NotoriousWoman (14 page)

“Why Caleb Purdy, in the middle of the day?” Jolie giggled
with such sweetness, Jake would make Caleb pay if he ever hurt her.

“Good a time as any,” Caleb answered, smirking.

Jolie shot Kate a hopeful look.

“You two go on,” Kate said with resignation. She’d come
across Caleb spooning with Jolie in the hayloft and yet she held her tongue.
Jake could only imagine what such restraint cost her.

Kate Crowley wasn’t a woman to be crossed but when it came
to her sister she’d become a mite more tolerant. Purdy might not have the
battle he feared when they told her about their wedding plans.

Jake grinned. “I’ll help with the chores.”

Caleb clamped Jake’s shoulder. “This ne’r-do-well’s no
stranger to washing dishes. Just don’t let him near your fine china. Jake can
be clumsy when it comes to the finer things in life.”

Jake shrugged out of Caleb’s grasp. “Don’t listen to him,
Kate. I’ve a reputation for having a real soft touch when the occasion
requires.”

They all laughed and Jake most of all. True, he wasn’t used
to all this fancy china and drinking water out of a glass but he could get used
to eating like a prince.

He didn’t take his eyes off Kate. She sure looked pretty.
He’d like to bask in one of her smiles the rest of the day. She just had to say
the word.

Jolie’s cheeks had colored up and the gleam in her eyes was
a delight to see. She grabbed her shawl from a hook on the back of the front
door. Caleb took it from her and settled it on her shoulders.

“We won’t be long,” Caleb said.

Jake wondered why the two of them put off their
announcement. Seemed like the perfect time, with Kate so hospitable.

Caleb opened the door and they exited as pretty as you
please.

Kate stood by Jake’s side. “I envy her.”

Jake took hold of her hand and brushed his thumb across her
knuckles. She pulled away from him and heaved a sigh. “Why do you deny yourself
any happiness, Kate? Why can’t you give yourself to a man?”

She went back to the kitchen with him on her heels. “You’ll
not make a fool of me twice, Jake Madden.”

“What did I do now?” he asked. She’d been humiliated by his
actions last night but what he’d done was for her own good.

“You come on strong but there’s no follow-through.”

Jake hadn’t expected her to talk so bold. “Is that what you
think?”

“It’s the best explanation I can come up with.”

Jake rubbed his jaw. No one had ever accused him of being
shy on finishing what he’d started. “I know what I’m doing, Katie.”

She shook her head. She wasn’t going to listen to excuses.
He reached for her. He wanted to touch her, hold her. Kate kept on resisting.
Jake was damned if he could make it right between them.

“I don’t regret leaving.” His admission met open hostility.

“All because of some silly notion a man has to be in
charge.”

“That’s about the long and the short of it.”

“You’re so old-fashioned. Time you learned a woman likes to
be on top sometimes.”

“Which I’m learning.” Jake hitched up the charm a notch.
“What do you say, Katie, let’s at least be friends for the sake of the ranch.”

“I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.” She set her fist on
her hip.

“Why the hell not?”

“You’re liable to take advantage.”

Jake understood. She didn’t trust him. If he was honest,
he’d own up to why he’d come to the ranch in the first place. If he could just
tell her all that was in his heart, would she listen?

“You want another cup of coffee?” she asked.

“Naw, I’m here to help with the kitchen chores.”

“I’m just about done.”

She was dismissing him. So be it. “Have it your way, Kate.
I’ll be in the barn.”

* * * * *

Jake was fit to be tied, struggling with his conscience. It
didn’t help that the rest of the day Kate had avoided him.

By suppertime, Jake was ready to make amends, tell her all.
The wager was as good as lost. Kate was all that mattered to him.

How she’d react to his confession remained the big question.
He’d little confidence she would take it in stride.

Jolie and Caleb decided to eat in town, which left the two
of them alone. As Kate waved goodbye to the couple of lovebirds from the porch,
she sucked on her lower lip.

“There’re plenty of food. Would you like to come in?”

“Yes ma’am.” He followed her inside like an old dog. “You’re
asking even though we won’t be chaperoned?”

“Don’t you fret,” she replied with a strangled laugh. “I’ll
behave myself.”

