A Run for Love (4 page)

“I’m fine. I can get up myself.”

“No, let me help you.” He reached for her again. She ignored him and patted the ground for her spectacles. Without them, she could only see a couple of feet in front of her.

Jesse grabbed her arms and hauled her up, smack against his chest. She twisted away, lost her balance, and landed on her rump with a thud. A groan escaped her at the sound of glass cracking. A roll to one side and, sure enough, smashed spectacles under her rear. She awkwardly got up, then examined them through squinted eyes. The right glass shattered, the frame twisted. She sighed.

Jesse’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry, I tried to help.” He gave her a half grin.

Her limited vision still couldn’t hide how good he looked, even when apologizing. “In the future, sir, I would appreciate not having your help.”

His jaw tightened. “For some reason, Miss Henderson, you seem to dislike me. Have I done something I need to apologize for?”

“Aside from breaking my spectacles, you mean?”

“I tried to help.
You
pulled away from
me
and landed on your bottom.”

She lowered her voice and leaned closer. “I do not wish to discuss my
bottom
with you. If you had left me alone, none of this would have happened.”

Jesse matched her tone, and her movements. “I’m a gentleman, I help ladies. But you, ma’am, are by far the most stubborn, unreasonable woman I have ever had the misfortune to run across.”

The nerve of the man.
“Mr. Cochran, I would appreciate you not running across me anymore. Then maybe I’ll be able to stay on my feet.” She could have dragged the words back. The conceited man probably assumed she meant he caused her to swoon.

“Fine. That suits me just fine.” He stalked off toward the creek.

Tori couldn’t see clearly enough to find her way back. Taking her time, she managed to get far enough to see the wagon. When she yelled for Michael, he jumped up and guided her by the elbow.

“What happened?”

“Our new neighbor. I tripped, and he insisted on helping me. I pulled away and landed on my spectacles.” She waved them in the air.

“Do you have another pair?”

“Somewhere in the bag I brought with me, but they’re broken and wired together in the center. I’ll have to use them, though, until I can send these out to be repaired.”

She pulled the bag out of the tent and rummaged around. “Where are the others?”

“Hunter and Ellie are selling water right down the road. I can see them from here. Rachel must have wandered off when I tended the horses, and I didn’t see her leave.”

Tori frowned in Michael’s direction. “I don’t like her wandering around this town un-chaperoned. That’s precisely why I wore a disguise.”

“I’ll look for her now.” Michael fetched his hat.

“As soon as I find the other pair of spectacles, I’ll be visiting families to let them know about tutoring.” She mumbled to herself as she continued to paw through the bag. When she uncovered her extra pair, she sighed with relief.

Off to find some tutoring.

The first family she approached had three school-aged children. The frazzled mother beamed brightly to have someone take them off her hands for a couple hours a day. Unfortunately, they couldn’t pay, but offered to provide milk from their cow each morning. That would work.

After a few hours, she had promises of milk, eggs, firewood, lumber, and nails. One father offered to help Michael when the time came to put up their house. Pleased with the success she’d made of her day, she headed toward home. It had been a profitable morning.

Jesse wiped sweat from his face. Time to take a break. He gulped water from his canteen and dumped the rest over his head. Building a law office took a lot more effort than working in one.

Refreshed, he sat, resting his forearms on raised knees. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. The sun dried the water on his face. The sounds of hammering, wagons rumbling by, and the occasional angry curse floated into his consciousness. This had been a good decision. Oklahoma Territory would be where his new life began.

No labels, no past. Since everyone in this new town would know him as Jesse Cochran, Attorney at Law, he might find a respectable woman to marry, settle down, maybe even raise a family. A normal family, one who attends church, goes on picnics on a Sunday afternoon. Against his will, his gaze wandered to the lot next to him. Nah, even though he felt a tug, Tori had made it clear she had no use for him.

“Rachel, where have you been? We’ve been looking all over for you.”

