wash your hair. And…anything else you’d like.”
He set her in the water, taking care to keep her freshly bandaged hand high enough to remain dry. “Just sit here in the shallows. I’ll do all the work,” he murmured as he began running the soap through her tangles.
She closed her eyes as he gently massaged her scalp. “You have strong fingers.”
“Umm.” He took his time, clearly enjoying himself. “But they’ve never been used for such… rewarding work before. I used to wonder what your hair felt like,” he muttered as he worked up a lather. “And now I know. It’s as soft as a web spun with dew. And as beautiful.”
She felt herself blushing. “Can this be the man who calls himself an outlaw? Are you sure you aren’t a poet?”
He laughed. “Don’t tell anyone, but I did read a little poetry in jail. And I often wondered how a man could carry on so about a woman’s lips. Or hair. But when I saw you the night of your birthday at the Golden Dragon, I understood. Do you have any idea how long your image remained with me on the trail, warming my nights, fueling my dreams?”
At his admission, her eyes widened. “You are a poet. Or a shameless flatterer.”
“Maybe I’m both. Now close your eyes,” he said as he pressed her back against his arm and rinsed the soap from her hair.
She did as she was told. “Umm. This is heavenly.”
“I’m glad you like it.” He moved the soap across her shoulders, down her throat, over her breasts.
Her eyes snapped open. But his hand had already moved lower, across her stomach, along her thigh.
“Nevada.” Her voice was little more than a purr of pleasure. She brought her hands to his chest and water lapped gently around them.
“Your hand…” he began, but it was already too late. The bandage was soaked.
Neither of them seemed to care as they came together in the slow, leisurely ritual of love.
“Why do we have to go?” With one hand Jade rinsed their plate and cup in the creek while Nevada rolled up their blankets and tied them behind the saddle.
“I told you. Your family will be worried about you.”
“But it’s too soon.” She hated whining. Hated being cross with him. But with each passing minute she had grown increasingly cranky. She felt like a petulant child.
Suddenly inspired, she held up her hand. Though the pain was minimal, she would use any excuse to prolong the time of their departure. “My hand will be even better tomorrow.”
He didn’t say a word. How could he criticize her when he was raging against the same things? Instead he crossed the distance that separated them and dragged her against him. The kiss was long, slow, intimate. Then he lifted her in his arms and settled her in the saddle, before pulling himself up behind her and catching up the reins.
Without a word they turned away from the place that had become their haven. And started toward home.
Chapter Twenty
It was nearly dusk when they rode into Hanging Tree. Though the sight of the two of them sharing a horse caused many an eyebrow to be lifted, not a single resident of the town called out a greeting. Most turned away quickly, avoiding their eyes.
Jade and Nevada exchanged glances before riding on in silence.
A short time later they crested a hill and saw the lights of the ranch house in the distance. Jade’s heart leapt to her throat. Home. There had been a time, during her capture, that she had feared she’d never see this ranch again, or the beloved faces of her sisters. But now that she was here, she had an even greater fear. That somehow her return home meant the loss of this man who had captured her heart.
Even as they drew near, Jade could feel Nevada withdrawing from her.
“Take a few days to rest.” His voice was barely a whisper in her ear as he slowed his horse to a walk. “You shouldn’t come into town for a while.”
“Are you trying to frighten me?”
He halted the stallion and slid to the ground. “Just trying to save you a little discomfort. You saw how the people reacted when they saw us together.”’
She clung to him after he helped her dismount. “I want you to spend the night here, Nevada. In the morning we’ll face the townspeople together.”
They both looked up as the door was thrown open and Diamond, Pear
l, Ruby and Carmelita came running onto the porch. They were alternately laughing and weeping as they approached the couple.
“Jade. Oh, Jade,” Diamond shouted. “Thank heaven you’re all right.”’
“We’ve been so worried,” Pearl cried. “Adam and Cal and the wranglers have been out searching for hours. We’ll have to send Cookie with the news that you’re safely home.”
“You look—” Ruby studied her sister with a critical eye “—different. What’s happened to you?”
