chapter 10
After her fretful night, Mariah was grateful for the pink rays of dawn because it meant she could get up. The window would definitely have to be fixed; she didn’t want to spend another night tossing and turning. In truth, the heat hadn’t been the only deterrent to a restful sleep, but she refused to dwell on it. Whatever last night meant would eventually be revealed. The only question remaining was Did she have the confidence to handle the outcome? and she answered herself with a rousing yes.
A sharp rap on her hallway door made her glance up. “Yes?”
Are you awake?”
Logan. She leapt from the bed and quickly dragged on her robe to hide her nightgown. “Yes.”
Just want to let you know that the bathing room is all yours.”
Thank you.”
I’m going to Lupe’s to get some eggs so I can cook breakfast.”
That’s supposed to be my job.”
Silence held for a few seconds. When the door opened, she drew back with surprise and dragged the belt of her robe tighter.
He studied her from the doorway with a look of amusement and part exasperation. “Do you get up every morning spoiling for an argument?”
Of course not.”
Good morning by the way.”
She nodded. “Good morning.”
Do you know how to cook over an open fire?”
No, but I’m willing to learn.”
So if I promise to teach you, is it okay for me to cook today so we don’t starve?”
Her smile peeked out. “I’m sorry, I just want to earn my salary.”
You’ll get your chance. I ordered your stove yesterday and an icebox.”
You did?” She was elated by the news all the while terribly uncomfortable standing there talking with him in her nightgown.
What’s the matter?”
You shouldn’t be in my room when I’m in my nightclothes.”
Another one of those gentleman rules?”
Yes.”
Sorry.” But he didn’t leave and the longer he stayed the more her nervousness was replaced by that strange awakening.
Should I apologize for what I said to you last night?” he asked quietly.
Mariah’s heart pounded. The conversation was so unlike any she’d had before, she had no idea how to respond.
In a tone equally as soft he confessed, “Not sure what I’m supposed to do about you, Mariah.”
Trembling, she asked, “What do you mean?”
You’ve kicked me, thrown rocks at me, and all I want to do is slide you into my arms and kiss you until the mountains turn to dust.”
She was going to faint—she just knew she was going to faint.
And you’re an innocent, too, so that complicates matters, but my attraction’s rising, and I think yours is, too.”
He was right, though well-raised women weren’t supposed to acknowledge such things. “Are you telling me all this just to vex me?”
No, querida. It’s to keep myself talking so I don’t come over there and kiss you the way I want to.”
The sensuality in his eyes and low-toned voice turned her insides into warmed lazy streams of response. She didn’t know what querida translated to, but the parts of herself now attuned to him wanted to be named so again.
And then he walked over to where she stood shaking.
I lost,” he whispered and ran a finger down her cheek. He was standing so close that the heat of his big body penetrated the thin fabric of her nightclothes to her skin as if she had on nothing at all.
Have you ever been kissed?” He lowered his mouth to hers and pressed a slow series of opening kisses against her lips that stole her reason.
Once, maybe twice . . .”
He continued to tease her lips lightly, brushing the sealed corners until they parted from the coaxing. “I want to love you in a field of wildflowers beneath the sun and breeze, then take you again outside in the moonlight, but I can’t . . .”
She moaned and her legs turned to sand. His strong arm gently braced her back and pulled her in flush against him. The contact sent them both soaring. She’d never felt so boneless; he’d never tasted a mouth so sweet. She wanted to remain unmoved, he was determined she would be, so her lips parted to allow the heated delving of his tongue.
Someone whispered, “Oh my Lord . . .” and when Mariah realized the words were hers, she backed away, breathless and dazzled.
Logan gazed down at her passion-lidded eyes and traced a finger over her kiss-swollen lips. She made such an alluring picture, all he wanted to do was tip her back on the bed and spend the rest of the day making hot carnal love and whispering querida, but he needed to leave. He’d already lost one battle with himself. If he lost the one he was fighting now, she would end up on the bed. “I’ll get the eggs and meet you out back.”
