Lawmans rules, p.3
Lawman's Rules, page 3
Lou put away the weapon and flashed a sarcastic grin. For a minute there he thought she just might take him up on his offer.
Instead, she tossed her head haughtily and, without another word, left him there.
Sam deliberately hung back, not in the least offended. If she realized how much he enjoyed watching her cute behind bounce up and down in the saddle, she’d shoot him for sure. He imagined those sweet cheeks squeezing his cock as he sunk deep inside her dark hole.
His cock swelled. If he kept up with these wicked thoughts he’d surely suffer an unpleasant ride.
Catching up to her, he gave her a sidelong glance. “Do you always wear boy’s clothing?”
She looked candidly at him, but then his attention was caught by the way her auburn braided hair hung over one shoulder and came to rest above one breast. Sam swallowed hard and averted his gaze back to her face.
“I don’t like riding sidesaddle. I want to enjoy the ride and not have to worry about my dress flapping in the breeze. Can you imagine the brouhaha it would cause if the straightlaced women in town saw my bare ankles?” She pulled a face then laughed. “The poor doc would have to invest in a ton of smelling salts.”
Her sense of humor was refreshing and she possessed a delightful contagious laugh.
They rode in silence for a bit, then she asked, “What’s your name?”
“Callahan, Sam Callahan, and you are?”
“Lou, I mean, Louise Talbot. I live on the Circle C ranch about a mile from here.”
Sam touched the brim of his hat. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Lou Talbot.”
Lou nodded. She wished she could say the same. Each bounce in the saddle reminded her of how easily he had overpowered her and put her across his knee.
Still fuming from the argument she and Lou had during breakfast, Eleanor Talbot took the pan of freshly baked cookies out of the oven and set the tray down on the counter with a bang. Grabbing her rifle, she went outside to wait for her errant niece.
Instead of staying to talk things out, Lou would always take off in a temper and it was about time she put her foot down. Eleanor snorted. Her niece was much more like her in temperament, instead of her mother—may she rest in peace. There were many times when her mother would try to give her some sound advice only to have it thrown back in her face.
Lou’s traipsing about the countryside by herself had to come to an end. The cute little girl with pigtails had grown into a beautiful young lady. There were dozens of beautiful dresses just hanging in the closet, but she’d rather wear pants.
Eleanor also enjoyed the comfort of wearing pants and that was the main reason why she never said anything. But things had changed. Lou had filled out in certain areas of her body and those pants were beginning to cause her to worry. One too many times Eleanor caught the ranch hands staring at Lou’s backside whenever she walked by.
She’d had every intention of having this little chat with her niece for some time, but then Eleanor’s father had passed away and once again it was set on the back burner.
“Pardon me, Miss Eleanor.”
Eleanor’s hand flew to her throat. “Flint Baxter, you startled me. What in tarnation brings you to the Circle C?” She eyed the former ranch hand with undisguised disdain. He’d been the first to quit working for the Circle C ranch after her father’s death. He told her flat out he wouldn’t take orders from a woman.
“Just thought I’d stop by and see how you and yer niece were doin’.” He looked around. “I don’t see anybody. I surely hope Cass and the others didn’t leave too.”
Sure you do. Gathering her wits, she managed to put aside her fierce displeasure toward the man. “That’s very nice of you, but not necessary. You made your feelings known about working for a woman just a day after my father’s death.”
Flint removed his hat. “Yeah, well, I’ve been doin’ some thinkin’. I ain’t afraid to say I acted too quickly by leavin’ you high and dry. Yer pa was a decent man. He never made us do things he wouldn’t do himself and he wouldn’t want you and Miss Lou here all alone.”
The man must think her addlebrained. Not once had he ever shown an ounce of compassion for anyone but himself. “We aren’t alone. Ace, Clancy, and Cassidy are still here and I’m still looking to hire a ramrod.”
Alarm bells rang in her head when he began twirling his hat in his hands.
“Exactly why are you here?”
He pulled the crumpled handkerchief hanging from his pants pocket and wiped his sweaty brow. “I, uh, I’m here to ask you somethin’.”
