A Chance at Love (15 page)

Loreli said, “I really hadn't planned on staying here tonight, so thanks for putting me up yet again.”

“It's late, you may as well stay.”

Loreli had intended to return to town, but the more time she spent around the twins and this simple life, the longer she wanted to stay. She should've gone back to the boardinghouse because the hem of her skirt and slips were a mess after all that mud, but she'd been having so much fun, dusk had fallen before she knew it. “I just don't like putting you out of your bed.”

“Don't worry about me. The barn's fine.”

She turned to look back at him sitting quiet as a shadow, then said, “You don't have to sleep in the barn, Jake.”

For a moment he said nothing, then responded, “I know.”

Loreli's body reacted with heat. “Then don't,” she whispered in a voice as hushed as the darkness. She stood and slowly walked over to where he sat. She held out her hand. “Come.”

Jake looked up at her and knew he couldn't resist her any longer. He rose to his feet, tossing aside misgivings, attitudes, pride, and discipline; he wanted to cleave to her like Adam to Eve. To that purpose he pulled her into his arms and kissed her with all the pent-up emotions he had stored within, then scooping her up into his arms, he carried her into the house.

He set her down on his hard bed and immediately began to shuck out of his braces and his trousers. She hastily undid the buttons of her jacket, then tossed the garment aside. Nude from the waist down, Jake joined her on the narrow bed. The power of his kisses melted her back and
down, and she groaned as he pushed her dress up to her thighs and boldly stripped away her satin drawers. He eased her legs apart, filled her—and she sighed with joy. Three strokes later, he shuddered and was done. He withdrew from her and left the bed. His breathing filled the silence of the room.

Loreli was so stunned, she couldn't move.
That was it?
For all intents and purposes, she was still fully clothed, for heaven's sake!
This can't be happening,
she told herself.

Watching her just lie there in the dark brought all of Jake's misgivings to the fore. He knew that she found him lacking. “What's the matter?” he asked grimly.

Loreli lied. “Nothing.” She sat up. Grabbing her drawers, she stood and said, “I'm going out to the pump—back in a few minutes.”

But she didn't come back. After making use of the water, she walked around to the porch and took a seat instead.
Good lord.
She tried to let the night's silence soothe her, but it only helped a little. She'd seen jack rabbits make love longer. She thought back to what her friend Ruby had said about the lord not making a man as handsome as Jake useless in bed. Well, Ruby didn't know what the hell she'd been talking about; Jake Reed was as handy in bed as a fish was with a deck of cards. Going into this pretend marriage Loreli knew that he was a simple farmer. She also knew he wasn't worldly, but she had not expected this! She ran her hands over her eyes.
Good lord!

Behind her, she heard him step out of the door and onto the porch. She stilled.

In reality, Jake's pride didn't want to confront the hows and whys of whatever she might be feeling. He'd been raised to believe that only a man's needs mattered in the
marital bed, and he wanted to cling to that position because he didn't know any other position to take, and because it was safe. However, Loreli had been chopping down his views on a lot of things lately, and turning formerly safe positions into kindling. “I want to know what's wrong with you,” he told her.

“Nothing.”

“If I can ask, you can answer.”

Loreli didn't like being chastised by him, probably never would, but she had to admit he was correct. If he was brave enough to drop that marble pride of his and ask what he had, she owed him at least an honest answer. A less concerned man would already be asleep by now, not caring what might be wrong.

So she turned back and asked in a serious voice, “Are you sure?”

Jake steeled himself. “Yes.”

She went silent for a moment in order to form the right words. “Well—how do I say this? What we did back there can be a lot more fun when both people get to play, Jake.”

He looked out over the night and tried not to be offended by her explanation or moved by her use of his given name. He failed. “And that means?”

“It means, it started out just fine, but then you seemed to forget I was there with you.”

“But, women aren't—”

“What? Supposed to enjoy it. A man told you that, right?”

His face hardened. “Look, everything I've been taught, everything I learned—”

“Is wrong,” she stated flatly. “Dead wrong. And if you say anything about how
good
women are supposed to be
have in the bedroom, as opposed to women like me, I will sock you, I swear.”

