By noon the following day, it was particularly hot and humid. It was so muggy that their perspiration refused to evaporate and it dampened their garments and flesh. Breathing seemed difficult, and a feeling of misery chewed on them. Marsh taught her how to cool off by riding beneath a vast cloud, which cut off the blazing sun.
As they paused in the natural shade, Randee commented, “That’s a good trick, Mr. Logan. I can tell you’re used to being out in the open most of the time. You know a lot about nature.”
“Why, thank you, Miss Hollis. I appreciate you appreciating me,” he teased merrily in an exaggerated Southern drawl.
As the day progressed, so did the imminent threat of a violent storm within the next few hours. The massive white clouds and blue sky vanished. The firmament darkened steadily until it looked like a deep, slate-blue backdrop which was sewn tightly to the rich green landscape on the horizon. The contrast of intense blue and green was breathtaking as Randee looked across the flat land before her line of vision. It was as if, as far as she could see, the earth was a verdant blanket which suddenly became a dark-sapphire barrier that loomed overhead to all points of the compass. The wind gusted ominously, causing the grasses to wave wildly to and fro and refreshing Randee and Marsh.
The heat lessened quickly as breezes grew stronger and cooler. Randee’s hair whipped about until she halted to twirl it and tuck it beneath her hat. In the distance, thunder rumbled like boulders being rolled across heaven’s floor. On the horizon, brilliant streaks of lightning flashed rapidly across the sky, warning of the violent drama which nature was about to stage in this area. The rumbling grew louder and nearer. The sky became a pearly gray, hinting at how much water was entrapped above them. It was strange, but a burst of energy and excitement filled Randee as the weather changed. She felt so alive, so much a part of nature, so close to it, so affected by its wild beauty.
Marsh reined his horse and dismounted. He quickly withdrew the map from his saddlebag, unfolded it, and scanned it. “We have to find shelter fast, woman.. We’re in for a long and violent storm. If no one’s around, we can take shelter here,” he told her, pointing to one of the ranches that was marked as abandoned and sold on his map.
Earsplitting thunderclaps sounded almost overhead, and Randee thought she felt their vibrations within her chest. Lightning danced wildly just beyond them, its jagged lines traveling swiftly from heaven to earth as if they were luminous skeletons attacking the land. “That’s fine with me,” she agreed, glancing at their intimidating surroundings. It looked as if the sky was nearly bursting with water. She knew the storm’s fury would be unleashed soon, and she wanted to be inside.
They galloped toward their new destination, actually heading further away from Fort Worth. The wind was blowing forcefully, and the thunder growled like an angry bear who’d been awakened rashly from his hibernation. The horses were getting nervous as the startling thunderbolts zinged and boomed around them. Marsh and Randee knew they had to hurry to make the ranch before the tempest assailed them.
The house and barns weren’t burned because the family had sold out, packed up, and left the perilous area. They rode to the barn, dismounted, and unsaddled their horses. After securing both gates, they quickly tossed hay to the animals. Using two well buckets, Randee drew water while Marsh carried it to the trough and filled it. With food, water, and shelter, the horses would be fine for days.
The wind grabbed and shook tree branches as if trying to viciously rip the limbs from their trunks and, failing to achieve that destructive aim, snatched at their green leaves and sent them scurrying across the dirt yard. Flowers, which had been brought from back East somewhere, were being yanked about rudely; their petals were torn off and sent flying to join the severed leaves.
Marsh and Randee carried their possessions into the house. Much of the furniture had been left behind during the family’s hasty departure. They checked the root cellar and found that plenty of food had also been left, probably because there was too much to carry away in an already overloaded wagon. Randee was surprised to discover old clothes inside the house, left behind in the family’s hurry to leave this lovely place. Recalling that she had seen a smokehouse and a garden, she asked Marsh to see if any meats had been left while she rushed to pull fresh vegetables for a stew.
Peals of thunder roared like dynamite charges going off in rapid sequence. Lightning flickered like glowing fingers splitting the heavens so that brilliant light could burst through the cracks which they made. The intensity of the storm increased. Suddenly a torrential rain began, drenching Randee and Marsh before they could return to the house.
