Читать книгу The Devil's Kiss - Deloras Scott - Страница 12

Chapter Three

Cole twisted in the saddle, his dark eyes scanning the parade stretched out behind him. Satisfied that everything was moving well, he turned back around, his gaze automatically scanning the horizon for any signs of trouble. Even after being on the trail a week, sight of the caravan still left him speechless. For some reason that absolutely escaped him, a damn household was being transported from one spot to another. The only thing lacking was the wooden structure.

There were five new canvas-covered wagons, each being pulled by six yoked oxen. These were for the furniture and apparently every convenience known to mankind. Besides these, there were three additional farm wagons filled with supplies. The wagon wheels kicked up enough dust to be seen for miles around and would make a tempting parcel for any outlaw bands or Indians lurking about. Cole could only hope that marauders would mistake the dust for a small, well-armed wagon train and would prefer to give it a wide berth.

And then there was the menagerie of servants—eight men and four women in all. The rest of the flock consisted of five steers, one milk cow, horses, oxen, one pig and four sheep.

Though Mrs. Alexander’s entourage seemed never-ending, Cole had to admit it was well planned. The women handled the mending, cooking, serving and other womanly duties. The men drove the wagons, did the loading and unloading, set up tents and collected firewood, as well as doing anything else they were needed for. Besides their work on other chores, the Jones brothers were experts on wagon building and repairs, George Higgins was a blacksmith, Frank Doolan cared for the stock and Tucker Washington was a doctor. Evan White and Jeff Dobbs filled in where needed. Howard Bench kept Beth’s fancy carriage moving in front of the line to avoid the dust. It had become increasingly evident that her comfort was of the utmost importance. At least, as far as she was concerned.

Preferring to just observe for the time being, Cole hadn’t developed a close friendship with the men. However, he had learned that none of them would admit to ever having traveled through Kansas before. Tex Martin was keeping a low profile. Had Cole not been assigned to join this caravan, Beth could have found herself in a heap of trouble. She could have been stranded in some remote spot, having been attacked, with all her valuables gone. Indians would have taken care of the rest.

More than once Cole had seen Beth busily writing in a journal at night. Without a doubt, she was keeping a record of everything that transpired during the day. He wondered if her determination to be a writer was nothing more than a phase that would soon fade.

If Beth or Bethany—depending on who was talking about her — wasn’t riding in her carriage, she was on one of the three magnificent riding horses she’d brought along. Besides the two geldings, there was a black mare that was faster than any horse he’d ever seen. Beth had told the truth about her horsemanship. She handled the frisky animals as if she’d been born on one. The sidesaddle she used made the act all the more difficult. However, the lady had a bad habit of taking off in one direction or another, which led to his second complaint.

So far, they hadn’t even managed eight miles a day. The copper-haired dictator seemed to find an unending array of reasons for delays, none of which he deemed necessary.

Cole’s keen eyes scanned the tall grass and trees stretched out before him. It was still early spring, and the rains had been plentiful enough to leave behind a green sea of grass. The sky was blue and songbirds were in spectacular voice. He shifted his weight. It felt good to be in the saddle again.

Originally Cole had planned to leave Missouri and head straight into Kansas. He didn’t care to find some sheriff waiting around the bend and he’d hoped to avoid trains simply because he didn’t want some Pinkerton man hounding him. However, if her highness wanted to rob a train, Kansas wasn’t the right place. It would be better to stay in Missouri and head north, well away from everything. And he knew just the right spot.

“Cole! Cole Wagner!”

Cole groaned. What the hell did her majesty want this time? He turned his mount around and started back toward the caravan—which had already come to a stop. The lady was climbing out of her carriage when he brought his buckskin horse to a halt in front of her. He stared down at the woman, forced to admit that even beneath the heavy clothing the boss’s figure was something to behold — and untouchable, he reminded himself. The next few months were undoubtedly going to be a living hell — in more ways than one.

“I have to go behind the bush. Please try to remember that women are unable to relieve themselves as easily as men. Therefore more stops are going to have to be made along the way.”

Cole grinned at her lack of embarrassment. Other women would have turned ten different shades at having to admit to such. On the other hand, Beth could hardly be compared to other women. “Do you realize —”

“Surely this discussion can wait until after I’ve tended to my duty.”

Cole watched her hurry off toward a long line of tall shrubs, some thirty yards away. With that hat, veil and blue velvet riding dress, it was no wonder she continually fanned herself.

