Beauty and the Beasts [Bride Train 6] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) (8 page)

He grimaced at the rain pelting against the windows. At least it wasn’t snow, or sleet, both likely in early June. What would it be like to come home on a night like this to hot food and a hotter woman? He shifted on the seat and adjusted his cock before anyone entered the dining room and saw him.

Thanks to Luke’s big mouth, Sarah had a good idea about his lack of experience. When she licked her lips, smiled at him, and asked for assistance, he’d almost exploded. He’d run like a deer from a wolf, but in need, not fear.

God, he wanted her so much it made him burn like a fever. But his mama would climb out of her grave, switch in hand, if he put a finger on a woman without her demanding it.

Hearing that Sarah was beautiful would bring men eager to see her even if they knew they couldn’t touch her. Miners were the type to live on dreams, but most weren’t dangerous. He was more worried about men like Sheldrake, an out-and-out brute who rarely came to town now that the Elliotts put him in his place.

Gabe’s fingers clutched his knees so hard they dug deep. One boy, no matter how well-intentioned, could not protect Sarah. He’d have a word with the new sheriff right after dinner. Owen Barstow, about half Frank Chambers’ age, would be able to stop men like Sheldrake at lot easier than the older man. But he didn’t know the people, or their pasts.

A rumble of deep voices and stomping boots approached the dining room. Gabe sat up and pushed his chair even further into the gloom. A big, rough man lumbered in first, as if he owned the place. He slouched at the best table, by the window and near the door to the kitchen. He’d barely set his ass on the chair when Nettie Crabbe rushed out of the kitchen with a tray, all smiles. She flashed her eyes and brushed against his shoulder with her breasts when she leaned over. He must have pinched her because she squeaked, “Mr. Sheldrake!” She laughed and shook her finger at him.

Gabe narrowed his eyes to get a better look. He’d heard a lot about the curly wolf but hadn’t yet had the pleasure of his fist meeting Sheldrake’s nose. He stifled a snort of amusement. From the shape of his face many other fists, and likely a few boots, had landed.

Sarah came in from the kitchen. Gabe sat up, ready to move.

Sheldrake pushed Nettie out of the way so he could see better. Gabe growled and tensed, ready to spring. He relaxed somewhat when Sarah headed to the back of the room. She kept her eyes on the tray she held out. Hungry men took a plate of stew and biscuits and eagerly dug in.

He watched her deliver four more trays, all to men at the back. Only when she came out with the last tray and looked for stragglers did she see him. He knew the instant, because she smiled as she approached. He warmed as if the sun broke through and shone right on him.

“I didn’t see you there.”

She held out the tray to him. He lifted off the heaping bowl of stew. He liked the way her eyes were different colors, honey, brown, and green, all at once. He hadn’t seen them clearly at Christmas, the wedding, or yesterday morning in her dim bakery. He thrust the thought of that morning out of his mind. It didn’t work.

“That’s the idea, Miss Unsworth. No one will know I’m here unless I’m needed.” He kept his voice low, even though the room was loud with other men.

“You won’t be. I can take care of myself.”

He admired her confidence, but didn’t believe it, in spite of her fiery words. “I hear a man bothered you yesterday.”

“Do you mean the one I rapped on the knuckles, or your partner, who I mistakenly kissed?”

“Mistake? Oz said you enjoyed his kiss, even though it was just to prove the Circle C would protect you.”

A flush rose up her neck to her face. “This morning I realized I don’t need protection,” she said. “I have everything under control.”

He could tell she wanted to believe she was safe. If they did their job, she would never need to learn otherwise. As to the kisses, she’d certainly hinted she wanted more. He shoved that thought deep.

“I believe you, Miss Unsworth,” he said, his voice rough.

“Hey!” The yell came from the front of the room. “Where’s my pie?”

Gabe tilted his head toward the noise. “Watch out for Joe Sheldrake. He’s bad news, but he thinks he’s a woman’s dream.”

She looked over and sniffed. “Nettie can have him. She’s so excited at seeing a halfway handsome man that she’s actually working hard, just to stay in the dining room.”

“You think he’s handsome?”

Sarah shrugged. “He thinks so. Such a self-absorbed buffoon deserves someone like Nettie to fawn over him.”