They laughed as they rushed inside and dropped their burdens on the kitchen floor. He remarked humorously, “I surely hope this stew will be worth getting soaked for, woman.”
“It will,” she vowed with a merry laugh.
The deluge of water poured down, sounding like meat sizzling in a frying pan. Randee closed the door and turned to the dripping man. Irrepressible giggles came forth and she said, “I haven’t played in the rain in years. After the heat and humidity we’ve been enduring, it feels wonderful.” She wiped streams of water from her face.
“We’d better get dried off before we catch cold, woman.”
Randee chose the main bedroom for her task. After drying off, she pulled on a comfortable nightgown, then spread her wet garments on a rickety chair. She rubbed the excess moisture from her hair and braided it. When she returned to the other room, Marsh had slipped out of his wet clothes and had donned only a dry pair of pants. She watched him finger-comb his ebony hair before she headed into the kitchen to begin the stew, which would take hours to cook.
Marsh joined her there to build a fire in the large stove. Randee cut up the meat and vegetables and placed them in a pot to simmer. She knew Marsh was eyeing how she was dressed, and she didn’t mind.
He walked into the adjoining room, removed supplies from his saddlebag, spread out a blanket on the floor, and sat down to clean his weapons. While their evening meal was cooking, Randee opened the front door and watched the weather.
The thunder was almost deafening. Like rattling tin, it crashed and echoed across the heavens. The rain poured down so rapidly and heavily that the ground was saturated in minutes, making visibility practically zero. Winds gusted around the house, slanting the large drops of water and sending any loose object airborne.
Randee watched the children’s swing as it was tossed about in the strong currents. “Isn’t it a shame they had to leave such a lovely place because of those villains?”
Marsh glanced up from his chore and nodded. The homey setting and mood were nice, but scary. He asked unthinkingly, “If you can’t destroy Payton Slade or return home or get possession of the Carson Ranch, what then, Randee? If I’m killed during this mission, where will you go? What will you do?”
Randee leaned against the door jamb and looked at the man on the floor nearby. “I don’t like talk about failures, Marsh.”
Now that the subject had been broached, Marsh had to know the answers to his troubling questions, so he persisted, “You need an alternate plan, woman, in case the worst happens.”
Randee sighed heavily and replied, “The Carsons had plenty of money hidden, so I’ll be fine. If we fail, which we won’t, I’ll find some place to settle down and begin a new life. I can buy a store, or a hotel, or a restaurant, and earn a nice living.”
“Are you sure I’m not spoiling things for you later?”
“What do you mean?” she inquired, observing him closely.
“I just worry about you getting too accustomed to my being around all the time. What happens when I’m not?”
Suddenly Randee felt depressed by his words and mood. “I’ve kept my end of our bargain, Marsh, so why do you keep fretting over it? If this thing between us is meant to be more than a temporary affair, it’ll happen whether we try to halt it or encourage it. If not, we’ve shared some special times together. We both felt this strong attraction at our first meeting when you crashed into me. Whatever it is between us, I don’t know, but we have to allow it to take its course. It’s like a fire. When we met, it began smoldering, then burst into flames to burn brightly and fiercely. We have no choice but to wait and see if those flames dwindle and go out, or if they remain glowing embers to be rekindled from time to time when our bodies need its warmth. Whether it burns for one week, one month, one year, or more—even if nothing comes of it—we have to use it while it’s there.”
She jumped as several thunderbolts shook the area around the house. “I’m not ready to settle down either. For one thing, we have important work to do, here and in Kansas. Secondly, I watched my mother lose the man she loved, and it nearly destroyed her. I’m not ready to give Fate the chance to do that to me. I’m young and there’s lots I want to see and do. I’m not trying to hog-tie you, so relax.”
Before Marsh could reason or argue, Randee had the impulse to race outside into the pouring rain and use that swing to get rid of her abundant energy. She did just that, to Marsh’s amazement.
Marsh tossed aside the things in his hands and bounded after her, shouting, “Where are you going, woman?”
