Chapter Fourteen
The ride home was tense to say the least. Ella appeared to be occupied with her own thoughts while Josephine remained stiff-lipped and silent. Logan, on the other hand, whistled a happy tune.
When they arrived back at the ranch, he set the brake and jumped to the ground. While Logan helped Ella from the wagon, Josephine slid across the seat, gathered her skirts in one hand, and hopped to the ground by herself.
In the house, she whipped off her hat and sent it sailing into the living room. With her hands fisted on hips, she looked past Ella and confronted Logan as he followed his sister inside. He removed his hat and tossed it on a chair.
“Are you insane?”
“I believe you asked me that before.”
“And I recall you never answered,” Josephine shot back. She spun on her heel and went into the kitchen. She picked up the coffeepot, prepared to level it at him as he leaned nonchalantly against the doorjamb. Nothing seemed to bother him.
“Why don’t we calm down and have a cup of fresh coffee, hmm?” Ella peeled Josephine’s fingers from the cool coffeepot and went to the sink. “Mrs. Snodgrass was just being her usual hawkish self so let’s not pay her any mind. It’s the two of you that need to have a long talk about your feelings for each other.”
“Ella, don’t be ridiculous,” Josephine scolded. “If you’re implying that there may be something cozy going on between me and your brother then you’re sadly mistaken.”
Logan pushed away from the doorway. “I beg to differ.”
“Oh, you’ll be begging all right after I club you on the head.”
Ella shouted, “That’s enough.”
Shocked into silence, Josephine crossed her arms over her chest.
Logan pointed a finger at his sister. “Ellabelle, you will not use that chiding tone with me.”
Josephine thought for sure Ella would back down, but to her astonishment, the young woman held her ground.
“Or what, you’ll spank me? Send me to my room without supper?” Ella shook her head. “I don’t think so. Logan, I love and respect you as my older brother and the man of the house, but I must insist that the both of you get your act together. A fool can see there’s something between you. Whether it’s love or hate, I suggest you straighten it out. Brody will be by soon. I know I’ll be happy and I expect you both to be happy too, even if it kills you.”
Silence ensued and Josephine waited anxiously for Logan’s reaction. He appeared a bit flummoxed but only for a second or two. Then the corner of his mouth lifted. He looked… proud.
“Ella, keep the coffee warm. Josephine and I need to have a little chat in private.”
Josephine tossed her head. “No, we don’t.”
“You will do as I say, Josephine Bolton.” Logan took her hand and towed her along, ignoring her gasps of outrage. He marched her to his study. Once inside, he kicked the door shut and turned the lock.
“How dare you announce to the whole world that you will handle me? Handle me, for heaven’s sake. All the tongues in town will be wagging.”
He grinned and moved toward her with even strides. “How about we get our own tongues wagging?”
“Is sex the only thing you ever think about?” Josephine skirted the room and ended up behind his desk with Logan positioned on the other side. He placed his hands palm down on the smooth top and leaned in. They faced each other. Then his gaze dropped ever so slowly over her body and back up to her face again.
“Whenever you’re near I can’t think of anything else. You’re a beautiful woman, Josephine. I can’t seem to get that gorgeous ass of yours out of mind. I’m dying to see if your tits are just as intoxicating.”
Desire pooled between her legs. Damn his filthy mouth and damn her for loving it. “You are a wicked man, Logan West.”
“So I’ve been told, but I really like the way you say it. It makes me hard.”
She watched in alarm as he reached for the buttons on his shirt. “What are you doing?”
One button popped open then another. “Getting comfortable. Loosen your dress, darlin’, I won’t mind.” His shirt was now opened to the waist.
“You’re insufferable.” Josephine’s mouth went dry. His thick wrists hovered above his belt buckle. How far did he plan on going until he felt comfortable? He unbuckled his belt. Her eyes darted to his. He pinned her with his gaze. “I’m going to put you across my knee, Josephine.”
Holy Moly. “I-I don’t think so.”
He waggled his brows. “Oh, I think so. You know why?” She pursed her lips and raised her chin in defiance. He wagged his head. “You’re still too stubborn to admit you like it when I paddle your ass with my hand. My hand on your bare flesh excites you.”