Jesse frowned at the sound of Rachel and Michael arguing, and glanced over at the brother and sister.

“I had some personal business to attend to, Michael Henderson.”

The young man took hold of her arm and glared at her.

“Not that it’s any of your business.” She sniffed and pulled her arm free.

“Tori went to see about tutoring jobs. Mrs. Bonner wants some more cookies to go with the sandwiches Mr. Bonner is selling at the Land Office later today. You need to get started.”

“I hate this.” She turned on him, hands fisted at her sides. “I don’t see why I have to work. I should be in school, not baking cookies for a bunch of dirty land grabbers.”

Jesse grinned. The girl had as much spit and fire as the aunt.
I’m sure glad she’s not my problem.

“Just get the cookies done.” Michael pushed the brim of his hat back with his thumb. “We’re all pitching in and doing the best we can.” He leaned against the wagon and studied his sister. “Tori didn’t have to leave her home and job in Kentucky to take care of us. When Pa died, she could have handed us over to the orphan’s home. I would think you could show a little appreciation.”

“I wish she
hadn’t
shown up. I could’ve lived with Mary Jane McRae. Her mama would have let me stay with them. It would be better than living in this dump.” She swept her arm in the general direction of the whole town.

Yep, that young girl took right after her aunt.
The picture of Tori after she fell on her glasses and stood to tell him off flashed through his mind, along with a burst of excitement as he recalled the passion filling her eyes. He’d like to be the man to unleash that passion in another direction.

Jesse tuned the rest of it out. Michael had a good head on his shoulders. But Rachel could be a real problem for Tori. He stretched. Time to get back to work.

As he stood, he caught a glimpse of Hunter racing down the road. The boy darted around the wagon, then grabbed his brother’s sleeve. “Michael, come quick. Where’s Tori?”

Jesse hurried over at the panic in Hunter’s voice. Tears ran down the boy’s pale cheeks. “What happened?” Jesse and Michael said at the same time.

Hunter’s eyes shifted from Jesse to Michael. “I think Ellie’s dead.”

Jesse’s stomach clenched. He grabbed Hunter by his shoulders.

“Calm down, son. Tell me what happened.” From the looks of it, the boy might faint dead away before he got any information out of him.

Hunter gulped, his voice shaking. “We went further than Michael said. When we were on our way back, Ellie got ahead of me, and a horse ran over her.” His voice pitched higher. “I couldn’t get her to wake up. You have to come. Please, Jesse, you have to come.” He pulled on Jesse’s arm, terror filling his face with trembling lips and wide eyes.

Jesse turned to Michael. “Do you know where your aunt is?” The young man stood there, white as a ghost, staring at him. “Michael!” Jesse shook him by the shoulders.

Michael blinked a few times. “Yes, I think she’s gone to the train station.”

“Go find her. Rachel, you go with him.” He turned to Hunter, who had his arms wrapped around his middle, as if fighting a stomach ache. “Where did this happen?”

“Not far, c’mon I’ll show you.”

He put his arm around the young boy’s shoulder and spoke to Michael. “When you find Tori, bring her here. I should be back with Ellie by then.” When neither one of them moved, he gave Michael a shove. “Go!”

Jesse and Hunter raced past wagons, horses, and children all clogging the area. A small crowd had gathered in the middle of the road. He broke through them, and his mouth dried at the sight of Ellie spread across the dusty ground. Dirt smeared her face, and her neck twisted to the side in a peculiar fashion, but relief rushed through him as her chest rose up and down in even breaths. “Is there a doctor here?”

No one answered. Everyone continued to stare at the young girl, while a few shook their heads. Jesse knelt to give Ellie a quick examination. He ran his hands over her legs, ribs, and arms to check for bleeding or broken bones. Except for being unconscious, Ellie didn’t appear to have any other injuries. That didn’t bode well. Internal injuries were far more dangerous.

He gently picked her up, and pushed his way through the crowd. “If anyone knows a doctor, I’d appreciate you sending him to lot seven eighty-three.”