Gabe straightened in his chair. He loved the way she frowned at the hired gun.

“So, you won’t be falling for his charms?”

Sarah’s laugh was worth the wet ride to town and back, as well as the wait in between.

“I’ve learned about handsome men. They use their pretty outside to hide the evil within. I’ll have nothing to do with a man like that.”

“What about an ugly man, like me?”

She set the edge of the tray on the floor and leaned it against her knee. She lifted her right hand and placed it under his chin. Good thing he made sure to shave before he rode out. Her fingers were warm. A drift of rose scent and musk made him clench the wooden seat to stop himself touching her. She turned his head one way, and then the other.

“I don’t see anything here that’s ugly. In fact, I’d say you are the most attractive man in this room.”

Though he knew she was joking, his heart floated for a moment. He chin felt chilled the moment she released him, though his cock still burned.

“Thank you, but I’ve been called ugly by too many people to believe you.”

She shook her head and bent to pick up her tray. “You are a kind, noble man of honor. A man like that”—she tilted her head toward Sheldrake—“might be pleasant on the outside, but the rest of him is ugly.”

She leaned forward and rested her free hand on his shoulder. She smiled into his eyes and leaned forward. He stopped breathing. She brushed her lips against his cheek. His heart almost broke his ribs, it pounded so hard.

“I’d take you over him without a second thought. You saved me, and will always have a place in my heart.” She turned away. “And more, perhaps,” she whispered.

She hurried away while he sat, stunned, ears and face burning. Had she really said those last three words? Hell, his whole body was burning. He couldn’t think, likely because all his blood had rushed to his cock. Gradually the heat faded as the crowd noise engulfed him.

He looked around to see if anyone had noticed the kiss. She’d had her back to the crowd and, now that he thought of it, held the tray up to hide her action. What was that all about? Forget the whispered words, she gave him a quick peck on his cheek after what she did yesterday with Oz?

And she hid that peck so no one would know. He was used to the pain of rejection. But, since this was the one the few times a woman other than his mother had kissed him, he’d treasure it. His heart pounded and cock throbbed. If a quick peck did that, kissing him the way she did Oz would make him explode like black powder and a spark.

He picked up his spoon and dug into the stew. As expected, it was tasty, and her biscuits were so light they could float like clouds. His life would be complete if Sarah lived on the Circle C. Even if she never did more than kiss him on the cheek, and feed and clothe him, he’d be grateful.

But he’d pray every day that she’d want more.

Sarah’s ears burned as she hurried back to the kitchen. She knew her face flamed as well, but she could blame that on the stove’s heat. As soon as she set down her empty tray, she touched her ears. They were hot.

Other parts of her body had reacted to Gabe as well. Her shift, dress, and apron would hide the way her hard nipples stuck out. She remembered the first man’s fingers plucking them, sucking and teasing them until she begged for release. Gabe’s fingers were huge, but she knew he would be gentle. If his fingers were so big, wouldn’t that meant his cock was equally large? She groaned and pushed the image away.

She should never have indulged in an erotic fantasy last night. Imagining the red-haired, one-eyed pirate brought her release and helped her sleep, but she woke to guilt and shame. She should not crave a man’s touch. Bedding a man led to orgasms but also the possibility of children and, for their sake, marriage.

Why had she said those last words to Gabe? She’d decided it was wrong to encourage any of the Circle C men in case they thought she’d agree to marry Luke. But heat flared up her body when she saw Gabe quietly waiting for her. It burned out all her good intentions. By the time she approached him, she had herself under control. When she caught his scent, familiar from the night he saved her, it made her want to do wicked things with him. But, even though she wanted to climb on his lap and kiss him as deeply as she had Oz, she held herself to just a peck on the cheek. After all, when she hinted about appreciating his efforts, he’d run from her.

Was he ashamed of wanting her? If so, he’d be mortified that she saw his cock straining his pants when she bent over. Was he hard because a woman, any woman, kissed him? Or did he want her, Sarah Constance Unsworth?

She groaned in frustration and need. If he wanted her as much as she did in return, what could she do about it? She rubbed her thighs together, thinking of how the giant, gentle man would touch her. He was shy, so she would have to guide him. But he seemed so eager she knew he’d please her, any way she wanted.