The short hairs on the back of her neck stood up on end. His way-too-eager expression made her uneasy. “Ask me what?”
“I want the ramrod job, but most of all I want you to be my woman… I mean my wife. Let’s get hitched.”
“Hitched?” Eleanor exclaimed in surprise. “Are you insane?”
He dropped to one knee and reached for her hand. Eleanor stepped back, staring at him in total disbelief.
“I swear I’ll be a good husband. I won’t beat you.”
“Beat me?” Eleanor repeated flatly. “You lay a hand on me and I’ll shoot it off, you hear me?” Her tone ended on a screech. “You’ve gone loco. Get up for heaven’s sake and stop talking nonsense.”
Flint grabbed hold of the wooden banister and pulled himself to his feet. His face was as red as a beet from exertion. “It’s not nonsense. Woman, I’m tryin’ to offer you a solution to yer problem. You still have a few ranch hands, but what you need is a ramrod and I’m tellin’ ya right now there ain’t a man for miles around who’d work as ramrod for a female. It just ain’t done.”
Eleanor slammed her hands on her hips. “So word got around about me looking for a ramrod? Sure didn’t take long.” Her brows knitted. She’d bet her last dollar it was Corbin Maxwell. The man had his nose in everything, especially if he could benefit from the outcome. “Corbin opened his big mouth.”
“He mentioned it the other day when I saw him in town.”
“And how many men did he threaten with violence if they applied?” Flint shuffled his feet. Eleanor’s anger grew at the audacity of both men thinking her unable to make decisions.
She picked up her rifle and pointed it at Flint. “Get off my land, Baxter, and don’t come back, you hear me?”
He held up both hands in surrender. “I done tried to be a gentleman, but yer way too stubborn a female to see reason.”
Eleanor muttered a slew of colorful words as he mounted his horse and took off down the road in a cloud of dust. She needed a cup of coffee. Better yet, a shot of whiskey would do much better.
The clamor of a wagon stopped her in her tracks. She retraced her steps and groaned when she recognized Corbin Maxwell’s wagon.
He greeted her with a cheerful smile. “Good day, Miss Talbot.”
Eleanor grumbled to herself. Corbin was the richest man in the territory and since her fathers’ death, he had suddenly taken it upon himself to stop by every other day claiming to check on her. Eleanor knew better. He wanted the Circle C in a bad way. He’d lie, cheat, or steal to get it.
Sighing, Eleanor sat down.
He took each step leading to the porch one at a time. When he reached the platform he stopped to wipe the sweat dotting his brow. Removing his hat, he settled in the chair next to Eleanor. “You don’t mind if I sit for a spell? I do enjoy your company.”
Since his butt was already in the chair she had no other option but to join him.
After a few uneasy minutes of silence, he asked, “And where is that pretty niece of yours?”
“She’s out riding.”
“Alone?” He clicked his tongue in dismay. “She’s such a wild child, Eleanor. She should have an escort. I’d hate to see something bad happen to the girl.”
“Lou can take care of herself,” Eleanor replied. Even though she’d been thinking the same thing, this old goat had no right to tell her how to be a responsible, loving aunt. “I taught her how to shoot and ride when she was just a young’un.”
Corbin leaned forward, his expression somber. “That’s what I mean. In my opinion, you’re much too easy on the girl. You cater to her every whim. You let her run around in pants and she acts like a hoyden. It’s not ladylike.”
“Your derisive tone is not appreciated.” Eleanor stood up. She glanced at her faded pants then at Corbin, who jumped to his feet. “I guess I’m not a lady either.”
“I’m terribly sorry. I didn’t mean to sound insulting.”
“But you did.” Eleanor grabbed the rifle that had been placed beside her chair and pointed it at him. “How dare you criticize the way my father and I raised Lou. All these years and you haven’t learned your lesson yet. You’re messing with the wrong woman, Corbin, and don’t you dare come on my land pretending to be concerned about my welfare. We both know what you want.”
When he took a step toward her, Eleanor raised the gun a notch higher. “I’m not fooling, Maxwell.”
