Tempest

  “Might be a good idea.”

  As she returned, he pushed his chair back from the desk to make space for her to stand in front of him. He reached out and slid a finger down her cheek. “Doctors don’t like being interrupted in their offices.”

  “I didn’t know that. Do I owe you a boon?”

  “Maybe.” Bold as day he slowly raised her skirt, eased her drawers down her thighs, and had her step out. He set them aside. “You won’t be needing these.”

  Her knees turned to water.

  “Doctors do prefer patients who follow orders,” he said in a hushed voice. “So, unbutton your blouse for me, please.”

  Holding his glittering eyes, she complied, fingers shaking a bit. When the last one was freed, he gave her a kiss that stirred her already awakened senses and left her shimmering. He pulled back and traced an unhurried, featherlight fingertip over the crowns of her breasts above her corset, then down the line of tiny hooks.

  “Your corset next, Mrs. Lee.”

  She released the hooks one by one, exposing the thin white shift beneath, and set the corset on the desk. He slowly circled each berried bud before leaning in to greet them, and the warmth of his mouth made her croon and arch back against the edge of the desk.

  “You’re a very good patient, Mrs. Lee. Now, lift your skirt so I can give you a reward . . .”

  She complied and he stroked her heat until she moaned and widened her stance for more. His touch was hot, sure. Her senses sang. When he withdrew, she groaned in protest.

  “You’ll get more, soon. Promise.”

  Colton couldn’t believe this gorgeous sensual woman was his to seduce and enjoy. He continued to fight the urge to surrender to his growing attraction, but once again, he couldn’t deny himself the faceted Regan Carmichael Lee. He wanted her in all ways a man could want a woman. He kissed her again and savored the mouth he swore had been made for him alone. As the kiss ignited his passion he wondered about the man she’d given her virginity to. Had she screamed his name too, had she let him take her in the moonlight? But as his hands began to lazily map and explore, the questions retreated, buried beneath a fierce rising need that held him in thrall. His hunger grew in response to her passion-lidded eyes, so he undid his trousers and husked out invitingly, “Come, sit.”

  Regan never knew a woman could straddle a seated man. As she slowly lowered herself, every hard inch of him radiated heat that spread like liquid flame, and the glory closed her eyes.

  “Do you like this?”

  “Oh yes.” Guided by his hands, she rode slowly. She wondered if she’d be damned for wanting to spend the rest of her days doing nothing but this, with him. The position let her set the pace, and she enjoyed the way he watched her and the hard slide of him in her flesh. He moved her shift over her breasts, languidly teasing her nipples until they pleaded. When he bit each gently, she arched, crooning. His touch, so delicious, their joined bodies moving in tandem so decadent, desire blurred both time and place. Her greedy rise and fall became her world.

  Colt knew he’d take the memory of this to the grave. She was so tight, her silken hips in his hands so enticing, he wanted to spill himself there and then, but he didn’t want this to end. Ever. The tastes and feel of her, the scented hollow of her throat, the way she met his strokes, all fed a brewing storm that played havoc with his desire to take her slowly. But she was too hot, too sweet, and the leisurely pace he wanted to maintain failed. Her moans became more vocal, his grip roughened lustily. Needing more room than the chair allowed, he stood. She wrapped her legs tightly around his waist, held his shoulders for balance, and he growled with each deep stroke. Watching her feed on the pleasure sent his desire soaring and when she exploded, calling his name, his own completion flung him to the stars with a roar.

  Regan came back to herself, breathing harshly and cradled against his sweat-dampened shirt. He fell back into the chair, still holding her close. “Did I hurt your shoulder?” she asked.

  He gently tipped her chin up, raising her eyes to his. “No.”

  In the silence, they studied each other and there was a softness in his gaze she hadn’t seen before. He placed a kiss on her brow. She snuggled deeper into his hold wondering if lust might pave a path to something deeper. Her sated body didn’t care, but her heart, yearning for love, continued to hope.