As the other women fell in behind Beth’s coach, Cole swung to the ground with the grace of a man used to being in the saddle. Sp far, they had yet to travel long enough for him to even grow saddle weary.

After five minutes, Cole pulled his hat down to shade his eyes from the afternoon sun. Another five minutes found him flicking the ends of his horse’s reins across his gloved palm. What the hell were the women doing? He glanced around at the men, who were patiently waiting.

Which is Tex Martin? Cole wondered. Certainly not the doctor, Washington Tucker. He and his wife were black. He had already decided that his only recourse was to cull the men out, one at a time.

Cole had started with Howard, Beth’s second in charge. Cole had spent more time visiting with him than anyone else in the caravan. Though it was doubtful Howard was the man Cole was looking for, Tex could have dyed his hair — and there were no age restrictions to go by.

Cole squatted, his thoughts still on Howard. The older man had even gone so far as to say that though he would protect Beth with his life, she was an absolutely unpredictable cavalier. He’d blamed it on money and having been on her own too long. But while Howard was so willingly informative, Cole knew the gentleman was also making his mind about whether the outlaw was trustworthy.

Cole checked his pocket watch. Another twenty minutes had passed, and his patience was nonexistent. He stood and looked toward the bush. “It’s time to head on!” he yelled.

Esther, Beth’s personal maid and companion, ran into view, her breathing already heavy from her exertion. “Mrs. Alexander has decided we will camp here for the day.”

“What?” Cole bellowed. “We can still get in four more hours of travel!”

The woman’s ample chest swelled with indignation. “Mrs. Alexander is bathing in the stream. It has been a week since she’s been allowed such pleasure, and she’s not about to forgo it!” Esther disappeared again into the foliage.

Magda, the cook, Lizzy, Tucker’s wife, and Molly Dee, another helper, were starting campfires for cooking. Some of the men were already unloading Madam Alexander’s furniture, while the others were setting up camp. Cole looked up at the sky, trying to keep a lid on his temper.

“Come, come, my friend,” Howard said as he walked from the carriage to where Cole stood. “You must learn to relax. Over the past ten years I have been on many trips with madam, and they are always the same. One eventually grows used to it.”

Cole’s temper had won the battle. “Maybe you, but not me.” He dropped the reins to the ground and started forward. He’d had enough of this foolishness.

After he had forced his way between the thick shrubbery, it quickly became apparent that neither Esther nor Mrs. Alexander had heard him approaching. Instead of harsh words, he was greeted with a titillating view of the “countess’s” slender bare back as she bent over on her knees, allowing Esther to rinse the soap from her hair. On any other occasion it would have been a pleasing sight, but Cole wasn’t feeling hospitable.

“What the hell is all this about? We’re supposed to be on a journey, not a social!”

“How dare you invade my toilette!” Beth stormed.

Cole received a considerable sense of pleasure at seeing the lady grovel for her blouse, then snatch it up to cover her breasts. “How dare you leave me standing while you pamper yourself? I wasn’t aware I’d be expected to wait over a half hour to finish what I had started to say! So I’ll spill it out now. If you plan to accomplish anything on this so-called journey, we sure as hell can’t be stopping every few minutes because of your whims. At the pace we’re going, it’ll take a month just to reach the area where you can rob your train! Believe me, that isn’t going to be easy with an entire caravan behind you!” He started to walk away, then turned back. “What do you think happens on wagon trains? They don’t stop, madam, except to water the stock.”

Still clutching her blouse in front of her, Beth climbed to her feet, her wet mane falling into her face. “Who do you think you are?” she asked while trying to shove her hair from her eyes. With the beard covering his face, it was impossible to see his expression. “I do not take orders from anyone, no matter who he may be!”

“It was you who caused this confrontation, not me.”

“Furthermore, I cannot tolerate a man who ignores gentlemanly manners,” Beth hissed.

“Then, lady, you had no business hiring an outlaw! But just to clear the air, my manners are unquestionable when there is a lady about, not some spoiled, thoughtless female who wants to lord it over everyone.”

A deep, guttural sound rolled from Beth’s throat. “Don’t you dare speak to me like that!”

“You pull another stunt like this, and I’m gone,” Cole warned.

“Fine. Go. Leave. I don’t need the likes of you.” With unwavering eyes Beth watched him turn on his heel and head back toward the wagons. As soon as he was out of sight, she shook her blouse and held it out for Esther. The water from her body and dripping hair had soaked it.