Randee hopped on the swing and started it moving, swaying back and forth rapidly. The thunder roared around her and the rain pelted down on her, soaking her instantly. She threw her head back and allowed the refreshing water to race over her face and body.
Marsh grabbed the ropes and tried to halt the swing, slipping to his knees in the mud. “What are you doing?” he asked worriedly.
“Enjoying life,” she shouted back over the loud rain, wind, and thunder. She laughed gaily at his frantic expression.
He halted her movements and urged, “Come inside, woman, you’re getting drenched. You’ll take a death of a cold.” He noticed how the gown clung to her wet flesh and seemingly vanished in its saturated condition. As she looked down at him, her bangs glued themselves to her forehead and the water ran swiftly off each strand. He watched it bead and drop from her stubbornly set lips and chin. What an unpredictable and tempting creature she was!
The swing lurched forward in a forceful blast of wind, sending Marsh to his butt in the mire. He yanked Randee from the wooden seat, pulled her across his lap and sealed their mouths. He closed his eyes to prevent water from pelting into them. The violence of the weather assailed them, driving them into a heated frenzy for each other. His hands locked around her buttocks, holding her tightly against his groin.
Randee’s legs straddled Marsh’s thighs and her toes dug down into the mud as she closed any remaining space between their straining bodies. Her hands wandered over Marsh’s rain-slicked body and roved through his ebony hair. She thirsted urgently for this man who was intoxicating her with his bold behavior.
Their lips feverishly meshed over and over, creating a white-hot heat within them. He unbuttoned her gown and slipped it off her shoulders to allow his hands to roam her naked flesh. His mouth trailed down her throat, tasting the sweet rainwater and savoring her urgent need for him. His mouth teased over the wet flesh and drifted into the inviting canyon between her breasts. She arched backward to permit his hungry exploration of the taut peaks. She ached for him and encouraged him to continue his loving assault on her body and wits.
Marsh’s hands gripped the nightgown and wiggled it upwards, bunching the saturated material around her hips. She was wearing nothing beneath her thin garment, and his fingers tantalized the bare skin of her thighs and buttocks. He hunched his back to reach her breasts and stimulate them with his fiery tongue. Suddenly they fell backwards into the mud, but didn’t release each other. They playfully rolled in the mushy bed as they caressed and kissed passionately, wildly, freely, urgently.
Finally, they parted only long enough for Marsh to struggle from his clinging wet pants and for Randee to yank off the confining gown. They made no attempt to end or delay this heady madness by dashing into the house to make love there. It was one of those rare moments when emotions and inhibitions were unleashed and allowed to race where they would. The violent weather was no deterrent. It was, in fact, an erotic stimulant, the potent instigator of this carefree union.
Marsh moved atop her quickly and sealed their mouths, blocking the pounding rain from, her face. Their tongues mated in a sensuous dance as he drove within her time and time again. The explosive thunder vibrated the ground beneath them and urged them onward with their task.
Randee felt water dripping from Marsh’s hair onto her face and she closed her eyes to protect them from the stinging drops. Joy and ravenous desire charged through her as powerfully as the lightning charged across the ever darkening sky. In her ears, her pulse throbbed and her heart roared as loudly as the thunder which surrounded them. Neither modesty nor hesitation entered her mind as she thrashed upon the miry ground beneath her lover. She desperately needed this unrestrained fusion of their bodies and spirits, and she clung to him as she rode out the maddening storm within her. She didn’t care if she was getting filthy, as the mud could easily be removed later from her hair and body. All that mattered at this moment was having Marsh Logan in this wild and wonderful manner. As she stroked his back, the mud spread over it, then over his muscled shoulders and arms as her fingers drifted down them.
Marsh captured Randee’s face between his hands and kissed her greedily. He felt the torrential rain beating almost painfully against his naked body, but he didn’t care. In fact, it seemed to drive him onward in his uncontrollable quest to make this carefree vixen a part of himself. The heat of their bodies increased, and it was surprising that steam didn’t rise from the entwined lovers as the chilly rain continued to deluge them. They labored until rapture was ready to burst within them and carry them beyond the reality of the storm’s fury.