Sweat beaded his forehead. “Eleanor, I didn’t come here to argue. It’s just that I’ve been thinking a lot about you and me lately.”
“As far as I’m concerned, there has never been—and never will be—a you and me. I thought I made myself clear years ago when you first asked me to marry you.”
“I know, I know, but things are different now. You and Lou are all alone with no one to protect you. I heard you can’t even find a man who’ll accept the job as a ramrod. It’s nearly impossible for you and your niece to go on this way too much longer. I can help. Marry me and you’ll get a ramrod just like that.” He snapped his fingers.
Eleanor got a sickening feeling in her stomach. “I’m not a brainless idiot, Corbin. Do you know what I think? I think you warned the men in town not to apply for the job. They’re afraid of you, but I’m not.” Her body began to tremble with anger. “I should shoot you right where you stand. I wouldn’t marry you if you were the last man on earth. Now get off my land and don’t bother coming back.”
Corbin snatched his hat and carefully backed down the steps. “You’re a mighty handsome woman, Eleanor, make no mistake about that. I’d hate to see you out in the cold. It’d be a damn shame if poor, innocent Lou would happen to have an accident while she’s riding hellbent for leather across the prairie.”
The bastard knew her soft spot. “You stay away from my niece, you hear me?”
“I’d be willing to offer top dollar for the place.”
“Leave now, Corbin Maxwell, while you still can. If you set one foot on my land again, I’ll shoot you on sight.”
Chapter 6
While they rode along in silence, Lou couldn’t brush aside feeling like a naughty child being taken to the woodshed for another spanking by a stern parent. As far as she was concerned, Sam Callahan deserved to be horsewhipped for putting his hands on her. He had certainly taken liberties that didn’t belong to him.
She squirmed in the saddle. Oddly enough, her butt didn’t hurt all that much anymore. Perhaps it was her pride causing this angst she was feeling. She had fought him with every fiber of her being and yet he had handled her as if she’d been a bag of feathers.
But something much more disturbing troubled her. On the outside, she’d acted like a wildcat, but on the inside, the solid pressure of his thighs rubbing the tender skin of her belly had sparked an ache between her legs and caused her nipples to harden.
“You look as if you’re deep in thought.”
Sam’s deep voice startled her. “I was just woolgathering.” She cleared her throat. “Look, there’s no need for you to accompany me any further. The Circle C is just around that bend.”
He stared straight ahead as if she hadn’t spoken. She may as well have been talking to a wall.
“Did you hear me?”
The arrogant lout merely shot her a sideways glance but said nothing. Fine, she could ignore him just as well. Lou focused her attention on the road. When the sound of hoofbeats pounding the earth drew near, she reined in BJ.
“Auntie must’ve had an early visitor,” she said more to herself than anything. Lou immediately recognized the ride. She groaned. “It’s that weasel, Flint Baxter. I bet he was at the ranch begging for the ramrod job.”
Flint slowed his mount to a stop. His gaze went to Sam, then Lou, and back to Sam again. “For a stranger, you sure do get around.” His mouth curled in disgust. “What’s he doin’ ridin’ with you?”
Perplexed, Lou asked, “Have you two met before?”
“Briefly,” Sam replied dryly.
“Lou, you don’t even know the man. If yer thinkin’ of makin’ him yer ramrod, I’d think twice.”
Lou scowled. “I don’t need your advice.”
“The hell you don’t. Yer grandpappy is probably rollin’ in his grave right now.”
“You keep your big mouth shut about my Grandfather. He’d be rolling in his grave if he knew what you tried to do that time in the barn.” She raised her chin. “Remember?”
Cursing a blue streak, Flint took off down the road.
While she fumed, Sam watched until the man was out of sight. “He was in the saloon last night.”
Lou rolled her eyes in disgust. “So, you’re a drinking man. I should’ve known.”
“On occasion,” Sam replied. “You have a thing against beer?”
“Hell no, I enjoy a cold brew once in a while myself.” Lou nearly burst into laughter at the stunned expression on his face. She did toss back a shot of whiskey now and then when she couldn’t sleep, but she tried not to make a habit of it.
