Kit & Rogue (The Sons of Dusty Walker) (4 page)

She seemed sweet and sincere, but Rogue didn’t know her from Adam. His eyes widened and his body stiffened. Gently he began to try and extricate himself from the woman’s embrace. It seemed every eye in the saloon was directed at him. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Do I know you?”

A lilting feminine laugh tickled his ears. “You are so funny. When I saw you with the other men, I hesitated. You all look very much alike. But I recognized you right off. There’s no way I wouldn’t. I’ve seen you in my dreams every night.”

Before Rogue could stop her, she planted a big kiss right on his mouth.

For the record–he did not respond.

“I’m sorry, I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else.” All of Rogue’s instincts were flaring strong. He could smell trouble as strong as the whiskey on the breath of the cowboy leaning on the bar next to him.

“Oh, no.” She laid her head on his chest contentedly. “I knew you immediately from all of the photos you sent me. You are such a tease. I fell in love with your sense of humor as well as your handsome face.” She sighed and hugged him closer. “I’m so happy to be with you, this is my every wish come true.”

Rogue raised his eyes to the ceiling, sending up a small prayer for help. “Look.” He eased her away from his body. “I don’t know who you are, and obviously there has been some type of misunderstanding.” He moved a few steps away. “I wish you well, Miss, but I’ve got to go.” Tipping his hat, Rogue made his escape, wanting to get as far away from the saloon as possible. As he hurried out the door, Rogue could still hear her calling his name.

Rogue helped Kit from his truck. They’d flown from Kansas to Austin, checked in with Elijah and his mom, then drove down to Galveston Island to catch the cruise ship. His mother and Kit had hit it off, just like he’d known they would. When Kit started in on Marian to move to Red Creek, Rogue had just known she’d flat-out refuse. To his shock, she told them she’d consider it.

Elijah had inundated him with questions and reports. When he returned from this cruise, Rogue resolved to sit down with his partner and see if they could come up with a more workable schedule. Living in two places and running two businesses was going to take some getting used to. He hoped they could come up with some viable solutions.

“That is one big boat!” Kit mused as they walked toward the dock where the thousand-foot ocean liner waited. “She can hold 3652 guests, plus crew.”

Rogue noticed Kit was trembling a little. “Are you all right?” Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, he kissed her temple. The Texas sunshine felt warm on his skin. An island breeze whipped Kit’s silky hair around her face.

Kit shrugged off her unease. “I’m just excited, that’s all.”

Rogue steered her toward the gate where they would check their luggage. “Is it the trip that’s exciting you…or me?”

His humor made her feel better. She determined to put her stupid fears to rest. Nothing bad would happen on this trip. This vacation would end in a wedding–she hoped. “It’s you,” she told him with a smile. “It’s always you.” The last couple of days he had been busy with his brothers and their company. But no matter how much work he had to do, Rogue always made time for her. He couldn’t seem to keep his hands off of her and that made Kit feel cherished and secure. She just hoped her plan for this cruise would make him as happy as she thought it would.

“I thought so, I’m irresistible.” Rogue winked at her as they accepted their boarding passes and made for the gangway.

Kit held on to her shoulder bag with one hand and Rogue’s hand with the other. “Yes, you are.” Maybe they could just stay in the cabin and make love the entire time. That way she wouldn’t be aware they were out at sea–miles from land, a mile of water below them... Little beads of sweat popped out on her temple. What had she been thinking? They could’ve been on the strip in Vegas by now, standing in some little white wedding chapel.

“Welcome!” A smiling cruise ship employee greeted them. Kit had to admit, everything was beautiful. The boat was snow white, trimmed in blue and red. Everything was pristine and plush. People were milling around sipping drinks, waiting for the ship to set sail. They were given directions to their cabin, but took their time strolling from deck to deck.

“This is really fancy,” Kit admitted when they found themselves on the Promenade deck. There were several restaurants, a casino, clubs, an atrium–everything you could think of and all was showcased with floor to ceiling glass windows. Comfortable seating was everywhere and someone gave Rogue a listing of the shows and stars who would be performing.

“You can say that again,” Rogue whistled. “This is like a floating city.”

They stopped at an interactive map of the boat. “Look at the pools, three of them.” She touched the surface. “And there’s miniature golf, a spa, theaters, an ice rink, a rope and climbing course…” her voice trailed off. “This is amazing.”

“Yea, and all the food we can eat.” Rogue said with a wistful sigh.

