Picking Up Cowboys (12 page)

“Your family raised cattle?”

“Yes.  The land was in my father’s blood.  The ranch had been in his family for three generations and he had never known anything else or thought of being anything other than a rancher.”  The bus gave a gentle lurch as the driver pulled away from the curb.

“It sounds wonderful.” 

“Not always.”  She saw his throat work as he swallowed a couple of times.

Gage glanced out the window of the bus as it picked up speed and rambled along with a gentle rocking motion.  Catherine followed his gaze to the tall majestic mountains with snow-capped peaks.  She understood Gage’s need to distance himself for a moment.  It was the coping device she used when thinking of her father and her own childhood.  She frowned.  His childhood sounded so ideal, she wondered what could possibly be troubling him.

“My mother hated the ranch.” 

Catherine glanced at Gage to find his brilliant green eyes on her.  She ordered herself to keep her thoughts on what he was saying.  A song beat through her veins, chanting that what he was about to say was important.  She leaned toward him slightly.

“Why did she hate the ranch?”

“Hundreds of reasons.”  He shrugged.  “It took too much of my father’s time.  She hated the solitude, she was used to living in Boston.  There was never enough money.”

“Your mother lives in Boston now?”  Catherine thought there was probably a lot Gage wasn’t telling her from the pained look on his face.  Probably numerous fights about selling the ranch and moving.

“She and my sister, Anna.  She’s quite the socialite.”  He smiled fondly.

Catherine squeezed his hand.  “I’m glad she’s happy.”

They grew silent, but it was a companionable silence.  One of those rare moments when two people can bask in each other’s company without the threat of conversation to interrupt the calm. 

The tired bus lumbered up the mountain, seeming to almost hang on one edge of the road.  Catherine closed her eyes tightly, wishing she’d chosen the aisle seat instead of the window.  Opening one eye a crack, she looked down the sheer drop.  She quickly squeezed her eyes tight again.

Usually her fear of heights wasn’t an issue.  She remained with her feet firmly on the ground even when her head was in the clouds.  The unobstructed view of thin air was more than she could handle.

Gage’s soft chuckle reached her ears at the same moment his fingers closed around hers and gave a comforting squeeze. 

“Almost there.”  His breath whispered against her ear.

How could she stay angry at a man so considerate?  First he went out of his way to give her a real Christmas, he’d taken over most of her normal chores and now he sensed her fear and was trying to distract her.  Catherine dared any woman to remain immune to his charm.

“Okay, Cat, open your eyes now.”

Catherine opened them cautiously, first one and then the other.  The bus crested Red Mountain, paused as if poised on the edge of forever.  There weren’t many trees and the town lay before her, dusty with coal, a simple mining town.  It was the most beautiful sight Catherine had ever seen.  A lump formed in her throat from the simple joy of being alive and the knowledge that some brave soul had possessed the courage to build a town on this majestic mountain.  She turned to Gage, unable to contain her enthusiasm.

“Now what?”  Catherine felt the thrill of adventure pump through her veins.  She’d wanted to break free, do something different and exciting. How could she have known all that was right under her nose?  Although she suspected Gage’s company made it more exciting than the whole trip might otherwise have been.

“We explore.”

Even the buildings, which were white-washed, were tinged a muted gray.  Catherine took a deep breath and tasted the tang of coal dust. 

They spent most of the morning shopping, had lunch in an old hotel and boarded the narrow-gage train for the ride back to Durango.

Catherine slid into the shiny, mock-leather seat.  She couldn’t remember ever feeling this content.  Gage’s fingers brushed against her hair, tucking a strand behind her ear.  Catherine resisted the urge to pull it loose.  Normally, she hated it tucked behind her ears, but his touch was so warm and gentle, for some reason she suddenly didn’t mind.

“Thanks for today, Gage.  This was fun.”  She turned to look at him and he was so close she had to crane her neck back to look into his smoldering green eyes.  Her heart pounded fiercely in her chest and her breaths came rapid, almost frantic.

“It’s not over yet.” 

Cat’s eyes dropped to his lips.  Her fingers itched to reach out and trace their sculpted fullness.  She ignored the urge.  The last thing in this life she needed was to fall in love with Gage Maddock, not that it wouldn’t be incredibly easy to just forget their differences and lose herself to the rising passion in her.  But, she’d always prided herself on having more control than that. 