Not waiting for a response, he strode back to Tori’s tent. He placed Ellie on the wagon, where it would be easier to attend her. “Hunter, get a couple blankets. We need to keep her warm.”

Within minutes, the young boy returned. As Jesse tucked the blanket around the still unconscious child, Tori and the two older children ran up.

Out of breath, Tori gasped. “What happened? Is she okay? Rachel said she was dead.” Pale and wide-eyed, Tori fought tears as her gaze shifted from a very still Ellie to Jesse.

Jesse took her ice cold hands in his. “She’s not dead. Unconscious.”

“Oh my God.” Her knees buckled.

Jesse caught her around her waist and hugged her to his side.

“We have to do something,” she whispered, wringing her hands.

He took her hands again. “The best thing is to keep her warm and find a doctor.”

Tori regarded him wide-eyed. “Where? Where can we find a doctor?”

Jesse ran his fingers through his hair. “I noticed postings at the train station yesterday for various services. There may be a doctor listed.”

Tori looked as if she could collapse any minute. It wouldn’t be a good idea to leave her by herself. He turned to Michael. “Go back to the train station and see if you can find a doctor.”

Michael raced off. Rachel stood staring at her sister, biting her lip. When Tori swayed against him, he led her to a tree stump, sat her down, and eased her head between her knees. Hunter crouched over a bush, vomiting.

When a moan came from the direction of the wagon, Jesse jogged over.

Rachel shouted, “She’s awake. Tori, Ellie’s awake.” Indeed awake, but pale and shivering.

Tori jumped to her feet and skirted around Jesse. “How do you feel, honey?” She held the young girl’s hand, smoothing her hair from her forehead.

Ellie’s eyes darted between Tori and Jesse. “What happened?”

Jesse leaned over and looked her in the eye. “Hunter said you ran in front of a horse. Do you remember?” She appeared alert, which was good.

Ellie’s eyebrows came together. “I think so. I remember seeing the horse and then. . .I don’t remember after that.”

“Do you hurt anywhere?” Somewhat calmer, Tori took charge. Jesse stepped back, giving her room.

“My head hurts a lot.”

Michael strode up with a man hurrying beside him.

“I’m Dr. Hendricks. I understand we’ve had an accident here.” He rolled up his sleeves as he spoke. Not waiting for introductions, he turned to Ellie.

Jesse breathed a sigh of relief. Not comfortable with all this drama, he was only too happy to have someone else responsible for the girl.

After poking and prodding for several minutes, the doctor asked Ellie to sit up.

“Do you feel dizzy?”

“No.”

He turned to Tori. “I think our little girl here will be fine. She doesn’t have any broken bones, and I don’t see any evidence of internal bleeding. The head injury’s not severe enough to cause concern.” He began to roll his sleeves down. “I assume you’re her mother?”

“No. Actually I’m her aunt, but I’m her only parent.”

Dr. Hendricks nodded. “I suggest liquids for the rest of the day, no solids. Let her go to sleep, but wake her a few times during the night. If she begins vomiting, send Michael to come get me.”

Tori walked with the doctor, their heads together as he gave her further instructions.

Jesse took a deep breath, glad everything turned out all right. He returned to his partially finished building, and stood for a minute. No longer in the mood to work, maybe a visit to one of the new saloons was in order. Something to calm his frayed nerves.

A few weeks later, Jesse leaned against the pantry doorframe in Tori’s kitchen, chewing a cookie, his legs crossed at the ankles. “You know, you laid this house out all wrong.”

Tori didn’t have time to heed him attention as she rushed from the oven to the table with trays of cookies. Lately, she’d seen more of him than she did the children. Didn’t he have a law office to run?

“Will you please get out of my way?”

He scooted aside as she grabbed a bag of flour from the pantry.

“Just trying to help, ma’am.” He glanced over her shoulder. “Wow, look at all those sacks of flour.”

Tori plopped a heavy bag on the table. “It’s payment.”