Before Jade could think of a response, Carmelita caught up her hand. “You have been hurt.”
“It’s just a cut. It’s healing nicely.”
With her hand beneath Jade’s elbow, Carmelita began urging her up the steps. “Oh, Señorita Jade. You will eat. And then you will tell us everything. Reverend Weston, you will join us?”
“No. I have to get to town. I have…unfinished business to take care of.”
Jade pulled free and turned. “You don’t have to face them so soon. At least stay the night.”
“You know I can’t.”
Seeing the looks that passed between the two, Diamond said, “The town gossips have been having a fine time discussing the disappearance of both of you. There have even been silly rumors that you two arranged to meet in another town.”
“I feared as much. The townspeople will want a meeting,” Nevada said tiredly. “When it’s over, Jade, I expect they’ll order me to leave as quickly as possible.” He pulled himself into the saddle.
She ran down the steps and caught his sleeve. “If they order you to leave, I’m going with you.”
He reached down and for the briefest moment touched her hand. “You know I ride alone.”
She held tightly to him. “Not anymore. Not after what we’ve shared.” She saw the closed look on his face and her tone became pleading. “We could have a future together. I don’t care what others think.”
He released her hand and clutched the reins. When their eyes met, his were as hard as flint. Whatever he’d felt for her had been carefully locked away in his heart. Now that she was safely home, he was preparing himself, and her, for the emptiness that was certain to follow. “You’d better start caring. I warn you, Jade, I know what it is to be an outcast. I won’t allow it to happen to you. I couldn’t live with myself if I were to cause you to face an angry mob.”
“You didn’t cause any of this. Loving you was my choice. Mine,” she said fiercely.
The four women who stood listening reacted with shock. Love? Their sister had been gone only a few weeks. When had she learned to love the town preacher?
As he wheeled his mount she called, “I warn you, Nevada. I won’t be separated from you.”
He rode away without a backward glance.
Watching him, she realized that her words had been an echo of the very things her father had said to her mother. And yet, for all the love they had shared, her parents had lived—and died—apart.
Oh, honorable Father, she thought as she struggled to hold back her tears, is this to be my legacy? Must I repeat your mistake and find myself forever separated from the only one I’ll ever love?
She struggled to compose herself. When horse and rider dipped below a ridge and disappeared from view, she turned. And found Diamond, Pearl and Ruby studying her in silence.
Seeing the tears that shimmered on her lashes, they gathered around her with hugs and kisses.
“We expected a celebration,” Diamond whispered. “Instead, we find you grieving. Can you tell us what happened?”
“Give me a minute.” Jade accepted the delicately embroidered handkerchief Pearl held out to her and wiped her tears. Then, following the others inside, she took her place at the table. It was a somber little group that gathered around. But slowly, painfully, with many interruptions, she told them everything.
“He was very brave,” Pearl said.
“Your guardian angel,” Ruby added with a smile.
“And you love him.” Diamond’s voice was hushed with awe.
Jade nodded. “But when the townspeople learn of his past, his future here will be over.”
The sisters glanced at each other, acknowledging the truth of that statement. Diamond spoke for all of them. “Lavinia and the others will never accept a former outlaw as their preacher.”
Jade pushed away from the table, unable to eat a thing.
“You must rest now,” Diamond said firmly.
“I don’t want to rest.” Jade held back as the others started toward the stairs. “I’ll never be able to close my eyes knowing what tomorrow will bring.”
“You must try,” Pearl said. “For Reverend Weston’s sake, as well as your own.”
They walked with her up the stairs. At the door to her bedroom they embraced her, and fervently prayed that their love and support would be enough to sustain her through whatever was to come.
Hours later, after Diamond and Adam had returned to their own ranch, and Pearl and Cal and their boys had started out for their little home on the banks of Poison Creek, Ruby climbed the stairs to her bed. At the door to Jade’s room she paused and listened. Hearing no sound from within, she gave a little sigh of relief and hurried off to bed.
What she didn’t know was that the object of her concern had let herself out the upstairs window. And was already halfway to town.