Treating her to a soft kiss of parting, he exited and the shaken Mariah dropped to the edge of the bed and fell back against the mattress. Goodness! she thought over her racing heart. The few kisses she’d shared with Tillman had never left her pulsing or throbbing so scandalously. Kaye shared with Mariah the details of the marriage-bed talk Kaye’d been given by her mother, and it was the only lesson Mariah had ever received on man-and-woman things. According to Winnie, all a woman need do was lie there and think about the next day’s household chores, and that it would be over quickly. Mariah knew that kisses could lead to it, but Kaye hadn’t mentioned anything about throbbing or wildflower meadows. She suddenly felt as ignorant as a squirrel in a classroom. How in the world was she going to face him for the rest of the day? Would the throbbing in her blood soon cease? Lord, she hoped so, because at the moment, all she wanted was to call him back and ask him to kiss her again. Shocked at the direction of her thoughts, she sat up and grabbed her things. Maybe by the time she took care of her needs in the washroom, her body would return to its normal state and she’d be able to remember that he had a mistress.
When Logan rode up, the Gutierrez boys were seated on the grass under their olive tree eating breakfast. Offering them a wave he continued on to the coop, where he found Lupe and Alanza talking.
Morning ladies.”
They both offered him greetings in return.
Lupe, I need about a half dozen eggs, please.”
Certainly. Is Senora Cooper cooking breakfast this morning?”
No I am. She doesn’t know how to cook over an open fire, at least not yet.” Logan knew he’d be recalling the sound of her breathless, oh my lord for the rest of his days.
Alanza asked, “Have you ordered the new stove?”
Yes. Should be here in a week or so.”
Lupe said, “I’ll go and get your eggs.”
Gracias.”
She departed leaving him and Alanza alone.
I didn’t expect to see you so early,” she said. “Is Valencia well?”
His lips thinned for a moment. “She’s so well she’s heading back east to marry.”
Marry? To whom?” Alanza looked stunned.
He shrugged. “A man she met in Yerba Buena last year and corresponded with since.”
Oh, Logan, I am so sorry.”
He waved her off. “Water under the bridge now.” He hadn’t loved her but he had cared and thought she’d cared for him in return. Obviously, he’d been wrong.
You and Mariah are well?”
Yes.”
You aren’t turning your eye to her now are you?”
I don’t seem to be having much choice. Dreamt about her.”
Logan. Dios! She hasn’t even been here three days. You haven’t seduced her already have you?”
No.”
But you’re thinking about it, I can tell.”
Whenever Alanza got upset or exasperated she slipped back into her native Spanish and did so then. “I should never have allowed you and your brothers to go to Mexico City with Francisco. The three of you have been cocky and arrogant as stallions ever since.”
Her fussing made him smile at her with tender amusement. He’d been sixteen years old the first time he was allowed to go and traveling with her cousin Francisco had been an eye-opener. For a month, he was entertained by some of the finest courtesans in the city. Everything Logan knew about pleasing a woman could be directly attributed to Francisco’s patronage. When Drew and Noah became old enough, they, too, began spending summers with him. Sadly, five years ago, he was laid to rest as a result of a duel over the ruining of the eldest daughter of a wealthy Mexican Don. Alanza might regret allowing her sons those visits, but Logan would be grateful for the rest of his life. “What are your plans for the day.”
Still giving him the evil eye, she replied. “I’m going over to the Wiyot rancheria to help with the preparations for Green Feather’s Brush Dance.”
Green Feather was his goddaughter and a young woman in the Wiyot tribe. The Brush Dance was being performed in honor of her leaving home to attend Hampton Institute in Virginia. “Do they need my help with anything?”
Can you ride over and talk to her sometime today. She’s getting a small case of cold feet and Sweet Water’s worried she may back out and not go.”
Sweet Water was her mother. “Sure.”