“For tutoring?”

She nodded as she scooped a cup of flour. “Right now, I’m well stocked with eggs, cheese, milk, butter, and chickens.”

“I haven’t had breakfast, you know.” That lazy grin of his started the butterflies in her stomach again. Even if she had time for a man’s attentions, which she didn’t, this fine looking rapscallion would be the last man she’d consider. To her way of thinking, male charm—and Jesse had plenty—meant heartbreak.

“If you truly wanted to help, instead of just stating your opinion and giving off not so subtle hints about the state of your empty belly, you wouldn’t stand in my way when I’m trying to work.” She bumped him with her hip as she slid the cookies off the tray and onto a plate. “And helping would not be telling me something about my house after it’s done.”

“You should have consulted me before Michael put it up.”

“I didn’t realize designing homes was another of your talents.” She wiped her forehead with her sleeve, and bit her cheek to keep from grinning. He looked like a little boy, hair falling over his forehead, and eating the cookie by chewing around the edges in a circle. She let out a breath of air. Jesse Cochran was no little boy, not the way he filled out those denims.

He brushed the crumbs from his hands. “I wouldn’t mind a cup of coffee.”

“The restaurant is next door, Mr. Cochran,” she sang out as she pounded her fist into a fresh batch of dough, annoyed for noticing how his shirt stretched tightly over his chest and shoulders.

The next afternoon Tori rolled out the crust for her last apple pie, this one for the family’s supper, while Rachel worked on math at the table. Jesse sauntered through the back door. “That’s a fine lookin’ sign you have posted at the train station about your tutoring, but it’s not big enough.”

She slapped his hand as he reached for a cookie. “Don’t you have a law practice to attend to? Someone to sue? And keep your hands off my cookies. If you want to eat, go next door to The Café.”

“Oh, another thing.” He snapped his fingers. “I want to study your teaching contract before you sign it. I’d hate to see you taken advantage of.”

With floured hands, she pointed to the door. “Get out.”

“I’m just trying to help.”

“I know all about teaching contracts. Now go. I have work to do.” She pushed him toward the door and smiled with satisfaction at the white handprint decorating the back of his dark jacket.

Why did the man plague her so? She couldn’t have made her disinterest any plainer. His type always flattered you, played up to you, and then rode off into the sunset just when you were getting comfortable. Hot flashes and butterfly stomach aside, she’d not encourage him. She would not fall for
that
again.

Tori jumped when Rachel slammed the book closed. She looked at the girl with raised eyebrows. “Are you finished already?”

“Yes. I’m finished.” She gathered up her papers.

“Wait a minute.” Tori dried her hands on a towel and reached for Rachel’s notebook. The young girl crossed her arms and tapped her foot.

Tori flipped through some pages. “This isn’t all the work I gave you.”

“I’ll do it tomorrow. I’m tired.”

Tori closed her eyes and mentally counted to ten. “Rachel, your education is important. When a school is established, you need to be able to pick right up where you left off in Kansas.”

Rachel’s eyes snapped. “That’s the problem. I shouldn’t have left Kansas. I hate this place.” Her voice shook and she blinked back tears. “I went for a walk today. Muddy holes instead of real streets, no boardwalk so my skirts dragged on the ground, and nasty men spitting tobacco every which way. The stench of all the unwashed bodies, and animal messes turned my stomach. I’m not going to put up with this. You might think this is paradise, but to me it’s a hellhole.” Tears streaming down her face, she ran out the back door, slamming it so hard a sack of flour hit the floor and split open.

Jesse whistled as he left his office and headed next door. It’d been two days since he stopped by Tori’s house. He missed her cookies, he told himself. Also the scowl on her face every time he made a suggestion. It was just plain fun taunting her—it cheered up his day.