That was the old Catherine, a nasty little voice reminded her.  How does the new Catherine feel?  Catherine ignored the other side of herself that demanded she lean forward and press her lips to his, and turned to look out the window. 

The train was winding around the mountain and Catherine breathed a sigh of relief that they were following a creek, at least they weren’t hanging off the side of a cliff again.  She allowed the rhythmic churn of the wheels to lull her into believing she could overcome her attraction for the man beside her.  Although her heart screamed at her to feel his heat, his nearness, his body’s tenseness.

Chapter sixteen

Gage shifted restlessly, trying to hide his reaction to Cat’s nearness.  He wanted her and his hunger wouldn’t be quenched easily.  Never before had a woman taken over every waking and sleeping moment of his thoughts.  The experience was strange and uncomfortable, but Gage was certain caused only by Cat’s reluctance.  Once he’d had her, this fierce need would subside and he could concentrate on his plans for the ranch once again.

The train rumbled to a stop and Gage helped Catherine down onto the station platform.  She halted, and glanced up at him through the wisps of blond hair encasing her forehead like a halo.  His heart gave a funny little kick and Gage wondered for a moment if it had stopped beating before he felt its even, steady rhythm once more.  Miss Catherine Claiborne was as potent as her father had been sly.  Gage only hoped he knew what he was getting himself into.  Marriage with Cat might just turn out to be more than he’d bargained for.

He took her arm and led her back toward the pick-up.  “One more stop.”  He intended to propose and it was going to be romantic this time.  Just as his sister had advised.

“There’s more?”  Catherine’s laughter was like the gentle chime of sleigh bells.

Gage strode to the truck, lost in thoughts of how to overcome this sudden affliction he seemed to be suffering just being around Cat.  When he realized she was trotting to keep up, he slowed his pace a little.

“It’s almost dusk, Gage.  Shouldn’t we be getting back to the ranch?”              Catherine sounded slightly out of breath.

“An old friend of mine has a spread just outside of Durango.  He offered to check on our horses and we’re going there to borrow a sleigh.”

“A sleigh?” 

Gage paused at her flabbergasted tone.  Why did that thought seem so ridiculous to her?  He’d thought it very romantic.  They would borrow Gerald Manning’s sleigh, hopefully the moon would peak through the clouds, and he would propose.  His sister has sighed over the idea, proclaiming it the most romantic thing she’d ever heard.

“Isn’t it kind of cold for a sleigh ride?”  Cat asked.

“We have warm clothes and there will be blankets.  How cold can it get?”  As if to remind him of how gruesome a Colorado winter could be, a fat snow flake drifted down and landed on his nose.

Cat giggled. 

Gage glared in mock indignation.  “Not funny.  Okay, we’ll make it a short sleigh ride.”

Cat smiled and climbed into the cab as Gage held the passenger door open for her.  He crossed to the driver’s side, whistling under his breath.  She was being more receptive to him than she’d been in a long while, perhaps she’d say yes to his proposal this time.

* * *

Catherine stared out the slightly frosted window.  What was Gage up to?  He’d been unfailingly charming all day.  If she didn’t watch herself, she’d be head over heels in love with him, and what would that get her but a lot of heartache?

A sleigh ride sounded cold, and the mere thought of being stuck in such close confines to the man seated next to her for any longer than was necessary made her want to run screaming.  If she had any sense at all, she’d take his offer to buy the ranch and leave the country.  It might be the only way she’d escape this insane pull she felt between them.

But Catherine knew she’d never really give up the ranch, however tempting the thought might sometimes be.  The day was coming to a close, and no matter how spectacular the brochures claimed the sunset lit up the 14,000 foot backdrop of the San Juan Mountains, she didn’t care to be in such close proximity to the man who caused this deep, unfamiliar ache in her.

Gage pulled down a narrow side road and crossed over a cattle trench, the snow was drifting down harder now, the windshield wipers waged a war on the fat flakes.  Catherine didn’t know Gerald Manning, though she’d heard of his ranch, the Silver Stream.  Catherine supposed it was an appropriate name considering the ranch was surrounded by sparkling crystal clear lakes and mountain fed streams.

