Kisses With KC (Cowboys and Angels Book 11)(15)

“I rode with some posses during range wars in Arizona. Using a gun became a priority if I wanted to live.”

“You did great too, Eliza. You won.” Hannah hugged Eliza.

Another couple joined them then. “Julianne!” the new woman squealed, and the three of them joined together for another hug with Eliza. He could see that there was a bond between the three women. He supposed that came with belonging to a town. He’d moved around more than he’d set still over most of his adult life. He didn’t have friendships to look forward to. Just maybe he wanted them.

“Just another thing that makes you special, lady,” Julianne called out.

Eliza waved toward the newcomers. “KC, this is Julianne and Hugh Fontaine.”

“KC Murray,” he said as he extended his hand to Hugh.

Julianne held the bundle in her arms. “This is baby Rose, who has to take a nap. We’re headed back to Bachelor, but I’m so glad we saw you today.” Julianne hugged Eliza again.

“I wish we lived closer,” Eliza said.

Julianne and her husband gave each other sly smiles. “We just might be able to do that soon. Bye now,” she said.

Eliza and KC were called to the stand and received their twenty-dollar gold pieces from Mr. Anders. KC noticed that Eliza was not just unimpressed with the man but bordered on being repulsed.

A dance was taking shape near the church house if the sound of fiddles told him anything. He cocked his head toward the music. “May I have a dance, Miss Turley?”

Though she tried to smile, her face faded into sadness, and she shook her head.

“A stroll, then?” he asked.

“That would be nice.”

He ended up sauntering her down by the dancing. He even sneaked off to request the musicians play a waltz. He wanted Eliza in his arms. Only for today he told himself.

When the music turned slower, he bowed in front of her. “Just one dance, please.”

Her eyes softened, and her head tipped toward her shoulder. He hoped that look signaled that she was going to give in.

Eliza placed her hand in his, and he escorted her to the forming group. When the music started, he took a small step and led her into the dance. Perhaps he could tell her who he really is and why he was here. If he did, maybe he could have her in his life and keep her safe from what was going on. Being with her like this made him believe he could have it all. Small steps, close embrace, looking into her eyes—this was heaven.





6





Eliza Turley



Eliza returned from Creede’s celebration and tossed her wrap over the sofa. She was more like herself than she had been in the past eleven months. The abduction a year ago had stolen something she couldn’t name from her soul and dampened her joy. It was like she was a shell of her younger self who had dreams for her future.

Then, when her mother left . . . well, she hadn’t realized how heavy it was to stand in her mother’s place. The diversion of the town party had relieved the strain. She was sure she wouldn’t feel this happy if it hadn’t been for KC’s company. She was accepted and appreciated. She felt whole and beautiful beside him.

Eliza tucked Rayna under her covers and shut the door. She needed to thank him. He’d be in the barn, milking the cows.

Her brother would go out to the barn soon, too. She wanted a moment with KC before Ellis showed up. She picked up her skirt and ran like a schoolgirl.

KC had already tied up the first cow and was retrieving the stool and bucket when she approached him. He must have heard her enter and turned with a huge smile for her. “Thank you for spending the day with me. I can’t think of a day I’ve enjoyed more.”

“Me too. I don’t think I would have without you coming with us. Thank you for everything today.”

He had paused as they spoke but since neither one had more to say, KC placed the stool beside the cow, but instead of sitting on it, he placed the bucket on it.

“I knew Lance would show up, and it almost kept me home. I didn’t know what I would do if he came around. I suppose that hurt was too fresh for me to think clearly. Thank you for protecting me today.”

He walked toward her with slow, measured steps. The cow turned her head, chewing and watching. Her large brown eyes were focused on them like there was something to see. Eliza hoped there might be. He stood in front of her. “My pleasure.”

He seemed completely relaxed as he leaned one shoulder against the wall. Every nerve in her body was on alert as he reached for her, caressing her arm. A burst of tingles scattered whenever his fingertips touched her skin. She wanted more and felt pulled toward him. His hand smoothed her hair away from her face and pushed it behind her shoulder. Oh, she loved that. Then his hand rested against her jaw, and his thumb caressed across her chin and lower lip. He stared into her eyes. The lantern on the wall cast the barn in a soft glow, but where they stood was thick with shadow.

“Are you going to kiss me, Mr. Murray?”

Her lips parted, and she licked the edge before she caught the side of her bottom lip between her teeth. She was half nervous and half uncontained excitement. He leaned over her shoulder. “No,” he whispered in answer. “I’m not.” Then his lips brushed against her ear and down her neck. There was suddenly too little air to get a deep breath. Stubble from the day’s growth tickled her skin.