Perhaps he felt giddy too. He unbuttoned her shirt, exposing the flesh under her collarbone. She didn’t wear a corset on the farm, and it made her feel exposed. Not that such a thing mattered. He was about to see her naked. He kissed her neck and let his mouth descend to her cleavage. She gasped as she held onto his arms. His beard tickled but his warm lips made her shiver in anticipation. Though she wore a chemise beneath her shirt, the feel of his hands as they cupped her breasts seemed to scorch her skin. She had no idea that her breasts were so sensitive. Her nipples hardened and an unfamiliar ache formed between her legs from his caress. She laid back on the bed so he could have better access to her bosom. But he didn’t continue as she thought he would. He stood up and removed his clothes, his face as serious as usual but with a certain intensity in his eyes that made her pulse quicken. He wanted her. Really wanted her. The way that men wanted women they desired

Loak at the trees, concentrate on balancing on the horse, remember where your father’s cabin is. But whatever you do, don’t think of her. He couldn’t afford to take his focus off his mission. He knew that when he set the dynamite off, he would die with George and Brian. I can’t let them live to harm her. She must be able to live. Don’t think of her. Focus. Keep your mind on business. He followed George. Brian followed him, his gun pointed at him. “So, George, how did you get caught up into this life of crime?” he finally asked. He knew that Brian wouldn’t kill him as long as he didn’t know where the treasure was hidden. “Don’t answer him, George. He’s trying to throw you off track,” Brian warned. “What difference does it make?” George shrugged. “He’ll be dead by tomorrow anyway.” “True enough.” George slowed his horse so he was riding beside Jake. Jake struggled to maintain his balance on his animal. “As soon as word got out about your fathe

After the doctor had taken care of his wound, Jake answered the police’s questions, and from the information he provided them, they found Mr. Barnett tied and gagged in Brian’s cabin. Brian had planned to come by for him on his way to Michigan, figuring that between Mr. Barnett and Jake, he would uncover the whereabouts of the jewelry. He had not realized the jewelry had indeed been returned, just as Jake’s father had told him before his death. Jake was relieved to hear that Mr. Barnett was alright. He had feared the lawyer was dead. A month later, Jake felt well enough to go to the dance with Sue. His shoulder was still sore but it was healing nicely. After he and Sue shared a couple of dances, he went with Justin to discuss business with Mr. Connor, a new man in town. He was glad to see that the other men were finally leaving Sue alone. They simply smiled and nodded to her as she passed by. He liked having her all to himself. Mr. Edwards came up to them. “It’s official.

Baton Rogue, Louisiana August 2,1876 Owen Russell held the cards firmly in his grip. Play it calm. You’re almost there. He eyed the money in the center of the round table. After seven hours of playing poker, it all came down to this moment. If I win this hand, Aunt Rachel will be financially stable again. The dim light in the saloon and the heavy smoke gave him a headache but he pressed forward. He hated being here. But he had to do this. If he didn‘t, his aunt would end up homeless. Ignoring the drunk patrons and the prostitutes lingering around, he straightened in his chair and focused on the cards in front of him. Forcing his attention from the whispers as people bet on who would win, he peaked at the clock. Almost five in the morning. Almost there. Just be calm. This game was too important. Out of the eight players who started the game, only he and Big Roy Hawke were left. A quick glance at Big Roy, aptly named for his overweight frame, notified him that the b

Owen entered the restaurant, aware of the looks he was getting. Oh well. He‘d just have to act like he didn‘t notice the snickers. He was lucky to even be alive. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, he found a seat in the corner of the spacious room and sat down. The boots that were much too big for him scraped across the hardwood floor. He had to pull up his pants so they didn‘t fall down. Rope. He needed rope. Or a belt. But then, a pair of pants that fit would do even better. He took a deep breath and allowed himself to relax. He made it to Omaha. That meant his problems were finally over. No one would be looking for him this far out west. ―What can I get you?‖ a woman wearing an apron asked, holding a pad and pencil in her hands. Right. Food. He quickly picked up the piece of paper in front of him and read the list of menu items. ―Do you have any fish?‖ She grinned. ―No. We don‘t. Hey, you sound funny. You aren‘t from here, are you?‖ ―No, ma‘a