Chapter One
His hair was sweaty from working and his chest muscles rippled as he carried the lumber from the wagon to the woodpile. Suddenly, with out warning she approached him, shocking even herself. She wasn’t like this at all. Quiet, shy reserved. She boldly planted a less than chaste kiss on him, her hands instinctively finding their way to his long tangled hair. She could feel her face flushing at the forwardness of it all.
In an instant her thought was broken by a whiney voice. “Gesh, why don’t you take at tintype it’d last longer.”
Jillian spun around to find herself face to face with Cody. “I…What?” she stammered trying to regain her composure.
“Why don’t you just ask him out?” Cody asked indicating to Jimmy who was finishing up with the last of the wood.
“WHAT! I….um.. I mean,”
“Are you blushing?” Cody asked moving in for a closer look.
Jillian bolted. “I really should be going,” she said quickly.
“I’m almost done,” Jimmy said as he grabbed the next to the last load.
“I’ll help you,” she said taking the last of the lumber. “Sorry, I didn’t mean for you to do all the work.” She quickly apologized.
Jimmy watched as she neatly stacked the boards.
“Tell Mr. Hunter I’ll make a run tomorrow to Marysville for the maple and have it to him day after next,” she called getting back onto the wagon and starting off.
“What’s with her?” Jimmy asked.
Cody was about to say something when Ike stomped on his foot. “Hey, watch where you are going,” Cody complained.
Ike’s hands motioned swiftly. *You keep quiet.* Ike threatened. *That wasn’t nice what you done.*
“Oh lighten up,” Cody started.
*No. Not another word.* Ike insisted glaring sternly at Cody.
It un-nerved Cody to see how serious Ike was being about this. Cody shrugged and quickly walked away leaving a smiling Ike feeling very confident about having shut him down.
That evening Teaspoon returned to the station for supper. Ike caught him on the porch before dinner.
*Jillian brought the wood out today.*
“So I saw,” Teaspoon remarked. “She’s done pretty well running the mill all by herself.”
Ike nodded.
“Somethin on your mind son?” Teaspoon asked.
*She’s going to Marysville tomorrow to pick up the maple that you ordered. Don’t think she should go by herself.*
Teaspoon thought for a minute studying Ike’s expression. Slowly he nodded, “you volunteering?” Teaspoon asked perplexed by Ike’s sudden interest in the girl.
Ike shrugged his shoulders and shook his head *I’ve got the run to Laramie. You should send Jimmy.*
“Jimmy?” Teaspoon asked studying Ike’s expression. “Why him?”
Ike thought for a moment and glanced around to see if anyone else was looking.
*She’s sweet on him.* Ike confided.
“Who is?” Teaspoon asked. “Jillian?”
Ike nodded
“You sure?”
Ike nodded again.
Teaspoon kicked back in his chair and chuckled. “I know you mean well but I’ve found that these things work best if you just leave them to their own devices,” Teaspoon drawled.
Ike shook his head.
“I’ll send Lou with her,” Teaspoon finished.
*No.* Ike protested forcefully *I’ll go if you won’t send Jimmy.*
“You sure maybe it’s not you who’s sweet on her?” Teaspoon questioned smiling.
Ike just shook his head and rolled his eyes.
“Why do you need me to take your Laramie run?” Buck asked as if the answer would change.
*So I can go to Marysville with Jillian*
“The young woman that runs the mill?” Buck asked cocking an eyebrow at his friend.
*It’s not like that. I just don’t think she should go alone.*
“You don’t think? I thought you said Teaspoon was sending you?” Buck interrogated.
“Ike’s going cause Teaspoon won’t send…Ouch, stop that!” Cody howled as Ike’s boot landed once again on his toes.
Ike glared at Cody until he left.
“What is the matter with you?” Buck asked stunned to see his friend behaving so oddly.
*Nothing. Will you switch with me?* Ike pleaded.
“Oh, all right,” Buck said eyeing his friend suspiciously.
The next afternoon as Jillian readied the wagon for the trip Ike approached her with Teaspoon.
“Good day, Miss Kercher. I thought it might be a good idea for you to take one of the boys with you. This is Ike McSwain. He’ll accompany you to Marysville.”
“Thank you Marshall Hunter but that really isn’t necessary. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“Sorry but I insist,” Teaspoon continued and obviously she knew well enough not to argue with him.
“Jillian Kercher,” she said extending her hand, which Ike shook smiling widely.
He quickly wrote on a slate “Ike McSwain”
“Ike can hear just fine. He just doesn’t speak,” Teaspoon explained.
Jillian nodded nervously and climbed aboard the wagon. Ike climbed in next to her. They hadn’t gone far when he started scribbling on the slate.
*Are you disappointed Teaspoon sent me?*
“No, why would you ask such a thing?”
*You would rather he sent Jimmy.* Ike explained trying to let her know that he understood.
Jillian tried in vain to stop the flush she felt creeping to her face as she shook her head.
Ike scribbled one more. *It’s okay. I know you like him.*
With that Jillian pulled the team to a stop.
“Something on your mind Mr. McSwain?” she asked angrily.
He stared at her blankly.
“I’m not sure what your game is but I don’t appreciate it. It’s not like I don’t feel bad enough the Marshal thinks I’m am incapable of doing the slightest thing by myself, but to have you sitting there badgering me about something that, well, ain’t none of your damn business. Look, I am sure Mr. Cody told you all about how he caught me staring at your friend and managed to embarrass the hell out of me. I’m sure he told you what fun you could have with all this otherwise boring trip, however, pay attention ‘cause I am only going over this once for you. Do I think Mr. Hickok’s attractive? Of course, don’t know to many gals with eyes that don’t. I had no right to stare at him. It won’t never happen again and if you insist on bringing this up again you’ll be walking back to Sweetwater. Do you have any questions about all that?” Jillian finally stopped to take a breath.
Ike studied her for a moment and wrote.
*Why don’t you ask him to the winter dance?*
Jillian closed her eyes shaking her head, rubbing her forehead as though it hurt. “I don’t think so,” Jillian managed to get out with almost no breath.
*Jimmy is a good guy. He likes to act tough but he really isn’t all that bad.* Ike tried explaining.
“I have no doubt that’s true Mr. McSwain but I am more than aware of the caliber of woman he prefers,” Jillian said evenly without so much as a sideways glance at him. Without another word she set the team back in motion.
Ike decided he had pushed the subject just about as far as he could without things getting ugly. He decided she wasn’t bluffing about him walking back to Sweetwater, so Ike let the subject drop for now. He was shocked at the response she had given him. She wasn’t good enough for Jimmy? How could a strong woman like her think that? It was her strength and brashness that had made him think they would be perfect for each other. Both were quiet and brooding in their own way and the way that he had seen Jillian looking at Jimmy well, it didn’t take no genius to figure out how much she thought of him. If only Teaspoon hadn’t been so bull headed and would have just sent Jimmy on this trip in the first place. Ike let out a big sigh. He could make this work it was just going to take longer than the thought.
Chapter Two
Buck sat relaxing on the porch with a new book. Everyone was in town or out on a run, which left some quite time before his ride to Laramie. He had just cracked the book and had begun the page when he heard a little voice.
“Hey…pst…Buck,” Cody whispered from the corner of the house. “ Pppppsst Buck.”
“What?” Buck questioned loudly not thrilled that Cody had chosen that moment to interrupt his reading.
“Where’s Ike?”
“On a trip to Marysville with Jillian Kercher,” Buck replied returning to his book.
“Good, I don’t know that my poor toes could take too much more of him.”
Buck sighed, he knew Cody was doing his best to bait him into a conversation.
“Okay I’ll bite. What’s wrong with your feet?”
“Every time I try and say anything to Jimmy about Jillian mooning all over him when he’s around, Ike stomps on my feet. I think Ike has a thing for her.” Cody announced.
“A thing for who?” Jimmy asked as he reached the porch.
“He thinks Ike has eyes for Jillian Kercher,” Buck said shaking his head.
“How strange is that?” Cody chirped. “Ike has a thing for her and she has a thing for OOOOOOO,” Cody wailed as the leg of the chair Buck was reclining in landed square on his foot.
“You know, maybe Ike is on to something,” Buck said cryptically as he patted Cody on the shoulder ushering him away from Jimmy.
Chapter Three
They rode the rest of the afternoon in silence and finally made camp as the sun was setting. Jillian had made no effort to speak with Ike again and he could tell by the wary looks he got occasionally that she did not trust him. There had been many moments where Ike had considered trying to start up a conversation again but he had decided to wait.
Jillian worked quickly to fix stew with the vegetables that she had brought with them. They had not been eating long when she looked up to find Ike staring at her expectantly.
“What?” she growled. After that afternoon she was in no mood to deal with this man again.
Ike just shook his head and went back to eating.
Jillian rolled her eyes at him and did the same. She could not figure out why he was so intent on playing matchmaker. She highly suspected it had more to do with Mr. Cody than he was letting on and would, in all likelihood, end up with her, utterly humiliated. She sighed loudly when she saw Ike pick up his slate and start writing again.
*That was good. Thank you.* he said smiling.
“Your welcome,” she said cautiously.
*Sorry if I made you mad*
“I’m not mad,” she said grabbing his plate and placing them in the wash water she had boiling on the fire.
*Why didn’t you sell the mill?* Ike asked tapping on the slate.
She read the question and sat down. She glared at him silently for a while as if she were deciding if she should even bother to answer the question. “My pa didn’t have no sons. I was his only child. He was always disappointed that he didn’t have a boy to take over the mill. When he got sick…I thought it would make things easier on him if he knew that it would stay in the family. So I stepped in and started taking over as he got worse. Sellin’ it don’t seem right,” she stared down into her coffee as if the answer to his question was written there.
Ike scribbled on his slate. *Did it make it easier on you? Taking over the mill?* Ike watched as anger flared in her eyes.
“Why don’t you talk?” Jillian snapped. She watched as Ike’s eyes clouded for a moment and he started writing again, mid way through he hesitated in his writing. Jillian snatched the slate from him and held it looking at what little he had written. “Never mind. It ain’t none of my business,” she said wiping what he had written and tossing the slate back. That pretty much put an end to their conversations for that evening.
Ike watched as Jillian made up her bed and laid down. He sat up for a while poking at the fire with a stick. This was not going at all the way he had planned. Somehow he thought he would just tell her that he knew how she felt and voila they would be fast friends working toward getting her and Jimmy put together. Instead she didn’t trust him and was treating him like he was the enemy, a reaction he definitely had not been counting on.
Ike woke to the strange sensation of someone touching his head. When he rolled over Jillian was sitting next to him with his bandana in her hand. When she realized he was awake she jumped and instinctively put the bandana behind her back. Ike sat up annoyed and snapped his fingers and held out his hand. She looked at him sheepishly and handed it back to him. Without thinking he signed to her.
“I don’t know what that means,” she reminded him. “I guess this,” she snapped her fingers and stuck her hand out sharply, “means give me back my stuff. Got that,” she said moving away from him.
He grabbed for his slate. *What were you doing? Why’d you take my bandana and why were you touching my head?* he questioned.
“I didn’t take your bandana it fell off while you were sleeping. I touched your head because I didn’t know you were bald and wondered why you shaved your head but I guess you don’t. While we’re playing 20 questions why are YOU on MY bedroll?” she asked.
Ike realized that he was indeed lying on her bedroll with his sitting where he left it on the other side of the fire ring. Ike thought for a moment. He remembered sitting up late into the night thinking about what he was going to do. He remembered being very tired and going to bed. He must have gotten up at some point during the night and ended up over on her bedroll but he honestly didn’t remember. He looked at her and shrugged trying his best to look innocent. She rolled her eyes and gathered her bedroll pulling it roughly out from underneath him.
Ike wrote out on the slate *Maybe you moved me.* he joked.
“Sure, right after I got done carrying the horses to the creek for a drink. Look, I just want to get to Marysville pick up these logs and get back home. That didn’t seem like such a chore yesterday but now I’m not so sure.”
Ike nodded, she obviously was not seeing the humor in this he was. Ike smiled to himself and had to chuckle when he thought of the look that would be on Buck’s face when he told him that he slept with Jillian.
Ike’s silent laugh did not go unnoticed and Jillian dropped her gear and was in his face before he knew what hit him. “Don’t you even think about it. If I catch any crap, from anyone, about you ending up on my bedroll, you are a dead man McSwain. Is that clear?” she threatened.
Ike tried hard to keep the smile that he felt tugging on his lips from actually showing up there. He wasn’t sure if it was because she was standing so close to him or the force of her presence but she seemed to make him nervous and he had an overwhelming urge to laugh. He nodded his head and she stomped off to finish loading the wagon. It was more than a little unnerving the way she seemed to be able to read his thoughts.
