A Run for Love (3 page)

Mrs. Bonner gathered up dirty dishes. “We came in from Caldwell. There were thousands of farmers, cowboys, and old soldiers in buggies, wagons, and on horseback in our group. We all helped one another cross the Cimarron River before we made camp at Buffalo Springs. Yesterday being Easter Sunday, a preacher in our group held a service, and the men played baseball, and organized foot races afterward. Such a wonderful group of people.”

Charles took up the story. “When the bugles sounded at exactly twelve noon today, all I could see for miles was dust and horses. Hats flew off, wagons swayed back and forth, and the race began. This will be a day that goes down in American history, mark my words.”

The rest of the day passed pleasantly in the Bonners’ friendship. The plot of land on the other side of her remained quiet the whole afternoon. The lines at the Federal Land Office must have been long.

As darkness settled over the new town, Tori crawled into her tent. She undid her bindings and took a deep breath. Though it felt strange, and in some ways naughty, she couldn’t resist massaging her sore breasts. Angry red lines crisscrossed her chest from where the bindings had cut into her.

She yawned, stretched, and took off her spectacles. After fixing the small bedroll, she blew out the lantern the Bonners had lent her. After pulling on her nightgown and braiding her hair, she laid her tired body down and slept peacefully for the first time in days.

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.

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.

The heck with it. He threw his hammer down and red dust puffed into the air, coating his already grimy boots. Squaring his shoulders, he sauntered over.

“Ma’am, it seems we never did introduce ourselves.” He took his dusty hat off and slapped it against his thigh. “I’m Jesse Cochran.” He stuck his hand out.

Tori stood and took his hand, giving it a firm shake. “Tori Henderson.” She yanked her hand back, like it had burned.

He hesitated for a moment, then looked down at his hand. “So Tori Henderson, seems we’re neighbors.” He ran his fingers through his hair and put his hat back on.

“That’s right.”

Not very talkative. Strange for a woman.
“What brings you to Indian Territory?”

“I’m a teacher.” Her lips compressed into a thin line as if she expected him to challenge her profession.

This conversation reminded him of the last time a dentist had pulled his back tooth. Slow and painful. He cleared his throat. “I’m sure there will be a school soon.” Nothing. She just stood there staring at him. Never in his life did he have this much trouble conversing with a woman. Of course in the past, he merely had to say a few words to get the conversation going, and the woman took over.

“Can I watch your lot while you get it registered?” He stuck his palms into his back pockets and nodded toward her tent.

Tori shook her head. “My nieces and nephews should be here soon, and I’ll go then. But thank you anyway.” She turned away.

She’d dismissed him! Something obstinate in him wanted to thwart her. “Ah, yes, the children. Not here yet?”

Her brow furrowed. “No.” She chewed her lower lip.

Before he could respond, young voices called Tori’s name. A rickety wagon came into view.
That’s the wagon she planned to make the run in? And I thought teachers were smart.

Tori ran to the wagon. She hugged a little girl who jumped down and threw herself into her arms. Another boy and young lady joined them after the oldest boy pulled up on the horses and set the brake. He grinned. At least she no longer had a worry about finding firewood. She could just burn the damn wagon.

Jesse wandered over to the group. The young lady shook out her skirts and gave him a sideways glance he usually got from older women. He hadn’t lost his touch after all.

Tori turned to him, her eyes crinkling in the corners. “Mr. Cochran, I would like you to meet Michael, Rachel, Hunter, and Ellie.” She enveloped the four of them in a hug. “And this is Mr. Cochran, our new neighbor.”

“I’m pleased to meet you, and glad to see you made it here safe. I think you had your aunt worried.”

The children all started chattering at the same time. He didn’t understand how Tori could keep track of all the different conversations, but she seemed to manage. All with a smile. Jesse nodded in their direction, but nobody seemed to pay him much attention. “I’ll be getting back to work.” He walked the short distance to his lot and resumed his hammering.

Tori refused to acknowledge his masculine stride, or how his muscles rippled against his plaid flannel shirt when he picked up the hammer and continued to pound nails, but she did. His sleeves were rolled up past his elbow and the sinewy muscles in his forearms pulled with each movement. She closed her eyes, but just the bang of the hammer on wood brought the picture of his strong body behind her eyelids.

She forced herself to turn away, then walked with the children to her tent. She couldn’t get enough of them, and hugged each one, burying her face in their sun-kissed hair. The anxiety that tightened her chest eased. They were all together; they had their own land. She and Rachel would have to start baking right away to earn money until the town established a school.

“Michael, I need to go over to the Federal Land Office and get registered. Get the large tent out of the wagon and have Hunter help you set it up.” Tori turned toward her older niece.

“Rachel, get the supplies we bought in Arkansas City and start organizing the tent when they’re done.” Her mind raced in every direction.

“What can I do?” Ellie’s eyes sparkled. The poor child must have been a nervous wreck until they arrived.

“You know what you can do?” She tapped her finger against her mouth. “Fetch the bucket from the wagon and have Hunter go with you to the river to fill it while Michael drags the tent out. Then get a cup from the wagon, and you can come with me to the Land Office. People talked about how hot it was standing in line. I’ll bet we can make money selling water.”

“I don’t think Ellie should sell water by herself.”

Tori hid her smile at Michael’s protective attitude. “No, she’ll be with me. I’ll keep an eye on her.” She turned her back on the other children and patted the gun resting in her belt, smiling at Michael.

He groaned and headed to the wagon to get the tent.