Thunder boomed and lightning flashed, but they couldn’t halt their search for sheer bliss beneath the swaying tree. When ecstasy was obtained, they clung together and savored every drop of their lusty bout in the sensual mud. Dirt-filled drops. splattered their joined bodies as they lay there recovering from the staggering experience. At last, both were aware of the pelting rain which bit into their tender flesh.
The blue-eyed man propped his elbows on either side of her muddy’hair and gazed down at her, shielding her face from the downpour of water. “You’re crazy, woman, but I’m damn glad you are.”
Trying to breathe normally, she grinned and remarked, “That was wonderful, wasn’t it?”
“Yep, it was,” he agreed, smiling broadly, tenderly.
They kissed again, leisurely and more calmly. They laughed and hugged, and the heavy rain could be ignored no longer.
“We’re filthy, Mr. Logan,” she teased, rubbing her hands over his dirt-blackened frame.
He rolled aside, stood, and pulled her to her feet. With the aid of the pouring rain, he washed the mud from her shapely body, then repeated the action on his.. He grinned and said, “All clean now.”
Marsh picked up their dirty garments and took her hand to walk back to the house. He dropped their clothes on the porch and turned to find her holding up her unbraided hair to a forceful stream of water that was pouring over the edge of the roof. He stepped forward and helped her rinse the dirt from her tawny head. When all traces of mud were removed, he squeezed out the excess water, then pulled her into his arms. Water ran off-their bodies and puddled at their feet while slick flesh rubbed against slick flesh. Neither minded that they were standing outside naked, as no one was in the area.
They stood there a long time, embracing and kissing tenderly. They felt relaxed, despite the increased intensity of the storm. When a bolt of lightning struck the large tree and splintered off a large limb which crashed loudly to the muddy ground, they both jumped and ‘ looked that way. The swing was broken, and the place where they had made passionate love was concealed. Fusing their gazes again, they laughed merrily at their narrow escape.
“Let’s get you dried off and warmed up, woman.”
“I just got cooled off,” she jested, leaning forward to nibble at his neck. She snuggled against his hard body and sighed peacefully. How she wished this were their home and they would never have to leave it because of any peril or other reason.
Marsh wrapped his arms around her and rested his cheek atop her head. A strange mixture of calm and excitement filled him. He wondered if it would always be this way between them, stimulating, spontaneous, satisfying, heart-stoppingly fantastic, and tender.
The wind began driving rain upon the porch and they moved closer to the door. The air was cooling rapidly, and both shuddered. They laughed as they realized they were still soaked and naked, standing there au naturel as if it were the most common behavior in the world.
He grasped her face between his hands, lifted her head, and looked down into her green eyes. Shaking his head roguishly, he murmured, “You steal my wits and self-control at every turn, woman. What am I going to do with you, Miss Hollis?”
“Enjoy me for as long as you can put up with this headstrong vixen,” she quipped, drawing his head down to seal their lips.
When their mouths parted, they entered the house hand in hand and closed the door. Randee went into the kitchen to stir the stew and stoke the stove. Marsh dried off and wrapped a thin blanket around his hips, tying it at his waist. He returned to the porch and draped their dirty garments over the railing to allow the forceful rain to wash them.
Randee headed for the bedroom to dry off and don another gown. Marsh followed her and did the task himself. As he worked slowly and gently, he realized why he had been moody earlier. These strong emotions were unfamiliar, were downright intimidating, but he didn’t know why. Yet, he didn’t want to analyze them today, or he’d be compelled to accept them and deal with them. Deciding what to do about Randee Hollis was one of the toughest decisions of his life. He could be killed any day, any time. If he gave up his present lifestyle, would he miss it? Would he be content to share this woman’s life? Had he pressed his luck too many times? Could he keep challenging mortal danger without paying a lethal price? Could he start living and relaxing, stop being on constant guard every day? If he resigned, would he be crazy in a week, a month, a year? What would his existence be like if he didn’t travel all the time, if he never got shot at again, if he never engaged in another fight or duel, if he stayed out of the rain and cold, if he wasn’t alone, if he did “normal” things for a change? He had come to think this was the only way to live. But was it? Once in while, shouldn’t he listen to his heart and not his head?