Once they reached Marysville the lumberyard said it would take a little time to get the maple logs pulled and loaded on the wagon. Ike decided he would check out the general store while Jillian insisted on waiting in the office until they got done. Ike made a point to hurry. He decided he would pick up a book for Buck for switching runs with him. As he walked from the store he saw Jillian looking at an outfit in the window of the dress shop across from the lumberyard. She was looking at a striped skirt with a plain white blouse. Ike smiled as he walked up behind her tapping her on the shoulder which caused her to jump.
*That would look nice on you.* he noted.
“I don’t dress up,” she said moving quickly back across the street.
*Why? * Ike asked.
“Why what?” she asked.
*Why don’t you dress up? *
“I work in a mill all day, every day. I don’t need to dress up,” she said evenly.
*Are you hungry?* Ike asked. *We didn’t eat breakfast.*
“Nah you go ahead. I’ll wait,” she said sitting down on the steps in front of the lumberyard.
*Can I bring you something?*
Jillian just shook her head and Ike wandered off in the direction of the hotel. Once the lumberyard was done loading the logs Jililan drove the wagon over to the hotel and joined Ike inside. He was just finishing up breakfast when she sat down with him. “Are you about ready?” she asked rather impatiently.
Ike nodded. * Sorry I didn’t mean to take so long.* he apologized.
“No it’s fine, they just got it loaded. I just want to get headed back soon. If we leave now we’ll make it back by late afternoon.”
As they loaded up in the wagon Ike noticed a package from the dress shop he decided it was best if he didn’t ask about it. It really wasn’t any of his business. They rode in silence again as they had the day before. Finally Ike decided it was time to broach the subject again.
*What did you mean when you said you know that caliber of woman Jimmy likes?*
Jillian considered the question for a moment or rather considered whether or not she would answer his question. With an exasperated look on her face she let out a sigh. “I moved back here with my father after my mother passed away 3 years ago, she had TB and had to spend a good deal of her life in Arizona where it’s drier than here. When I moved back here one thing became very clear is that you all command a certain amount of attention from everyone around town.”
*All of us? Express riders?*
Jillian nodded and continued. “I’ve seen him in town with Madeline Hall, as well as any number of saloon gals. Look, Ike, I hope you don’t mind me calling you Ike. I don’t know why you insist on this. I have a better chance of being struck by lightening, twice, than getting the attention of James Hickok.” Jillian shook her head. She still felt like this was all the big set up to what was sure to be a killer joke of some sort and most likely at her expense. Cody had already made it perfectly clear how much fun he was having with her embarrassment, why should Ike be any different?
*How can you say that?* Ike insisted.
“Because it’s true. Look you wanna make fun of me, fine. You want to embarrass me, go ahead. I can’t stop you. I just never figured you all as a mean bunch.”
*I still say you should ask him to the dance. * Ike insisted.
“Why? So you can get a good guffaw with Cody when he says no?”
*He won’t say no.*
“Yes, he will.”
*No he won’t*
“If you’re so sure about this why don’t you ask him?” Jillian said exasperated.
*For you?*
“No.”
*I will. Ask him for you if you want.*
“I don’t want,” Jillian said intently.
*I thought you liked him.*
Jillian pulled the team to a stop again. “Stop this,” she bellowed. Ike stared at her blankly.
“Look, if I ask him, will you drop this?”
Ike nodded.
“And when he says no, you’ll leave it alone?”
Ike started writing and she grabbed the slate pencil.
“You’ll leave this alone? For good?”
Ike nodded and smiled sheepishly.
“Okay,” she sighed, shaking her head and feeling like she’d lost her mind. “When we get back I’ll ask him.”
Ike beamed. Mission accomplished.
She handed him back his slate pencil and snapped the team back into motion again.
Chapter Four
Cody peeked out from behind the hay bales looking cautiously for any sign of Buck or Ike.
“Pst, Jimmy,” Cody whispered.
Jimmy paused from brushing Sundance then resumed his activity.
“Psssst, Jimmy,” Cody whispered slightly louder not wanting to take the risk that anyone else hear him.
“What?” Jimmy whispered back without realizing what he was doing. “WHAT?” he bellowed in full voice when no one answered him.
“I…think…Jillian…. likes….you,” Cody whispered slowly.
“Cody what the hell are you doing?” Jimmy asked staring at Cody’s head stuck out of a bunch of hay bales.
“I’m trying to tell you that Jillian is interested in you,” Cody whined.
“Why are you hiding behind the bales of hay whispering?”
“Cause every time I bring this up Buck or Ike go out of their way to trample my feet,” Cody explained as if talking to a small child.
Jimmy shook his head “What makes you think she’d be interested in me?” Jimmy quizzed.
“Are you kidding? Whenever she’s out here all she does is moon over you,” Cody said batting his eye lashes at Jimmy.
“Yeah, well I think you’ve got hayseed in your brain,” Jimmy said throwing his saddle blanket over Cody’s head and walking off.
Chapter Five
Once they had gotten back to Sweetwater Jillian dropped Ike over at the Marshal’s office and headed home. She quickly took a bath and put on the new outfit that she had purchased in Marysville. It was a plain cotton blouse with colorful striped skirt. Ike had been right it did look nice on her. She tied her hair up and went down stairs. She had seen James Hickok earlier and hoped that she could catch him out somewhere instead of over at the Marshal’s office with everyone else there. She walked across the street to the general store. She needed to make a quick purchase first. As luck would have it Hickok was in the store as well. Jillian found herself shaking as she tried to pick out the bandana that she needed. She felt like she should get a peace offering for Ike. She had been rather hard on him and maybe he truly meant well. After paying for her purchase she saw her opportunity. He was standing outside on the boardwalk. She took a deep breath, smoothed her skirt and walked toward him. As she prepared to tap him on the shoulder he turned around and faced her. Jimmy smiled broadly at her and waited for her to say something. After what seemed like an eternity of silence he decided maybe he should say something.
“Good afternoon, Miss Kercher,” he drawled lazily.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Hickok,” she stammered. Again the deafening silence took over only to be shattered by the grating voice of Madeline Hall.
“James Hickok, you big farm boy you best not be messin’ on me,” she called loudly as she sashayed herself over to drape her arms about his neck possessively.
“Madeline,” Jimmy said ever so slightly annoyed.
“How are ya doll,” she asked playing coyly with the hair that poked out from underneath her his hat.
Jillian stood there feeling a bit glued in place. Yes, this was about what she had expected. The only thing missing now was all of jovial faces popping out for a good giggle over the whole thing.
“Madeline, do you know Jillian Kercher,” Jimmy asked making an effort to pull Jillian back into the conversation and to detangle himself from Madeline.
“Oh, you’re that little girl that runs the mill here in town, right?” Madeline said inspecting her.
“Ah, yes. I mean no, well, I do run the mill, yes,” Jillian said, frustrated at her inability to speak.
“You’ll have to excuse us sugar. We have some private matters to attend to,” Madeline drawled as she slipped her arm in Jimmy’s and began to pull him in the direction of the saloon.
Without another word Jillian walked quickly across the street, to the back of the mill which was the front of her living quarters. As she crossed the street she could see Ike walking her way quickly.
As she reached the front door she heard his footfall on the steps behind her.
“Look, I can’t do this. I thought I could. I tried. I’m sorry I know I told you that I would but I can’t,” she said without being able to meet his eyes.
Ike tapped his chest, making her look up at him. He was smiling broadly and his hands set in motion, but before he could get much of anything out she shoved both hands into his chest sending him backwards off the porch.
“I was right all along! You did this on purpose! You wanted me to make a fool of myself. Well there you have it, I did. In grand fashion! Sorry that I didn’t wait for you to be there to savor every moment of it,” she yelled. She turned quickly in a flourish of colorful fabric and headed back to the door. As her hand hit the door she turned back to Ike who was still sitting on the ground stunned. “Oh and by the way. Getting me to buy this stupid outfit,” she seethed, curtsying. “Nice touch.” Ike watched as she slammed the screen door and the inner door behind her.
Ike sat there for a moment staring at the closed door. *That outfit does look nice on you.* he signed with no one there to see him. He got up putting his hat back on and headed over toward the store. He needed to find Jimmy Hickok and find out what the hell he had done to Jillian.
Ike looked around the store not seeing Jimmy he walked down the boardwalk and found him sitting in the saloon with Madeline Hall. That alone answered several of the questions that he had.
*I need to talk to you.* Ike signed quickly. *Alone* he said staring at Madeline.
“What’s wrong with you?” Jimmy asked a little upset that Ike was being so in your face.
*ALONE* Ike repeated.
“Would you excuse us?” Jimmy asked Madeline sending her off. “What is your problem?”
*What did you do to Jillian?* Ike demanded.
“I didn’t do nothin. She barely said two words to me and then Madeline showed up.”
*So you ditched her for Madeline?*
“I didn’t ditch nobody. Why are you so interested what I do?”
Ike sighed. He knew that he shouldn’t say anything but…*Jillian likes you.*
“So everyone keeps telling me,” Jimmy sighed. “If that’s true why won’t she say three words to me?”
*I don’t know. Would you talk to her? Come with me to get the maple and you can talk to her.*
“Okay,” Jimmy sighed.
Chapter Six
Things were quiet now and would be for the rest of the evening. The lumber was all cut and stacked; the maple was loaded on the wagon to go to the way station in the morning. Jillian would have the whole evening to herself. She milled around her small living space. It wasn’t much but it was hers. She opened a bottle of her father’s wine and sipped it. “To Madeline,” she thought. “The woman every man wants.” Jillian scoffed, another nice quiet evening alone, somehow that thought wasn’t as appealing as she would have hoped it would be. As she walked by the mantle she looked at all the pictures of her mother and father in their younger and happier times. One picture jumped out. It was of her mother and father, they had to have been in their mid-twenties at the time. Her mother had on this spectacular dress, she was tall and thin and just a knock out and Jillian’s father had his suit on and they were standing in front of the mill. They had so much promise in their eyes and they had each other. Jillian sighed loudly, not that it would bother anyone and moved to a series of old camel trunks that lined the back room. She dug through several and came out with a dress. It was similar to the one her mother was wearing in the picture. She glanced down at the dumpy overalls that she was wearing and slipped behind the dressing screen to change. The dress was too long for her, which made moving around a chore. She negotiated herself around to stand in front of the mirror. The other problem, which seemed screamingly apparent, was that she had not been endowed with the same figure her mother had had. Jillian tapped her foot as she studied the image in the mirror. With a flourish of material she disappeared behind the screen. With the aid of a corset and many, many pairs of wool socks from the trunk Jillian re-adjusted what would be by any stretch of the imagination an impressive bust line. Re-dressed in the spectacular dress and reappeared in front of the mirror. Perfection manufactured perfection, but perfection none the less. She quickly twisted up her hair and shoved a letter opener through the loose bun to hold it in place. Massive tendrils hung more or less at random around her face. As she gave her image a final once over in the full-length mirror she smiled satisfied with her creation. She sighed deeply and leaned against the corner of the large oak mirror.
“Why Mr. Hickok,” she lilted. “Is there something I can do for you?” she questioned suggestively to her image in the mirror.
“No ma’am, we’re just here to pick up the maple,” a loud voice answered from behind her.
Upon turning around in a whirlwind of material there stood James Hickok and Ike McSwain. With a scream, which came out far more like a squeak, she tried desperately to retreat behind her dressing screen. As she made her escape she stumbled backwards over the ottoman that was sitting next to the mirror and landed unceremoniously on her back. She laid there on the floor, her feet propped on the ottoman in what would have seemed comfortable fashion, for a moment weighing her options. She half hoped she had frightened them both away with her appearance but was pleasantly horrified to hear them both scampering over to where she was on the floor.
“Jillian?” Hickok’s voice questioned.
She debated if she should open her eyes but figured they would be going for the local doctor if she didn’t. As she opened her eyes, she realized they were both kneeling over her. She watched as Ike’s hands moved quickly.
Jimmy leaned over and picked her up gently off the floor.
“Would you put me down,” Jillian bellowed. She did not need to have insult added to injury. “I’m fine.”
“I thought you saw us standing there,” Jimmy said in an attempt to apologize for frightening her.
“I…um, no,” she gasped realizing he thought she had been talking to him, “saw a mouse,” she croaked, realizing that the combination of him holding her and with the corset that was way to tight it was suddenly difficult to breathe.
He set her down on the fainting couch. Ike walked up behind Jimmy smiling like the Cheshire cat. He tapped Jimmy on the shoulder and his hands flew again.
“What did he say?” Jillian asked.
“He said he’d load the maple and I can stay here with you,”
“You don’t have to do that, really I’m okay,” Jillian said standing up and brushing herself off. When she looked up she realized that both gentlemen were staring at her. “I’m fine.”
Ike walked to the door. He winked at Jillian and then left with a large smile.
Jimmy looked at Jillian who looked very flustered.
“Can I get you something to drink?” she asked pointing to the bottle of wine.
“We ain’t allowed to drink,” Jimmy said smiling. “Express rules.”