  “I owe you an apology for the way I’ve acted after the last few times we’ve done this. I’ve not been very gentlemanly.”

  The confession was unexpected and she studied him. “I accept the apology, but may I ask the reasons for your actions?” She’d asked about it before and hoped he’d explain this time.

  “Because I can’t seem to control myself around you.”

  “That isn’t a bad thing, is it?”

  “It is when you’re accustomed to handling situations dispassionately. A doctor isn’t supposed to allow himself to run amok.”

  She found his honesty endearing. “Not even with his wife?”

  “Not even with his wife, or at least that’s what I believed.”

  “And now?”

  He paused as if thinking about the best way to phrase his response. “I’m beginning to believe differently. You’re very special, Regan. Even a man as plumb dumb as I’ve proven myself to be at times knows that. Who would’ve thought my Anna would be excited about owning tools, or want to learn to pitch horseshoes? Or that I’d want to lay you down on this desk to hear you scream my name again?”

  “You do know that underneath all that doctorly reserve you’re a very scandalous man.”

  “So I’m learning.”

  Silence rose for another moment and he broke it by asking quietly, “Can we make a pact to forget about the shooting and my being plumb dumb, and see where this marriage of ours leads? Just because we don’t have a love match doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy being man and wife.”

  That he seemed determined to keep his heart at bay was again disappointing to hear, but she kept it from her face. “I’d like that,” she replied lightly. “And whenever you wish to lay me on your desk, just let me know.”

  “I will.” He chuckled, then added solemnly, “Thank you for your kindness to my Anna.”

  She whispered, “You’re welcome.” She let herself be held for a few moments longer, wishing their times together meant more to him, then said, “I’m going to let you go back to your journals. I’ll tempt you into running amok again soon.”

  He dropped his head and smiled. “How am I supposed to get my work done?”

  She shrugged. “I’ve no idea. Good night, Colton.”

  “Good night, Regan.”

  Later, lying in bed, she thought back on their sensual encounter and smiled. She enjoyed making him run amok. Being with him was so different from the few times she’d had relations with Levi Spalding, the soldier she’d given her innocence to. They were both novices and, looking back, their couplings had been short fumbling attempts when compared to the powerful passion she’d experienced with Dr. Lee. Her thoughts drifted to the pact he’d asked for. He hadn’t detailed how they’d accomplish this new understanding. Would it come about through their daily interactions? And what about the softness she’d seen in his gaze? Did it mean his view of her was changing without him being aware of it? She had no answers but supposed in the end, time would tell. She’d just have to be patient. Snuggling down as best she could in Adele’s aging bed, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter Ten

  The next morning, Colt entered the kitchen just as Regan pulled a pan of biscuits from the oven with a mitt-protected hand.

  “Good morning, Regan,” he said easily. “Did you sleep well?”

  She placed the pan on the small counter and removed the mitt. “I did. And you?”

  He nodded.

  For a moment, they drank in the sight of each other and all she could think about was how wanton she’d felt having her legs wrapped around his waist.

  As if reading her mind, he warned,
“There will be no running amok today.”

  She faked a pout. “Spoilsport.”

  Eyes glowing with amusement, he poured himself a cup of coffee. Regan placed the biscuits in a bowl and decided she enjoyed starting her day with his smile instead of the distance he’d employed in the past.

  Anna entered. Her attire of denims, shirt, and boots again mimicked Regan’s. “Good morning, Papa. Good morning, Miss Regan.”

  Both adults greeted her in turn.

  “Can you take the plates to the table, sweetheart?” Regan asked.

  She nodded eagerly and exited with the three stacked plates.

  “How about I take the eggs?” Colt asked, gesturing to a bowl on the counter.

  “If you would, please. I’ll bring the rest.”

  He complied and Regan followed him out.

  As they ate their breakfast, Anna said, “I like the way you cook, Miss Regan.”