Esther hurried forward with a dry cloth. “He should never have talked to you like that. It’s good you got rid of him. He’s too brash.”

Beth bent over at the waist and began toweling her hair. “He can rant and carry on all he wants,” she said between clenched teeth, “but I know he isn’t going anywhere. He’s not about to leave without the money we agreed on, and I’m not about to give it to him until he shows me something I want to see!” Her hands paused. “Maybe it was a good thing we had this confrontation. He apparently needed to be reminded that I give the orders. Once he accepts that, he’ll settle down. I can’t really let him go. We need him to get to a town, then I’ll replace him.” She straightened. After her hair had been combed, she would let the afternoon sun finish drying it. “I think I’ll wear my hair in a braid from now on. It will prevent tangles. And while I’m thinking about it—”

“We don’t even know if the man owns a pistol,” Esther persisted. “So far all he’s done is prove he can stay on top of a horse.”

“Mmm. I have been thinking the same thing. When Decker and Wilber went to get him at the jail, Wagner told them he was quite harmless and the only reason he’d robbed a bank was to get money. His family needed food. A worthy cause, but certainly not the type of man I had hoped to hire.”

“His family? Is he married?”

Beth thought a minute. “I don’t know. I was told he was a wanted man, so I assumed he wouldn’t have a wife. Oh! The nerve of the man to speak to me like that!” Beth suddenly became very still. “Did I hear a horse gallop away?”

“I think so. You don’t supposed...”

Beth snatched her wet blouse from the grass and shoved her arms into the sleeves.

“You can’t go like that,” Esther said. “Wait until I at least get your corset.” But Beth was already on the run. Esther didn’t hurry after her. She knew that nothing distracted Bethany when she was in such a mood.

As soon as Beth cleared the bushes, she came to a halt. Her fingers were still working at the buttons on her blouse as she scanned the area around the wagons. Neither Cole nor his bedroll was anywhere in sight. “Howard!” she called as she raced forward.

Howard appeared from behind one of the supply wagons. There was little doubt in Beth’s mind that he had been imbibing the liquor she always carried on trips. “Where is Wagner?”

“He rode off. Would you like me to go after him?”

“No, I’ll take care of this myself. Get my gun and holster!” She continued on to where the big roan was tethered to a line rope.

By the time Beth had untied the lead, made a loop and placed it around the gelding’s muzzle, Howard had returned. He handed her the gun belt which she quickly buckled around her waist. The big .45 was shoved into the holster. He gave her a boost up onto the horse. After a few tugs at her skirt so her legs could hang down evenly, she looked back down at Howard.

“Which way did he go?”

The moment he pointed north, Beth sank her heels into the powerful roan’s sides.

As the horse sprang forward, Beth was considering the head start Cole had on her. It couldn’t be more than five minutes. If she pushed the gelding hard, she should be able to catch up with him. There had to be other criminals available who were agreeable and of a more gentlemanly nature. They would probably be even more familiar with the West than the man she had foolishly hired. Surely if the caravan continued on in the same direction they had been going, they would come upon the town Cole had mentioned. Or at least they would meet someone who could give them directions. But that wasn’t the issue. She had made an agreement with Cole Wagner and she’d be damned if she’d let him run out on her. She was the one to do the dismissing, not the other way around!

Cole leaned against the thick tree trunk, enjoying the shade. There was no doubt in his mind that his nemesis would be coming after him. Mrs. Alexander was not a woman who delegated such matters to others. Cole smiled. He didn’t want to make it too difficult for her to find him. Once she realized they were stranded and vulnerable without him, he’d have the leverage he wanted. Stopping every thirty minutes was going to come to a halt

Cole had sung only a couple of bars of “She’ll Be Comin’ Around the Mountain” when he heard the cadence of hooves pounding against the earth. The rider was in one hell of a hurry. He jumped to his feet. It took but a minute to move his horse behind the tree and cup his hand over the buckskin’s muzzle to prevent him from nickering. He had to be sure the rider wasn’t some sheriff. Cole had no desire to be looking down a lawman’s gun barrel. He should probably shave off his beard so he’d look less like the poster.

When Bethany Alexander rode by, Cole chuckled softly. Yes, indeed. The big boss was going to handle him all by herself. Her copper mane flying in the wind and her wet shirt clinging to full breasts was enough to set fire to any man’s loins.