Jake didn’t think she was funny at all.

They ate in the kitchen on tin plates and an
oilcloth-covered table. The conversation leaned heavily toward the stock and
the upcoming auction. Jake was impressed by her ability with numbers as she
tallied up what they might earn at the auction, and she hadn’t needed the use
of paper and pencil.

Supper was over in no time and he’d bet there’d be no
invitation to share her bed.

She washed up the supper dishes in the porcelain sink,
giving him the dripping plates to dry. He’d no objection. She’d done a bang-up
job rounding up cattle—as good as any wrangler he’d ever come across. Fair was
fair was far as he was concerned.

Besides, he enjoyed watching the curve of her backside and
the sway of her hips as she talked. He took advantage of the view as long as he
could.

When he’d finished with the last plate, lining it up on the
plate rail next to the others, and the cast-iron skillet was hung on the wall,
she agreed it was too early to turn in.

He kissed her nose, lifted her off her feet and placed her
on a chair.

“What do you think you are doing?” She protested but there
was no fight in her.

He knelt and lifted her feet on his lap, took off her boots
and stockings and rubbed the bottom of her feet. He reached the spot where the
nail had penetrated her flesh. She jerked away.

“Still tender?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t see any infection.”

“Thanks to you.” She withdrew her foot. “Why don’t we go
into the parlor where we’ll be more comfortable?”

Jake was all for comfort.

Kate sat down on a divan, curling her legs underneath her.
“I’ve been thinking what you said about borrowing one of the Purdys’ bulls.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve changed your mind?” Jake picked up the
poker.

She eyed him with disdain. “Perhaps I was a bit hasty.”

“Now you’re talking. You just give Purdy the nod and he’ll
bring one on over.”

“Which I intend to do next time I see him.”

“I have no doubt the critter would settle in and do a
satisfactory job with the heifers.” Jake couldn’t help but consider how his own
manly inclinations needed to be met.

“You gave us sound advice. Bigger stock should bring us
better profits.” Kate was counting on next year already, the fine herd the new
bull would produce.

Jake didn’t have the heart to tell her she’d be lucky to
survive the winter.

He poked at the fire and added another mesquite log, sending
up sparks. The fireplace gave off good heat, making the room cozy. He didn’t
want to leave yet. There was still a score to settle between them but he didn’t
want to spoil the evening. Not yet.

“Got any checkers?” Jake asked. What could go wrong with a
game of checkers?

“Of course we do.” Kate crinkled her eyes. “Pa and I used to
play every night after supper.”

Jake scratched his chest and chuckled. “I don’t like to brag
but I’m good.”

“Is that so?” She rose to her feet.

“Yes ma’am.” He delighted to see her smile, to see the
flashes of flirtatiousness that softened her expression.

He liked that they could be compatible. Tonight, she could
forget about her debt and the responsibilities of the ranch. He could do that
for her. He could do more than that, if she would let him.

They stood as if stuck to the floor, facing each other.

“Thank you, Jake. Thank you for all you’ve done.”

Jake swallowed hard. She was talking in her silky voice—the
one that made him feel like prey.

She pressed her fingers to his lips and he resisted the urge
to suck one into his mouth. “Shh…you don’t have to say a thing. We both
appreciate all you’ve done and I’m a woman who likes to show her appreciation.”

She ran her fingers across his cheek and down the side of
his battered jaw. “And I’m sorry I treated you so badly last night. I
overreacted. You’ve worked hard and needed some time off.”

“I’m glad you see it my way.”

“I should’ve trusted you as my foreman to do what is best
for the ranch.”

His throat constricted. He wasn’t sure what to say. Was she
talking about Purdy’s bull? Or did she have something else on her mind?

No matter. He was going to kiss her. He leaned toward her,
his blood pumping, the remembrance of her last kiss only a breath away. His cock
hardened and his stomach muscles tightened. He couldn’t deny himself any longer
and he intended to show her all the pleasure she hungered for.

Kate backed away.

He understood what she was after—a little respect for a
woman who had no quit in her. “I’m all for you showing your appreciation.”

She laughed. “You’re a gentleman even if you pretend
otherwise.”