“Oh of course,” Jillian said suddenly aware of how awkward it seemed for her to be drinking a bottle of wine by herself. “I don’t normally either. I just thought after my day and trip to Marysville, that I deserved it. I’m making this worse not better aren’t I?” she asked suddenly. She looked at Jimmy who was staring at her.
“This isn’t me,” she said indicating to the outfit, “and these aren’t mine,” she confessed realizing he was staring at the enlarged chest that she didn’t have.
“Excuse me?” he said coughing trying not to laugh.
Jillian’s face turned ten shades of red. “Well, they’re mine, kind of, with lots of wool.” She watched the puzzled look on his face. “Socks.”
Jimmy was struggling trying not to laugh.
Jillian sighed and sunk down on the ottoman waving him away. “I’m fine why don’t you just go.” Her one hope is that he would leave before she screwed this up any further.
Jimmy watched as she buried her head in her hands sitting with her back to him. Maybe Cody was right and it was he, not Ike that she was interested in. Jimmy stopped at the door. “You or not, I think you look nice. I’m sorry I startled you.”
“Thank you,” she said softly without moving. She could see him turn to leave and she decided it was now or never. “Mr. Hickok?” she called to him crossing the room to catch up with him, resolved that she would ask him to the dance. As she rounded the corner she collided with him. He had heard her call to him and had turned to come back. They both ended up on the floor laughing.
“Are you all right?” he asked checking her forehead where they had knocked heads.
She nodded chuckling. “Mr. Hickok would you like to go to the autumn dance?” she asked quickly.
He sat there staring at her blankly.
“Or maybe you think it would be too dangerous,” she said trying to laugh it off. He obviously wasn’t interested. She struggled with the dress trying to stand.
Jimmy grabbed a hold of her arm pulling her back to the floor. “I had thought you wanted to go with Ike. I mean after your trip together and all,” Jimmy said trying to feel out the situation.
“What?!” Jillian exclaimed the blood draining out of her face. “He told you?”
“Yeah he did,” Jimmy admitted that Ike told him she was interested in him.
“I’ll kill him,” she said jumping to her feet and running toward the back stairs with Jimmy not far behind on her heels.
Jillian ran toward Ike. “You told him I slept with you!” Jillian yelled at Ike who looked like he’d been slapped. Ike grabbed her hands, shaking his head and signing *NO* over and over again.
“You slept with Ike?” Jimmy sputtered, standing in the doorway to the mill.
“No. You said he told you,” she accused to Jimmy.
“That you were interested in me,” Jimmy finished. “You slept with Ike?” Jimmy asked again incredulously.
Jillian took a deep breath and looked at Ike. “You didn’t tell him?” Jillian whispered.
Ike frowned and shook his head no.
“But I just did,” Jillian said softly.
Ike took a deep breath and nodded.
“I am so sorry,” she whispered to Ike and then turned toward Jimmy. “I am very sorry to have bothered you,” she said evenly and ran for the stairs.
“What the hell was that all about? You slept with her?” Jimmy demanded of Ike.
*I feel asleep next to her. I didn’t sleep with her like that. She doesn’t trust me. She thinks I am out to have a good laugh at her expense.* Ike signed trying to explain. *You go ahead back to the station. I want to talk to her.*
“Why would she think that you would tell me that?”
* I’m not sure. Will you go with her to the dance?*
Jimmy just stood there for a minute looking at Ike, he was still unsure that he should get in the middle of the two of them.
*Will you?* Ike insisted.
Jimmy shrugged his shoulders. “Sure if she still want’s to go,” Jimmy said as he loaded up into the wagon.
Ike walked up the stairs and found Jillian sitting on the balcony dangling her feet through the railing. He watched as she took the bottle of wine and took a long draw off the bottle. She sat there leaning against the railing, never in all the times he had seen her had he seen her look so broken.
*That isn’t going to help* he said.
“Not like it could really hurt at this point,” she replied taking another long drink.
This time Ike took the bottle from her hands and set it aside.
“This, this is why I didn’t want to do this,” she sighed. “When girls my age was learning how to deal with all this crap I was tearing apart saws and splitting lumber.”
*It’s not that bad,* Ike said encouragingly .*You just over reacted. Lots of women do, all the time.*
Jillian let out a disbelieving snort and just stared at the floor. “I’m sorry I messed things up so badly,” Jillian said as tears welled in her eyes and she stared off into the distance.
She felt Ike’s warm hand take hold of her face and move her chin back to look at him. Jillian watched so many emotions running through his eyes as he stared at her. His fingers gently wiping the tears that stained her face as he leaned in and captured her lips with his. She felt all her breath leave her as his soft lips moved over hers.
Ike snapped his fingers and waved his hand in front of her face and it jarred her back to reality. She looked at him startled. She blinked and swiped quickly at the tears that had escaped her eyes.
*Jimmy still wants to go to the dance with you, * Ike signed, smiling weakly. * If you still want to go.*
Jillian sat in silence for a moment and then nodded. “Why are you doing this?” she asked searching Ike’s face for an answer.
Ike just shrugged,* I just need to.* he answered pulling the sock that was dangling precariously out of her bodice, off and handing it back to her.
Jillian blushed, “I’m really sorry for how I acted on the trip to Marysville,” she said getting up and getting the small package off the shelf. “This is for you.”
*Me?* Ike questioned. *What is it?*
“Open it,” Jillian said.
Ike opened the small package and inside was a bandana. He grinned, * Thank you, but you didn’t have to do this, *
“I know. I’m sorry I didn’t trust you, it’s just Mr. Cody was being so mean about this, and …why should you help me?”
Ike just shrugged his shoulders again and smiled.
Chapter Seven
Jillian walked into the store to pick up a few items that she needed. She quickly selected the food items and stopped to look at some of the new hair combs, when she heard that grating voice, off on the other side of the fabric displays.
“So are you going to the dance with Jimmy?” the woman’s voice questioned. Jillian did not recognize her.
“Oh no, the poor dear got roped into taking that weird little gal that runs the mill. She is one odd little duck,” Madeline drawled sadly.
“I can’t believe that he would rather go with her, than you?” questioned the first woman.
Jillian felt like she should leave before they figured out she was standing so close by but yet again she felt strangely glued into place.
“Oh no doll, nothing like that,” Madeline syruped sweetly. “He told me all about this, arrangement that he has with Marshal Hunter. He’s doing this for me. See if he takes her to this dance, he gets three extra days off, of my choosing of course and you can bet I’ll be happy to make up for the misery he will endure with her. Poor man. What the hell kind of woman would want to do a man’s job like that? And then have the nerve to beg the Marshal into making one of his boys go with her, so she can play respectable,” Madeline said haughtily.
Jillian could feel the blood rising in her face as she set down the goods on the counter.
“Will that be all Miss Kercher the young woman behind the counter asked,”
“I’m sorry Kelma,” Jillian replied through gritted teeth. “I’m suddenly not feeling well. If you would box this up and I’ll be back later to pick it up I’d appreciate it.”
“No problem. Feel better,” Kelma replied as Jillian left the shop in a hurry.
Jillian walked into the mill office and slammed her door causing the glass in the door to rattle. It didn’t do much beside make her feel better. She toyed for a moment with the idea of opening it and slamming it a few more times but soon just slid down into her father’s chair. Her head finding it’s way into her hands. This was once again a nightmare, an ironic reoccurring theme with this dance. Jillian giggled manicly to herself for a moment. She had often heard her father talk about being so angry he could see red. She knew in spades just exactly what he was referring to at that very moment. After several deep breaths she decided she would go over and give Marshal Hunter a piece of her mind. She DID NOT need James Hickok’s pity and she certainly did not need Marshal Hunter bribing anyone with days off in order to get her a date.
She stomped out of her office slamming the door once again and headed for the mill door. She flipped the sign to out and stalked down the street and over to the jail. As she neared the door she realized that not only was Marshal Hunter in but he had James Hickok with him as well. As she hit the door of the jail house and prepared to start on what would no doubt be a lengthy tirade she realized that in addition to the two of them there was also Mr. Cody and Mr. Cross sitting in the office as well. Her resolve was quickly crumbling as she realized it was too late to turn and head back without anyone having noticed her presence.
“Well, good afternoon Miss Kercher, what can I do for you today?” Teaspoon chirped.
“I was just looking for Mr. Hickok,” Jillian replied coolly.
“Well, it would appear that you came to the right place,” Teaspoon interjected again.
“When isn’t she looking for Hickok?” Cody asked under his breath only to have Buck lift his foot as if in warning.
Cody immediately sat down and crossed his legs under him hiding his feet.
“I was in…” Jillian started but realized there was no way to lay into this without having an audience through the whole thing.
“I’m sorry,” she began again. “I just came to find you, to tell you that I am afraid I won’t be able to attend the dance on Friday,” she said evenly.
“Why not?” Jimmy asked surprised by her announcement.
“Well, I’ve had a rather large order come in and it has to be done no later than first thing Saturday morning. I should have time to get it finished but unfortunately it will keep me quite busy,” Jillian said triumphantly.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I was looking forward to going,” Jimmy said nodding.
“I’m sure,” Jillian said coldly.
“Will you be needing any help?” Teaspoon interjected without warning.
“No,” Jillian said insistently. “I’ve got everything under control. Have a nice afternoon.”
With that Jillian made her escape back to the mill. She felt bad for having lied but there was no way she would ever live down the truth if Cody and the others found out that Mr. Hunter had promised Jimmy extra days off. She breathed a sigh of relief as she re-entered the mill and made it safely back to her office. Slinking down into her chair she started pouring over the paper work she had been putting off.
“Well, that’s too bad,” Teaspoon said shaking his head as he slapped Jimmy on the back. “I really think the two of you would have had a good time. She’s a corker of a gal.”
Jimmy nodded as they loaded up the last of the supplies and headed back to the station.
Chapter Eight
Jillian sat on her balcony and watched all the people milling around in the street below. It seemed that everyone had turned out for the autumn dance at the town hall. She watched as each wagon and buggy arrived and the young men and woman stepped out dressed in their Sunday best. Couple after couple arrived at the gala but what surprised her most was when the express riders arrived. Jimmy was there by himself, but she had already seen Madeline step inside earlier. She watched as Ike helped a beautiful blond woman down out of the wagon. Her hair hung in perfect ringlets about her head. She was fair and petite and Jillian felt a pang of jealousy course through her that caught her quite off guard. She quickly gave up her post on the balcony and wandered through her small abode listening to the music that drifted up from below. She caught her reflection in the mirror. She still had on her work clothes, frumpy bib overalls and one of her father’s old work shirts, not very cosmopolitan. She decided she could hear the music better from her back porch. She settled into her porch swing and rocked gently listening to the music from down the way. The night air was crisp and almost ready to turn cold. She debated if she should go in and make some hot tea or hot chocolate. Her mind was drifting with the music and she didn’t hear Ike coming up the side of the house.
She jumped, startled when he touched her shoulder.
“Sorry you scared me,” she said quietly.
Ike sat down on the swing beside her studying her. *You didn’t have a big order did you?* he asked.
“No,” Jillian admitted pulling her shawl tighter around her.
*Why did you lie to Teaspoon and Jimmy?*
Jillian shrugged her shoulders.
*Jillian* Ike signed looking at her expectantly.
“I was in the store yesterday and I heard…overheard Madeline talking to her friends. ‘poor poor Jimmy Hickok got roped into taking the weird old maid that runs the mill. So bad it is that Marshal Hunter had to bribe him with extra days off, to make it worth his while,” Jillian mocked. “I was so mad,” she stopped to collect her thoughts. “It just seemed like it would be best for everyone if something came up.”
Jillian and Ike sat in silence for a while the music had stopped for the moment. Jillian finally broke the deafening silence.
“You know I have spent my whole life not being her,” Jillian said looking at Ike for the first time. She found herself unsure of why she was confiding in him. “Sometimes I think if I could just be Madeline, be like her. If I could be like that…” Her voice dropped as she realized how ridiculous it sounded.
*For Jimmy,* Ike signed.
“No,” Jillian snorted. “He certainly wasn’t who I thought he’d be.” Jillian looked at Ike, “there’s always a Madeline.”
Ike could not believe the pain he saw in Jillian’s eyes and he didn’t completely understand why it was there. He would have thought it was because of Jimmy and what he had told Madeline. The very thought made Ike’s blood boil and yet the last thing he wanted to do was leave her. As he sat there with her the music started once again. Ike found himself staring at her. Jillian’s long hair was pulled up in the back with tendrils that hung around her face. It was much more controlled than the last time he had seen her look like that. She looked positively beautiful and Ike longed to tell her that but he couldn’t. Ike’s gaze settled on a thin piece of velvet that hung around her neck. On it were two gold rings. Without thinking Ike reached out and touched the rings causing Jillian to jump again. As he touched the gold that had been warmed by her skin he looked at her questioningly.