Catherine’s sense of adventure kicked in.  If they piled the blankets around them, it wouldn’t be too cold.  They were both dressed warmly.  Wasn’t she always complaining that she wanted to live a little, or find excitement, or do something daring.  Well, this was certainly different and exciting.  She wasn’t sure about daring.

“Gerald promised to have the sleigh waiting for us,”  Gage said as he pulled into the circular drive that lay in front of the house.

He crossed to open her door and Catherine allowed him to help her from the truck.  He grabbed her waist and slid her slowly down, their bodies almost touching.  When Catherine’s feet were on the ground, Gage held her for a moment as he gazed into her eyes.  Catherine bit the inside of her cheek hard to keep from begging him to kiss her.

“I hear bells.”  She shook her head bemusedly.

“The sleigh.”  Gage laughed.  “I could make you hear bells, though.”

“I’m sure,” Catherine retorted dryly.

Gage grabbed her hand and tugged her to the stable, visible from the front yard.  An adolescent boy stood holding the reins of the raven black gelding.  Catherine cooed and rushed over to rub the horse’s nose.

Gage shook his head in mock disgust.  “Why can’t I get a greeting like that?”

“Because you don’t have his big brown eyes.”  Catherine stroked the velvety neck.

“I have big green eyes.” 

Catherine half-turned to see him batting his lashes outrageously.  A giggle bubbled up and floated past her lips.

Gage grinned.  “That’s better.  You looked entirely too serious for a minute.”

“You’re still not getting the same greeting this horse did.”

“That’s okay, honey.  If you greeted me like that, we would never get any work done.”

Catherine felt the heat creep into her cheeks.  Gage chuckled.

“You’re all set, Mister Maddock.”  The boy dug the toe of his boot into the accumulating snow and twisted it back and forth.

“You’re Jerry’s boy, aren’t you?”  Gage asked.

“Yes’sir.”  The boy lifted his face to the sky.  “Best ask your question quick, looks like we’ll get some snow.” 

Catherine watched in amusement as the youth turned and bolted into the barn without so much as a goodbye.  Then his words settled, question.

“What question, Gage?” 

“We’ll see.” 

He moved toward her, wrapping his big hands around her waist and lifting her up into the sleigh.  Catherine felt her head swoon and was surprised her knees didn’t buckle. But she managed to not embarrass herself and sat down with her dignity still intact, or what was left of it anyway.

Why, oh why, did his touch have to affect her?  Catherine desperately wished she were immune to him.  She wasn’t going to allow her weakness to control her.  With a man like Gage, a woman had to be constantly on her toes.  His number one goal in life was to take the ranch from her.  As long as she kept reminding herself of that fact, she’d be okay.

The moon was a shadowy hint of light atop the mountains.  Catherine pulled loose one of the blankets their thoughtful host had provided and wrapped it around her legs.  She relaxed against the back of the seat, enjoying the cooling chill of the clear winter night.  The horse’s hooves crunched loudly in the still air, echoing off the mountains.

“I’m sorry for what I said about your father.”  Gage spoke so softly, his words almost seemed to be a part of her thoughts.

Catherine looked at him, startled.  “You are?”

The last thing she’d expected was for him to apologize.  She’d been prepared to hold his words against him, it was one of the few defenses she still had to fight her growing feelings for him and he’d just ripped it away.  She could almost resent him for apologizing, but he seemed so sincere.

“Am I forgiven?”

“Of course.”

Gage smiled and reached over to take her hand in his.  Catherine stiffened for a moment but then relaxed as the comforting warmth of his hand through their gloves impressed itself on her.  They rode quite a way before Catherine realized that the flakes had picked up with a fury and were drifting down relentlessly, covering the blanket around her legs and dotting the black gelding until his back appeared white.

“We should head back.”  Gage shifted the reins, coaxing the horse to turn around. 

But they’d only gone a few feet, when he halted the horse’s progress.  He turned to her and Catherine felt her heart plummet to her toes.  What was he up to?  She shivered.  She was cold and if they didn’t get back soon, they could very well wind up stuck out here.  He took both her hands in his, gazing into her eyes and she knew as sure as her name was Catherine that he planned to propose again.

