Wagonmaster Read online

  “I think you’ve got everything. You sure you can drive this thing?”

  “I’ve practiced for more than an hour every day for almost a week. I can do it.”

  “Good. Because there’s something you need to understand.” He leaned his imposing frame closer. “As wagonmaster, I’m busy from sunup to sunset and sometimes longer. Jimmy cooks for me and him, but you’ll need to cook your own meals.”

  “I understand. I told you I have plenty of food and cooking supplies.”

  “I mean it, Dr. Jen—” A frown marred his handsome features. “I suppose I should get used to calling you Mrs. Reynolds for the next few months.”

  She wasn’t certain that would be completely desirable. “Actually, you should probably call me Addie.”

  He grunted and dipped his head lower, his face only inches from hers. “I mean what I say, Addie. I won’t have time to coddle you. You’ll have to handle the wagon yourself. I can’t be your babysitter.”

  She couldn’t stop the angry retort. “I’ve no need of a sitter, Mr. Reynolds. I’m twenty-three years old. A grown woman! And I’m a doctor. I’m quite certain I can take better care of myself than you could anyway!” She took a deep breath in an effort to calm herself. The action had just the opposite effect. His spicy scent overwhelmed her.

  He leaned even closer. “I hope you’re right. ’Cause you’ll get no sympathy when you come cryin’ to me.”

  She wanted to scream at him, but her mouth had gone dry. Her throat tightened and choked off the anger. He stood close enough for her to feel his breath on her face. And he was staring at her lips. “I won’t—” Her voice suddenly missing, she licked her lips to moisten them.

  His eyes narrowed, and he leaned closer still. Oh, God! He was going to kiss her again. Addie’s blood pounded in her ears. His lips hovered just above hers for what seemed an eternity before he spoke, his voice gruff. “Sorry, darlin’. No more kisses.” Striding to the end of the wagon, he shook his head. “That’s just askin’ for trouble.” He lifted the flap and stepped out. “Don’t be tryin’ to tempt me like that again.”

  The canvas fell, leaving Addie alone.

  And fuming.

  * * * *

  Addie gripped the reins with white knuckles. She should have put on her gloves, but it hadn’t occurred to her until she’d already set the oxen in motion. She was still too angry to think clearly. Tempt him? How dare he claim she’d done anything of the kind?

  He trotted ahead of her now as they approached the other wagons. The train would leave in the morning, and everyone was busy finishing chores and preparing the evening meal. They all paused in their activities to watch her approach.

  Mr. Reynolds motioned for her to pull her wagon to the left. She followed his directions and set the brake. He drew alongside the wagon. “Let me handle this. Don’t say a word. Understood?”

  She nodded, perfectly happy to remain quiet. If she spoke to anyone right now she’d likely say something she’d regret.

  Quickly, several of the men gathered next to her wagon. One stepped forward and spoke to their wagonmaster. “I thought we voted on this, Reynolds.”

  “You voted on whether to allow Miss Jennings to join us.” He tipped his hat toward her. “This here is Mrs. Reynolds. And you don’t get a vote on whether I bring my wife along.” The surprise etched on their features was almost comical. They all looked at each other before returning their cold gazes to her. Their expressions turned to anger and disgust. Mr. Reynolds nudged his horse toward them. “You’ll be grateful I’ve brought her along when one of you needs a doctor. She’s agreed to provide her services free of charge.”

  Addie almost gasped at his audacity. She’d never agreed to that! But the shock passed swiftly. It didn’t matter anyway. She didn’t need payment for services and she would give free treatment to anyone who needed it. It just irritated her that he hadn’t asked her first.

  One of the men didn’t care for the offer. “Ain’t no woman gonna be doctorin’ me or mine. Don’t care if it is free.”

  How many times had she heard that sentiment before?

  Mr. Reynolds grimaced and shook his head. A hostile tone heated his voice. “We leave at dawn. I’m sure you all have better things to do than stand around gawking at my wife.”

  The small crowd disbursed, most grumbling to each other. Clearly, they were not happy about her joining them. She wouldn’t be making any friends, but that was nothing new. She hadn’t really had any friends since she’d entered medical school. Addie had learned to live without them.

  Mr. Reynolds spoke quietly. “They’ll come around.”