Randee mischievously fluffed his damp hair and scolded, “Stop thinking about unsolvable problems or you’ll create ugly frown lines on this handsome forehead. We’re warm and safe tonight, and we have a hot meal simmering in the kitchen. For a change, Mr. ‘ Logan, relax and enjoy life, and your seductive servant,” she added merrily.. As she caressed his strong jawline, she coaxed, “We’re good friends and partners, Marsh, so let’s not complicate a perfect situation with fears and doubts. Surely there’s nothing wrong with being a little wild and crazy every so often. Can’t you see, we don’t need any demands or promises to harass us? Isn’t that enough to appease you for a while?”
Marsh’s hands cupped her shoulders gently and he smiled into her entreating eyes. “Do you know how to play poker?” he asked.
“Do I what?” she asked in confusion.
“Do you know how to play poker, the card game?” he clarified.
“No, but you can teach me if you like”
“I have a pack of cards in my saddlebag. It’ll be fun to play for a few hours, while that storm rages outside. After we eat, we’ll build a cozy fire, spread out our sleeping rolls before it, and play cards till bedtime. I might even share a nip of my best whiskey with you. You did say partners are supposed to share everything, didn’t you?”
Grinning, she replied, “I did, didn’t I? Well, partner, how about doing your share of the kitchen work? Supper should be ready soon, so we best get some biscuits to baking, and yours are better than mine. I’ll set the table and make the coffee.”
“I don’t recall seeing a table,” he teased, following her.
“You’re right. How about if you build that fire and spread out those sleeping rolls after you make the biscuits? Then we can picnic before that cozy fire.”
At the word picnic, their gazes fused and they exchanged grins. As they worked at the kitchen counter, Randee remarked, “He built her a nice home. I wonder if they’d come back after this mess is over.”
Marsh responded, “If anybody knews where they went, we could have the authorities notify them about coming back home. Course, they could be settled some place else by now.”
“It’s terrible to lose your home, to have to walk—no, run— away from all this work and beauty. It makes me sad and angry.”
“One day, this area will be filled with settlers. Then, no gang will be strong enough to push everyone aside for some evil reason.”
Reflecting on this vile injustice, Randee vowed, “We’ll unmask those bastards! We’ll cut ‘em down in their tracks and they won’t ever harm anyone again.”
“Mercy, woman, you’re talking just like me. From now on, I best watch my language around an impressionable young lady like you.”
She laughingly informed him, “You’ve already spoiled me, Durango, so it’s too late to change your bad conduct and speech now.”
“It’s never too late to cha …” Marsh fell silent as he whirled and pretended to see why the door had been flung open with-a crash. He knew the wind had done it, but it had saved him from making a slip.
He glanced at Randee and chuckled before going over to close and bolt it. “While you finish here, I’ll check the other door and windows. We don’t want any unexpected guests tonight.” He left the room to tend his chores.
Randee watched his hasty retreat with a sly grin. Nobody would be out in this violent storm. They were alone in a cozy and secluded setting, a homey one, which made that carefree rogue nervous. She suppressed her laughter and continued her task.
They ate before a warm fire, then cleared the area for their game. Marsh explained the rules as he dealt the cards. They played several hands, with Marsh win ning all of them.
“No fair,” she jested, “You’re an expert at this. Be kind and let me win for a change. Didn’t I tell you I’m a bad loser?”
“If there’s one thing I know about you, woman, it’s that you want to be treated equally. That means winning on your own, and without cheating or being duped.”
She grinned and replied, “You’ve got me there, partner.”
“There and everywhere,” he responded huskily.
Randee’s eyes slipped over his manly frame, still attired in only a thin blanket. He had shaved while she was finishing their supper, and his handsome face was thoroughly arresting. Heavens, how she loved and desired this irresistible male!
“Your turn,” Marsh hinted, running his tongue over his lips.