  “Thank you, Anna. Maybe when the new stove arrives, I can show you how to make biscuits. Would you like that?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Regan saw approval in Colt’s eyes. “Do you have any fishing poles?” she asked him.

  “I do.”

  “Where’s the best place to fish?”

  “The river that cuts through Odell’s land.”

  Since it was Saturday and she had nothing planned, she asked Anna, “Shall we go fishing today?”

  The little girl responded by looking to her father, who replied, “It’s your decision.”

  She turned back to Regan. “I don’t know how to go fishing.”

  “That’s quite all right. I’ll teach you.” Regan watched Colt butter another biscuit and shook off the memory of his hands doing other things last night, and asked, “Will Mr. Odell mind?”

  “No. Just about everyone fishes there. I’ll get the poles out of the barn for you.”

  “Would you care to join us?”

  She wanted him to come along but didn’t know his plans for the day. She thought this might be a nice way to begin their pact.

  “I’d like that.”

  His reply pleased her and the smile on Anna’s face indicated her pleasure as well.

  With Colt driving the wagon they set out. In the bed were poles, a basket holding food, jugs for water, and kindling in case they wanted to eat some of the catch for the midday meal. All in all, Regan was looking forward to spending the day with her new family. She also had questions about the beauty of the land. Spring wildflowers covered the countryside in a riot of colors. The ever-present mountains with their snowy caps dominated the view.

  “Do these mountains have a name?” she asked.

  “Yes. They’re called the Bighorns. The Cheyenne, Crow, and Sioux considered them sacred.”

  “Are the tribes still nearby?”

  “Yes, but on reservations. Cheyenne and Sioux were the last to be brought in.”

  The tribes in Arizona were no longer free either and she doubted they ever would be again. “When I left Arizona, the army was hunting Geronimo. I don’t know if he’s been recaptured.”

  “Read about him leaving the reservation in the newspaper here, but so far nothing’s been said about him being found.”

  “A member of his tribe worked on Mr. Blanchard’s ranch. His name was Tana. He was very kind to me and my sister, Portia. In fact, he taught us how to jump fences with our horses.”

  “You didn’t fall off and break your neck?” Anna asked from her spot on the seat between them.

  “No, sweetie. I didn’t.”

  “Livy has a pony, but Aunt Minnie said I couldn’t have one because I’d fall off and break my neck.”

  Regan looked to Colt and saw him give an exasperated shake of his head. “Your father and I could teach you to ride.”

  “I’m scared I’ll fall off.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with being afraid to try new things. How about we talk about it again sometime soon. I enjoy riding and I think you will, too.”

  “Okay,” she said softly.

  Regan wondered how many other fears she and Colt would have to banish before Anna could enjoy her childhood.

  They arrived at Odell’s place a short while later. His log and stone cabin sat in a clearing backed by pine forest. At their approach, he stepped out onto the porch. Standing with him was Ben Lee. Regan drew in a calming breath and hoped Ben would be more welcoming than he’d been during their initial meeting. “Did you know he was here?” she asked Colt.

  “No.”

  Anna turned to her father. “Do you think Granpa Ben would like to come fishing with us?”

  “You can ask him.”

  She gave a confident nod.

  Regan hoped he wouldn’t disappoint the girl, but didn’t want his grumpiness casting a pall over their fun either.

  The deerskin-wearing Odell, with his snow-white shoulder-length hair and whiskers, walked out to meet them. “Morning. You come to take the old bear off my hands?”

  Colt smiled. “No. Came to fish.”

  He eyed their party. “Anna, you’re going fishing?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Can I come along?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Can I bring the old bear?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay. We’ll meet you on the bank.”

  Colt got the horses moving and Regan did her best to ignore the disapproval in Ben’s eyes.

  They were unloading the wagon when the two men joined them. She greeted Ben with a nod, but he ignored her. Odell watched the exchange and glared at his friend but didn’t intervene. With everything unloaded, Regan scanned the rushing crystal clear water. It brought back memories of the rivers and canyons she and her sister swam in back home. “Mr. Odell, can you swim here?”