Fury pumped through her fierce and swift.  Did he really believe she was gullible enough to marry him and give him complete control of the ranch?  What other reason would a man like him want to marry plain, boring Catherine Claiborne.  She gritted her teeth, trying to give him the benefit of the doubt, but her instincts screamed that he was about to prove her right.

“Catherine, marry me.”

She closed her eyes, if she looked at him right now, she just might shove him out of the sleigh and leave him out here.

“We make a good team.  We get along well.  We could have a good marriage.”

“Why, Gage?”

Catherine opened her eyes to see the shocked expression on his face.  So, he’d thought she’d just agree.  Give the little lady a few hours of fun, romance her under the moonlight and she’ll fall all over herself to accept your proposal.  Well, wrong.  She might be plain.  Simple.  Even boring.  One thing she wasn’t, was stupid.

“I’m fond of you.”  His cheeks darkened suspiciously.

Catherine held in a bitter laugh.  Fond of her.  Fond of her land was more like it.  “That’s no reason to get married.”

“I need you.”

Catherine’s chest hurt from trying to breathe normally.  He needed her.  The admission hurt her more than she could have imagined.  Need was not love and in a blinding flash of insight, Catherine realized that she’d secretly longed to hear him say he loved her.  Had wanted that with everything in her, because she loved him.

“We could be happy, Catherine.”  He reached into his coat pocket and opened a tiny black box, the diamond sparkled up at her.

Catherine had to resist the urge to reach out and snatch it.  The stone was clear as the mountain lakes and set in a round setting to maximize the affects.   How had she let herself fall in love with him?  She must be crazy.  This weakness had to be overcome. She couldn’t afford to love him.  She hardened her heart.  The ring was just a cold, inanimate object, much like the man who’d purchased it for her.

“No.”

Gage’s brows pulled down in the center.  “What did you say?”

“I said no.  I’ll marry you when they hand out popsicles in hell.”

Gage’s jaw set in a harsh line.  He glanced at the ring with such disgust that Catherine thought for a moment he would sling it into the nearest snow bank.  She had to fight the urge to reach out and take it from him.  Let him throw it away, it meant nothing to her.  If it had been bought with love, then it would mean something.  This ring was a symbol of his greed.

* * *

The gnawing ache that burned through Gage’s gut irritated him. Her rejection shouldn’t hurt; he didn’t love her.  But it did hurt and that bothered him because there was no reasonable explanation for it.  He grabbed the reins and started the sleigh in motion.

Catherine fidgeted at his side, but remained wisely silent.  He wasn’t upset because he loved her, that was ridiculous.  It was just that he wasn’t used to being rejected, that had to be it.  But even as Gage told himself that he knew that Catherine Claiborne had somehow tiptoed past his defenses and stolen a piece of his heart.

Angry with himself, he gripped the reins tightly, refusing to take his anger out on the hapless horse plodding through the mounting snow.  Apparently, he wasn’t as irresistible as he’d hoped.  Catherine hadn’t given her refusal a second thought, it had come so swiftly that it had taken a moment to register on his senses.

He’d thought they had built a sort of camaraderie, if nothing else.  Apparently, he’d been mistaken.  Catherine not only didn’t enjoy his company but she downright disliked him if her response to his proposal was anything to go on.  The thought thudded to the bottom of his heart and sat there like a heavy weight.  He had to get over this insane fascination with her.  One night, if he could have her in his bed for one night, he could get her out of his system and get his life back to normal.

The horse stumbled, the sleigh gave a sudden wobble, lurched and then tilted to the side.  Cat cried out as she was thrown against him, he grabbed her to keep her from falling from the sleigh.  Her wide, fear-filled blue eyes met his.  Gage felt his anger soften a little.

“What did you do?”  Cat accused, trying to push away from him.

Gage’s anger rushed back.  “What did I do?”

“You were driving.”  Cat pointed out.

The fact that she had a point didn’t make her accusation any easier to bear.  Glaring at her, he swung himself down onto the white ground to survey the damage.  The right side of the sleigh had slid off the ground, tilting halfway into a shallow ditch.  The rapidly falling snow had covered the indentation, making it appear as solid ground.  Gage gritted his teeth.  It didn’t appear they were going anywhere anytime soon.