“Tori?” He opened her back door and grinned at the picture she made. This time her curly head was bent over the table, working with Hunter, Ellie, and three other children. Strands of rich dark hair escaped from the neat bun she’d started the day with. In this position, her breasts strained against the front of her dress. She did have curves. His fingers itched to run his hands over her body. Caress that soft skin, watch the goose bumps rise when he blew warm air on the inside of her wrist. His gut twisted.

“What?” She frowned at him over the top of her spectacles, which were always sliding down her nose.

“Whoa. Having a bad day?” He walked into the room and ruffled a little boy’s pale blond hair. The children all looked happy to be interrupted.

“I came to tell you there’s a town council meeting tonight at the Train Station. Everyone is invited since they plan to discuss a provisional government. Opening a school is also on the agenda.”

She tilted her head to the side and raised her eyebrows. “How in heaven’s name did you find that out? I’ve been asking for weeks about a school, and no one had information.”

“Honey, I’m a lawyer. I get all the news first hand. And,”—he winked at her—“I put your name in with the committee.”

“Really? Thank you. And I’m not your honey.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. “All right, boys and girls, you may leave for the day. Hunter, you and Ellie get your chores done.” She turned and headed toward the bedrooms. “I need to check on Michael and Rachel. They seemed a little confused with the math I gave them.” Jesse grabbed her hand to stop her.

Even with her hard work, her skin remained soft and warm, and smelled of cinnamon. “Why don’t you take a break and come next door to The Café for a cup of coffee?”

Tori pulled her hand free and narrowed her eyes. “I have coffee right here.”

“But you need to get off your feet.”

“I have chairs, too.” She kept staring at him.

“What?”

“Nothing. Just...No, nothing.”

“Well? Pack up your books and let’s go. You need the break.” He held his hand out.

Slowly she shuffled papers and closed books, watching him the whole time. Ignoring his hand, she walked out the door.

A small bell chimed as they entered The Café. Only a few customers were in the restaurant, having a mid-afternoon snack. He held the chair for Tori, who still contemplated him with narrowed eyes.

“Why are you being nice to me?” She leaned her elbows on the table.

“What are you talking about? I’m always nice to you.”

She sat back in the chair. “I know. But I think I’ve made it clear I have no interest in you.”
“Sweetheart, you wound me.” He tilted his chair back and placed his palm over his heart.

Before she could answer, Mrs. Bonner approached the table with a big smile on her face.

“Well, what are you two hard-working people doing here in the middle of the afternoon?”

“Tori needed a break, so I talked her into having a cup of coffee with me.”

Mrs. Bonner smiled in Tori’s direction. “Yes, Tori does work too hard. I agree she needs a break.”

“If you two are done talking about me like I’m not even here, I’d like a cup of tea. Oh, and a piece of my own apple pie. If there’s any left.” She grinned.

Jesse’s heart sped up.
The lady smiles way too seldom, but when she does, the whole world seems right...

“Those pies of yours do go fast, I have to admit. Everyone loves them,” Mrs. Bonner said.

Jesse winked at her. “I’ll have a piece of that famous apple pie myself. And a cup of coffee.”

“Coming right up.”

He arranged the salt, pepper, and sugar bowl all in a row. “I’ll walk you to the town meeting. You shouldn’t be out alone at night.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Michael can walk with me. Or I can walk myself, thank you.” She moved the salt, pepper, and sugar bowl back where they were.

He suppressed a grin. Tori worked hard tutoring and baking for the restaurant. All of that along with the responsibility of four kids. He admired her spunk, but she carried a heavy burden for someone so young.

“Yes, I know you can walk over alone, but I could use the company, too.” He glanced up as Mrs. Bonner placed their order on the table.

“So I’ll stop around seven. Okay?”

“Fine.” Tori sipped her tea and winced, waving her hand in front of her mouth. “Oh, that’s hot.”

Jesse stifled a yawn. The town council meeting seemed to go on forever. When it came to people deciding on parting with their money to pay for a school and a sheriff, they were never quiet. The hands on the train station clock pointed to ten before the council called an end to the discussion. The only decision reached was they needed another meeting.