Chapter Sixteen
Splendor
Gabe set his hat on the bar, glanced around, then sent a sharp look at the bartender. “Paul, have you seen Lena or Nick?”
“Lena hasn’t come back from the Devil Dancer. Don’t know where Nick is.” He set a whiskey in front of Gabe, cringing at the way his jaw tensed.
Ignoring the drink, Gabe stalked to the office in back, pushing the door open. “Nick?” Getting no answer, he returned to the bar, picked up the glass, and finished his whiskey in one gulp. “Are you sure Lena hasn’t come back? She left when I did early this morning.”
Paul explained what he’d heard about the trouble at the mine. “It’d be best to find Beau. He might know more about what happened. When Nick comes back, I’ll let him know you’re looking for him.”
Walking out and searching the street, Gabe saw Noah’s livery closed tight. He hadn’t noticed Lena’s horse when he put his own away, but he’d been anxious to see her after a long day and hadn’t really looked. Opening the gate, he checked the stables. An odd trickle of fear shot through him when he saw her horse was missing. Paul was right. She hadn’t returned.
Slamming the gate closed, he dashed to his office, almost knocking Beau down as he walked outside. Gabe grabbed his arm to steady them both.
“Have you seen Lena?”
“She and Cash left for the Devil Dancer before noon. They also took John from the lumber mill. The four Chinese miners were beaten, Gabe, and they wouldn’t talk to Reuben or Lena about what happened.” Beau turned back inside. They both took seats, Gabe sagging into a chair from weariness and worry. He dragged a hand down his face, then set his gaze on Beau.
“They hope John can persuade them to talk, identify the men who beat them?”
“That’s my understanding. Nick found me after speaking to Lena before she and Cash left. I’m guessing it took them close to two hours to get there with the wagon, and another two to return.” Beau saw Gabe’s brows knit together. “Monty needed to take a load of lumber to the mine, so John rode with him in the wagon. I’d expect them back at any time now, but if you think something is wrong, I’ll ride out with you.”
Boots stomping on the boardwalk sounded a moment before the jail door swung open. Cash stepped inside, shrugging out of his coat, a weary smile crossing his face when he saw Gabe. He didn’t have to wonder at the question on his mind.
“She went to the Dixie, looking for you.”
Gabe dashed outside before Cash could finish.
“And she’s fine,” he chuckled to himself.
Alison had closed her shop for the entire day, putting a sign on the door and not feeling an ounce of guilt.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden, Cash.” Alison stood next to Joker, the horse Noah had saddled for her. He’d told her the horse belonged to Abby, an accomplished rider.
“Joker is a good ride, sweetheart. Abby rode him until a couple weeks before Gabriel was born.” Cash stroked a finger down her cheek, seeing her face color. “I’ll be right with you the whole time.”
The heated look in his eyes sent shivers shooting through her, making her wonder who the greatest threat was…Joker or Cash. She’d thought of little except Cash ever since their time together after supper at the St. James. If she had to do it again, Allie might not have invited him upstairs. It had been an impulsive gesture, one quite out of character for her. After he left, it had taken hours for her to fall asleep. Even then, she’d woken repeatedly, tangled in the bedcovers. Worse, she’d suffered the same scenario each of the following nights, waking early this morning, her body aching with a need she didn’t understand.
“If you’re certain…” The words had barely left her mouth when Cash settled his hands on her waist and lifted her into the saddle.
“Are you comfortable?” Cash handed the reins to her, stroking a hand down Joker’s neck.
Following his lead, she leaned forward and did the same, calming the horse, as well as herself.
“Why yes, I’m quite comfortable.” A smile lit her face when Joker shook his head.
“You’re going to do fine.” He mounted Hunter, glancing over his shoulder at Allie as he started out of the livery and onto the street. “It’s going to be a long ride. Suzanne packed a lunch for us.” Cash looked up at the clear sky, then glanced at the coat tied to the back of her saddle. “Is your bonnet on tight?”
Lifting a hand, she checked it as Joker took off on his own, following Hunter.
“Oh!” Nervous laughter filled the air as Allie bobbed up and down in the saddle, coming up alongside Cash. “Riding our plough horse wasn’t anything like this. He was old, heavy, and very slow.” As they left the outskirts of town, she let out a yelp as Joker broke into a gallop ahead of Cash.
“Rein him in a little, Allie. He’ll respond.” He pushed Hunter forward, coming up next to her to help pull back on her reins. “Like this. Easy,” he coached. She licked her lips, concentrating on controlling the horse. “That’s it, Allie. Perfect.” He let go, letting her take over.
“I can do this.” She spoke more to herself than Cash, although he glanced at her as if he’d heard. Which he had.
“No doubt you can do this.” He kept a close watch on her, surprised how little experience she had. Most kids who grew up on farms could ride pretty well.