He shook his head.
Lord, she had fire.
“Okay, for the sake of argument, let's say I am wrong. What would you have me know?”

“That women have needs too. I'm a very passionate woman, Jake Reed, and whether you know it or not, or like it or not, you seem to be a passionate man. Take the time to enjoy the scenery next time. Play with a few buttons, ruffle a few feathers. Let me do the same.”

His pride raised its head again. “Now you're going to give me lessons?”

“Only if you'll take them,” she tossed back bluntly.

They assessed each other for a long, silent moment, then he said, “I'll see you in the morning.”

He walked by her and off the porch, then strode toward the barn.

As he disappeared into the night, Loreli threw up her hands in frustration. She wanted to punch the porch column, but knew she'd only injure herself, so she settled for a short vivid curse instead.

 

On the ground behind the barn, Jake lay on his pallet looking up at the night sky. He supposed Loreli had gone on to bed by now, but his memories of their disastrous encounter wouldn't allow him to sleep. He'd been right about being unable to satisfy her; he felt like a fool. Having to stand there and listen to her tell him what he already knew about his inadequacies as a lover had not been easy. Jake was thirty-seven-years old and he'd never had a prolonged relationship with a
real
woman before. There'd been the prostitute his father had taken him to
visit when Jake turned sixteen, and a few years later, the randy wife of one of his college classmates. Since then, when the need became necessary he'd drive over to Lawrence to visit a woman whose only concern was the monetary exchange at the end. He was the son of a preacher, a quasi doctor. Before meeting Loreli, his physical needs, though as strong and sharp as any normal man's, hadn't been all-consuming.

Her arguments to the contrary, Jake knew only what he'd read and been taught: women did not enjoy the act—they weren't biologically equipped to experience any pleasure from physical stimulus, and those few women who did were either freaks of nature or mentally depraved. So what was the truth? Loreli certainly believed in her version, but she didn't impress him as being a freak of nature or depraved. She'd said the game was more fun when two people were involved, and the pictures those thoughts conjured in his mind made his manhood swell and thicken once more. He swore at his body's undisciplined reaction.

Frustrated he turned over on his pallet. Now he wanted to know just what she'd meant about this “fun,” even as he told himself he'd never fall victim to her softness again. His body, remembering how hot and tight she'd felt sheathing him, laughed at that lie. Determined not to think about her, Jake punched his pillow and turned over, but more than an hour passed before he finally drifted off to sleep.

 

Lying in his bed, Loreli decided that her first order of business would be to replace this bed. It was hard, unyielding, and would always remind her of the debacle that
had taken place atop its sheets. It was hardly big enough for one, let alone two, and it would have to be much larger if she were to act on the other decision she'd made. Loreli had had two choices confronting her: she could either resign herself to be in this pretend marriage and endure his poor lovemaking, or do something to remedy the situation. She'd chosen the latter.

He was a passionate man; she knew that. His kisses had left her breathless, and what little she'd felt of his touch had been thrilling, so he wasn't a cold fish. However, he needed instruction, and the idea of playing teacher to his student made her feel deliciously scandalous indeed. How would he react if she did offer to give him the lessons he'd taunted her about on the porch? His reactions aside, when she was done tutoring him, he'd know exactly what every woman wanted her man to know about the art of bringing her pleasure. Just the thought made Loreli want to immediately seek him out and begin now, but common sense told her to hold off. Firstly, she knew she'd have to be subtle. She'd also have to respect his manly pride and not make him think less of himself. Jake was a big strong man, and she wanted him to show her that strength in every way, but didn't want him to feel diminished in his own eyes when they were done. Loreli had never consciously set out to seduce a man, yet she had no qualms where this one was concerned. One, he deserved it on more than a few levels and two, she always did like an adventure. She jokingly also told herself that she owed it to whomever this
real
wife turned out to be to show him the way. Although Loreli hardly qualified as a courtesan, she did know what her body enjoyed, and by the time she was ready to pull up stakes, he would know too. Tonight had
not been one of the better experiences of Loreli's female life, but with time, patience, and a bit of womanly wile, the future could be ripe with passionate possibility.