Damn, he hit the nail right on the head. “That’s not true. I abhor your touch.”
He angled his head. “You better not be lying to me, little girl.”
Her face flamed. “I’m not lying. I hate it when you touch me.”
He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. His nostrils flared and his brown eyes darkened to a deeper hue. “I can smell you. You’re wet.”
She jabbed a finger at him. “And you’re a disgrace.” He threw back his head and laughed. She clenched her fists. “I hate you.”
He palmed his chest. “Don’t ever say such a thing. I want to take care of you.”
“For once in your life will you be serious?”
“I am being serious. I want you, Josephine, for my wife. I’ll protect you from those tongues wagging.”
“But marriage isn’t supposed to come before the courting. There’s supposed to be long walks and flowers and…” She cupped her head with both hands. “I don’t want to get married.”
He appeared bewildered at her last statement. “Really? I assumed every woman wants a husband and children. It’s usually the man who gets cold feet.”
“Not this woman.”
“Why?”
Why? Josephine searched for the right words. “I saw what my aunt went through.” Tears burned the backs of her eyes. “I watched helplessly as she faded away with each passing day under Jed’s rule. According to him she couldn’t do anything to please him.”
“But I’m not Jed and I don’t appreciate being compared to the man or any other man for that matter,” he said softly.
“But you flaunt rules that you expect to be obeyed just like Jed did.”
“Rules, what rules are you talking about?”
“Ella told me that you won’t allow her drive to town by herself. I assume that goes for me as well.”
“Damn straight it does. The town is about two miles away. A woman all by herself is just asking for trouble.” He arched a brow. “Anything else?”
“You don’t condone a woman swearing.”
“No, I do not. Josephine, you have the sweetest mouth I’ve ever tasted. Such filth shouldn’t pass those lips.” He grinned wickedly. “Unless we’re in bed.”
“But I’m a grown woman, Logan. I should be able to say what I want and do whatever I want. Besides, I can take care of myself.”
He scoffed. “Sure you can. Running away without any thought of where you were going, forgetting to pack provisions. If that’s any indication on how you plan on taking care of yourself then it sounds rather addlebrained to me.”
She stamped her foot. “I am not addlebrained.”
“Josephine, think about it. You left without water or food or extra clothes. Should I go on?”
Josephine sighed. He was right. She hadn’t given much thought about the consequences of leaving home in such an abrupt manner. “I admit I should have thought things through, but I panicked.”
“That’s understandable. Where exactly did you plan on going anyway?”
“I honestly don’t know. I was too scared to stay with my uncle after he barged into my room. I thought if I made some money I could purchase a train ticket to Boston. I’ve been here a few times and knew Marshall’s Creek had a train station.”
“What sort of work did you plan on doing?”
She shrugged her shoulders. “I had thought of asking Mr. Snodgrass for work, but that option is no longer possible. I know how to cook and sew and clean. I’m sure there are plenty of single men looking for a housekeeper.”
He laughed derisively. “There’s plenty of single men looking for a fuck too. Plain housekeeping would take weeks, maybe months to make enough cash for a train ticket going that route. Spreading your legs would get you out of here a hell of a lot quicker. I’d guarantee you’d have the money within two nights if not one.”
“How dare you suggest such a thing.”
“I’m just speaking the truth.” He moved two steps then stopped.
Josephine felt as if she was rooted to the spot. The logical side of her wanted to run, but the emotional side won out. She couldn’t move.
“Any mending or cooking or cleaning you do will be for me and only me.”
“You’re not making any sense, Logan. Why would I do your laundry and cook your meals?” Blast the man and his orders.
“You still owe me a debt, Josephine, and I’m not letting you go until that debt is paid in full. The only way you can do that and keep your reputation intact is if you marry me.”
“You won’t even consider letting me leave and send the money once I get on my feet?”
“Nope.”
He took another step and she backed up two.
His expression softened. “I’m just going to open one of these drawers… see?” She watched as he pulled open the middle drawer, keeping his eyes on her as he reached inside.
Josephine’s mouth dropped open when he pulled out a wooden spoon. “Why in the world would you keep a wooden spoon in your desk?”
He grinned like a Cheshire cat.
Her eyes widened in alarm. “You’re not thinking of using that spoon on me, are you?”