“Besides the old gelding we used in the fields, we only had one horse. He was a beast. Big and mean. My father was the only one allowed to ride him.” Her chest constricted on a memory of Bobby pleading with their father to let him ride a real horse. He’d refused, telling Bobby when he grew to be a man, he’d have his chance. It never happened. They’d sold the horse upon learning of their father’s death, their mother unable to look at him without thinking of her husband.
“You’re doing fine, and you’ll do better as we keep going. By the time we return, you’ll be an expert.”
More than an hour later, Cash led them onto an overgrown trail. Covered with a layer of snow and ice, it meandered back and forth, climbing several hundred feet before coming to a clearing not more than a hundred feet wide. Although spring, almost a foot of snow still covered much of the area. He slid to the ground, then grabbed Joker’s reins, helped Allie down, and untied her coat from the back of her saddle. Without thought, her hands went to her sore backside, rubbing to ease the aching muscles.
“Why don’t we walk so you can stretch your legs?”
She winced as her fingers stroked one particular spot. “I think that would be best.”
Holding up the coat, he helped her slip it on, then took her hand. Cash cut a path through the snow encrusted ground and spindly shrub, making his way to the edge of the clearing. There didn’t appear to be much to see. The meadow ended and the forest began once more, an endless parade of pine and fir.
“Look.” Cash’s gaze sliced through the trees to a spot far in the distance.
“What? I don’t see anything but trees.”
“You aren’t looking close enough. Come on.” He walked forward another ten feet, stopping again. “Now, look again.”
Squinting, she moved her head a few inches back and forth, trying to see what held Cash’s attention. “I’m sorry. I just don’t…” Her words trailed off as a flash of light reflected off an object yards in front of them. Taking a couple steps forward, she saw the flash again. “There it is.” Her eyes sparkled as a brilliant smile lit her face. Letting go of his hand, she took off, leaving him behind.
“Allie, hold up.” Cash chuckled, moving to follow her.
She stopped briefly in front of a dilapidated log structure, checking it over for no more than a few seconds before stepping up to a door falling off its hinges, shoving it open. The force of the thrust broke its tenuous hold and it collapsed inside with a thunderous crash.
Jumping back, she whirled around a moment before Cash stopped next to her. Looking at the door, then back at her, his eyes narrowed.
“I’ve been coming here for almost two years and never had a lick of trouble with that door.” Shaking his head, he stepped over the threshold to study the damage. “Yep. It’s pretty well gone.”
Biting her lower lip, Allie took a few tentative steps, surveying the twisted metal. “I’m sorry, Cash. I didn’t mean to destroy it.”
Seeing her dismal expression, he couldn’t hold back his bark of laughter.
“What’s so funny?” Her face turned a heated shade of red as her hands fisted on her hips.
Wrapping his arms around her, Cash pulled her to his chest, resting his chin on her head.
Relaxing, Allie slipped her arms around his waist.
“One sizable thunderstorm and this entire shack might collapse. It’s a miracle any of it is still standing.” Breathing in the clean scent of her hair, he let out a deep sigh. “You just helped it along a bit.” Drawing back, he kissed her forehead.
“What is this place?” Dropping her arms, she took in the tiny interior, noting an old table, two chairs, shelves on one wall with a counter below, and an old stove—all in various stages of disintegration from lack of use. The one contradictory item was a wooden bed frame topped with a thin, surprisingly clean mattress and wool blanket. Sliding out of her coat, she placed it across the bed.
“The locals call the area Survivor Pass. The way I understand the story, a group of settlers tried to make it over the mountains before the first snow. A devastating storm hit, forcing them to stop their journey here. They built this cabin, and through some kind of miracle, survived the harsh winter.”
“They survived?”
“According to the legend. When the snows melted, they continued on, becoming some of the first white settlers in Idaho. The shack remained. For years, people stopped here, hoping to survive their own journey west.” He picked up a rusted tin, pulled off the top, and looked inside. Tipping it upside down, he watched as a small amount of powder drifted to the floor. “Probably sugar.”
“People no longer come here?” Allie’s gaze took in everything, trying to imagine spending an entire winter sheltered in the walls of this small sanctuary. Remarkably, the floor was clean, as if someone had taken the time to sweep it. Her gaze shot to him, realizing Cash kept this piece of history from crumbling into a forgotten mess.
“I’ve never seen anyone in all the times I’ve stopped. Mostly, I ride up for two or three days and make camp. Get away from the people and chaos of Splendor.”
Allie couldn’t contain her laughter. “Chaos in Splendor? It’s undoubtedly the most peaceful town I’ve ever seen. A few drunks, some crazy miners, and the town gossips.” Placing a hand over her mouth, she forced herself to stop laughing.
Crossing his arms, he leveled a stern gaze at her. “You aren’t the one who has to control those few drunks or crazy miners.”
Stepping closer, she placed a hand on his shoulder. “You’re right, Cash. Still, it’s a sweet, peaceful town.”