The room was glowing provocatively from the colorful fire. The storm was still howling and raging outside, with rain beating loudly on the roof. Randee reached forward and took the cards from his hand and cast them aside along with hers. She pressed him onto his back and whispered seductively, “I have the winning hand this time, Mr. Logan, so I’ll collect my prize right now.” Her fingers loosened the knot at his waist and she boldly pushed the covering aside. Removing her gown, she reclined beside him and reached for him.
As she drove him wild with pleasure, he teased, “If this is your prize, you greedy vixen, then I’ll let you win every time.”
“What a good sport you are, Marsh Logan. Now, lie still; you’re distracting me from my lessons,” she replied, then returned to work on him sensuously… .
The storm did not subside until late the next morning. When the rain halted and the sun came out, Marsh roused himself from Randee’s side and went outdoors to look around and to flex his stiff body. Sleeping on a hard floor was much different from the soft earth, he decided, as he rubbed his aching back and neck.
Randee joined him, stretching and yawning lazily. She inhaled deeply and smiled at her enchanting lover as he drew water from the well for their morning coffee. What a blissful night she had spent in his arms, and she craved many more like that one. She watched Marsh as he labored effortlessly. He was wearing jeans and boots, with his shirt rolled and draped around his neck, wrinkling it beyond any form of neatness. He possessed a hard, firm, smooth physique. He was so strong; yet so gentle. Clearly he went shirtless often, because his torso was bronzed like his arms and face. The sun obviously adored him, for it seemingly caressed his face and body each time they were exposed to its loving glow. She felt her body warm as her gaze followed the hairy pattern on his chest and stomach. He was such a skilled lover, such a tender and giving one. How she would love to spend the rest of her life with this special man… .
Together they prepared their morning meal, and ate it while making their plans for the next few days. Then, they reluctantly packed to leave the serene homestead. They had made love nearly all night before the entrancing blaze, then dropped off to sleep just before dawn to claim six hours of slumber. It was nearly two o’clock when they saddled their horses and rode away from the towering tree with its broken swing. They rode until dusk, then made camp. Tonight, Marsh was back on alert, and they slept separately.
On Tuesday, the Epson Gang made a daring and bloody raid on a ranch near Jacksboro, one within a few miles of where their friends had been slain and where Fort Richardson stood… .
Randee and Marsh scouted the area gingerly as they made their way back toward Fort Worth. It was a beautiful day. Everything was lush and green following the much needed rain. The sky was a clear blue overhead. The air smelled clean and fresh. Wildflowers grew in abundance and brightly colored the landscape.
Around five, they came upon evidence of a large herd of cattle moving northward. Cautiously they followed the tracks until dusk, then sneaked up to the nocturnal grazing area.
Marsh recognized the brand of a huge ranch in southern Texas. Using his field glasses, Randee eyed the drovers and trail boss. She looked at Marsh and shook her head, sighting none of the raiders amongst that group. He motioned for them to move out before they were spotted and fired on as would-be rustlers.
They traveled a safe distance from the cattle drive and made camp. He told her, “If nothing comes up, we’ll make Fort Worth by tomorrow night. We’ll check with Willard to see if he has any more clues about that land company and-Marshal Timms. Then, it’s time to get bolder.”
“What do you mean?” she questioned eagerly, worriedly.
“It’s time we do something to flush those raiders into the open.”
“Like what, Marsh?”
“I’ll explain when we get together with Willard.”
When they reached Fort Worth, it was after dark. They rode to Willard Mason’s house, but the newspaperman wasn’t home. They headed for his office, but it was empty too. Marsh scowled.
They returned to the man’s home and waited for two hours. Marsh knew they were both tired and hungry. Finally he said, “If he was out for the evening, he’d be back by now. He’s one of those early to bed and early to rise people. I don’t like this, Randee. Somebody could have gotten annoyed by Willard’s inquisitive nature. If anyone’s on to us, the hotel would be dangerous. I want you to stay with a friend of mine tonight while I do some snooping around.”
“Who? Where?” she asked. “Why can’t I stay with you?”
“Women aren’t allowed in saloons, and that’s where I’ll pick up any information available tonight. Please, trust me and bear with me.”