Sam shook his head. “I sure can’t wait to meet your aunt and fill her in on a few things. The poor woman probably has no idea what you’re up to when you go off by yourself.”
“Believe me, she knows, and you can forget about filling her in. What I do is none of your business.” She tapped BJ’s sides and moved on ahead.
“Hold on, you never mentioned what exactly Flint tried to do?”
“And I don’t intend to, Sam Callahan.”
They continued on their way in silence. It wasn’t long before a wagon rounded the curve.
“What the hell?” Lou pulled back gently on the reins. Sam followed suit.
“Do you know who that is?”
Lou pulled a face. “Sure do. That’s none other than our neighbor, Corbin ‘the rat’ Maxwell. He probably stopped by the ranch on his way to town. He’s another pain in the ass. Auntie’s most likely spitting bullets right about now. Two visits the same morning with the two men she can’t stand.”
He eyed her sternly. “You got a foul mouth, you know that?”
“Yes, I do and I’m not ashamed of it.” She smirked. “I learned a few words from my aunt, but the really bad ones I picked up from the ranch hands when I hid in the loft. Which I did a lot when I was younger. As for Corbin, he deserves every rotten curse thrown at his head and then some. I bet he was pressuring Auntie again about selling the ranch.”
The wagon drew closer and she could tell by his expression that Corbin was not in a good mood. She couldn’t hide her glee. Judging from the glower on his face he didn’t get the answer he wanted to hear.
Corbin stopped alongside Lou. He doffed his hat. “Hello, Miss Lou. I stopped by the ranch to check on your Auntie like I promised the day your grandpappy died.”
“That’s a load of bullshit and you know it,” Lou shot back furiously. “Stop all this lying and finally admit that the only thing you’re interested in is the ranch and you’d do anything to get it.”
“Young lady, you are very much mistaken and, if I were you, I’d watch that mouth.”
“Don’t you dare lecture me, you old coot.” She raised her nose in the air. “Tell me something. Can you deny the fact that you want that land?”
Corbin’s face turned a mottled red.
“I thought so.” She leaned toward him. “Listen to me, you old sidewinder. Your visits put my aunt in a foul mood.” Smirking, she turned to Sam. “This man thinks he can pull the wool over Aunt Eleanor’s eyes by pretending to be polite and mannerly, but he doesn’t have her fooled. He doesn’t give a rat’s ass about us.”
Corbin shook a stubby finger in her face. “You need a lesson in respect. That sassy mouth should be washed out with soap.” He looked her up and down in disgust. “You’ll never land a husband behaving like a shrew and dressing like a ragamuffin.” He huffed and directed his attention to Sam. “Who the hell are you and what are you doing with Lou?”
Sam opened his mouth but Lou held up her hand. “You don’t have to answer him.” She narrowed her eyes. “How dare you call me a shrew?”
Lou swung both legs to one side, but Sam reached out and caught her before her feet hit the ground. She pushed and pulled at his muscled arm. It was no use. It felt as if a band of steel encased her waist.
“Let me go, damn you,” she hissed.
He lifted her up and onto his lap in one swift move. He yanked her against his chest. “Stay put and keep quiet.”
His mouth against her ear sent the most delicious shivers down her spine, but she fought to ignore it because he had done it again. Handled her like a ragdoll.
Frustrated, Lou punched his arm. “Callahan, I’m telling you now. Let me go. I want to wipe that stupid grin off his face.”
“I know, but I want you to sit here quietly and behave.” Sam kneed Thunderbolt into a walk and moved to where Corbin sat, appearing quite shocked. “I suggest you be on your way before this little wildcat gets loose.”
Corbin’s face turned a mottled red. He flicked the reins and continued down the road.
Lou felt trapped like a rat. “I said, let me go,” she spat. She twisted her upper body and pounded his chest. She may as well have been hitting rock. Then she tried another tactic. She bounced up and down on his lap, risking the chance of falling from a horse that was nearly sixteen hands high.
A growl reached her ears. “Young lady, you’re looking for the kind of trouble I don’t think you’re ready to handle.”
As if on cue, a tell-tale bulge nudged her most intimate place. Lou froze.