Happy with her kernel of a plan, a contented Loreli turned over and went right to sleep.

T
he next morning, Loreli awakened to the smell of bacon frying. She made use of the water in the hand-basin and put on the mud-stained clothes she'd removed the night before. Once dressed, she coiled up her hair, then went out to face the day.

“Good morning,” she cheerily called as she entered the parlor.

The twins were already seated at the old table. “Good morning, Loreli,” they replied, smiling.

When Jake came in from the kitchen carrying a bowl of scrambled eggs and a platter of bacon, he looked her way and mumbled around his mustache, “Morning.”

“Morning,” she said in return. “Everything smells wonderful, Jake.”

He set the bowl and platter on the table. “Have a seat if you want to eat while it's hot.” He then disappeared into the kitchen.

Wondering why he was acting so put out when she
was the one left high and dry last night, she turned back to find the girls staring her in the face. They were watching her so intently, she felt compelled to ask, What's wrong?”

“Uncle's grumpy this morning,” Bebe said. “Is he mad at us?”

Loreli made a show of thinking. “Let's see? Did you girls go out and rob a bank last night?”

Dede's eyes widened. “No.”

“Good. Did you sneak over to Rebecca's and tip over her privy?”

The girls giggled. “No.”

“Ah, I've got it now—horse rustling. There's a report of two little brown twins, wearing pigtails and masks, terrorizing the countryside. That you two?”

The girls laughed louder. “No, Loreli, we're not rustlers.”

“Then, I guess your uncle's not mad at you because those are the only things I can think of that would make him mad at you.”

The ever-wise Dede said, “Then is he mad at you?”

Loreli turned and looked at the beautiful child. “In a way, but I think I know how to fix it.”

Bebe threw in her two cents. “I think De's right. You and uncle should kiss. Aggie says her pa and her new mama always do that when they get mad at each other.”

“Do they?”

“Yep, and she says after they get done kissing, they act real happy and jump up and down on the bed because she can hear the bedsprings squeaking.”

Loreli doubled over with laughter. She gave each girl a fat kiss on the cheek. “Thanks so much for picking me to
be your mama. I wouldn't have missed this for the world. You two make this so much fun.”

They grinned up at her. “You're welcome.”

Loreli wiped at the tears of mirth in her eyes. “Now, no talk about kissing when your uncle comes back, okay? If there's any kissing talk to be done, I'll handle it.”

Grumpy Uncle Jake came back to the table carrying a jam pot and a plate with sliced bread. It took all Loreli had to compose herself, but she did. He sat, said grace to bless the food, then placed a helping of eggs and bacon on the girls' plates. He avoided Loreli's eyes, but it made her no never mind because she had a plan, and she reminded herself with a smile, she had the twins.

The sound of knocking at the front door interrupted them in midmeal. Jake got to his feet and went to see who would be calling on such an early Saturday morning. It turned out to be Matt Peterson.

Jake held the door open so he could come in. “Morning, Matt.”

“Morning, Jake. Is Miss Loreli here?”

Jake observed him closely, “Yes. Why?”

“Like to talk to her if I might.”

Jake hoped Peterson hadn't come over to rile Loreli some more.

Matt must have read Jake's mind, because he said, “I didn't come to cause any trouble. Just to talk.”

Jake was glad to hear it. “I'll get her.”

Leaving Matt standing by the door, Jake walked back into the dining room and said, “Loreli, Matt Peterson's here. He wants to speak with you.”

Loreli asked coolly, “What about?”

“Not sure.”

Sighing, she put her napkin down on the table. “You girls finish eating, I'll be right back.”

They nodded and watched her go.

Loreli met Peterson's blue eyes and reminded herself to keep hold of her temper. If the man chose to be stubborn, it wasn't her problem to bear. That was his poor tired wife's task. “Good morning, Mr. Peterson.”