  Had he read her mind? “Not likely, Mr. Reynolds. But I don’t care. I’m only here because I want to be with my father. I’ll keep to myself. They’ll forget I’m even with the train before long. It’ll be just like medical school. I won’t draw attention to myself by asking questions. I’ll just stay in the back and do what must be done to make it through.”

  “No. You’ll be the lead wagon. You’ll set the pace for the rest. That way I don’t have to worry about you falling behind.”

  She bit her tongue to stop the defensive reply. She’d show him. Just like she’d shown all those arrogant, narrow-minded men back in Boston.

  “Best get your dinner fixed and turn in early. You’re in for a rude awakening tomorrow. Life on a wagon train is a damn sight harder than you seem to believe.”

  She nodded but said nothing. How could she have thought him any different from the men back east? Oh, she’d show him. Addie couldn’t stop the grin that formed on her lips. “Have a pleasant evening, Mr. Reynolds.”

  His brows rose in surprise. She climbed down from the wagon and stomped toward the oxen, careful not to let her trepidation show. Large animals terrified her, but she couldn’t give him yet another reason to find her inadequate. He turned his horse and trotted away. Addie’s smile slipped as her shaking hands reached for the yoke. “Yes, Mr. Reynolds. I’ll show you. And enjoy every minute of it.”

  * * * *

  Good God! What had she been thinking? She ached to her very bones. Only six days on the trail and already she wanted to quit. But she’d be hanged before she admitted Reynolds had been right. Addie had stopped using Mr. days ago. Everyone else just addressed him by Reynolds, and she’d adopted the same habit.

  This evening she hadn’t even bothered with a campfire. After unhooking the oxen, she’d climbed into the wagon and grabbed an apple. Now, she gathered up a washcloth, drying sheet, soap and clean clothes. She groaned as her feet hit the ground, but she ignored the protests of her aching muscles and headed toward the river.

  “Where do think you’re going?”

  Joshua Reynolds had the most irritating tendency to turn up when she least wanted to see him. Today she was too tired to pretend indifference. “I’m going to bathe. If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to do it before it’s completely dark.” She started to go around him, but he stepped into her path.

  “Sorry, darlin’. But you can’t go alone.” He crossed his arms over his chest and stared down at her.

  She shifted her load into the crook of one arm and pointed at his chest. “Look, mister, I’m tired. I’m dirty. And in case you haven’t noticed, I do everything alone! Now I’m going to bathe whether you like it or not. So step aside before I decide to test my derringer. I haven’t fired it in over a week and I’ve an increasing desire to shoot something!”

  He chuckled and shook his head. “You’ve got gumption. I’ll give you that, Addie.” He stepped to the side and waved her past. “I’ll go with you.”

  She gritted her teeth and mumbled under her breath. “I don’t give a fig what you do, Reynolds. Just stay out of my way.”

  She reached a likely spot next to the river, set her things down and began undressing. “Turn your back.” It occurred to her that she sounded like a shrew, but she quickly decided that she didn’t care. She’d never been so exhausted in her life and she didn’t have the energy required
to be pleasant to the irksome man.

  Addie didn’t bother to see if he’d complied with her command. She undressed, grabbed the soap and washcloth, and waded into the water. The cold water elicited a gasp and sent shivers through her. As quickly as she could, she washed and ducked into the water to rinse. She took the soap to her hair, scrubbing until the dust and grime were gone. She dipped under the water several more times and left the river with her teeth chattering. Reynolds, only a few feet away, stood with his back to her.

  Addie reached for the drying sheet and wrapped it around her, tucking the corner into the top to secure it. She twisted her hair and wrung out the excess water with a twinge of regret. Her decision to forego the campfire had been a mistake. The heat to help dry her hair and rid her of the chill from the cold water would have been welcomed. Although the effort sapped what little energy she had, she shook her hair out and ran her fingers through it, uncomfortably aware of the man waiting silently for her to finish.

  She moved toward her clothing and stepped on something sharp. The pain was unexpected and overwhelming. An unstoppable scream escaped her.

  Addie caught her breath and found herself in Reynolds’ arms.

  Chapter Three

  “Damnation, woman! What happened?”

  Tears threatened, but she clenched her jaw and answered, “I’ve stepped on something.”