“Darn it, left behind again,” she grumbled jestingly. Seriously, she concurred, “I’ll obey you once more, if you promise to be careful.”
“I have to be, or my partner will kill me,” he jested.
When they reached their destination, she eyed him oddly and reminded, “I thought you said women weren’t allowed in saloons.”
“A good friend of mine owns this one. It’s the nicest in Texas or anywhere else. Hopefully this is the last place anyone would think to look for you. Just remember to behave yourself after I leave.” “Very amusing,” she scoffed, punching him in the side.
Randee waited just inside the back door while Marsh went to locate and speak with his good friend. Through slightly parted curtains, she viewed the lush interior of the fancy saloon with its numerous lanterns and elaborately carved furniture. She saw men playing a variety of games. She saw pretty girls in lovely dresses serving them liquor and laughing with them. It wasn’t what she had expected, especially after the sight she had witnessed near Fort Richardson recently. She eyed the opulent establishment and realized there must be a lot of money to made with prostitution, gambling, and whiskey. She listened to the music, a combination of piano and a lovely female voice. Soon, she decided that Marsh’s friend owned and ran a nice … house of masculine pleasures. She couldn’t wait to meet this friend of Marsh’s, as a man didn’t usually grin like that when referring to a male!
At last, Marsh returned to where she was waiting in the shadows. Behind him was a ravishing female with flame-colored hair, fiery sapphire eyes, and skin as white and as soft as cotton. She looked.to be in her mid-thirties, but Randee wasn’t certain. The woman was dressed in a sexy dark-blue gown with black lace trim, but she wore very little face paint. Twinges of jealousy stabbed at Randee as she wondered what their past and present relationship was. She had known there had been other women in his life because he was a very virile and handsome man, but she had not expected to meet any of them! Doing so made her remember that carefree side of Marsh Logan, and her tenuous hold on him. Yet, she smiled genially as Marsh introduced them.
The beautiful woman shook Randee’s hand firmly and smiled. Miss Sloan Peters told her, “If you’re wondering where I got a manly first name like Sloan, I was named after my mother’s family. But you can call me Pete; most everybody does, especially my friends.”
Randee caught her hint and smiled. “Thank you, Pete. It’s a pleasure to meet a close friend of Mr. Logan’s.”
Sloan Peters playfully shook Marsh’s arm as she teased the man, “I’m glad Marsh rescued you from those kidnappers and is escorting you back home safely, but this extra good deed surprises me. Marsh is a born drifter, who usually minds his own business. Surely your parents must be wealthy and he’s expecting a fat reward.”
Aware that Randee didn’t know what story he’d told the woman, Marsh quickly injected, “I didn’t have any choice but to save her after I practically rode over their camp in the dark. They didn’t want any witnesses, so they tried to gun me down. Afterwards, I couldn’t just leave a pretty girl like this in the wilds, especially after she promised me her parents would pay hefty for her rescue and return.” He chuckled before saying to Randee, “Begging your pardon, miss, but no offense intended. Miss Hollis is a real lady, Pete, so you treat her that way while I’m out tonight. She’s been through a rough time, and doesn’t need anyone poking her with embarrassing questions. Just tell the girls she’s the daughter of an old friend, who’s passing through town and wanted a short visit with you. Like I said, two of those varmints got away and they won’t be kind at all if they locate me again. Just hide her for the night so she can get some rest, and I’ll pick her up by noon tomorrow.”
The flaming redhead replied, “Don’t you worry, Marsh, she’ll be just fine here. She can bunk with Flossie, one of my best girls. It’ll do Flossie good to have company. She’s been sad lately. You don’t mind sharing a room with another woman, do you, Miss Hollis?”
The blonde smiled and shook her head, and used the good manners which her mother had taught her. “Please, call me Randee, and of course I don’t mind sharing Miss Flossie’s room, if it’s all right with her. I don’t want to inconvenience anyone, but I’m grateful for your kindness and help. Mr. Logan said he could depend on you.”
The surprised woman glanced at Marsh and mischievously rolled her sapphire eyes. “He did, did he? My goodness how we’ve changed, my handsome loner. Whatever’s happened to you since our last visit?”
