Jesse dragged his feet back to his tent, holding the precious claim papers in his hand. It had been a long day. Now that the lot belonged to him, all he wanted to do was crawl into bed and sleep for hours. Unfortunately, his stomach reminded him he hadn’t eaten since breakfast, so he would make a quick meal of some bread, dried meat, and water before turning in.
Tents, wagons, and in some cases only bedrolls, lined newly created streets. Lanterns dotted the area and, combined with moonlight, gave off scant illumination. A bit confused in the dark, it took him some time to find his way.
The Bonners’ new wagon acted as a beacon, its stark white canvas shimmered where they’d parked it smack in the middle of their lot. A small tent sat on the plot between theirs and his. A lantern clearly outlined the occupant on the thin material tent wall.
He glanced at the image, and turned to continue on his way. Abruptly, he came to a stop and, whipping his head around, stared at the shadow of a woman rubbing her generous breasts. He shook his head, certain his overtired brain had imagined it. The woman continued her ministrations as he stood grinning. He almost swallowed his tongue when she stretched and, then to his dismay, blew out the lantern.
I must certainly go introduce myself to my new neighbor tomorrow. Whistling, he entered his tent and, after his quick meal, and despite visions of his new neighbor’s shadow, fell into a deep slumber.
Chapter 3
Tori stood outside her tent and arched her back, the warm sunlight bathing her face. Hundreds of tents dotted the ground as far as she could see. The beginning of a new town. Overnight, more settlers had arrived. Mr. Bonner had told her the authorities planned for lots to be claimed eastward from the train station, then westward, and finally north and south.
Revived from a very restful sleep, she felt the need to do something. Excitement bubbled in her, a desire to get going, start the new life for her, and the kids. How would she be able to stay still, and wait for the others to arrive?
The cool crisp air sent shivers down her skin, adding to her sense of well-being. As much as she hated it, she had to bind herself one more time. True security would come when she’d duly registered her lot. But before that, a short walk to the nearby creek to wash and refill her canteen was in order.
Her stomach fluttered with excitement as she neared the stream of cool, clear water. A beautiful day, she had her own lot, nice neighbors, and soon Michael and the others would be here. How excited they would be to know she’d done it!
Shades of red and lavender coated the morning sky, as if a painter’s brush had swept by with a light stroke. She inhaled the scent of grass and spring wildflowers as she splashed her face with cold water. After wetting her hair, she smoothed the curls back and tied it in a ponytail high on her head so it would be hidden when she put her hat on. She got to her feet and headed back to bind herself as best she could.
She waved to Mrs. Bonner, who poured coffee in her husband’s cup. Tori slipped into the tent and, after some frustration, emerged dressed in Michael’s clothes.
A movement from the other lot caught her eye. A man backed out of the tent. Heat spread up her face at the sight of taut denims covering his bottom.
Don’t be ridiculous, he’s probably older than Mr. Bonner.
Smiling, she walked over while he tugged on his boots.
“Hi there,” Tori shouted as she grew near. “It seems like we’re gonna be neighbors.”
The man turned, a smile on his face.
“You!” She gasped, stepping back. Her welcoming smile faded.
“You?” He grinned.
The arrogant man who plagued her in Arkansas City raked his gaze over her from head to toe. “Nice outfit. Did you misplace your dress?”
“Not at all. I feel more comfortable dressed this way.”
He raised his eyebrows and nodded toward her tent. “I see you made it after all.”
She gave him a sweet smile. “Yes, I did.” She swept her arm in the direction of her tent. “All your dire predictions meant nothing.”
“So it seems. You did what you said you would do, and I extend my apology for doubting you.” Again those teeth blinded her. That smile should be illegal.
Her first impression of another good-looking, charming man, who would run when things got tough didn’t change. Neighbor or not, if she had her way, she and this man would not cross paths. She’d had her fill of charm. “If you will excuse me, I have things to do.”
He touched her arm, and the light pressure sent the fine hairs on edge. “Where are all these children you spoke of?”
She couldn’t ignore the warmth of her skin under his hand and the goose bumps running up her arm. “They’re on their way here in the wagon.” She tugged, and backed away. “I need to get ready for them, so if you will excuse me.”
Two hours later, Tori sat on the hard red dirt, anxious to see the kids. The Bonners were off to the Land Office to register their lot. With no one else she trusted to watch hers, she put off the trip. Already after noon, her gaze kept darting to the road, aching for the sight of Michael and the wagon.
The man on the other side had begun building a small wooden structure. She would rather sit here forever than ask him to watch the lot for her. The less she had to do with men, especially that one, the better.
Jesse pushed his hat back and swiped his forehead with his sleeve. Every once in a while, his gaze wandered over to the woman. A good neighbor would offer to watch her lot so she could register. Even though the woman’s coolness pricked his pride, her pathetic demeanor got to him. He rubbed the back of his neck and rolled his shoulders. The way she kept peering down the road made him suppose she expected her nieces and nephews would arrive soon.