  “Only if you want to drown. Current’s pretty swift.”

  “Oh,” she said with disappointment.

  “You swim?”

  “Yes.”

  He smiled. “The more I talk to you, the more I like you. Right, Ben?”

  He grumbled.

  Odell said, “He’s not going to agree because it’ll prove he’s wrong as always.”

  Ben groused. “We come here to fish or listen to you jabber?”

  “Both,” Odell said proudly.

  The two shared an easiness that made Regan wonder how long they’d been friends. Determined to show Ben she wanted to know him better, she asked, “How long have you and Mr. Odell been friends, Mr. Lee?”

  “Why do you care?” he asked coldly.

  Regan drew back as if slapped. “My apology.”

  Determined not to show her hurt, she pasted on a smile just as Colt snapped, “He’s the one who should be apologizing.”

  Ben rolled his eyes dismissively and asked again, “We fishing, or not?”

  Anna looked between the two warring men and cried unhappily, “Granpa, please don’t be mean to Miss Regan. If you make her go away she won’t be my mama anymore.” There were tears in her eyes.

  Regan’s heart broke. She knelt and spoke to her as gently as she could. “It’s okay, honey. Nothing he can do will make me go away. I promise. Come, let’s go dig for worms.”

  “Worms!”

  Regan nodded. Ignoring Ben and the sting to her spirit, she nodded thanks to her husband and led Anna down to the bank.

  Colt watched them go and once they were out of earshot, he asked Ben, “Happy?”

  His grandfather didn’t respond.

  “Anna adores Regan, and I’ll not have my daughter living in fear that her new mama will leave because of you. If you don’t think you can respect Regan as my wife and as Anna’s mother, you shouldn’t come back to the house.”

  Ben showed his surprise. “You don’t mean that.”

  “If I’m forced to choose between Anna’s feelings and yours, hers will win every time.”

  Watching the exchange, Odell advised sagely, “Change your ways, old man, before you wind up alone. You’ve already lost Spring; don?
??t lose Colt and Anna, too. I’m going to join the worm hunt. You coming, Colt?”

  “Yes. Think about what I said, Ben.”

  They left him alone.

  Colt and Odell found Regan on her knees using a small trowel to dig into the bank. Anna was watching warily.

  “I found one, Anna!” Regan cried, and held up a large brown earthworm. “Do you want to hold it?”

  “No!” she said, shrinking back.

  Regan placed the worm in one of the small baskets and held it out. “Come see. I won’t make you touch it, but it’s fun to watch them wiggling around.”

  Colt could tell by his daughter’s skeptical expression that this wasn’t what she deemed fun. “How about you and I look together?” he asked her.

  She gave a quick nod. He took her hand and walked her closer. Anna peered in and eyed the worm silently. It was twisting and turning as it tried to burrow to freedom.

  “The fish like them,” Colt explained.

  “Do the fish eat them?” she asked.

  He nodded.

  “So, we eat worms when we eat fish?”

  Regan replied, “I suppose we do, but we’ll cut that part out so you don’t have to eat the worm.”

  The girl looked relieved but no more convinced. While they watched, Regan did more digging and soon there was a small pile of the wrigglers in the bottom of the basket. “I think that might be enough to get us started.”

  “I think so, too,” Colt said. He was again amazed by her pluck. Her knees and hands were covered with mud. He thought back on how hurt she’d appeared in response to Ben, and his anger churned to life once more. Since first meeting her, she’d radiated nothing but confidence, but Ben’s strike had left her shaken. Outwardly, she seemed to have recovered but Colt never wanted to see her hurt that way again. “Do you want a pole, Anna?” he asked.

  She quickly shook her head. “Can I just watch this time?”

  “Sure.” He didn’t press. She was only six years old. She had plenty of time to get comfortable with new activities like this one.

  So, with Anna looking on, Colt, Regan, and Odell baited their hooks, cast their lines into the fast-moving river, and waited for a bite.