Jillian’s eyes beaded with tears as she tried to regain her composure. “They belonged to my parents,” she tried to explain, the words getting caught in her throat. Jillian wiped at her eyes trying to clear the tears away. “I’m sorry,” she managed to croak out.
*Don’t be. I lost my parents too* Ike signed. He watched as Jillian turned away from him. He could tell it had been too recent, too soon for her to talk about this and he felt bad for bringing it up. He knew the pain she felt and remembered all too vividly the feeling that it would never be better. Ike put his arm around her shoulder trying to comfort her and was surprised when she allowed him to do so. In all the time they had spent together Jillian had spent most of it trying to prove to him how strong she was. How thick her skin was and how she was able to care for and protect herself. As she continued to cry, Ike pulled her into his arms. Holding her against him he suddenly found it hard to breathe. His chest tightened and he felt as though ever nerve in his body was set on fire. The last thing he wanted to do was let go. He would have gladly sat there all night with her in his arms. As he wrapped his arms tighter around her he marveled at the smell of her hair. It smelled of lavender and wildflowers and her skin was smoother than anything he had ever felt before.
As the song that was playing ended, Jillian looked at Ike as though she had snapped out of a daze. “I am so sorry,” she said apologizing wiping dry the tears that stained her face. “You shouldn’t be here with me blubbering on like this.” She took his hand and led him to the edge of the porch. “As much as I would like to have you stay and play in my pity party with me,” Jillian said trying to sound lighthearted. “You have a dance to go to,” she sniffed slightly and straightening his collar without thinking. Her hands lingered there for a moment but she quickly dropped them realizing that she was touching him. She could not stop the flush she felt creeping in her cheeks.
Ike grabbed her hands and brought them back up to his face. He opened her hands and gently kissed the palm of each one. Jillian watched mesmerized by his languid movements. When he had finished with her hands he reached out gingerly for her face and pulled her close to him. His head dipped as he captured her lips with his. He marveled at how soft and warm her lips were despite how cold it was outside. Ike suddenly became nervous that perhaps Jillian didn’t want this, she had been upset and the last thing he wanted her thinking is that he was trying to take advantage of the situation. He tried to pull away from her but as he broke the kiss, he was surprised to have her hold him in place as she leaned in and initiated a second kiss. Ike smiled as their lips touched for the second time. What he had started as soft and warm was quickly taking on a life of it’s own. The once chaste kiss became more and more visceral as it continued. When it finally ended they were both breathless and stood for a moment in silence neither of them sure what to do next. This had come on them quite suddenly and neither was completely sure how the other felt about this. Ike finally broke the silence.
Jillian watched his hands “I have to get back to the dance,” Jillian’s heart sank, of course he did. He seemed quite eager about it.
Ike watched confused as Jillian looked as though he had just slapped her. “Of course, go,” she said sadly as she turned away from him, making a beeline for the door.
Ike stopped her grabbing her arm *wait,*
“No go, wouldn’t want to keep her waiting,” she said unable to hide the jealousy in her voice.
Ike watched confused as Jillian disappeared up the back steps. He shook his head not sure what had just happened. She was upset and he wasn’t even sure why. After a moment of knocking on the door to no answer. He pushed the door open and headed up the back steps to her living room. When he got to the top he saw her sitting on the balcony watching all the people below. She didn’t even turn to look at him. Ike knelt beside her and gently tried to get her to look at him.
“Go away,” she said scooting away from him. What had she been thinking to kiss him like that?
He tried again to get her to look at him.
“Go AWAY,” she said getting up and trying to get away from him. She did not like the feelings of hurt and confusion that were battling within her. Kissing her obviously meant nothing to him or he wouldn’t be so eager to get back to the blonde woman.
He grabbed her arms and turned her back to him, very frustrated that she would not let him talk. As he started to sign to her, she stopped his hands.
“No, I don’t want to hear this. Just go away, go play with your perfect little date and leave me alone!”
*What? I don’t have a date*
“I’m not an idiot Ike. I saw her. The petite blonde that you brought, she’s why you’re so anxious to get back to the dance.”
Ike took a deep breath and shook his head as he walked towards Jillian. She misunderstood him. He could not stop the smile that broke out on his face. She was jealous. That is what this was all about. As Ike came closer he watched as Jillian started backing up.
Jillian rolled her eyes at her name. Ike quickly brought her back to looking at him.
*She is not my date.* Ike smiled widely. *You’re jealous.*
Jillian looked at him not saying a word.
*Now you know how I felt when I thought you were going with Jimmy.*
Jillian looked at him shocked by his admission.
Ike studied her eyes for a moment and then proceeded in backing her against the wall. *Come with me to the dance* Ike signed pleading with her. When Jillian didn’t answer him, he leaned in closer to her and captured her lips again with his and all his thoughts about going to the dance flew out the window.
Chapter 9
She walked into the dance looking around at all the people there many of which she knew. Her dress was green and was snug tight to her waist the bodice of the dress was cut low and you could see the bulges of her small chest peeking precariously over the cut of the dress. Jillian caught a glimpse of her reflection in the window. It didn’t make her look beautiful and she felt strangely uncomfortable in a very revealing dress. The dress was a statement in itself directed more toward both Madeline and Jimmy. Her hair was tied up leaving wisps that hung around her face. Jillian had promised to meet Ike at the dance and it had taken quite a while for her to get ready. Jillian glanced around and could not see Ike anywhere.
Levi Hannrahan, the bank owner, approached her. He ran the new bank in town for his father. He wasn’t much older than Jillian and they had spoken only politely in passing several times.
“You look mighty nice,” he said to her politely. “Would you care to dance?”
“I’d like that,” she said smiling at him, as she gazed past him and saw Ike dancing with Charity. He was smiling and seemed to be having a wonderful time. Jillian couldn’t stop the flush of anger that welled in her. Ignore it, she thought to herself.
“Are you alright Miss?” Levi asked her seeing her face flush.
“Fine, it’s just a bit warm in here,” she drawled.
“We could step out if you like,” he said suggestively.
“I’ll be fine,” she laughed ignoring his suggestion.
While they danced he struggled to pull her closer to him and she struggled to push him off. As the music ended she left his grasp and headed over to where the refreshments were. As she grabbed a cup of punch she felt someone grab her arm, she was ready to turn and give them what for when she realized that it was Ike holding her arm, tightly.
*What are you doing here?* Ike signed furiously.
“Dancing,” she replied innocently.
*That’s not what I meant.* He glared at her sternly. *What are you doing dressed like that?*
“Like what?” she said smoothing her hand down the bodice of her dress, looking at him defiantly. “I like this.”
He tightened his grip on her arm. *You’re going home.*
“You can go if you want. I’m staying here,” she said forcefully pulling her arm away from him.
*No, we are leaving, now!* he said grabbing her by the waist, carrying her outside.
“Put me down. So help me God Ike if you don’t put me down I will scream.”
He sat her down. He had heard her scream it was blood curdling.
*Jillian, listen to me,* he demanded. *You can’t run around looking like that. Men will get the wrong idea.*
“Since when do you care so much? I had no idea you had even had time to notice I was here. You sure didn’t wait long for me to get here before you decided Charity could fill in.” She had only started in on him when the blonde-headed girl showed up beside them.
She looked at Ike holding onto this tart with the green dress. “What’s going on here?” she asked rather indignantly. “What are you doing with this woman?”
Ike tried to hold back his chuckle.
*Now Charity. I’ll be right with you*
“And who is this?” Charity demanded.
*This is* Ike faltered for words. How exactly could he describe Jillian. *Charity this is…just Jillian.*
“Just Jillian!” and with that thought in mind, Jillian hauled off and kicked Ike hard square in the shins. As he doubled over grabbing his leg. Jillian walked briskly away from him. Jillian fought the urge to make very disparaging gestures at him. “Damn him,” she thought to herself. As she entered her room she caught a glimpse of herself in mirror and couldn’t help but laugh, Ike was right she looked like a complete harlot. She ran her fingers through her hair quickly unpinning it and watched it fall bouncing to her waist. As she placed the pins in the hair receiver she heard the door open. She made her way to the kitchen and started fixing herself a cup a tea catching glimpses of Ike out of the corner of her eye standing in the door.
Ike just stood there in the doorway staring at her. What had gotten into her? As he look at her he couldn’t help but notice that the dress held tightly to ever curve of her body. He found his eyes uncomfortably lingering about her chest. He had never seen her like that, and he found it unsettling. Ike tapped his chest to get her attention. *Jillian, it ain’t safe or right for you to dress like that,* he said trying to talk some sense into her and explain his rather rash reaction.
“I can take care of myself,” she snapped
She sipped the last of her tea and as she sat the cup on the counter she turned to find him standing in the door silent looking at her with a weird expression on his face. As she went to push past him he grabbed her arms tightly and slammed her back against the door forcefully.
“Ike!” she shrieked shocked by his actions.
*Is that what you want?* he signed. *You want men to treat you like a whore?* he said, moving his hand to her face, slowing tracing her cheek and down her neck, his hand slid down over the front of her bodice resting at her waist. He leaned forward pinning her to the door for a moment his body pressing against hers their faces only inches from one another and then let her go. She quickly moved to the other side of the room putting some distance between her and her friend that had obviously slipped a cog.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” she screamed at him.
*Nothing,*
“Are you insane?”
*No. I wanted you to understand what kind of bad situation you could be putting yourself into,* he signed calmly. *I don’t want to see anyone hurt you.*
“You are insane,” she said still visibly shaken by what he had done.
*What if it hadn’t been me?* he signed, looking right at her.
“What are you talking about?”
*What it hadn’t been me pinning you to the wall?*
She looked at him somewhat embarrassed by what he was saying.
*Jillian, there are men out there that wouldn’t think twice about hurting a young woman like you, especially in a dress like that, it don’t leave much to the imagination. This isn’t just some kind of game.*
Her face was bright and she looked at her feet
*Are you even listening to me?* he asked very frustrated.
“I heard you,” she mumbled.
*I didn’t mean to scare you,* he said smiling.
“You didn’t,” she said flippantly
*Oh really?* he asked as if that was a personal challenge to him. As he started walking toward her again seeing that strange look in his eyes she darted away from him.
“Ok,” she conceded. “You scared, me…a little.”
Jillian sat down staring out the window, kicking herself. The object of her affection had only moments ago had his hands all over her and instead of enjoying the moment she found herself oddly uncomfortable. She let out a large sigh that didn’t go unnoticed.
*What’ wrong?* Ike asked seeing the look on her face.
“Nothing.”
*That was an awful big sigh for nothing,* he smiled widely.
“I’m hungry,” she said desperately trying to change the subject.
*Let’s go get something to eat,* Ike suggested.
“Aren’t you afraid to be seen in town with a whore? What would the townsfolk say?”
*Jillian,* he chided. *Let’em talk.*
“What about, what’s her face?” Jillian asked flippantly
*Which what’s her face would that be?* Ike asked jokingly.
“That blond headed gal,” Jillian said hoping she was hiding her disdain for the woman.
*After the events of tonight I doubt I have to worry about her talking to me again,* Ike said playfully. He knew that Jillian was jealous of Charity even though she had no need to be. It was strange how quickly his feeling for her had changed or perhaps he was only now willing to admit what they were, and he prayed she hadn’t noticed how weak his knees were when he had touched her.
“I better get changed,” she said realizing how he had been looking at her. She realized that she really didn’t want to change that she liked his attention but if they were indeed going to get something to eat she probably should.
*Na* Ike signed casually catching her by the arm. *I think you look fine.* He realized in looking at her that he enjoyed the way that satin dress hugged her waist and it was all he could do not to reach his hand out touch her or run his fingers along the low neckline of her dress.
She caught Ike staring at her and she could feel her face flushing, she tried to say something but nothing intelligent came out. “What are you hungry for?” She asked suddenly cringing as she realized how badly that sounded.
*Interesting you should ask,* he said as he walked up to her taking her soft face into his hand. Tracing her cheek and her lips with his thumb. As his thumb passed over her delicate, moist lips she gently tickled it with the tip of her tongue, Ike’s face flushed. As the moment passed he leaned his head in unable to resist the urge, his lips grasping hers with a powerful force. His tongue searching for hers. Ike pinned Jillian once again with her back against the wall, his mouth on hers, his hand wandered down her neck again and this time it rested on her breast, all the while he was wishing her corset had not bound her so tight.
A slight whimper escaped her as Ike’s kiss made her knees weak. She did not want to be wearing this stupid corset, she wanted to feel his hands on her bare skin. Hell, she did not want to be wearing anything. She could not help the smile that radiating across her face. She reached up and pushed his coat off of him and it fell to the floor with a thud, that accomplished she reached up and began unbuttoning his shirt. She could feel his breath more jagged each time her fingers touched his bare chest. As this volley of passion continued Jillian found herself on the floor her bodice undone, stocking and bloomers quickly discarded. They were only moments from consummating their sudden passion when the door opened.