Thank you, and do me another favor?”
And that is?”
Leave Mariah alone unless you plan to make her your eposa.”
Since he doubted taking his housekeeper as his wife would be an outcome, he said nothing.
Lupe’s return saved him from more motherly directives. He took the basket she’d placed the eggs in, and after giving the silent Alanza a parting peck on the cheek, he rode off. On the way back to his place, he stopped in to see Bonnie, who gave him bacon, a few steaks, and the last of the morning’s biscuits. Loaded up, he finally headed home.
When Mariah joined him outside, he had a small fire going in a pit bordered by stones. Above the flames was a piece of metal upon which sat two black skillets similar to the ones she’d used back home to fry chicken. One skillet held thick slabs of fragrant-smelling bacon and the other a very large steak.
What do you usually eat in the mornings?” he asked, turning the bacon over with a long-handled fork.
Grateful he hadn’t referenced their kissing, she replied readily, “A couple pieces of toast and tea.”
He shook his head. “Not enough to keep a tadpole alive. It’s a wonder you haven’t blown away.”
It suits me.” She took a look at all he had cooking, and at the bowl holding what appeared to be the yolks of at least a half dozen eggs. “I see you eat much more.”
Yes, I do. Man has to keep up his strength.”
His eyes moved over her and her stomach fluttered as if there were tiny wings inside. To distract herself, she studied the height of the flames and how the skillets were placed in hopes of duplicating the setup tomorrow morning. “What are your plans after breakfast?”
Soon as we’re done here, Eli and I will ride the perimeter.”
And that is?”
The ranch’s borders. Need to make sure the fences are intact so our cattle won’t stray, and those that aren’t ours stay out.”
Is that a big problem—other people’s animals?”
It can be when you own the largest stand of fresh water and the most grass like we do. Got a neighbor who thinks he should be able to graze his herds on Yates land because he doesn’t have enough of his own.”
She looked out at the ranch’s vast grassland. “Seems like you have enough to share.”
We don’t.”
His tone made her sense she’d hit a nerve.
He went on to explain. “When I was growing up, there were no fences, but when the settlers moved in they squawked about the herds moving over their land, so the government made us put up fences. Now that most of the water and best grass is fenced in, they’re squawking again about wanting access. They can’t have it both ways.”
Mariah guessed she understood his point.
Logan was just about to explain more but he paused at the sight of Reverend Paul Dennis walking in their direction. Dammit. He genuinely liked the man, but he hadn’t planned on sharing Mariah’s company.
Morning, Logan.”
Reverend. What brings you out so early this morning?” The way the man’s eyes kept straying to Mariah, Logan was pretty sure he knew the answer.
I came to discuss a need for the school but who might this lovely lady be?”
Mrs. Mariah Cooper. Reverend Paul Dennis. She’s my new housekeeper.”
Good morning, Mrs. Cooper. I’m pleased to meet you.”
As am I.”
He appeared to be so awestruck by her, you’d’ve thought he was a miner who’d just found a fist-sized nugget in his pan. Logan wondered how he’d react if he knew she kicked like a mule and threw rocks.
In speaking with Senora Yates, she said you are a widow?”
I am.”
My condolences on your loss.”
Thank you,” she replied.
Logan noticed that she made it a point not to look his way, but he’d promised to keep her secret and he would.
Are you a churchgoing woman?” the reverend asked.
I am. Attended Mother Bethel in Philadelphia my entire life.”
Ah, one of the most famous houses of worship in the nation. Bethel’s role during abolition is the stuff of legend.”
Yes it is.”
Logan removed the bacon from the skillet and set it on a tin plate. He hoped Dennis didn’t want to be fed, too.
Have you had breakfast, this morning, Reverend?” she asked.
Logan went still and gave her a look, which she ignored.
Yes, I have, thanks.”
Before Logan could exhale his relief and begin an attempt to hurry Dennis on his way, Eli rode up. “Morning. I could smell that bacon a mile out.”