He raised his fingers to his mouth and released a whistle loud enough to startle every creature for a mile around. Though her ladyship was already out of sight, he was certain she’d heard him.

Cole leaned his shoulder against the tree and waited. Would she be as wild in her lovemaking, or would she continue to act the authoritarian witch he’d had to put up with for over a week? The thought of her instructing him on how to make love brought a smile to his face.

When Beth came back into view she was holding her mount to an easy lope. Cole had already acknowledged that she was a capable horsewoman, but until now he’d had no idea just how good. What else was she an expert at? “Were you looking for me?” he asked when she stopped in front of him. He liked the fire that danced in her brown eyes and the flush in her cheeks from her wild ride.

“We had an agreement,” Beth snapped.

“You told me to leave.”

“You needed to be reminded who gives the orders. I’m beginning to think I’d be better off without you. So far you haven’t accomplished anything you agreed to. Now, mount up and we’ll return to camp.”

“Oh, no.” The material of her blouse was almost dry and no longer molded itself to her body. “We agreed on several things, but one of them wasn’t to give you a leisurely tour of the countryside. Just how do you plan on accomplishing anything if we can’t even average two miles an hour? We start out late morning, halt for a lengthy period every half hour or so, and set up camp early afternoon! I have no intention of spending the spring, summer and fall on this...journey. I plan to be on my way to California before winter sets in.”

Beth tossed her leg over the horse’s withers and slid to the ground. Not once did her gaze leave the outlaw. Though he hadn’t raised his voice, the precise words left no doubt that he was serious. She wanted to be prepared should he try anything.

“And just how do you think we should travel?” she asked, her voice laced with sarcasm.

“You lied to me, lady.”

Beth rested her hand on the butt of her revolver. “What do you mean by that?”

“You said you wanted to learn about the real West. You’re never going to learn the way you’re traveling. I’m beginning to think you haven’t the salt for it.”

“That’s a lie!”

Cole was slowly closing the gap between them. He wanted to get his hand on her gun before she ended up harming both of them. Suddenly she pulled the weapon, pointed the barrel downward and squeezed off two shots. Both bullets hit the ground between his feet.

“That’s so you’ll know not to come any close.” Beth saw his jaw muscle twitch. He hadn’t taken kindly to being shot at. “Maybe now you’ll think twice about trying to disarm me.”

Cole stood his ground.

“Toss your horse’s reins over that branch above you.”

Cole was tempted to kick her feet out from under her, but instead he did as he was told. It galled him that a woman had actually gotten the draw on him.

“I’ll ride your buckskin and you can ride my roan back to camp. Don’t try to escape, because I would have no qualms about shooting you.” She reached out and handed him her mount’s lead rope. “You do know how to ride bareback, don’t you?”

“I think I can manage.” Cole pulled her horse to him, then taking a handful of mane, easily swung himself up on the steed’s back.

Keeping the gun pointed at Cole, Beth mounted his horse. The stirrups were too long, but that was of no consequence. “Before we go, there are a couple of things you should be aware of. If you ever come upon me again when I’m bathing, I shall have you killed. Secondly, I take an agreement very seriously. Should you try to escape I promise you’ll regret it. Have I made myself clear?”

“Quite,” Cole snapped back at her. Damn if she wasn’t making him her prisoner!

“Good. Then let’s be on our way.”

Cole turned his mount and started back to camp. This was definitely not going the way he’d planned it. The lady hadn’t even taken the bait when he’d said she hadn’t the salt needed to find out about the West.

As the copper-headed beauty rode behind him, Cole thought about what had just taken place. A grin slowly spread across his face. Things were getting interesting. He’d win out in the end, which made every order, inconvenience, gun pointing and any other undesirable situation worthwhile. He began whistling “The Bonnie Blue Flag.”

Not until their return to camp and Beth had given orders to keep an eye on Cole, did she truly feel safe. There had been a certain air about Cole Wagner that left her with the impression that he was biding his time—possibly even toying with her.

As she made her way to the big tent near the stream, she pondered what would have happened had Cole given her any trouble. It had been a miracle that she’d managed to put two bullets between his feet instead of shooting him in the boot. She was accurate with a rifle, but so far she hadn’t managed the art of drawing a revolver from the holster and shooting a target. Of course, she could never have killed him for backing out on their agreement, no matter how angry she had been. After all, only minutes before he’d ridden off, she had been thinking about replacing him.