  He squatted beside her and grasped the foot she held off the ground. Addie placed her hands on his shoulders to steady herself. “I’m pretty sure it’s still in there. Can you remove it?” The initial shock of the injury began to recede, but she still couldn’t seem to catch her breath. His rough hand slid down her bare calf to cup her heel.

  “That’s some splinter you got there. Hold still.”

  Hold still? How could she possibly move? She tilted her head back and sucked in a strangled breath. The man’s hands sent a new kind of shiver through her.

  He pulled the offending sliver of wood from the tender sole of her foot. “There.” His voice sounded strained, and she looked down into his dark brown eyes. The look they held both frightened and intrigued her. Her heart leapt as his hand glided back up her calf. He stood slowly, his hand continuing higher over her thinly covered thigh and hip. His palm settled in the small of her back. Her eyes never left his. She simply couldn’t look away.

  “Woman, I warned you not to tempt me again.” He pressed her against his hard, warm body. She tried to speak, but her voice just wouldn’t work.

  Any attempt to talk would have been futile anyway. His head lowered, and his lips slammed down on hers. This was no tender kiss like the one before. Her senses spun with the intensity of it. The pressure eased ever so slightly, and his tongue touched the seam of her lips. She stiffened at the unfamiliar act, and Reynolds’ fingers tangled in her hair and gave a sharp yank.

  Addie gasped, allowing that sinful tongue to sneak into her mouth. And all thought vanished. She moaned, surrendering to the passion that gripped her. He answered with a groan. The sound sent a wave of heat through her. His tongue caressed hers, and she melted, seemingly boneless into his arms, the sensation exquisite. Never had she imagined such pleasure. His hands slid down her back to grasp her hips and pull them against his. The hard ridge of his arousal nudged her belly, but she couldn’t push him away. She had no desire to do so. She wanted to remain right here in his arms, pressed against his incredibly fascinating body. She wanted….

  He released her and stepped away. Reynolds mumbled a curse as he snatched her boots from the pile of discarded clothing. Without a word, he stooped and jammed them onto her feet. He gathered her things and shoved them into her arms, seized her elbow, and tugged her behind him. She had to run to keep up with his long strides.

  Moments later, he deposited her near the end of her wagon. He grasped her chin and stared angrily at her. “I’m warning you, Addie. Keep that up and you just may get what you’re askin’ for.”

  He turned and stalked away. She couldn’t muster the strength to be angry with him. Even his unwarranted accusation hadn’t given her the energy to fight back. She climbed into her wagon and collapsed on her bed without bothering to put on her nightdress. Somehow, she managed to kick off her boots. Sleep arrived immediately, but not without dreams of rough hands and heated kisses.

  * * * *

  It was Sunday, and the train would remain camped near the river. It was to be a day for laundry, hunting, fishing, and perhaps even a bit of rest. Addie woke early, as usual, but allowed herself to remain abed for an extra hour to doze and take advantage of the opportunity for some much-needed rest.

  She examined her tender foot but found nothing to indicate that it might fester. As a precaution, she retrieved her medical supplies and applied a salve and a thin bandage. She emerged from her wagon. Several of the others were just getting started as well. Campfires puffed to life in a crackle of smoke and flame. Women exited their wagons, arms laden with pots and food. Addie’s stomach rumbled loudly, the apple she’d had for dinner last night a distant memory.

  Addie collected water from the river and started a fire to brew some coffee. She made a large batch of flapjacks, set aside enough for her meal, and wrapped all the extras in a clean cloth for use later. After cooking a scrambled egg, she poured a generous amount of honey over her flapjacks and dug in ravenously.

  “Mornin’, darlin’.”

  Addie almost choked. She hadn’t heard the wagonmaster approach, and to her utmost consternation, his deep, gravely voice never failed to make her stomach flutter. She swallowed. “Reynolds.”

  He leaned against the end of her wagon, one dusty boot crossed over the other. “How’s the foot?”

  “It’s fine.” She sipped her coffee and tried to dislodge the lump in her throat. “I never thanked you for removing the splinter.”

  His eyes narrowed, and one corner of his mouth lifted in a half grin. “Oh, you thanked me well enough.”

  Addie’s cheeks warmed. “Yes, well, that was not intentional.” With a resigned sigh, she decided it would be best to be diplomatic. “I apologize if I did anything to…to….”