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His hair was sweaty from working and his chest muscles rippled as he carried the lumber from the wagon to the woodpile. Suddenly, with out warning she approached him, shocking even herself. She wasn’t like this at all. Quiet, shy reserved. She boldly planted a less than chaste kiss on him, her hands instinctively finding their way to his long tangled hair. She could feel her face flushing at the forwardness of it all.
In an instant her thought was broken by a whiney voice. “Gesh, why don’t you take at tintype it’d last longer.”
Jillian spun around to find herself face to face with Cody. “I…What?” she stammered trying to regain her composure.
“Why don’t you just ask him out?” Cody asked indicating to Jimmy who was finishing up with the last of the wood.
“WHAT! I….um.. I mean,”
“Are you blushing?” Cody asked moving in for a closer look.
Jillian bolted. “I really should be going,” she said quickly.
“I’m almost done,” Jimmy said as he grabbed the next to the last load.
“I’ll help you,” she said taking the last of the lumber. “Sorry, I didn’t mean for you to do all the work.” She quickly apologized.
Jimmy watched as she neatly stacked the boards.
“Tell Mr. Hunter I’ll make a run tomorrow to Marysville for the maple and have it to him day after next,” she called getting back onto the wagon and starting off.
“What’s with her?” Jimmy asked.
Cody was about to say something when Ike stomped on his foot. “Hey, watch where you are going,” Cody complained.
Ike’s hands motioned swiftly. *You keep quiet.* Ike threatened. *That wasn’t nice what you done.*
“Oh lighten up,” Cody started.
*No. Not another word.* Ike insisted glaring sternly at Cody.
It un-nerved Cody to see how serious Ike was being about this. Cody shrugged and quickly walked away leaving a smiling Ike feeling very confident about having shut him down.
That evening Teaspoon returned to the station for supper. Ike caught him on the porch before dinner.
*Jillian brought the wood out today.*
“So I saw,” Teaspoon remarked. “She’s done pretty well running the mill all by herself.”
Ike nodded.
“Somethin on your mind son?” Teaspoon asked.
*She’s going to Marysville tomorrow to pick up the maple that you ordered. Don’t think she should go by herself.*
Teaspoon thought for a minute studying Ike’s expression. Slowly he nodded, “you volunteering?” Teaspoon asked perplexed by Ike’s sudden interest in the girl.
Ike shrugged his shoulders and shook his head *I’ve got the run to Laramie. You should send Jimmy.*
“Jimmy?” Teaspoon asked studying Ike’s expression. “Why him?”
Ike thought for a moment and glanced around to see if anyone else was looking.
*She’s sweet on him.* Ike confided.
“Who is?” Teaspoon asked. “Jillian?”
Ike nodded
“You sure?”
Ike nodded again.
Teaspoon kicked back in his chair and chuckled. “I know you mean well but I’ve found that these things work best if you just leave them to their own devices,” Teaspoon drawled.
Ike shook his head.
“I’ll send Lou with her,” Teaspoon finished.
*No.* Ike protested forcefully *I’ll go if you won’t send Jimmy.*
“You sure maybe it’s not you who’s sweet on her?” Teaspoon questioned smiling.
Ike just shook his head and rolled his eyes.
“Why do you need me to take your Laramie run?” Buck asked as if the answer would change.
*So I can go to Marysville with Jillian*
“The young woman that runs the mill?” Buck asked cocking an eyebrow at his friend.
*It’s not like that. I just don’t think she should go alone.*
“You don’t think? I thought you said Teaspoon was sending you?” Buck interrogated.
“Ike’s going cause Teaspoon won’t send…Ouch, stop that!” Cody howled as Ike’s boot landed once again on his toes.
Ike glared at Cody until he left.
“What is the matter with you?” Buck asked stunned to see his friend behaving so oddly.
*Nothing. Will you switch with me?* Ike pleaded.
“Oh, all right,” Buck said eyeing his friend suspiciously.
The next afternoon as Jillian readied the wagon for the trip Ike approached her with Teaspoon.
“Good day, Miss Kercher. I thought it might be a good idea for you to take one of the boys with you. This is Ike McSwain. He’ll accompany you to Marysville.”
“Thank you Marshall Hunter but that really isn’t necessary. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“Sorry but I insist,” Teaspoon continued and obviously she knew well enough not to argue with him.
“Jillian Kercher,” she said extending her hand, which Ike shook smiling widely.
He quickly wrote on a slate “Ike McSwain”
“Ike can hear just fine. He just doesn’t speak,” Teaspoon explained.
Jillian nodded nervously and climbed aboard the wagon. Ike climbed in next to her. They hadn’t gone far when he started scribbling on the slate.
*Are you disappointed Teaspoon sent me?*
“No, why would you ask such a thing?”
*You would rather he sent Jimmy.* Ike explained trying to let her know that he understood.
Jillian tried in vain to stop the flush she felt creeping to her face as she shook her head.
Ike scribbled one more. *It’s okay. I know you like him.*
With that Jillian pulled the team to a stop.
“Something on your mind Mr. McSwain?” she asked angrily.
He stared at her blankly.
“I’m not sure what your game is but I don’t appreciate it. It’s not like I don’t feel bad enough the Marshal thinks I’m am incapable of doing the slightest thing by myself, but to have you sitting there badgering me about something that, well, ain’t none of your damn business. Look, I am sure Mr. Cody told you all about how he caught me staring at your friend and managed to embarrass the hell out of me. I’m sure he told you what fun you could have with all this otherwise boring trip, however, pay attention ‘cause I am only going over this once for you. Do I think Mr. Hickok’s attractive? Of course, don’t know to many gals with eyes that don’t. I had no right to stare at him. It won’t never happen again and if you insist on bringing this up again you’ll be walking back to Sweetwater. Do you have any questions about all that?” Jillian finally stopped to take a breath.
Ike studied her for a moment and wrote.
*Why don’t you ask him to the winter dance?*
Jillian closed her eyes shaking her head, rubbing her forehead as though it hurt. “I don’t think so,” Jillian managed to get out with almost no breath.
*Jimmy is a good guy. He likes to act tough but he really isn’t all that bad.* Ike tried explaining.
“I have no doubt that’s true Mr. McSwain but I am more than aware of the caliber of woman he prefers,” Jillian said evenly without so much as a sideways glance at him. Without another word she set the team back in motion.
Ike decided he had pushed the subject just about as far as he could without things getting ugly. He decided she wasn’t bluffing about him walking back to Sweetwater, so Ike let the subject drop for now. He was shocked at the response she had given him. She wasn’t good enough for Jimmy? How could a strong woman like her think that? It was her strength and brashness that had made him think they would be perfect for each other. Both were quiet and brooding in their own way and the way that he had seen Jillian looking at Jimmy well, it didn’t take no genius to figure out how much she thought of him. If only Teaspoon hadn’t been so bull headed and would have just sent Jimmy on this trip in the first place. Ike let out a big sigh. He could make this work it was just going to take longer than the thought.
Chapter Two
Buck sat relaxing on the porch with a new book. Everyone was in town or out on a run, which left some quite time before his ride to Laramie. He had just cracked the book and had begun the page when he heard a little voice.
“Hey…pst…Buck,” Cody whispered from the corner of the house. “ Pppppsst Buck.”
“What?” Buck questioned loudly not thrilled that Cody had chosen that moment to interrupt his reading.
“Where’s Ike?”
“On a trip to Marysville with Jillian Kercher,” Buck replied returning to his book.
“Good, I don’t know that my poor toes could take too much more of him.”
Buck sighed, he knew Cody was doing his best to bait him into a conversation.
“Okay I’ll bite. What’s wrong with your feet?”
“Every time I try and say anything to Jimmy about Jillian mooning all over him when he’s around, Ike stomps on my feet. I think Ike has a thing for her.” Cody announced.
“A thing for who?” Jimmy asked as he reached the porch.
“He thinks Ike has eyes for Jillian Kercher,” Buck said shaking his head.
“How strange is that?” Cody chirped. “Ike has a thing for her and she has a thing for OOOOOOO,” Cody wailed as the leg of the chair Buck was reclining in landed square on his foot.
“You know, maybe Ike is on to something,” Buck said cryptically as he patted Cody on the shoulder ushering him away from Jimmy.
Chapter Three
They rode the rest of the afternoon in silence and finally made camp as the sun was setting. Jillian had made no effort to speak with Ike again and he could tell by the wary looks he got occasionally that she did not trust him. There had been many moments where Ike had considered trying to start up a conversation again but he had decided to wait.
Jillian worked quickly to fix stew with the vegetables that she had brought with them. They had not been eating long when she looked up to find Ike staring at her expectantly.
“What?” she growled. After that afternoon she was in no mood to deal with this man again.
Ike just shook his head and went back to eating.
Jillian rolled her eyes at him and did the same. She could not figure out why he was so intent on playing matchmaker. She highly suspected it had more to do with Mr. Cody than he was letting on and would, in all likelihood, end up with her, utterly humiliated. She sighed loudly when she saw Ike pick up his slate and start writing again.
*That was good. Thank you.* he said smiling.
“Your welcome,” she said cautiously.
*Sorry if I made you mad*
“I’m not mad,” she said grabbing his plate and placing them in the wash water she had boiling on the fire.
*Why didn’t you sell the mill?* Ike asked tapping on the slate.
She read the question and sat down. She glared at him silently for a while as if she were deciding if she should even bother to answer the question. “My pa didn’t have no sons. I was his only child. He was always disappointed that he didn’t have a boy to take over the mill. When he got sick…I thought it would make things easier on him if he knew that it would stay in the family. So I stepped in and started taking over as he got worse. Sellin’ it don’t seem right,” she stared down into her coffee as if the answer to his question was written there.
Ike scribbled on his slate. *Did it make it easier on you? Taking over the mill?* Ike watched as anger flared in her eyes.
“Why don’t you talk?” Jillian snapped. She watched as Ike’s eyes clouded for a moment and he started writing again, mid way through he hesitated in his writing. Jillian snatched the slate from him and held it looking at what little he had written. “Never mind. It ain’t none of my business,” she said wiping what he had written and tossing the slate back. That pretty much put an end to their conversations for that evening.
Ike watched as Jillian made up her bed and laid down. He sat up for a while poking at the fire with a stick. This was not going at all the way he had planned. Somehow he thought he would just tell her that he knew how she felt and voila they would be fast friends working toward getting her and Jimmy put together. Instead she didn’t trust him and was treating him like he was the enemy, a reaction he definitely had not been counting on.
Ike woke to the strange sensation of someone touching his head. When he rolled over Jillian was sitting next to him with his bandana in her hand. When she realized he was awake she jumped and instinctively put the bandana behind her back. Ike sat up annoyed and snapped his fingers and held out his hand. She looked at him sheepishly and handed it back to him. Without thinking he signed to her.
“I don’t know what that means,” she reminded him. “I guess this,” she snapped her fingers and stuck her hand out sharply, “means give me back my stuff. Got that,” she said moving away from him.
He grabbed for his slate. *What were you doing? Why’d you take my bandana and why were you touching my head?* he questioned.
“I didn’t take your bandana it fell off while you were sleeping. I touched your head because I didn’t know you were bald and wondered why you shaved your head but I guess you don’t. While we’re playing 20 questions why are YOU on MY bedroll?” she asked.
Ike realized that he was indeed lying on her bedroll with his sitting where he left it on the other side of the fire ring. Ike thought for a moment. He remembered sitting up late into the night thinking about what he was going to do. He remembered being very tired and going to bed. He must have gotten up at some point during the night and ended up over on her bedroll but he honestly didn’t remember. He looked at her and shrugged trying his best to look innocent. She rolled her eyes and gathered her bedroll pulling it roughly out from underneath him.
Ike wrote out on the slate *Maybe you moved me.* he joked.
“Sure, right after I got done carrying the horses to the creek for a drink. Look, I just want to get to Marysville pick up these logs and get back home. That didn’t seem like such a chore yesterday but now I’m not so sure.”
Ike nodded, she obviously was not seeing the humor in this he was. Ike smiled to himself and had to chuckle when he thought of the look that would be on Buck’s face when he told him that he slept with Jillian.
Ike’s silent laugh did not go unnoticed and Jillian dropped her gear and was in his face before he knew what hit him. “Don’t you even think about it. If I catch any crap, from anyone, about you ending up on my bedroll, you are a dead man McSwain. Is that clear?” she threatened.
Ike tried hard to keep the smile that he felt tugging on his lips from actually showing up there. He wasn’t sure if it was because she was standing so close to him or the force of her presence but she seemed to make him nervous and he had an overwhelming urge to laugh. He nodded his head and she stomped off to finish loading the wagon. It was more than a little unnerving the way she seemed to be able to read his thoughts.