“Don’t you go teasing me unmercifully, Pete. I’m too exhausted to defend myself. One good deed doesn’t change a man like me.”
“But it’s a start, isn’t it, Randee?” the woman coaxed merrily.
The blonde gazed at Marsh as if evaluating him in looks and conduct. “I wouldn’t know about Mr. Logan’s past character, but he’s been absolutely wonderful to me,” she remarked, sounding like a young girl who was smitten by her handsome champion, as she should be.
Marsh realized that Randee was having fun with this game. He teased, “You’re prejudiced, Miss Hollis, because I saved your hide. Don’t you fret anymore; I’ll have you home safe and sound real soon.”
“I can hardly wait, Mr. Logan. Trail life is very hard and demanding. I cannot imagine why you love it so dearly, or why you think badly of yourself. You’ve been so kind and polite, and you’ve taught me so many things. I shall never forget you and this experience.” Sloan Peters was astonished by the passionate undercurrents she perceived passing between Marsh Logan and this radiant creature. Their desire for each other was as evident to her as the sexy shadow on Marsh’s strong jawline. Sloan was amused, warmed, and pleased to find the man’s heart softening toward a female, especially toward one as nice as Randee Hollis. She had known Marsh for years, and she liked him more than most men. This blonde was perfect for Marsh, but did he realize that fact? If she pointed it out to him, he would become defensive and would strengthen his resistance, so she smiled happily and kept silent.
Marsh said, “That’s awfully sweet of you, Miss Hollis, but I couldn’t live any other way. Trail dust is in my blood.”
The older woman told him, “Go on about your business, Marsh. I’ll take good care of Miss Hollis for you. She’ll be safe here.”
For hours, Randee sat cross-legged on the double bed in Flossie’s room, listening to the girl talk eagerly. The flame-haired owner of this plush establishment had given the brown-haired girl the night off and had sent a bottle of champagne to the room for them to enjoy. Randee had never drunk the bubbly spirits before, but liked the taste. Nor had she sat in her nightgown on a stranger’s bed, savoring girl-talk with another female of her own age who was a professional lover. Her curiosity got the best of her, and she asked Flossie numerous questions.
The attractive brunette had downed most of the champagne to lighten her sagging spirits. Slightly inebriated and thoroughly relaxed, she laughed and teased, “Before you leave in the morning, you’ll know as much about men as I do. Lawsy, they love their women well-trained and loose-thighed, and ignorant of the word no. But I get tired of no choice in the matter and person. Half the time I don’t get the ones I like, and the other half I get the ones I don’t like.” She fell backward on the bed giggling. “Lawsy, Randee, but I wish some handsome rogue like your Storm Hayden would come along and rescue me.”
Randee concluded that Flossie didn’t know Marsh’s real name. Assuming everyone knew Marsh’s other identity, she used it, “His name is Durango, Flossie. Surely you’ve heard of the Durango Kid. I don’t have a lasso on him; I doubt any woman ever will.”
Flossie pushed herself to a sitting position and laughed wildly. “He’s joshing you, girl. I’ve spent many a night in bed with the Durango Kid, and that isn’t him. Don’t you know who you’re traveling with? He calls himself Marsh Logan, but his real name is Storm Hayden, a real tough critter who shoots straight and fast and asks questions later. How’d a lady like you get tangled up with an outlaw like that?”
Randee gently corrected the girl, “You’re mistaken, Flossie; he really is the Durango Kid. I’ve been traveling with him for weeks, so I know I’m right about him.”
Flossie eyed her sympathetically. “I hate it that he’s got you fooled, Randee, ‘ticularly since your blood’s hot for him. Like I said, I’ve had the Kid inside me several times, and I’ve seen him in showdowns in that street outside. He’s one of Pete’s best friends and customers, so I know the Durango Kid by sight and feel. Your man ain’t him; I swear it. I saw one of your sweetie’s old posters in Pete’s desk; I guess she saved it as a souvenir. It said Storm Hayden, said he was wanted Dead or Alive. He had a real big reward on his head. Best I recall, the poster was from Kansas or Nebraska.”