Levi (Prairie Grooms, Book Five) (7 page)

“Maybe that's because they have wives who share their bed, and have a reason to stay in them longer,” he said as he approached the table. “What are you eating?”

“Pie.”

“For breakfast? Why?”

“Because it's all there is. You put the food away and I haven't the slightest idea where. I was hungry, so I went for the first thing I found.”

Levi pulled out a small piece of paper, and what could hardly be described as a pencil, out of his shirt pocket. “Let's see now, I anticipated you would either go for the pie or the eggs, if you were able to find them, but knew you'd hit the pie first because it was the easiest. That’s one more point for me which brings the score to seven to four.”

“What? It certainly does not! I had at least five points last night!”

Levi's eyes roamed over her. “Seven to five, then. I'm in a generous mood this morning.”

Fina's mouth dropped open in shock. “Generous? Well, I never…” She turned away from him, her frustration rising, and then spun back. “Levi Stone,” she began, her chin held high. “By the end of the day, I shall have not only caught up to you, but will have surpassed you in these ridiculous points of yours.” She stood and shoved past him to the stairs, stomped up to the bedroom, and slammed the door.

Levi wrapped his arms around his stomach and tried to keep his laughter from erupting like a volcano. He'd really gotten under her skin that time. If he teased her hard enough, he could keep the temptation she wrought at bay. But would he be able to last? And what about Fella? Would she be able to hold up under his sense of humor? She was feisty, that was for sure. But would it be enough? And if not, they were right back to square one and he knew he couldn't last. He'd have to have her.

He had to find another way to give her the time she needed. He wanted her to be comfortable with him, to trust him; but, more importantly, he wanted her to
desire
him,

as much as he desired her, if that was possible.

But wait a minute; didn't his new little bride have some sort of hobby she enjoyed? Seems he heard something down at the mercantile about the three sisters and their differing pursuits. He eyed the staircase and smiled. Maybe if he kept her preoccupied with one of her hobbies, he could better preoccupy himself with work in the running of his farm, such as it was. The thought had merit. Yes, that's what he’d do. After breakfast, he'd find out just what sort of passions and pursuits his wife had.

Seven

Fina stomped into the bedroom and fumed. Drat the man!

She glared at the dresser and sucked in a breath. If she wasn't melting at his every touch, she was fighting the urge to slap him! She had to get a hold of herself! Besides, if she didn't, he’d win the day and she couldn't have that. She was too far behind as it was.

She tried to open the drawer that contained the mysterious book, but no luck. It was stuck hard. She grumbled, placed her hands on her hips, and let her eyes wander the room. She had to find something,
anything
that would tell her more about the man she married. She went to the bed and looked under the mattress. Nothing. She straightened and glanced around the room again. There had to be something here she could use.

But wait, what about the other bedroom? He was sleeping there, so maybe that's where he kept his diary, journal, whatever.

She turned toward the door and listened. Nothing. She smiled, tiptoed to the door and opened it slowly. Silence. She bit her bottom lip as she skittered across the hall to the other bedroom, and slipped inside. “Oh!” she gasped as she bumped right into Levi.

“Changed your mind so soon, beautiful? Come looking for me already, have you?”

“I… I … no, not exactly,” Fina stammered, still shocked that she’d run right into him.

“I'm afraid I only have the one pallet in this room,” he drawled with a grin. “Maybe we ought to go into your room.”

“Stop it! Just stop it!”

“Stop what?” he asked innocently.

“Stop… whatever it is you're doing!” she huffed and turned from him.

He took her by the shoulder and spun her around to face him. “What did you need, beautiful?” he asked in an even tone.

She calmed at his sudden lack of teasing. Best she stuck to the truth. “I was exploring and wanted to see what was in this room.”

“Oh, I see.” He stepped aside and waved a hand at their surroundings. “By all means, go right ahead. Explore to your heart’s content. I'm going to town.”

“To town? Whatever for?”

“We need a few supplies. I meant to get some things the other day and forgot, what with our rush to get married and all.”

“We had a week,” she commented wryly.

“Would you like to come with me?”

Her head snapped up at the question. If she stayed, she'd have a chance to get a good look around the house and maybe find what she needed in order to best him. On the other hand, should she be out here all by herself? She hadn't been completely alone in a very long time. “No thank you,” she told him. “I can stay here.”