A split second was too long to describe how quick the flash of desire ripped through him. Lifting his hand, he touched her cheek, then cupped the back of her neck, drawing her closer. She didn’t try to break his hold or step away. Instead, she leaned into him, glazed eyes searching his.
Neither spoke. The air around them stilled, sounds from the outside fading away as their gazes locked.
Neither moved for several seconds until Cash began to lower his head hesitantly, unsure if he should do what his desire demanded. A desire urging him forward in opposition to his better judgment—judgment he’d always heeded and which had always served him well.
“Tell me to stop,” he whispered, his lips a breath away from capturing her mouth.
“I can’t,” she answered, a moment before their lips touched.
The thundering in his ears increased as the kiss continued, their bodies fused until he could feel the heat from her stab through his clothing. Movements became frantic, their hands traveling over each other, igniting an overwhelming passion neither tried to control.
Holding her tight, his hand drifted to the curve of her waist, moving lower to gather the hem of her dress. Gripping it, hesitating as he wrestled with what to do next, he broke their kiss on a deep groan. Resting his forehead against hers, he sucked in a deep breath, letting it out in an almost painful hiss.
“Why did you stop?” Allie’s voice shook as she tried to calm her racing heart, as well as the fear he’d changed his mind and didn’t want her.
Closing his eyes, he loosened his grip on her dress, letting the material fall back into place.
“You know what comes next, Allie. We’re in a dilapidated cabin in the middle of nowhere. Is this truly where you want to make love?” He let his hands move up and down her back in a motion intended to soothe them both.
She blinked at his straightforward question. He assumed she understood what would follow their passionate embraces and heated kisses. Other than a vague knowledge from listening to others discussing how a man and woman joined, she didn’t know. All she understood was her body’s aching need for this man. She wanted him with a desire frightening in its intensity.
“Yes, Cash. I want you here…now. Unless you’ve changed your mind.”
His answer came in a fast motion as he scooped her into his arms, carrying her to the narrow bed and setting her down. Stretching out next to her, his hand cupping the back of her head, he drew her to him.
“I’ve wanted you since the moment we met.” His ragged breath warmed her face.
“Now you have me.”
“Yes, sweetheart. Now I have you.”
Cash paced back and forth across the width of the cabin, stopping at times to stare at her. His mind whirled at what he’d learned, questions building on each other as her unsteady gaze caught his, then flashed away.
She sat on the bed, the wool blanket wrapped around her, knees drawn to her chest, back against the wall. Swiping at the tears moistening her face, she sucked in a breath, trying to calm the hurtful pounding in her chest.
The shock at discovering she’d never made love before, was a virgin, came too late for him to reverse his actions. It had been the sweetest love he’d ever made—until his shocked mind registered the deceit.
A heartbeat later, Cash lifted his body off hers. Fastening his pants, he slipped into his shirt and boots, needing to get as far away from her as possible in the small space.
Walking to the open doorway, he stared at the trees, branches wavering in the early afternoon breeze. His gaze focused on two pairs of footprints, each creating a path through the snow to the cabin door. Whipping around to face her, he saw her start at his angry gaze.
“Were you ever married?”
Staring at him, her face a picture of misery, she shook her head in a quick jerk.
“Are your parents both dead?”
Swallowing, she glanced down at her clasped hands, knuckles white from the tight grip.
“My father is dead.”
“Not your mother?”
“No.” Her whispered response was almost lost as the wind flowed through the open doorway.
Muttering a curse, Cash turned back around. Scrubbing a hand down his face, he settled his fists on his hips, unsure of what to say or do. In his heart, he’d known her story held little truth, yet he’d pursued her, ignoring the warnings pulsing through his body. The desire he felt overcame all the caution he should’ve heeded. Now he had to make some decisions.
“Get dressed. We need to start back.”
“Cash, please. Won’t you listen to me?”
Turning, his features hard, jaw pulsing, he took a step forward. “So you can tell me more lies?”
“No. I—”
“Was anything you told me the truth, Allie? Is your last name Burns?”
Her face melted in misery. Lowering her gaze, she shook her head. “No. My last name isn’t Burns.”
“Is Alison even your first name or did you lie about that, too?”
Lifting her head, she glared at him. “Yes. My name is Alison and my family called me Allie.”
Throwing his hands in the air, he let out a sarcastic whoop of victory.
“And I am from Kentucky.”
“Wonderful. Two truths in a forest of lies.” Cash fell quiet as another thought wormed its way into the mess he saw before him. He wouldn’t voice it, didn’t want to hear the truth from her lips. Perhaps someday when he didn’t feel so raw, so betrayed. “Get dressed. I’ll get the horses.”
“Cash, wait.” Jumping from the bed, almost tripping on the blanket around her ankles, she stumbled to the door. “Please. Let me explain.”
Stopping a few yards from the cabin, he spun around, his bright green eyes cold, distant. “It’s too late. You never should’ve lied to me.”