“Morning, Miss Loreli.” He then paused for a moment as if searching for the right way to begin what he'd come to say. “Yesterday—I wasn't very respectful, and I turned you down because of my pride.”

She waited.

“Like you said, pride is fine, but it won't feed my family. Me and Susan got into a big argument after you left.”

Loreli found that news distressing. “I didn't want that to happen, believe me.”

“I know, but—well, to make this short, she's leaving me and taking the children with her if I don't come back with your deed.”

Loreli felt surprised, but kept it from her face. Susan hadn't impressed her as having the inner strength to issue such a serious threat, let alone carry it through. “Wait right here and I'll get it.”

She hastened to the parlor for her handbag. She returned with the document and handed it to him. “You must love her very much.”

“More than my pride.”

He looked down at the deed. “You're certain you want to do this?”

“Positively. You own the place, but if Diggs asks, I'm
renting it to you for one dollar a year. Later on, I'll have a barrister friend draw up a deed transfer so that everything will be legal and binding.”

He nodded. “Thanks.”

“You're welcome.”

“Don't know how I'll ever be able to repay you.”

“Just work your land and raise your children. That's payment enough.”

Peterson looked over at Jake. “You've got you one fine woman here.”

Jake observed the remarkable Loreli Winters. “I'm finding that out.”

Loreli's eyes met his. She wondered if he were being sincere or if it was just an act for Peterson's sake.

Peterson's voice interrupted her thoughts. “Well, I should be heading back. Thanks again, Miss Loreli, and my apologies for yesterday.”

“None needed. Tell Susan I said hello, and don't forget, you're all invited to the wedding.”

“We'll be there. Bye, Jake. Take care of her. Men around here find out how fine she is, you may have to fight to keep her.”

Jake looked at Loreli. “I'm not worried. Once they find out she doesn't take orders, they'll send her right back.”

Loreli put her hand on her hips in mock offense.

Jake then said to Peterson, “Come by tomorrow evening if you can. I'm having some of the men over to talk about organizing.”

“Sounds good.” Matt gave Loreli one last look of gratitude, nodded her way, then departed.

In the silence that followed his exit, Jake told her, “That was a good thing you just did.”

“It was easy.”

He paused for a moment to take in her lovely face and seductive golden eyes. He could still hear the sighs of pleasure she'd voiced the night before when he filled her flesh with his own. The memory affected him now just as much as the reality had then. Would he be able to make her purr like that again? Lord knew he wanted to. One taste of her hadn't been nearly enough, he honestly admitted, even though she probably would never let him near her again.

“Penny for your thoughts,” Loreli said.

Jake shook himself free. “Just thinking about Matt Peterson.”

Loreli doubted the passion she'd seen in his eyes had anything to do with Matt Peterson, but she didn't challenge him. “Will you have some time today to tell me about the farmer's union? We didn't get around to it last night.”

His jaw tightened.

“Forget about what happened last night. I have.”

“That's easy enough for you,” he said.

“No it isn't, believe me.”

He searched her eyes. “It was that bad for you?”

“Some of it, yes. Some of it no. It was a little too fast to tell.”

His eyes went cold.

“Oh, don't get mad. That was a joke, nothing more.”

He leaned down then and kissed her with such slow authority she thought she might melt.

“That slow enough?” he whispered as he drew away.

Loreli swore she saw stars. “Why, Jake Reed, I do believe you've mastered your first lesson.”

His mustache twitched. “Audacious woman. What number is taking you across my knee?”

“Number two if you like,” she replied saucily.

The sensual force of her words seared him to his core. “Lord,” he whispered, shaking his head with wonder, “what's a man like me supposed to do with a brazen woman like you?”

“Anything he wants—within reason, of course.”

Then, throwing him a sly wink, Loreli went back to finish her meal with the girls.

As she walked away, Jake was mesmerized by the tempting sway of her hips beneath the green skirt. Her playful innuendos had left him hard as a beam. He was beginning to understand the basics of this two-player game she wanted him to learn, and although he didn't want to admit it, he was more than beginning to enjoy it.