Once they reached Marysville the lumberyard said it would take a little time to get the maple logs pulled and loaded on the wagon. Ike decided he would check out the general store while Jillian insisted on waiting in the office until they got done. Ike made a point to hurry. He decided he would pick up a book for Buck for switching runs with him. As he walked from the store he saw Jillian looking at an outfit in the window of the dress shop across from the lumberyard. She was looking at a striped skirt with a plain white blouse. Ike smiled as he walked up behind her tapping her on the shoulder which caused her to jump.
*That would look nice on you.* he noted.
“I don’t dress up,” she said moving quickly back across the street.
*Why? * Ike asked.
“Why what?” she asked.
*Why don’t you dress up? *
“I work in a mill all day, every day. I don’t need to dress up,” she said evenly.
*Are you hungry?* Ike asked. *We didn’t eat breakfast.*
“Nah you go ahead. I’ll wait,” she said sitting down on the steps in front of the lumberyard.
*Can I bring you something?*
Jillian just shook her head and Ike wandered off in the direction of the hotel. Once the lumberyard was done loading the logs Jililan drove the wagon over to the hotel and joined Ike inside. He was just finishing up breakfast when she sat down with him. “Are you about ready?” she asked rather impatiently.
Ike nodded. * Sorry I didn’t mean to take so long.* he apologized.
“No it’s fine, they just got it loaded. I just want to get headed back soon. If we leave now we’ll make it back by late afternoon.”
As they loaded up in the wagon Ike noticed a package from the dress shop he decided it was best if he didn’t ask about it. It really wasn’t any of his business. They rode in silence again as they had the day before. Finally Ike decided it was time to broach the subject again.
*What did you mean when you said you know that caliber of woman Jimmy likes?*
Jillian considered the question for a moment or rather considered whether or not she would answer his question. With an exasperated look on her face she let out a sigh. “I moved back here with my father after my mother passed away 3 years ago, she had TB and had to spend a good deal of her life in Arizona where it’s drier than here. When I moved back here one thing became very clear is that you all command a certain amount of attention from everyone around town.”
*All of us? Express riders?*
Jillian nodded and continued. “I’ve seen him in town with Madeline Hall, as well as any number of saloon gals. Look, Ike, I hope you don’t mind me calling you Ike. I don’t know why you insist on this. I have a better chance of being struck by lightening, twice, than getting the attention of James Hickok.” Jillian shook her head. She still felt like this was all the big set up to what was sure to be a killer joke of some sort and most likely at her expense. Cody had already made it perfectly clear how much fun he was having with her embarrassment, why should Ike be any different?
*How can you say that?* Ike insisted.
“Because it’s true. Look you wanna make fun of me, fine. You want to embarrass me, go ahead. I can’t stop you. I just never figured you all as a mean bunch.”
*I still say you should ask him to the dance. * Ike insisted.
“Why? So you can get a good guffaw with Cody when he says no?”
*He won’t say no.*
“Yes, he will.”
*No he won’t*
“If you’re so sure about this why don’t you ask him?” Jillian said exasperated.
*For you?*
“No.”
*I will. Ask him for you if you want.*
“I don’t want,” Jillian said intently.
*I thought you liked him.*
Jillian pulled the team to a stop again. “Stop this,” she bellowed. Ike stared at her blankly.
“Look, if I ask him, will you drop this?”
Ike nodded.
“And when he says no, you’ll leave it alone?”
Ike started writing and she grabbed the slate pencil.
“You’ll leave this alone? For good?”
Ike nodded and smiled sheepishly.
“Okay,” she sighed, shaking her head and feeling like she’d lost her mind. “When we get back I’ll ask him.”
Ike beamed. Mission accomplished.
She handed him back his slate pencil and snapped the team back into motion again.
Chapter Four
Cody peeked out from behind the hay bales looking cautiously for any sign of Buck or Ike.
“Pst, Jimmy,” Cody whispered.
Jimmy paused from brushing Sundance then resumed his activity.
“Psssst, Jimmy,” Cody whispered slightly louder not wanting to take the risk that anyone else hear him.
“What?” Jimmy whispered back without realizing what he was doing. “WHAT?” he bellowed in full voice when no one answered him.
“I…think…Jillian…. likes….you,” Cody whispered slowly.
“Cody what the hell are you doing?” Jimmy asked staring at Cody’s head stuck out of a bunch of hay bales.
“I’m trying to tell you that Jillian is interested in you,” Cody whined.
“Why are you hiding behind the bales of hay whispering?”
“Cause every time I bring this up Buck or Ike go out of their way to trample my feet,” Cody explained as if talking to a small child.
Jimmy shook his head “What makes you think she’d be interested in me?” Jimmy quizzed.
“Are you kidding? Whenever she’s out here all she does is moon over you,” Cody said batting his eye lashes at Jimmy.
“Yeah, well I think you’ve got hayseed in your brain,” Jimmy said throwing his saddle blanket over Cody’s head and walking off.
Chapter Five
Once they had gotten back to Sweetwater Jillian dropped Ike over at the Marshal’s office and headed home. She quickly took a bath and put on the new outfit that she had purchased in Marysville. It was a plain cotton blouse with colorful striped skirt. Ike had been right it did look nice on her. She tied her hair up and went down stairs. She had seen James Hickok earlier and hoped that she could catch him out somewhere instead of over at the Marshal’s office with everyone else there. She walked across the street to the general store. She needed to make a quick purchase first. As luck would have it Hickok was in the store as well. Jillian found herself shaking as she tried to pick out the bandana that she needed. She felt like she should get a peace offering for Ike. She had been rather hard on him and maybe he truly meant well. After paying for her purchase she saw her opportunity. He was standing outside on the boardwalk. She took a deep breath, smoothed her skirt and walked toward him. As she prepared to tap him on the shoulder he turned around and faced her. Jimmy smiled broadly at her and waited for her to say something. After what seemed like an eternity of silence he decided maybe he should say something.
“Good afternoon, Miss Kercher,” he drawled lazily.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Hickok,” she stammered. Again the deafening silence took over only to be shattered by the grating voice of Madeline Hall.
“James Hickok, you big farm boy you best not be messin’ on me,” she called loudly as she sashayed herself over to drape her arms about his neck possessively.
“Madeline,” Jimmy said ever so slightly annoyed.
“How are ya doll,” she asked playing coyly with the hair that poked out from underneath her his hat.
Jillian stood there feeling a bit glued in place. Yes, this was about what she had expected. The only thing missing now was all of jovial faces popping out for a good giggle over the whole thing.
“Madeline, do you know Jillian Kercher,” Jimmy asked making an effort to pull Jillian back into the conversation and to detangle himself from Madeline.
“Oh, you’re that little girl that runs the mill here in town, right?” Madeline said inspecting her.
“Ah, yes. I mean no, well, I do run the mill, yes,” Jillian said, frustrated at her inability to speak.
“You’ll have to excuse us sugar. We have some private matters to attend to,” Madeline drawled as she slipped her arm in Jimmy’s and began to pull him in the direction of the saloon.
Without another word Jillian walked quickly across the street, to the back of the mill which was the front of her living quarters. As she crossed the street she could see Ike walking her way quickly.
As she reached the front door she heard his footfall on the steps behind her.
“Look, I can’t do this. I thought I could. I tried. I’m sorry I know I told you that I would but I can’t,” she said without being able to meet his eyes.
Ike tapped his chest, making her look up at him. He was smiling broadly and his hands set in motion, but before he could get much of anything out she shoved both hands into his chest sending him backwards off the porch.
“I was right all along! You did this on purpose! You wanted me to make a fool of myself. Well there you have it, I did. In grand fashion! Sorry that I didn’t wait for you to be there to savor every moment of it,” she yelled. She turned quickly in a flourish of colorful fabric and headed back to the door. As her hand hit the door she turned back to Ike who was still sitting on the ground stunned. “Oh and by the way. Getting me to buy this stupid outfit,” she seethed, curtsying. “Nice touch.” Ike watched as she slammed the screen door and the inner door behind her.
Ike sat there for a moment staring at the closed door. *That outfit does look nice on you.* he signed with no one there to see him. He got up putting his hat back on and headed over toward the store. He needed to find Jimmy Hickok and find out what the hell he had done to Jillian.
Ike looked around the store not seeing Jimmy he walked down the boardwalk and found him sitting in the saloon with Madeline Hall. That alone answered several of the questions that he had.
*I need to talk to you.* Ike signed quickly. *Alone* he said staring at Madeline.
“What’s wrong with you?” Jimmy asked a little upset that Ike was being so in your face.
*ALONE* Ike repeated.
“Would you excuse us?” Jimmy asked Madeline sending her off. “What is your problem?”
*What did you do to Jillian?* Ike demanded.
“I didn’t do nothin. She barely said two words to me and then Madeline showed up.”
*So you ditched her for Madeline?*
“I didn’t ditch nobody. Why are you so interested what I do?”
Ike sighed. He knew that he shouldn’t say anything but…*Jillian likes you.*
“So everyone keeps telling me,” Jimmy sighed. “If that’s true why won’t she say three words to me?”
*I don’t know. Would you talk to her? Come with me to get the maple and you can talk to her.*
“Okay,” Jimmy sighed.
Chapter Six
Things were quiet now and would be for the rest of the evening. The lumber was all cut and stacked; the maple was loaded on the wagon to go to the way station in the morning. Jillian would have the whole evening to herself. She milled around her small living space. It wasn’t much but it was hers. She opened a bottle of her father’s wine and sipped it. “To Madeline,” she thought. “The woman every man wants.” Jillian scoffed, another nice quiet evening alone, somehow that thought wasn’t as appealing as she would have hoped it would be. As she walked by the mantle she looked at all the pictures of her mother and father in their younger and happier times. One picture jumped out. It was of her mother and father, they had to have been in their mid-twenties at the time. Her mother had on this spectacular dress, she was tall and thin and just a knock out and Jillian’s father had his suit on and they were standing in front of the mill. They had so much promise in their eyes and they had each other. Jillian sighed loudly, not that it would bother anyone and moved to a series of old camel trunks that lined the back room. She dug through several and came out with a dress. It was similar to the one her mother was wearing in the picture. She glanced down at the dumpy overalls that she was wearing and slipped behind the dressing screen to change. The dress was too long for her, which made moving around a chore. She negotiated herself around to stand in front of the mirror. The other problem, which seemed screamingly apparent, was that she had not been endowed with the same figure her mother had had. Jillian tapped her foot as she studied the image in the mirror. With a flourish of material she disappeared behind the screen. With the aid of a corset and many, many pairs of wool socks from the trunk Jillian re-adjusted what would be by any stretch of the imagination an impressive bust line. Re-dressed in the spectacular dress and reappeared in front of the mirror. Perfection manufactured perfection, but perfection none the less. She quickly twisted up her hair and shoved a letter opener through the loose bun to hold it in place. Massive tendrils hung more or less at random around her face. As she gave her image a final once over in the full-length mirror she smiled satisfied with her creation. She sighed deeply and leaned against the corner of the large oak mirror.
“Why Mr. Hickok,” she lilted. “Is there something I can do for you?” she questioned suggestively to her image in the mirror.
“No ma’am, we’re just here to pick up the maple,” a loud voice answered from behind her.
Upon turning around in a whirlwind of material there stood James Hickok and Ike McSwain. With a scream, which came out far more like a squeak, she tried desperately to retreat behind her dressing screen. As she made her escape she stumbled backwards over the ottoman that was sitting next to the mirror and landed unceremoniously on her back. She laid there on the floor, her feet propped on the ottoman in what would have seemed comfortable fashion, for a moment weighing her options. She half hoped she had frightened them both away with her appearance but was pleasantly horrified to hear them both scampering over to where she was on the floor.
“Jillian?” Hickok’s voice questioned.
She debated if she should open her eyes but figured they would be going for the local doctor if she didn’t. As she opened her eyes, she realized they were both kneeling over her. She watched as Ike’s hands moved quickly.
Jimmy leaned over and picked her up gently off the floor.
“Would you put me down,” Jillian bellowed. She did not need to have insult added to injury. “I’m fine.”
“I thought you saw us standing there,” Jimmy said in an attempt to apologize for frightening her.
“I…um, no,” she gasped realizing he thought she had been talking to him, “saw a mouse,” she croaked, realizing that the combination of him holding her and with the corset that was way to tight it was suddenly difficult to breathe.
He set her down on the fainting couch. Ike walked up behind Jimmy smiling like the Cheshire cat. He tapped Jimmy on the shoulder and his hands flew again.
“What did he say?” Jillian asked.
“He said he’d load the maple and I can stay here with you,”
“You don’t have to do that, really I’m okay,” Jillian said standing up and brushing herself off. When she looked up she realized that both gentlemen were staring at her. “I’m fine.”
Ike walked to the door. He winked at Jillian and then left with a large smile.
Jimmy looked at Jillian who looked very flustered.
“Can I get you something to drink?” she asked pointing to the bottle of wine.
“We ain’t allowed to drink,” Jimmy said smiling. “Express rules.”