Tonight, Jake would let her call the shots. He’d no wish to
deceive her but he couldn’t easily walk away from making love to Kate Crowley.

She peered over her shoulder. “Help yourself to a whiskey.
Pa’s bottle is in the cupboard.”

“I’d be obliged.”

She went back into the kitchen. Jake found the bottle of
Kentucky bourbon and two glasses. He poured himself a glass and downed it in
one gulp.

“Here we are.” Kate carried a wooden box.

He set two full glasses on the table. She batted her
eyelashes, flirting unashamedly.

There was no mistaking what she was after. He squirmed as he
sat astride his chair, at odds with himself, at odds with this woman, and
anticipating the trap that would be sprung at any moment.

She set the box on the table and opened it. The checkerboard
was worn smooth in places. The pieces were scattered in the bottom of the box.

“You want me to ask Purdy about the bull?” Jake asked,
stacking them. Two could play this game.

She regarded him with eyes shining. “Thanks, but I’ll do the
asking.”

His insides twisted into a knot.
Oh, Katie girl, if only
I could be the man you think I am.

When she looked at him that way, he saw a thirst he was more
than willing to quench. The memory of her kisses burned red hot in his brain.
He hadn’t been able to put their moments together out of his head. His cock
wasn’t about to forget either.

If only they could have tonight with no promises for
tomorrow.

Jake set up the board and Kate sat down opposite him. The
evening had gone well so far, he reflected, but this stupid wager stood between
them. Something he wouldn’t admit to. He’d like to confide in her but no
explanation would be acceptable.

She reached for her stack and brushed against him.

“Whoa,” Jake said. He jerked back as if she were a rattler
ready to strike.

“What’s got into you? Are you afraid of me?”

“Should I be?”

She jutted one shoulder forward, full of sass. “Don’t be
ridiculous.”

“I have no objection to you seducing me. You’re the boss.”

“Why did you have to go and say that?”

“You’ve made your position clear.”

“I have responsibilities. I won’t abandon them.”

“Who’s asking you to, Kate?”

She straightened as prim as a schoolmarm. “Do you want to
make love or fight?”

“I reckon that’s up to you.”

Her eyes smoldered. “I might have to ask you to leave.”

Jake sat back in his chair. “Have it your way, darlin’, only
I’m not going just yet.”

“What’s got into you?”

“Nothing a roll in the hay wouldn’t cure.”

“So you do want to make love.”

“The way I figure it, we have tonight,” he said. “There’s no
guarantee for the days to come.”

“I see.”

“So let’s enjoy ourselves. Do we have a deal?”

She bit her lower lip. Indecision was her worst fault, he
reckoned. She couldn’t make a mistake. Jake watched her struggle.

“Let’s just play checkers.”

Jake gritted his teeth, wishing circumstances had been
different. “Whatever you say.”

He picked up a black checker with his left hand and a red
one with the other. Putting both behind his back, he cast her a grin. “You
choose who goes first,” he said.

She pointed to his left. He opened his left hand. “Red,” she
said. She looked up at him, trusting him, loving him. “Red goes first.”

When Kate reached to pick up her piece, Jake grabbed her by
the wrist. God help her, she didn’t resist. He turned her palm over and Kate
believed her heart might burst. Her skin was seared where he touched her. The
room was silent except for the occasional pop of mesquite in the fireplace.

He pressed his lips to the inside of her wrist and Kate
gasped. Not because she didn’t like it. She wanted him to press his lips to
every inch of her skin.

She tried to yank away before he went any further. This was
her seduction, not his. As far as seducing him, she’d done a poor job of it.
Obviously, she had a lot to learn.

Jake wouldn’t let her go. Instead he nipped her sensitive
wrist and then licked the spot, his wet tongue sending chills up her arm. Kate
trembled and grabbed the edge of the table. Oh lord. What was he doing to her?
Her breaths came in short pants. He got up from his chair and pulled her to her
feet. He gripped her hip, pressed his face to her stomach, his hot breaths
fanning through the fabric of her shirt to her flesh and beyond.

The move was both enticing and endearing at the same time.
She’d wanted to teach him a lesson—show him who she was. There was no doubt in
her this time. No demands to be made.