“Rachel, you know what else you can do?” Ideas were flowing like a river after a rainstorm. “Mrs. Bonner is our neighbor on the other side, and said she may want to buy our baked goods for her restaurant. Why don’t you find my recipe for oatmeal cookies? We can make a few over the campfire for her to sample while we wait for our oven to arrive from Arkansas City.”

“
We
? You said you were going to the Land Office. I just got here. Why do I have to start working right away?” Rachel crossed her arms and plopped on the edge of the wagon in a huff.

“This is a great opportunity.” Tori rotated her neck to relieve the tension. It wouldn’t do to begin arguing right away. “If Mrs. Bonner likes the cookies, we’ll be able to make money until a teaching job opens up.”

Rachel stomped her foot and stormed away.

“Where are you going?” Tori’s jaw clenched.

“I’m going to get a drink of water from the creek. Is that allowed, boss lady?” She didn’t bother to wait for an answer.

Tori scratched at her chest where the bindings pressed into her. She needed her disguise one more day. It didn’t pay to take a chance on a man in line thinking he could bully her into giving up her lot. Ellie stumbled back with the bucket as Tori pushed her hair into the battered hat. Tori took the heavy bucket from her and, hand in hand, they set off for the Land Office.

As he continued to work on his small office, Jesse’s gaze kept wandering over to the Henderson family. Tori already had those kids running around. He’d heard bits and pieces of the conversation, and it sounded like they were going to start selling baked goods right away. With all those mouths to feed, she didn’t have a choice. Admiration grew as he observed her. It took a gutsy lady to take on four kids by herself and keep them in control.

The one she introduced as Rachel had stomped off in a huff, but once she came back, she kept glancing his way. When she caught his eye, she would purposely toss her hair over her shoulder, and one time even stuck out her young, but well developed, chest. He broke into a sweat.
Damnation.
He had no intention of going near the girl. Now if the aunt stuck out her chest in his direction, that’d be a whole different story. He smiled as he recalled the interesting shadows that had played against her tent the night before.

The sun had set by the time Tori and Ellie arrived back at their wagon. Tired, but happy, Tori wandered over and peeked in the pot filled with bacon and beans Rachel had fixed. Ellie refused supper and went into the bigger tent Michael had placed next to her small one.

Michael sat by the fire, and Tori joined him, sitting cross-legged on the hard ground. The food she shoveled into her mouth had no taste. Her taste buds must have been as tired as she. But the tantalizing smells rumbled her stomach, and if she skipped supper like Ellie, she’d regret it before dawn.

“How did things go today?”

“Good. Mr. and Mrs. Bonner introduced themselves. They’re nice people. Rachel got the cookies made and gave them to Mrs. Bonner. She liked them.” He chuckled. “Hunter hung around her campfire long enough for her to give him a bowl of stew. He ate every bite. Since we both know how picky an eater Hunter is, I think her restaurant will do well.”

She poured a cup of coffee and sighed as the warm liquid slid down her throat.

“How did things go at the Land Office?”

“Wonderful. I got our claim all registered.” She smiled then shifted and cast a glance over her shoulder. “Is the tent crowded?”

Michael shrugged. “A bit. Rachel seems more put out than anyone. I’ll sleep outside.”

“I’m hoping our oven will arrive tomorrow. As soon as we set a little bit of money aside, we can put up an actual house.” She motioned with her head in the direction of Jesse’s lot. “I notice Mr. Cochran has his almost finished.”

“Yeah, he worked on it all day. For a lawyer, he’s pretty handy with a hammer.”

“He’s a lawyer?” Her eyes grew wide.

He nodded. “I talked to him for a little while today. He gave me some tips for when we start to build. He’s a nice guy.”

“I don’t trust him.” Tori snorted her opinion.

“Why not?”

“I don’t know. A feeling I have.”

Michael regarded her for a minute, then stood and stretched. “Well, I’m turning in.” Smoke rose and the fire sizzled when he threw dirt on it. He unrolled his bed and set it between the two tents.

After staring at nothing for a while, Tori crawled into her tent. She lit the lantern, and with a sigh of relief, removed her shirt and undid her bindings. Only too happy to be done with them, they’d go right into the fire tomorrow. She closed her eyes and rubbed her aching breasts.

“Tori!”

She jumped from the alarm in Michael’s voice and reached for her shirt. “What?”

“Blow that lantern out. I can see your shadow.”

Heat rose in her face as she ducked and blew out the light. A low, deep chuckle and footsteps sounded past her tent, heading in the lawyer’s direction. A lantern light came on, the soft glow coming from Jesse’s lot.

Damn that man! He probably enjoyed the show.

Tori walked to the creek, the skirt of her dress brushing against her legs in a flittering motion. It felt good to be back in one of her dresses again. Once at the water, she washed her face and cleaned her teeth. She ran a brush through her hair and tied it back with a ribbon, ready to meet the day.

“Good morning, Miss Henderson.” Jesse stopped before her as she returned from the creek. His eyes crinkled in the corners with humor as his gaze drifted to her breasts.

That’s definitely a smirk on his face
.

She narrowed her eyes. Yep, his footsteps. And most likely he’d ogled her the night before, too. Lifting her chin, she said, “Good morning, Mr. Cochran.”

“Everything all right, ma’am?” He tipped his hat, his eyes dancing with mirth.

“Just fine. Have a nice day, sir.” She moved her skirts aside so as not to brush against him. Her foot caught on a root sticking up, and she tumbled to the ground. Spectacles flew to the ground before her, and she landed flat on her face.

“Are you okay?” Strong, warm hands gripped her arms to lift her. She swatted them away.