She went to the sink and threw cold water over her face. It didn’t stop her burning need. Why did she crave the touch of more than one man?

Enough!

She turned back to her work. Time to serve the pies. She filled up her tray and stalked out. She caught Sheldrake staring at her. His leering face reminded her of what happened before she was rescued. Her stomach heaved. She quickly emptied her tray and hurried back to the kitchen.

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” said Sophie. “Are you all right?”

“Sheldrake. He keeps staring at me. I don’t like it.”

“You’re right to avoid him. He’s known as a hired gun. One of these days he’ll go too far and the Vigilantes will hang him.” Sophie pursed her lips. “I saw him watching you, especially after you talked to Gabe. I think it’s best you leave now, so he can’t follow you home. If he goes after you, Gabe will try to stop him. That won’t be good for anyone.”

“Gabe…Mr. Downey warned me about him. That’s why he spoke with me.”

“Did you kiss Gabe’s cheek for saving you, or for warning you?” Sophie shook her head and sighed. “It wasn’t much of a kiss for saving your life, not like the one you gave Oz.”

Sarah’s ears burned once more. She thought no one had seen her with Gabe.

“Or is there more to that story, Sarah Unsworth?”

“Sophie, I—”

The hotel owner held up her hand. “I approve. Gabe is a good man, and gentle. Oz is a fine man, and so is Luke. Now take the back way out and lock the doors when you get there. Billy will knock when he comes in for bed. I’ll let Gabe know where you’ve gone, and why. He’s concerned.”

“I told him I can take care of myself. I was just shocked for a moment. I’ll be fine in a few minutes.”

Sophie shook her head. “You’ve been on your feet enough in the last few days. The worst is over, so go home. Tomorrow’s Monday and your first day of business. You need rest.”

Sarah certainly was tired. That must be why she was so upset. Otherwise, why would she have kissed Gabe’s cheek after promising herself not to?

It was still raining, so she rushed across the field to her bakery. She wiped her boots and shook out her rain-dampened skirts and shawl before stepping into the kitchen. She shivered as warmth enveloped her.

Oliver looked up from the padded chair by the stove. He yawned hugely and stretched, pushing his white paws out in front while his black back end stayed high. When he decided he had her complete attention, he jumped down and trotted over.

“I should have known you’d be safe and comfortable.” She picked up the purring cat. “And on my softest cushion.” She rubbed her forehead against his furry one. “You’re the only male in my life, and the only one I’ll ever need.”

She sighed into his fur. He was the only male creature she knew would never, ever, betray her. He struggled to get down. When she let him go he went to the door and stared at it, tail flicking in impatience.

“Typical male. Get the loving you demand and then you’re eager to leave.” She opened the door. He stepped out, shook a wet paw, glaring up at her as if the rain was her fault. “Don’t climb any more trees unless you can figure out how to get down!” A final tail flick and he was gone, leaving her alone once more.

“Get used to it,” she told herself. “No man is worth losing control over your life.”

Gabe came to her mind and her nipples puckered. There was one form of control that she wouldn’t mind losing. She craved orgasms with an ache that centered between her legs. But if she let a man into her life, he would think he owned her.

Kisses, hugs, and orgasms? Or freedom?

Monday, June 3
^rd
, Tanner’s Ford Bakery

Sarah pulled another batch of fruit turnovers from her new bakery oven. These were dried apple and cinnamon, with a touch of lemon peel. Two dozen more, canned peach and shaved ginger, cooled on the wooden counter in the front room. Ten minutes later she set the last of the pastries on her tray. Frank Chambers stood on one side of the door, and Sarah on the other. Frank was no longer the sheriff, but though he’d complained about leaving as soon as possible, he stayed for the triple wedding. Owen Barstow, his replacement, had made him a deputy while he hung around. With Frank there to back him up, Barstow had taken his family to visit the Elliotts’ Bitterroot ranch. His wife, Mary, met Florence Elliott on the Bride Train the previous fall.

“Are you ready?” asked Frank. “There’s a few Elliotts out there, and Gillis MacDougal, of course. He’s fit to be tied that you said the first thirty would get a free little pie, and he’s number thirty-two. I told him you might have made a couple of extra.” Frank chortled. “Gillis is chomping on his beard, he’s so eager for a sweet treat.”