“Men.” She turned and hugged him. “You’re all alike. As long as your two basic needs are met, you’re happy.”

“What needs?” Rogue kissed her on the end of the nose.

“Food and sex.” Kit explained as they began walking toward the elevators.

“Hey, I know what’s important in this life.” He held the door for her, then punched the button. Rogue was determined to have a good time. This trip was important to Kit, they needed this time together. The last couple of days had been hectic, the week the Walker brothers had committed to had been a success. They’d each found their niche and the staff seemed comfortable with their decisions. Even the lawyer, Benner, seemed satisfied they’d made progress.

“Our cabin has a balcony. It cost a little more, but I didn’t think I’d be as comfortable in one with just a port hole. I’m a tad claustrophobic,” Kit confessed as they turned down the carpeted hall.

“Good, we’ll sit out and enjoy the view.” Rogue took the card from her and opened the door. He hoped to leave his troubles behind and commit to enjoying this trip. The only problem was that woman… Who was she? And why had she been so sure she knew him?

“Oh, this is nice!” Kit exclaimed as she saw the roomy cabin with the king size bed and seating area. The colors of the linens and upholstery were beautiful blues with bright orange and yellow pillows. She ran her hand over the bed spread. “All of this has a beautiful tropical feel, doesn’t it?”

“I like this swan,” Rogue pointed to a towel animal on the bed, folded in the shape of the beautiful bird.

“Yea, I read the porters do that for the guests, leave a different animal each morning after they’ve cleaned the cabin. It’s a bit like origami, isn’t it?”

“Yea, I guess.” Rogue walked to the balcony and opened the doors. “Hey, we’re moving.” He turned around, excited as a kid.

“We are?” Kit joined him, watching the dock disappear, then seeing other ships in the Houston ship channel. “Soon we’ll be out at sea.”

Rogue noticed her voice sounded a bit apprehensive. “Hey, this is going to be fun. Don’t worry.” He was trying to follow his own advice. The woman who had come up to him in the saloon haunted him. He’d seen her one other time since that night, standing across the street from D. Walker Mineral. After that, Rogue had made himself scarce. He’d taken the duties that kept him out of the office. Once Friday’s work day was over, he’d talked Kit into taking an early flight to Austin on the premise that he wanted to spend some extra time with Elijah and his mom. Both of those things were true, but the real reason had been to get out of town was because of her. He knew something was amiss, something wasn’t right. People didn’t just show up and make claims the way she did without cause. Rogue knew he’d have to deal with it, but it would wait until the cruise was over. He didn’t want any unpleasantness to intrude on his time with Kit.

“I’m not worried,” she said, trying to convince herself the words were true. “What do you want to do first?”

Rogue didn’t have to think twice. “Make love to my woman, then we’ll go get something to eat.” He made a grab for her and she went to him willingly.

“Sounds good to me, cowboy.” As long as she was in his arms, Kit knew she was safe.

*  *  *

Back in Red Creek, Lucia sat on the edge of the narrow bed, folding and refolding a seam in her worn skirt. She didn’t know what to think. All of her hopes had dreams had seemed so near to coming true. Putting her trust in the man she’d been talking to on the internet, she’d committed herself to him and left her home in Juarez, Mexico.

Rogue Walker.

He seemed so kind and genuine. And he’d made her so many promises.

The man she’d found in this small American town was nothing like she’d hoped. She’d expected him to welcome her, take her in his home and build a life with her. After all, she had nothing to go back to. Her family was gone, her sister was missing, most likely dead. The lost girls of Juarez had another name added to their long sad list. Lucia was very afraid that if she returned to Juarez, she’d be next to go missing.

In the last few years, over seven hundred young women had gone missing–murdered. Their bodies found later abused and mutilated. Pink crosses dotted the city, all commemorating where the battered body of a victim was found. Lucia wiped the tears from her face. She’d sold everything she had, taken the money he’d wired and walked away from all she’d known. Why didn’t he want her?

Hugging herself tightly, she looked around the bare room. The owner of the saloon had taken pity on her, giving her a waitress job and this bed to sleep in. Lucia had assured him that this was temporary, she’d come to take her place as Rogue Walker’s wife. Making the sign of the cross over her heart, she offered up a prayer that this would all work out.

Lucia had no choice but to have faith. The people at D. Walker Mineral said that Rogue would return in a week.

She’d be waiting.