 

After breakfast, Loreli helped the girls with the dishes. While they worked, Bebe asked, “Do you think a girl should be allowed to ride in The Circle?”

Loreli glanced at her.

“What's The Circle?”

“It's a horse race.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Well, after harvest there's a fair, and part of the fair is the Circle. Uncle took us to it last year.”

“Why is it called the Circle, is it held in a ring?”

“No, you race in a big circle around town.”

“I see. Are children allowed to enter?” Loreli asked.

“Yes, but there weren't any girls last time.”

Loreli washed another plate. “Is there a rule that says girls can't?”

Bebe shrugged. “I'm not sure.”

Dede looked up at Loreli. “Tell her no, Loreli.”

Loreli studied Dede. The little face, framed by lopsided braids, appeared distressed. Loreli set Dede's reaction aside for a moment and turned her attention back to Bebe. “Is this a lead-in for permission to ride in this Circle?”

Bebe shrugged. “I guess so.”

Dede tugged on Loreli's sleeve. “She's going to get hurt and die just like mama.”

Bebe leaned in angrily. “Stop saying that. I'm not going to die!”

“Yes, you are!”

“No, I'm not! You're the only
baby
who's scared of horses!”

Loreli didn't want to hear another word. “Beatrice Case, apologize to your sister, right now.”

Bebe's eyes were flashing and her lip was poked out. “I'm sorry,” she mumbled.

Loreli cocked a hand against her ear, and said firmly, “I can't hear you, Beatrice.”

Bebe looked up at Loreli, then told Dede in a louder voice, “I'm sorry.”

Dede just stood there with her arms crossed over her chest.

Loreli shook her head. She'd fooled herself into believing the twins got along all the time, but now knew how ridiculous that thinking had been. Children living together were bound to bump heads.
Well, I guess the honeymoon's over
, she thought.

Loreli said to Bebe. “I don't ever want to hear you making fun of your sister that way again. Do you hear me?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Now. Have you talked to your uncle about riding?”

“No.”

“Well, don't you think you should?”

Bebe stared at the floor.

“He's going to say no.”

“He may not.”

“I thought I could just ask you,” Bebe said sullenly.

“You can, but your uncle has the last word.”

“Why?”

“Because he's your uncle.”

“But—”

“Ask him, Bebe. Then if he says no, we'll go from there.”

“I hope he says no,” Dede snapped.

“Shut up!” Bebe yelled.

Loreli shook her head. “How about we talk about something else?”

Both girls looked sullen now.

“Okay, then how about you get to the rest of your chores?”

They hung their heads. “Okay.”

And off they went, but they didn't walk side by side as they usually did.

Loreli went back into the house and found Jake seated at the table going over his accounts.

“The girls are fighting,” she told him.

“You sound surprised,” he said without looking up.

“I suppose I am. I thought they got along real well.”

“They do, but not always. What's it about this time?”

“Bebe wants to ride in something called the Circle?”

That got his attention. “She does?”

Loreli nodded. “She thinks you're going to tell her no, though.”

“She's right. She'll only get hurt.”

“You sound like Dede. She's afraid her sister will get hurt and die, but I think Be rides very well for her age.”

“Yes, she does, but girls don't race in the Circle.”

“Why not?”

He went back to his ledger. “They just don't.”

“Is it illegal, or in the rules…”

He looked up at her. “Well, no, but—”

“Do other children ride?”

“Boys, yes. Girls, no.”

Jake could tell by the flash in her eyes that she was raring up for a fight over this issue. “Leave it alone, Loreli.”

She looked at him with the most innocent of faces. “Leave what alone?”

“The trouble you're getting ready to stir up.”

“If she wants to ride, she should be able to.”

“She's going to get hurt.”

“Why, because she's a girl?”

He sighed. “Look, it's a very rough-and-tumble race. Anything might happen.”

“Yep, your niece might actually win the damn thing.”

Jake closed his eyes and prayed for strength. “No.”