“Did you bring him back?” Esther inquired the moment Beth stepped inside the tent.

“You need not sound so worried. Of course I brought him back.” Beth unbuckled her gun belt and tossed it onto a low table. “As soon as I get out of these dirty clothes, I’d like a cup of that tea you’re brewing.”

Beth unbuttoned her blouse and let it fall onto the huge ornamental rug. The rest of the clothes quickly followed. A heavy sigh of pleasure escaped her lips when she slipped into the ruby red silk caftan Esther handed her. “I’m surprised that all European and American women haven’t died from wearing so much clothing.”

“So you’ve said before.”

Beth lounged on several of the brightly colored pillows scattered about the floor.

“Did the outlaw give you any trouble?” Esther inquired as she handed Beth her tea.

“No, none whatsoever.” Beth sipped the delicious brew. “Mmm. Just what I needed.”

“You should have let him go. What kind of man would allow a woman to take him prisoner?” Esther moved to a low chair near Beth. “If you ask me, I think your outlaw is a coward. He’s nothing like the magnificent men you have known over the years.”

“Call it woman’s intuition, but I have a hunch we’re misjudging him. However, I still fail to understand why he doesn’t wear a gun...especially when we are in the wilds. All my people are armed.”

“And rightly so. Here’s a thought. Perhaps he doesn’t know how to shoot.”

Beth drew up her knees and wrapped her arm around them. “Then if he isn’t an outlaw in the truest sense, and if he doesn’t know how to shoot, why doesn’t he show any fear?”

“Nothing has happened to frighten him.”

“Don’t you find it strange that he’s never shown any concern for his well-being? There is a hardness...” She set her teacup on the floor beside her. “It’s difficult to explain.”

“I also mentioned to Howard the possibility that Cole is out to get your money.” It took several tries before Esther managed to pull herself to her feet. “He has to know about the money you’re carrying. How else would you be able to pay for everything?”

“Esther, you keep contradicting yourself. You say he is a coward who can’t shoot, then you turn right around and say he is planning to steal everything I own! As long as he does what I want, you can stop concerning yourself over the matter.”

“You can’t keep him a prisoner forever.”

Beth grabbed a pillow and shoved it behind her back. “Do you know what ‘not having the salt to learn’ means?”

“Salt? Mercy, no.”

“That’s what Cole said to me. It sounded more like accusation. Oh, well, it isn’t of any significance. He also complained about the lack of time we spend traveling. Perhaps he and I need to talk. I believe I’ll have him dine with me. Yes. That’s what I’ll do. As soon as you pour me another cup of tea, go tell Magda I want her special chicken tonight, as well as several of her other delicious dishes...and a custard.”

“Don’t you think –”

“Hush. I don’t want to hear anything more about it.”

When Cole entered the big tent and saw Beth, he had an immediate, unexpected, erection. Lord a-mighty! He was reacting like some young pup who had never had a woman. Yet in all fairness he sure as hell hadn’t expected to see his hostess in such a costume. Howard had warned him to be prepared for anything, and he should have listened. She’d never catch him off guard like this again.

In an effort to take his mind off the fetching female, Cole glanced around the interior of the tent. It was like stepping into another world. A large rug covered the floor, and an assortment of brass objects were scattered about. He had no idea what they were used for. The furniture consisted of a lot of colorful pillows and low tables and chairs.

Having regained his composure, he let his gaze shift back to the object of his discomfort. Bethany Alexander was reclined against some of the pillows. Her skirt, made of green-and-blue sparkling material, barely covered her hips, leaving a clear view of a flat stomach and a jewel embedded in her navel. The upper portion of her costume allowed just enough material to cover her breasts. Diaphanous veils of various colors draped from the top of her head and extended over creamy white shoulders and body. Her long, thick mane hung down her back, with short copper curls caressing her smooth cheeks.

“I hope you don’t intend to remain there all night. Do come in.”

“Do you often dress for supper like that?” he asked. Even he was amazed at how calm he sounded.

Beth laughed. “Only on special occasions. You see, I am just finishing my book on Turkey, and it helps me to write when I can create the right atmosphere. This is what women wear in Turkey. Do you like it?” She didn’t bother to inform him that it was a belly dancer’s costume.