  “Tempt me?”

  She set her plate aside and stood. Wiping her hands on her apron, she gathered her thoughts. “Yes. I never meant to tempt you. Ever. Not last night and not in my wagon before we left. Perhaps you could explain exactly what I did to entice you.”

  He straightened and moved toward her. The man stopped only a few steps away, close enough that she had to look up at him. He didn’t speak, just stared down at her. She searched his face. Her gaze skimmed his freshly shaved jaw. Last night, when he’d kissed her, his face had been rough with whiskers. Unbidden memories of that passionate kiss assailed her. Her breath caught as she watched his mouth and waited for him to speak.

  Reynolds’ jaw tightened, and his lips thinned. “You did exactly what you’re doing now.”

  Her gaze jerked to his. The look he gave her held a mixture of anger and something else, something similar to the heated passion she’d seen in his eyes last night. “But I haven’t done anything.”

  He leaned down, bringing his face closer to hers. “Darlin’, your thoughts are written all over your face. You wanted me to kiss you last night and you’re thinking of that kiss right now.”

  Stricken, Addie shook her head. “I didn’t. I….”

  “Lie to yourself if you want. But the truth is in your eyes.” He brushed a stray lock of her hair away. “Those damned beautiful, blue eyes of yours.”

  Addie turned away. She wasn’t certain what to say. What could she say? Should she deny it? No. Truth was always best. She swallowed hard and whispered her confession. “I’m sorry. I…I can’t help it. I’ve never been kissed like that before. I don’t know why I react the way I do, it’s just that, well….” She drew in a shaky breath and turned back.

  He was gone. Had he heard any of her admission? Relief washed over her. Truth might always be best, but some things were better left unsaid. Joshua Reynolds did n
ot want a wife, and any relationship with him would only lead to heartache.

  * * * *

  The rest of the afternoon sped by. She washed her laundry and hung it on a rope she’d strung between two trees. She gathered up her fishing gear and headed to the river. Luck was with her, and she collected four fish in less than half an hour. Looking into the bucket, she realized she’d never cleaned a fish before. Her father or the cook had always performed that unsavory task. On her way back, an idea formed. Propping her fishing pole and net against her wagon, she carried her bucket of fish to Jimmy Johnson, Reynolds’ cook.

  The grizzled cook had skin like leather and a scraggly beard desperately in need of a trim. She’d seen him only once without the weathered hat he now wore. More hair grew on his face than his balding head. He’d never spoken to her, but he’d offered a friendly nod in passing. Despite his rough appearance, Addie believed him to be good man. He squatted next to his campfire stirring some beans. “Mr. Johnson, I’ve a proposition for you.”

  “Proposition? What kind of deal could you be offerin’, Mrs. Reynolds?”

  It took her a moment to recover from the surprise of being called Mrs. Reynolds. Few members of the wagon train ever spoke to her at all. Of course, Addie hadn’t made any attempt to speak to them either. “If you’ll clean the largest fish here for me, you can have the other three.”

  “Sounds like a fine arrangement, ma’am. I’d be glad to. Sure would like some fish for supper tonight. Tried a bit of fishin’ myself this morning. Didn’t catch a one. Looks like you had all the luck today.”

  She smiled and handed him the bucket. Though certain she could have cleaned the fish herself, she was relieved all the same. After several months of dissecting various animals in her biology classes, she’d learned not to let it bother her. But that didn’t mean she enjoyed it. “Thank you, Mr. Johnson. I’ll just leave these here and come back in a little while.”

  She’d banked the campfire before going fishing earlier, so she gathered some wood and built it up again. She washed and sliced a couple of carrots and a large potato and dropped them in a pot with some butter, salt, and a bit of water. Addie placed the pan over the fire, careful to keep it away from the most intent heat. Already this week she’d scorched her supper twice. It still amazed her how difficult it was to cook over a campfire. Admittedly, she’d never spent a great deal of time in her father’s kitchen, but she wasn’t completely untutored. After she’d bought all the supplies for her journey, it had been clear that she might want to refresh her cooking skills. She’d spent several hours with the cook at the small hotel and restaurant at Fort Laramie, learning and practicing a few simple recipes. However, cooking on a cast-iron stove was nothing like preparing a meal over a campfire.