“Oh of course,” Jillian said suddenly aware of how awkward it seemed for her to be drinking a bottle of wine by herself. “I don’t normally either. I just thought after my day and trip to Marysville, that I deserved it. I’m making this worse not better aren’t I?” she asked suddenly. She looked at Jimmy who was staring at her.
“This isn’t me,” she said indicating to the outfit, “and these aren’t mine,” she confessed realizing he was staring at the enlarged chest that she didn’t have.
“Excuse me?” he said coughing trying not to laugh.
Jillian’s face turned ten shades of red. “Well, they’re mine, kind of, with lots of wool.” She watched the puzzled look on his face. “Socks.”
Jimmy was struggling trying not to laugh.
Jillian sighed and sunk down on the ottoman waving him away. “I’m fine why don’t you just go.” Her one hope is that he would leave before she screwed this up any further.
Jimmy watched as she buried her head in her hands sitting with her back to him. Maybe Cody was right and it was he, not Ike that she was interested in. Jimmy stopped at the door. “You or not, I think you look nice. I’m sorry I startled you.”
“Thank you,” she said softly without moving. She could see him turn to leave and she decided it was now or never. “Mr. Hickok?” she called to him crossing the room to catch up with him, resolved that she would ask him to the dance. As she rounded the corner she collided with him. He had heard her call to him and had turned to come back. They both ended up on the floor laughing.
“Are you all right?” he asked checking her forehead where they had knocked heads.
She nodded chuckling. “Mr. Hickok would you like to go to the autumn dance?” she asked quickly.
He sat there staring at her blankly.
“Or maybe you think it would be too dangerous,” she said trying to laugh it off. He obviously wasn’t interested. She struggled with the dress trying to stand.
Jimmy grabbed a hold of her arm pulling her back to the floor. “I had thought you wanted to go with Ike. I mean after your trip together and all,” Jimmy said trying to feel out the situation.
“What?!” Jillian exclaimed the blood draining out of her face. “He told you?”
“Yeah he did,” Jimmy admitted that Ike told him she was interested in him.
“I’ll kill him,” she said jumping to her feet and running toward the back stairs with Jimmy not far behind on her heels.
Jillian ran toward Ike. “You told him I slept with you!” Jillian yelled at Ike who looked like he’d been slapped. Ike grabbed her hands, shaking his head and signing *NO* over and over again.
“You slept with Ike?” Jimmy sputtered, standing in the doorway to the mill.
“No. You said he told you,” she accused to Jimmy.
“That you were interested in me,” Jimmy finished. “You slept with Ike?” Jimmy asked again incredulously.
Jillian took a deep breath and looked at Ike. “You didn’t tell him?” Jillian whispered.
Ike frowned and shook his head no.
“But I just did,” Jillian said softly.
Ike took a deep breath and nodded.
“I am so sorry,” she whispered to Ike and then turned toward Jimmy. “I am very sorry to have bothered you,” she said evenly and ran for the stairs.
“What the hell was that all about? You slept with her?” Jimmy demanded of Ike.
*I feel asleep next to her. I didn’t sleep with her like that. She doesn’t trust me. She thinks I am out to have a good laugh at her expense.* Ike signed trying to explain. *You go ahead back to the station. I want to talk to her.*
“Why would she think that you would tell me that?”
* I’m not sure. Will you go with her to the dance?*
Jimmy just stood there for a minute looking at Ike, he was still unsure that he should get in the middle of the two of them.
*Will you?* Ike insisted.
Jimmy shrugged his shoulders. “Sure if she still want’s to go,” Jimmy said as he loaded up into the wagon.
Ike walked up the stairs and found Jillian sitting on the balcony dangling her feet through the railing. He watched as she took the bottle of wine and took a long draw off the bottle. She sat there leaning against the railing, never in all the times he had seen her had he seen her look so broken.
*That isn’t going to help* he said.
“Not like it could really hurt at this point,” she replied taking another long drink.
This time Ike took the bottle from her hands and set it aside.
“This, this is why I didn’t want to do this,” she sighed. “When girls my age was learning how to deal with all this crap I was tearing apart saws and splitting lumber.”
*It’s not that bad,* Ike said encouragingly .*You just over reacted. Lots of women do, all the time.*
Jillian let out a disbelieving snort and just stared at the floor. “I’m sorry I messed things up so badly,” Jillian said as tears welled in her eyes and she stared off into the distance.
She felt Ike’s warm hand take hold of her face and move her chin back to look at him. Jillian watched so many emotions running through his eyes as he stared at her. His fingers gently wiping the tears that stained her face as he leaned in and captured her lips with his. She felt all her breath leave her as his soft lips moved over hers.
Ike snapped his fingers and waved his hand in front of her face and it jarred her back to reality. She looked at him startled. She blinked and swiped quickly at the tears that had escaped her eyes.
*Jimmy still wants to go to the dance with you, * Ike signed, smiling weakly. * If you still want to go.*
Jillian sat in silence for a moment and then nodded. “Why are you doing this?” she asked searching Ike’s face for an answer.
Ike just shrugged,* I just need to.* he answered pulling the sock that was dangling precariously out of her bodice, off and handing it back to her.
Jillian blushed, “I’m really sorry for how I acted on the trip to Marysville,” she said getting up and getting the small package off the shelf. “This is for you.”
*Me?* Ike questioned. *What is it?*
“Open it,” Jillian said.
Ike opened the small package and inside was a bandana. He grinned, * Thank you, but you didn’t have to do this, *
“I know. I’m sorry I didn’t trust you, it’s just Mr. Cody was being so mean about this, and …why should you help me?”
Ike just shrugged his shoulders again and smiled.
Chapter Seven
Jillian walked into the store to pick up a few items that she needed. She quickly selected the food items and stopped to look at some of the new hair combs, when she heard that grating voice, off on the other side of the fabric displays.
“So are you going to the dance with Jimmy?” the woman’s voice questioned. Jillian did not recognize her.
“Oh no, the poor dear got roped into taking that weird little gal that runs the mill. She is one odd little duck,” Madeline drawled sadly.
“I can’t believe that he would rather go with her, than you?” questioned the first woman.
Jillian felt like she should leave before they figured out she was standing so close by but yet again she felt strangely glued into place.
“Oh no doll, nothing like that,” Madeline syruped sweetly. “He told me all about this, arrangement that he has with Marshal Hunter. He’s doing this for me. See if he takes her to this dance, he gets three extra days off, of my choosing of course and you can bet I’ll be happy to make up for the misery he will endure with her. Poor man. What the hell kind of woman would want to do a man’s job like that? And then have the nerve to beg the Marshal into making one of his boys go with her, so she can play respectable,” Madeline said haughtily.
Jillian could feel the blood rising in her face as she set down the goods on the counter.
“Will that be all Miss Kercher the young woman behind the counter asked,”
“I’m sorry Kelma,” Jillian replied through gritted teeth. “I’m suddenly not feeling well. If you would box this up and I’ll be back later to pick it up I’d appreciate it.”
“No problem. Feel better,” Kelma replied as Jillian left the shop in a hurry.
Jillian walked into the mill office and slammed her door causing the glass in the door to rattle. It didn’t do much beside make her feel better. She toyed for a moment with the idea of opening it and slamming it a few more times but soon just slid down into her father’s chair. Her head finding it’s way into her hands. This was once again a nightmare, an ironic reoccurring theme with this dance. Jillian giggled manicly to herself for a moment. She had often heard her father talk about being so angry he could see red. She knew in spades just exactly what he was referring to at that very moment. After several deep breaths she decided she would go over and give Marshal Hunter a piece of her mind. She DID NOT need James Hickok’s pity and she certainly did not need Marshal Hunter bribing anyone with days off in order to get her a date.
She stomped out of her office slamming the door once again and headed for the mill door. She flipped the sign to out and stalked down the street and over to the jail. As she neared the door she realized that not only was Marshal Hunter in but he had James Hickok with him as well. As she hit the door of the jail house and prepared to start on what would no doubt be a lengthy tirade she realized that in addition to the two of them there was also Mr. Cody and Mr. Cross sitting in the office as well. Her resolve was quickly crumbling as she realized it was too late to turn and head back without anyone having noticed her presence.
“Well, good afternoon Miss Kercher, what can I do for you today?” Teaspoon chirped.
“I was just looking for Mr. Hickok,” Jillian replied coolly.
“Well, it would appear that you came to the right place,” Teaspoon interjected again.
“When isn’t she looking for Hickok?” Cody asked under his breath only to have Buck lift his foot as if in warning.
Cody immediately sat down and crossed his legs under him hiding his feet.
“I was in…” Jillian started but realized there was no way to lay into this without having an audience through the whole thing.
“I’m sorry,” she began again. “I just came to find you, to tell you that I am afraid I won’t be able to attend the dance on Friday,” she said evenly.
“Why not?” Jimmy asked surprised by her announcement.
“Well, I’ve had a rather large order come in and it has to be done no later than first thing Saturday morning. I should have time to get it finished but unfortunately it will keep me quite busy,” Jillian said triumphantly.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I was looking forward to going,” Jimmy said nodding.
“I’m sure,” Jillian said coldly.
“Will you be needing any help?” Teaspoon interjected without warning.
“No,” Jillian said insistently. “I’ve got everything under control. Have a nice afternoon.”
With that Jillian made her escape back to the mill. She felt bad for having lied but there was no way she would ever live down the truth if Cody and the others found out that Mr. Hunter had promised Jimmy extra days off. She breathed a sigh of relief as she re-entered the mill and made it safely back to her office. Slinking down into her chair she started pouring over the paper work she had been putting off.
“Well, that’s too bad,” Teaspoon said shaking his head as he slapped Jimmy on the back. “I really think the two of you would have had a good time. She’s a corker of a gal.”
Jimmy nodded as they loaded up the last of the supplies and headed back to the station.
Chapter Eight
Jillian sat on her balcony and watched all the people milling around in the street below. It seemed that everyone had turned out for the autumn dance at the town hall. She watched as each wagon and buggy arrived and the young men and woman stepped out dressed in their Sunday best. Couple after couple arrived at the gala but what surprised her most was when the express riders arrived. Jimmy was there by himself, but she had already seen Madeline step inside earlier. She watched as Ike helped a beautiful blond woman down out of the wagon. Her hair hung in perfect ringlets about her head. She was fair and petite and Jillian felt a pang of jealousy course through her that caught her quite off guard. She quickly gave up her post on the balcony and wandered through her small abode listening to the music that drifted up from below. She caught her reflection in the mirror. She still had on her work clothes, frumpy bib overalls and one of her father’s old work shirts, not very cosmopolitan. She decided she could hear the music better from her back porch. She settled into her porch swing and rocked gently listening to the music from down the way. The night air was crisp and almost ready to turn cold. She debated if she should go in and make some hot tea or hot chocolate. Her mind was drifting with the music and she didn’t hear Ike coming up the side of the house.
She jumped, startled when he touched her shoulder.
“Sorry you scared me,” she said quietly.
Ike sat down on the swing beside her studying her. *You didn’t have a big order did you?* he asked.
“No,” Jillian admitted pulling her shawl tighter around her.
*Why did you lie to Teaspoon and Jimmy?*
Jillian shrugged her shoulders.
*Jillian* Ike signed looking at her expectantly.
“I was in the store yesterday and I heard…overheard Madeline talking to her friends. ‘poor poor Jimmy Hickok got roped into taking the weird old maid that runs the mill. So bad it is that Marshal Hunter had to bribe him with extra days off, to make it worth his while,” Jillian mocked. “I was so mad,” she stopped to collect her thoughts. “It just seemed like it would be best for everyone if something came up.”
Jillian and Ike sat in silence for a while the music had stopped for the moment. Jillian finally broke the deafening silence.
“You know I have spent my whole life not being her,” Jillian said looking at Ike for the first time. She found herself unsure of why she was confiding in him. “Sometimes I think if I could just be Madeline, be like her. If I could be like that…” Her voice dropped as she realized how ridiculous it sounded.
*For Jimmy,* Ike signed.
“No,” Jillian snorted. “He certainly wasn’t who I thought he’d be.” Jillian looked at Ike, “there’s always a Madeline.”
Ike could not believe the pain he saw in Jillian’s eyes and he didn’t completely understand why it was there. He would have thought it was because of Jimmy and what he had told Madeline. The very thought made Ike’s blood boil and yet the last thing he wanted to do was leave her. As he sat there with her the music started once again. Ike found himself staring at her. Jillian’s long hair was pulled up in the back with tendrils that hung around her face. It was much more controlled than the last time he had seen her look like that. She looked positively beautiful and Ike longed to tell her that but he couldn’t. Ike’s gaze settled on a thin piece of velvet that hung around her neck. On it were two gold rings. Without thinking Ike reached out and touched the rings causing Jillian to jump again. As he touched the gold that had been warmed by her skin he looked at her questioningly.