Jade held the lantern aloft and stared around. Over the door the word Golden had been painted in gold leaf. The rest would probably be completed tomorrow. Inside, the rooms smelled of paint and wood shavings. The walls and floors were bare, except for some tools left by the workmen.
She climbed the stairs to the upper floor, to the room she’d selected to be her bedroom. She would furnish it with a sumptuous feather bed, and satin sheets. For Nevada, she thought, fighting the panic that fluttered in the pit of her stomach. He would be here to share it. He had to be. For she would accept no other.
She walked to the window and looked down at the sleeping town. What if they ordered Nevada to leave? She wouldn’t think about it. Couldn’t. She turned away, blinking back tears.
As she descended the stairs, she stopped in midstride at the sight of someone in the circle of lantern light.
“Who is it? Who is there?” Her hand went to the knife at her waist.
“Birdie. Birdie Bidwell,” came a faltering voice. The little girl stepped forward, keeping her eyes downcast.
“You gave me quite a scare, Birdie.”
“Sorry, ma’am. I heard you were back in town. When I saw the light, I figured it was you. I…need to talk to you.”
“Now? In the middle of the night? Why didn’t you wait until morning, Birdie?”
The girl swallowed. “I didn’t want anyone to know about…what I wanted to ask you. You see…” She was twisting the end of her tattered shawl around and around her finger, keeping her gaze averted. “Times are real hard, Miss Jewel. Mama says she can’t let me go to Miss Pearl’s school anymore, ‘cause she needs me to work. Only there isn’t any work in town, ‘cept sometimes when Mrs. Potter needs me at the boardinghouse. And so I thought…” She licked her lips and forced herself to go on. “I thought maybe you could let me work here.”
Jade tried to hide her shock. “Do you know what the women will be expected to do here?”
“Yes’m. Sort of.”
“How old are you, Birdie?”
“Thirteen, ma’am. But folks say I’m big for my age.”
“Thirteen. And what do you think your folks would say if they knew you were thinking of working here?”
“I expect they’d be shamed by it. They’re good folks. Decent folks. But I’m desperate, Miss Jewel.” Tears filled her eyes, and her lower lip began quivering. “I overheard my pa tell my ma that there was no way he could hold us together much longer. He’s—” she took a deep breath and said the rest on a rush of air, to hide the pain “—thinking of turning me out to fend for myself. And I’m scared, Miss Jewel. I don’t know anything ‘cept cooking and c
leaning and book learning. And no one around here has any need for that. They’re all just barely getting by as it is.” The tears fell freely now, and she swiped at her eyes with the back of her hand, making her look even more like a child.
Jade felt her heart breaking for the girl. As she started to put her arms around her, Birdie resisted. “You’ll get your fine, elegant gown all dirty if you touch me. And my tears will leave stains on your silk shawl.”
“You let me worry about that,” Jade said, gathering the girl close.
She held Birdie while the tears flowed and her body shook with sobs. When at last the bout of weeping ended, Jade handed her a clean handkerchief.
Composing herself, Birdie said, “Working here wouldn’t be so terrible. Look at you. No matter what folks say about you, you’re a fine, elegant lady.” The girl blew her nose. “Mrs. Thurlong and the others say you’re the object of men’s lust. And that many a man has abandoned his responsibilities to his wife and children because of women like you.” She lowered her gaze. “But I don’t care if they say the same about me, as long as I have a place where…” Her eyes filled again, and the tears started trickling down her cheeks. “Where I can earn my keep. Where I can belong. Miss Pearl says I’m a fast learner. You could teach me to do…whatever I have to, in order to be a woman like you.”
A woman like you.
Jade thought of Lily, agreeing to an arrangement with her married lover because it was all that she could ever hope for. And now this innocent was willing to embrace the same stigma. To forgo the chance for marriage and children in order to survive the harshness of her life.
Jade held the girl close again and allowed her to cry her heart out. When at last she lifted her head, Jade smoothed the hair from Birdie’s face and gazed into her red-rimmed eyes.
“Don’t worry about earning your keep,” she murmured. “You’ll always have a job with me, Birdie.”