Levi took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Normally I wouldn't mind if you did, but now that I think of it…” He paused to look at her. “There's been too much trouble of late

to risk it. I'd feel much better if you went with me.”

Drat! But he did have a point. She certainly didn't want to be left alone and risk being accosted by some vagrant outlaw. “You're right, of course. Give me a moment to get ready.”

“Good. I’ll go hitch up the horses. It will only take me a few minutes. Meet me at the barn.”

She nodded her agreement and turned toward the door. “I'll get my shawl.”

He reached out and touched her shoulder. She turned to face him. “Is there anything you'd like to get in town? If so, why don’t you make a list while I get the wagon ready?”

Fina blushed. “I'm afraid I wouldn't know what to get.”

“What do you mean? Women always know what to get.”

She looked at him and prayed she wouldn't sound pathetic. “As I don't know how to cook, I really don't know what we need.”

He blew out a breath and smiled. “Leave that to me. And don't worry, I'll be happy to teach you.”

“You're not going to take any points away from me, are you? For not being able to cook, I mean.”

“Of course not. We both know you can’t cook.”

“Well then, that's a relief.”

He chuckled at that. “Seriously,” he said as he closed the distance between them. “Is there anything you want? Anything at all?”

She swallowed hard. “Nothing that comes to mind.”

“You know, it can get a little boring around here when you have time on your hands. You might want to have something to occupy your free hours.”

“Free hours? According to my sister, Lena, there’s no such thing.”

“I don't have the same kind of place Chase does, and Lena isn't that far away.”

She stared at him, her mouth half-open. “How far is not that far?”

“About a quarter mile from here. There's a trail that leads to their place. You can see your sister anytime. But I’m sure you’ll want something to keep your hands occupied while you visit.”

Fina's eyes lit up. “I had no idea; that's so exciting!” She threw her arms around Levi's neck. “That makes me so happy!”

Levi pried her off, and pulled out the paper and pencil from his pocket. “That makes the score eight to five.”

Her jaw tightened. “You said that on purpose. You baited me!”

He raised an inquisitive brow and smiled. “I did nothing of the kind.”

Fina closed what little distance there was between them, and glared up at his face. “You saved that for this morning,
knowing
how I would react!”

“Did I?” he purred.

“Oh!” She spun on her heel to leave, but he grabbed her again. “Very well, I won't take the point. In fact, I'll give it to you.”

“Why?” she asked, suddenly suspicious.

“Because I'm in a generous mood again,” he said with a wink.

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I
should
take points from you. It's not fair.”

“All's fair in love and war,” he drawled.

She crossed her arms over her chest and drummed her fingers against them. “Very well, then I shall take the point. But don't count on me to be as generous.”

Levi did his best to hide a smile. “I’ve heard that before. Nevertheless, it’s a deal. Now, as for the mercantile, do you wish to purchase fabric for a dress, or needles, yarn, o

books?”

She realized he was being exceedingly generous and not just with his points, but his resources. He was telling her she could get anything she wanted. Her heart skipped a beat. “There is… one thing I could use.”

He watched her as he stuffed his paper and pencil back in his pocket. “And what would that be?”

She swallowed hard. “Paint.”

He took a step back. “Paint?”

She nodded. “And perhaps a new brush.”

Levi gave her a gentle smile. “I see; paints and brushes. So, you like to paint?”

“I adore it.”

“Well then,” he said as he held his arm out to her. “Shall we?”

She took his arm with a hesitant smile and nodded. “Yes, we shall.”

* * *

The trip to town was uneventful and Levi hummed a merry little tune as the horses plodded along. Fina enjoyed sitting next to him, absorbing the soothing sound of his voice as he continued to hum. She wanted to ask more questions about his past, but decided against it, choosing instead to enjoy the peaceful ride and her husband's happy mood. Flowers dotted the prairie, and she could smell their sweet scent mingled with a slight tang in the air, a sure sign the season was changing. Summer would soon pass away into autumn.

Fina took a deep breath and took in the different scents around her. She could smell the pine trees in the far distance, mixed in with the grassland and late summer flowers of the prairie. “So peaceful,” she whispered.

Levi stopped humming. “What was that, beautiful?”

Fina turned on the seat to look at him. “I said it's very peaceful here.”

“Yes, it is,” he agreed. “Like I told you last night, it's one of the reasons I came out west. A man can breathe here and live a good, long life.”

Feeling bold, Fina hooked her arm through his, and gave him a shy smile. “I'm beginning to understand your love for this place.”