Jillian’s eyes beaded with tears as she tried to regain her composure. “They belonged to my parents,” she tried to explain, the words getting caught in her throat. Jillian wiped at her eyes trying to clear the tears away. “I’m sorry,” she managed to croak out.
*Don’t be. I lost my parents too* Ike signed. He watched as Jillian turned away from him. He could tell it had been too recent, too soon for her to talk about this and he felt bad for bringing it up. He knew the pain she felt and remembered all too vividly the feeling that it would never be better. Ike put his arm around her shoulder trying to comfort her and was surprised when she allowed him to do so. In all the time they had spent together Jillian had spent most of it trying to prove to him how strong she was. How thick her skin was and how she was able to care for and protect herself. As she continued to cry, Ike pulled her into his arms. Holding her against him he suddenly found it hard to breathe. His chest tightened and he felt as though ever nerve in his body was set on fire. The last thing he wanted to do was let go. He would have gladly sat there all night with her in his arms. As he wrapped his arms tighter around her he marveled at the smell of her hair. It smelled of lavender and wildflowers and her skin was smoother than anything he had ever felt before.
As the song that was playing ended, Jillian looked at Ike as though she had snapped out of a daze. “I am so sorry,” she said apologizing wiping dry the tears that stained her face. “You shouldn’t be here with me blubbering on like this.” She took his hand and led him to the edge of the porch. “As much as I would like to have you stay and play in my pity party with me,” Jillian said trying to sound lighthearted. “You have a dance to go to,” she sniffed slightly and straightening his collar without thinking. Her hands lingered there for a moment but she quickly dropped them realizing that she was touching him. She could not stop the flush she felt creeping in her cheeks.
Ike grabbed her hands and brought them back up to his face. He opened her hands and gently kissed the palm of each one. Jillian watched mesmerized by his languid movements. When he had finished with her hands he reached out gingerly for her face and pulled her close to him. His head dipped as he captured her lips with his. He marveled at how soft and warm her lips were despite how cold it was outside. Ike suddenly became nervous that perhaps Jillian didn’t want this, she had been upset and the last thing he wanted her thinking is that he was trying to take advantage of the situation. He tried to pull away from her but as he broke the kiss, he was surprised to have her hold him in place as she leaned in and initiated a second kiss. Ike smiled as their lips touched for the second time. What he had started as soft and warm was quickly taking on a life of it’s own. The once chaste kiss became more and more visceral as it continued. When it finally ended they were both breathless and stood for a moment in silence neither of them sure what to do next. This had come on them quite suddenly and neither was completely sure how the other felt about this. Ike finally broke the silence.
Jillian watched his hands “I have to get back to the dance,” Jillian’s heart sank, of course he did. He seemed quite eager about it.
Ike watched confused as Jillian looked as though he had just slapped her. “Of course, go,” she said sadly as she turned away from him, making a beeline for the door.
Ike stopped her grabbing her arm *wait,*
“No go, wouldn’t want to keep her waiting,” she said unable to hide the jealousy in her voice.
Ike watched confused as Jillian disappeared up the back steps. He shook his head not sure what had just happened. She was upset and he wasn’t even sure why. After a moment of knocking on the door to no answer. He pushed the door open and headed up the back steps to her living room. When he got to the top he saw her sitting on the balcony watching all the people below. She didn’t even turn to look at him. Ike knelt beside her and gently tried to get her to look at him.
“Go away,” she said scooting away from him. What had she been thinking to kiss him like that?
He tried again to get her to look at him.
“Go AWAY,” she said getting up and trying to get away from him. She did not like the feelings of hurt and confusion that were battling within her. Kissing her obviously meant nothing to him or he wouldn’t be so eager to get back to the blonde woman.
He grabbed her arms and turned her back to him, very frustrated that she would not let him talk. As he started to sign to her, she stopped his hands.
“No, I don’t want to hear this. Just go away, go play with your perfect little date and leave me alone!”
*What? I don’t have a date*
“I’m not an idiot Ike. I saw her. The petite blonde that you brought, she’s why you’re so anxious to get back to the dance.”
Ike took a deep breath and shook his head as he walked towards Jillian. She misunderstood him. He could not stop the smile that broke out on his face. She was jealous. That is what this was all about. As Ike came closer he watched as Jillian started backing up.
Jillian rolled her eyes at her name. Ike quickly brought her back to looking at him.
*She is not my date.* Ike smiled widely. *You’re jealous.*
Jillian looked at him not saying a word.
*Now you know how I felt when I thought you were going with Jimmy.*
Jillian looked at him shocked by his admission.
Ike studied her eyes for a moment and then proceeded in backing her against the wall. *Come with me to the dance* Ike signed pleading with her. When Jillian didn’t answer him, he leaned in closer to her and captured her lips again with his and all his thoughts about going to the dance flew out the window.
Chapter 9
She walked into the dance looking around at all the people there many of which she knew. Her dress was green and was snug tight to her waist the bodice of the dress was cut low and you could see the bulges of her small chest peeking precariously over the cut of the dress. Jillian caught a glimpse of her reflection in the window. It didn’t make her look beautiful and she felt strangely uncomfortable in a very revealing dress. The dress was a statement in itself directed more toward both Madeline and Jimmy. Her hair was tied up leaving wisps that hung around her face. Jillian had promised to meet Ike at the dance and it had taken quite a while for her to get ready. Jillian glanced around and could not see Ike anywhere.
Levi Hannrahan, the bank owner, approached her. He ran the new bank in town for his father. He wasn’t much older than Jillian and they had spoken only politely in passing several times.
“You look mighty nice,” he said to her politely. “Would you care to dance?”
“I’d like that,” she said smiling at him, as she gazed past him and saw Ike dancing with Charity. He was smiling and seemed to be having a wonderful time. Jillian couldn’t stop the flush of anger that welled in her. Ignore it, she thought to herself.
“Are you alright Miss?” Levi asked her seeing her face flush.
“Fine, it’s just a bit warm in here,” she drawled.
“We could step out if you like,” he said suggestively.
“I’ll be fine,” she laughed ignoring his suggestion.
While they danced he struggled to pull her closer to him and she struggled to push him off. As the music ended she left his grasp and headed over to where the refreshments were. As she grabbed a cup of punch she felt someone grab her arm, she was ready to turn and give them what for when she realized that it was Ike holding her arm, tightly.
*What are you doing here?* Ike signed furiously.
“Dancing,” she replied innocently.
*That’s not what I meant.* He glared at her sternly. *What are you doing dressed like that?*
“Like what?” she said smoothing her hand down the bodice of her dress, looking at him defiantly. “I like this.”
He tightened his grip on her arm. *You’re going home.*
“You can go if you want. I’m staying here,” she said forcefully pulling her arm away from him.
*No, we are leaving, now!* he said grabbing her by the waist, carrying her outside.
“Put me down. So help me God Ike if you don’t put me down I will scream.”
He sat her down. He had heard her scream it was blood curdling.
*Jillian, listen to me,* he demanded. *You can’t run around looking like that. Men will get the wrong idea.*
“Since when do you care so much? I had no idea you had even had time to notice I was here. You sure didn’t wait long for me to get here before you decided Charity could fill in.” She had only started in on him when the blonde-headed girl showed up beside them.
She looked at Ike holding onto this tart with the green dress. “What’s going on here?” she asked rather indignantly. “What are you doing with this woman?”
Ike tried to hold back his chuckle.
*Now Charity. I’ll be right with you*
“And who is this?” Charity demanded.
*This is* Ike faltered for words. How exactly could he describe Jillian. *Charity this is…just Jillian.*
“Just Jillian!” and with that thought in mind, Jillian hauled off and kicked Ike hard square in the shins. As he doubled over grabbing his leg. Jillian walked briskly away from him. Jillian fought the urge to make very disparaging gestures at him. “Damn him,” she thought to herself. As she entered her room she caught a glimpse of herself in mirror and couldn’t help but laugh, Ike was right she looked like a complete harlot. She ran her fingers through her hair quickly unpinning it and watched it fall bouncing to her waist. As she placed the pins in the hair receiver she heard the door open. She made her way to the kitchen and started fixing herself a cup a tea catching glimpses of Ike out of the corner of her eye standing in the door.
Ike just stood there in the doorway staring at her. What had gotten into her? As he look at her he couldn’t help but notice that the dress held tightly to ever curve of her body. He found his eyes uncomfortably lingering about her chest. He had never seen her like that, and he found it unsettling. Ike tapped his chest to get her attention. *Jillian, it ain’t safe or right for you to dress like that,* he said trying to talk some sense into her and explain his rather rash reaction.
“I can take care of myself,” she snapped
She sipped the last of her tea and as she sat the cup on the counter she turned to find him standing in the door silent looking at her with a weird expression on his face. As she went to push past him he grabbed her arms tightly and slammed her back against the door forcefully.
“Ike!” she shrieked shocked by his actions.
*Is that what you want?* he signed. *You want men to treat you like a whore?* he said, moving his hand to her face, slowing tracing her cheek and down her neck, his hand slid down over the front of her bodice resting at her waist. He leaned forward pinning her to the door for a moment his body pressing against hers their faces only inches from one another and then let her go. She quickly moved to the other side of the room putting some distance between her and her friend that had obviously slipped a cog.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” she screamed at him.
*Nothing,*
“Are you insane?”
*No. I wanted you to understand what kind of bad situation you could be putting yourself into,* he signed calmly. *I don’t want to see anyone hurt you.*
“You are insane,” she said still visibly shaken by what he had done.
*What if it hadn’t been me?* he signed, looking right at her.
“What are you talking about?”
*What it hadn’t been me pinning you to the wall?*
She looked at him somewhat embarrassed by what he was saying.
*Jillian, there are men out there that wouldn’t think twice about hurting a young woman like you, especially in a dress like that, it don’t leave much to the imagination. This isn’t just some kind of game.*
Her face was bright and she looked at her feet
*Are you even listening to me?* he asked very frustrated.
“I heard you,” she mumbled.
*I didn’t mean to scare you,* he said smiling.
“You didn’t,” she said flippantly
*Oh really?* he asked as if that was a personal challenge to him. As he started walking toward her again seeing that strange look in his eyes she darted away from him.
“Ok,” she conceded. “You scared, me…a little.”
Jillian sat down staring out the window, kicking herself. The object of her affection had only moments ago had his hands all over her and instead of enjoying the moment she found herself oddly uncomfortable. She let out a large sigh that didn’t go unnoticed.
*What’ wrong?* Ike asked seeing the look on her face.
“Nothing.”
*That was an awful big sigh for nothing,* he smiled widely.
“I’m hungry,” she said desperately trying to change the subject.
*Let’s go get something to eat,* Ike suggested.
“Aren’t you afraid to be seen in town with a whore? What would the townsfolk say?”
*Jillian,* he chided. *Let’em talk.*
“What about, what’s her face?” Jillian asked flippantly
*Which what’s her face would that be?* Ike asked jokingly.
“That blond headed gal,” Jillian said hoping she was hiding her disdain for the woman.
*After the events of tonight I doubt I have to worry about her talking to me again,* Ike said playfully. He knew that Jillian was jealous of Charity even though she had no need to be. It was strange how quickly his feeling for her had changed or perhaps he was only now willing to admit what they were, and he prayed she hadn’t noticed how weak his knees were when he had touched her.
“I better get changed,” she said realizing how he had been looking at her. She realized that she really didn’t want to change that she liked his attention but if they were indeed going to get something to eat she probably should.
*Na* Ike signed casually catching her by the arm. *I think you look fine.* He realized in looking at her that he enjoyed the way that satin dress hugged her waist and it was all he could do not to reach his hand out touch her or run his fingers along the low neckline of her dress.
She caught Ike staring at her and she could feel her face flushing, she tried to say something but nothing intelligent came out. “What are you hungry for?” She asked suddenly cringing as she realized how badly that sounded.
*Interesting you should ask,* he said as he walked up to her taking her soft face into his hand. Tracing her cheek and her lips with his thumb. As his thumb passed over her delicate, moist lips she gently tickled it with the tip of her tongue, Ike’s face flushed. As the moment passed he leaned his head in unable to resist the urge, his lips grasping hers with a powerful force. His tongue searching for hers. Ike pinned Jillian once again with her back against the wall, his mouth on hers, his hand wandered down her neck again and this time it rested on her breast, all the while he was wishing her corset had not bound her so tight.
A slight whimper escaped her as Ike’s kiss made her knees weak. She did not want to be wearing this stupid corset, she wanted to feel his hands on her bare skin. Hell, she did not want to be wearing anything. She could not help the smile that radiating across her face. She reached up and pushed his coat off of him and it fell to the floor with a thud, that accomplished she reached up and began unbuttoning his shirt. She could feel his breath more jagged each time her fingers touched his bare chest. As this volley of passion continued Jillian found herself on the floor her bodice undone, stocking and bloomers quickly discarded. They were only moments from consummating their sudden passion when the door opened.
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