Go away. This isn’t for you.” The other hands were out working the horses. He hoped they didn’t come looking for handouts, too.
Again, Logan was ignored. “Morning, Mrs. Cooper. Reverend. You step in a bear trap this morning, Logan? See how he treats me?” he asked Mariah.
I do. Would you like some breakfast?”
Wondering if she planned to feed everyone around, Logan poured some of the milk he’d gotten from Bonnie into the bowl of eggs and beat them with a fork. “Don’t encourage him. He’s like a mongrel. Feed him once and you’ll never get rid of him.” He poured the eggs into the hot skillet.
Eli’s eyes radiated humor through the lenses of his spectacles. “I’ve eaten already, but just for that, I want some of that bacon.” And bold as day walked over and snagged two pieces.
Reverend Dennis was still so focused on Mariah, Logan swore if he and Eli hadn’t been present, the man would’ve already tossed her over his shoulder and beat a hasty path back to his buggy. “Our services begin at ten, Mrs. Cooper. I’m always looking to increase the congregation, so if you need a way to church, I’d be honored to drive you.”
Before she could respond, Logan offered up a response of his own. “If she wants to go, I’ll take her, and bring her back.”
The reverend stared as if seeing the Second Coming. Eli choked on his bacon and began coughing violently. Logan ignored them both along with the surprise in Mariah’s eyes.
The stunned-looking reverend asked, “You’ll bring her—to church?”
Yes.”
Eli was still coughing and viewing Logan as if he’d never seen him before. What went unsaid was that although Logan generously paid for most of the church’s construction costs seven years ago, he’d yet to set foot inside.
Logan asked Reverend Dennis, “Is there a problem?”
Um, no,” and he glanced back and forth between Logan and Mariah.
Eli did the same, and shook his head.
Logan held the reverend’s eyes. “You said you had another reason for stopping by.”
Um yes, I did. Miss Carmichael’s taken a higher-paying position and has given her notice.” He stopped for a moment to explain to Mariah. “She’s our schoolteacher.”
I see, thank you.”
He continued, “I know how busy you are, Logan, but I was hoping you’d volunteer to be on the committee to find her replacement.”
Sure. Just let me know when and where you want to start.”
Wonderful. You’re always a blessing.”
Logan enjoyed doing positive work, but now, he wanted the reverend to go on about his day, preferably taking Eli with him, so that he could eat breakfast with Mariah—alone.
Dennis must’ve seen that in his face. “Well, I’ve a lot to do today so I’ll get going.” But first, he turned to Mariah. “Mrs. Cooper, it’s been a pleasure making your acquaintance.”
Same here, sir.”
I’ll see you and Logan in church on Sunday.”
Looking forward to it.”
His next words were directed squarely at Logan. “As am I.”
Logan kept his face void of expression. “Thanks for stopping by.”
You bet.” Eyeing Mariah one last time, he walked away.
Mariah asked, “Is he as nice as he seems?”
Logan concentrated on handing her a plate and sitting down with his own. He left the answering to Eli.
Yes, he is. Does a lot to raise the race, and, he’s looking for a wife.”
Is he?”
Logan watched her turn and view the departing reverend with what appeared to be interest. He was so taken aback, he accidently knocked over his plate. The eggs, steak, bacon, and biscuits stared up at him from the dirt. He growled and speared Eli with a look that was met with all the innocence of an angel.
Oh no,” Mariah responded disappointedly. “And after all your work.” She had her plate safely in hand. “Here, take some of mine, I’ll never be able to eat all this.”
Thoroughly disgusted, he declined. “Quite all right. I’ll grab something later. I need to get to work. Let’s go, Eli.”
Barely hiding his mirth, Eli walked to his horse and mounted up, while Logan struck out for the stable to get Diablo.
As they rode off, Logan saw Mariah seated in the grass, happily eating her breakfast—alone.