He glanced at their arms then looked her in the eye. “I'm glad.” He leaned over and kissed her on cheek. “You can lean your head against my shoulder if you like.”

Fina's heart skipped a beat as she felt the muscles in his arm tighten, urging her closer to his body. She sucked in a breath and, praying she didn’t make a fool of herself, leaned her head against his shoulder. She swore she
felt
him smile, not to mention give a slight pull on the reins to slow the horse’s pace. Which was fine with her; this was something she could handle without her passions getting the best of her. Once they got to town, however, she'd have to sit up and again be a lady. But until then, she decided to enjoy resting her head against her husband. So, with her arm hooked through his, she let the jangle of the harness and the slow, steady sound of hoof beats rule her senses.

When they reached town, she sat up; disappointed the ride was over. But the thought of getting a few art supplies quickly consumed her, and she became alert and ready to tackle the mercantile.

Levi brought the wagon to a halt, set the brake, and then turned to her. “I hate to tell you this,” he said as he gazed at their entwined arms, “but we'd best get our supplies then head on home. I've got work to do and I'm sure you'd like to practice cooking today.”

Fina frowned. “Cooking? Do you really think I'm that brave?”

“I hope so. I'd like to have
something
for dinner.”

“Even if I burn it?”

“How burned are we talking, here?”

“It could be bad,” she said, then pressed her lips firmly together.

“As in, I'm going to have to bury my dinner in a shallow, un-marked grave behind the barn?”

“Well, I hope it's not
that
bad, but you never know.”

“Fina!”

Fina and Levi looked up to see Apple coming out of the mercantile. “Well, look who's here,” Levi said with a smile.

Apple hurried down the mercantile steps to the wagon. “What are you two doing in town?”

“We've come to get a few things,” said Levi as he jumped down. “Is Harrison or Colin with you?”

“Harrison,” said Apple. “He's over at Doc Waller's talking with that Cutty chap.” She looked at Fina. “Belle is trying to teach me how to sew, and let me come into town to pick out some fabric for a dress.”

“I commend you,” said Fina. “Or, should I say, Belle. She should get a medal.”

Apple rolled her eyes at her sister. “You can practice, too; then we won't be so embarrassed when we attend the ladies’ sewing circle.”

Levi reached up and helped Fina out of the wagon. “Sewing circle,” she mused. “I'd quite forgotten about it. Did you find a fabric you liked?”

“You ladies have a nice visit. I'm going to look up Harrison. If you need me, Fella, I'll be down at Doc Waller's.”

Fina smiled at him, not bothering to comment on his use of the nickname. She decided to give up and just let the man call her what he would. Besides, given enough time, she was sure to come up with a really
interesting
one for him. She stifled a laugh and followed Apple up the mercantile steps. At the door she turned to him. “I'll see you later, then?”

He smiled at her. “You can count on it,” he winked at her, before he turned and headed across the street.

“He's so handsome,” sighed Apple.

“He’s also quite annoying.”

“Annoying? How can a man who looks like
that
be annoying?”

“Trust me, when I say, that he can be. Now, show me what you found.” They entered the mercantile and went straight to a table stacked with bolts of fabric. “These are lovely, Apple. How is one ever to make up her mind?”

“I like this blue calico,” Apple told her. “But look at this lovely lilac color,” she added and picked up the bolt of cloth.

Fina admired it and sighed. “If only there was a dressmaker in town. It would make our lives so much easier.”

Mrs. Dunnigan snorted behind the counter. “No such thing around here. You might as well get used to it! Besides, that's what the ladies’ sewing circle is for. You can get a dress made a lot quicker with a dozen women working on it.”

“A dozen?” Fina asked in surprise. “Are there really that many women in the area?”

“Don't listen to Irene,” said Wilfred as he came out from behind the curtain that separated the front and back of the mercantile. “It's hard enough to get six or eight of the women together for the circle, let alone a dozen.”

“You stay out of this!” Mrs. Dunnigan growled. “You're always off playing checkers with Harlan, while we meet, anyway.”

“Not always,” he said and winked at the girls.

Apple giggled and took the bolt of lilac-colored calico to the front counter. “I like this one.”

Mrs. Dunnigan fingered the cloth. “I like it, too. You made a good choice.” She began to measure out what Apple would need then looked at Fina. “What about you? Are you going to sew a dress, too?”