Cole heard a jingling noise when she moved a bare foot. Only then did he notice the tiny bells circling her small ankles. He cleared his throat. Traveling with this woman certainly brought its surprises. “It’s different,” he finally replied. At this moment he couldn’t think of a thing he wanted more than to grab the beauty, lift her onto the pillows and make unrestrained love for the rest of the evening. “At first I thought you might be out to seduce me.”

“And what would you say if I was?”

Convinced she was now safe, she was playing with him. The whole thing verged on the unbelievable. Here he was in a situation that any man might dream of, yet he had to keep his britches up! “I’d have to refuse.” He chuckled. “I never let a woman bed me unless we’re well acquainted.”

“Surely you must find me... tempting?” she asked good-naturedly.

He had to say something that would keep her away from him. More specifically, keep him from her. “Contrary to what you may think, I do have my morals.” He rather enjoyed taking a virginal woman’s side of the issue.

Beth broke out laughing. She laughed so hard tears began rolling down her cheeks. She had deliberately set out to shock him, only to end up with the man preaching morality!

“Maybe I should come back another time.”

“No, no,” Beth managed to say. “The...food is... ready.” As she tried to regain control of herself, she pointed to the other side of the table, motioning her guest to be seated.

After wiping her eyes and blowing her nose on the handkerchief she retrieved from beneath one of the pillows, Beth realized the outlaw was still standing just inside the tent. “Come, sit down. I don’t bite. I take it you haven’t been around many women.”

Not any quite like you, Cole thought. “I’ve known a few.”

Beth wished he would shave off that confounded beard so she could get a good look at his face.

Cole moved forward. “Where am I supposed to sit?”

“On one of the pillows.” Beth suddenly wondered why she had felt the need to taunt this man. She should have been aware of his shyness. Or was it shyness? He hadn’t been backward when he complimented her in Independence. He had said she was a vision of loveliness. A shy man didn’t come up with words like that. “I’ve had a special meal prepared just for you.”

“I’d prefer it if you’d tell me the purpose of my being here.” Cole sat on a pillow, then tried to figure out what he was supposed to do with his long legs.

“You said we needed to talk about our trip. I thought this was a more civilized way of doing it than yelling at each other.”

Cole finally crossed his legs Indian-style. “What I’ve been trying to tell you—”

“Let’s wait until after we have eaten. It isn’t proper to discuss business during a meal.”

As the women began parading in with various bowls of food, the delicious aroma quickly permeated the air, making Cole’s mouth water. Having eaten only a couple of biscuits that morning, he was ready for a good meal.

Cole pitched right in. The bowls didn’t have a lot in them, but he still managed goodly-sized portions on his plate. None of the dishes looked familiar, but he wasn’t picky. He took a big bite of the chunky meat.

Beth raised her finger, but the food had already disappeared into Cole’s mouth. She flinched when his eyes became large circles of obsidian.

Cole was convinced the woman had tried to kill him. The hot spices were not only cooking his mouth, his skin was turning red! He glanced around the table for water, even though he knew it would only make the burning worse. There was none. Not even a saltcellar to sprinkle salt in his mouth. His eyes watering, he snatched up the glass filled with heaven knew what and downed the contents. Gawd almighty! It was vinegar! He jumped to his feet and ran out of the tent, already removing his coat and welcoming the feel of fresh air against his hot flesh. Each breath he took was like inhaling fire.

“Are...are you all right?”

Cole spun around and glowered at his hostess.

“I started to tell you the food was spicy, but you had already taken a bite.” Beth raised her hand to her throat. There was no warmth in those black eyes staring back at her. “I had wanted something different to serve you. I’m used to the food, so I had forgotten how hot Turkish food can seem to others.” Seeing his breathing was returning to normal, she relaxed somewhat. She honestly felt bad about what had happened. “If you’ll come back in, I’ll get you some water and have Magda prepare something more to your liking.”

“I’m not hungry.” He started to walk away.

“What did you mean when you said I have no salt for the West?”

Cole kept walking. “Guts, lady, guts,” he called over his shoulder.

Beth watched him walk away. Impossible man. Why was she singling him out from the others? All she had to do was give him an order or spend five minutes listening to what he had to say. It certainly didn’t require asking him to dine with her.

She went back inside the tent. The food was getting cold and she was hungry. Strange, she hadn’t noticed how broad Cole’s shoulders were until he’d taken off his coat. No guts, indeed! Just wait. She’d show him.