*  *  *

Out in the Caribbean, Kit peered out the porthole of their cabin. She wouldn’t go out on the balcony. The sight of the endless ocean made her shake. Pinching herself, she vowed to get it together. Rogue was having a great time, and she’d be damned if she was going to ruin it for him. He made every show, every stand-up comedian, each and every production. And he ate…and ate. Oh, and he made her feel like the only woman in the world, making love to her at every opportunity. Anyone else would be having a blast.

Not Kit.

She was too busy looking for icebergs.

Even she was amused at her absurd paranoia. But…part of her reasoned, global warming was a factor. You never know. She wondered if she might go to the Captain and volunteer for iceberg watching duty. Passing a hand over her eyes, Kit laughed at herself. But just knowing they were out in the ocean with water on all sides and so deep below, she almost quaked in her boots. This ship that had seemed so big when she first saw it at the dock now seemed to be just an isolated dot in an endless sea of blue.

At the moment, Rogue was working out in the gym. He said he’d eaten so much and planned to eat more, burning calories on the machines was his way of compensating. Kit had spent as much time in the casino as she could stomach, pumping nickels and quarters in the one armed bandit wasn’t her idea of fun.

What was going well were the wedding plans. She’d spoken to the Captain and he’d told her that the staff would only need a few hours’ notice to have a beautiful setting arranged for them, complete with flowers and a musician. Apparently he loved to officiate at weddings at sea. Now, all she had to do was work up the courage to propose.

Rogue had already proposed, but no date had been set. She had decided to perform her own little ceremony to show him how much she wanted to be his wife. If he consented, they’d debark in Galveston in a few days as Mr. and Mrs. Rogue Walker.

But for now, she was meeting her man for dinner. She’d taken extra care with her appearance tonight. As usual, she stood in front of the mirror while applying makeup and criticized her face. A little too narrow, her nose a tad too long, her lips a little on the thin side.
Horse-face
. Kit still remembered the insult she’d heard in her youth, even once from Rogue’s own lips. A stab of pain briefly caused her to inhale sharply. Shaking her head, she fluffed her hair. Those days were gone. Rogue had been young, angry–he’d apologized a thousand times and now told her how beautiful she was daily, how classically elegant and graceful. Touching her face, she recalled how he’d used the words exquisite and breathtaking not long ago.

Yes, she was loved. Kit had no doubt about that. Maybe being loved made you beautiful, like love made the Velveteen Rabbit real in the old children’s story.

A tap on the door alerted her that Rogue was coming in. “Are you ready to go eat? I’m starving!” He’d showered and changed at the gym. Setting down his duffle bag, he paused to take a look at Kit, dressed in a short bronze dress with a low cut back and an empire waistline which accentuated her breasts. He gave a long low whistle. “Damn, baby. You are one gorgeous, sexy woman.” Taking her hand, he tugged, fitting her body to his. “And I’m one grateful man.” Layering his lips over hers, he kissed her passionately. “I know what I’m having for dessert.”

“Something chocolate, I bet.” She pressed her head to his chest, taking comfort in the strong beat of his heart.

He made a humming noise as he thought. “Maybe, but you’re the sweet I’m craving the most.”

Kit let out a long breath as she rested against him. “You always make me feel better.”

“Good.” Rogue said as he pushed a strand of hair from her cheek. “That’s what I’m for. Now, let’s go.” He led her out of their cabin and down to the elevators. The walk to the main dining room was a pleasant one. There was always something going on everywhere they looked. Culinary classes, magicians performing, ice sculpture demonstrations–you name it, it was available.

When they arrived at the grand entrance to the dining room, they were met by a hostess who escorted them to their table. Crystal chandeliers lit the bi-level room, tuxedoed waiters stood by, ready to fulfil their every request and heavenly aromas wafted through the air. “The food really is excellent,” Kit murmured as they were seated and she was passed a menu with the day’s selections. “I think I’ll start with lobster bisque? How about you?”

Rogue only considered a moment. “Tiger shrimp cocktail, I think.” He surveyed the other selections, “Duck or prime rib. What sounds good?”

Kit’s stomach rumbled. She hadn’t eaten very much earlier in the day. She was determined not to gain weight. After all, she wanted to fit into her wedding dress. “I think I’ll take the chili rellenos.”

“Good choice.” Rogue mused, always serious about his food. “And now for dessert.”

Kit waited. She’d learned something early on. Rogue Walker picked the best desserts. After she’d made her choice and he made his, she always felt like his was better. He’d tease her with little bites, but pick at her because she coveted his. “Cherries Jubilee?” she ventured, watching his face.