Trixie’s frustration grew over the next few weeks, as she got no closer to catching the rustlers. She seemed to run into Mangan everywhere, and the fact his twinkling eyes made her very warm also made her mad at him. He popped out of the shadows when she was in town, came across her out on the prairie, and more than once, had whisked her out of sight behind a building or a tree to steal
a kiss. And Trixie, while infuriated, couldn’t resist his teasing dark eyes or the way he smiled at her. Sometimes, she even enjoyed talking to him, and she definitely enjoyed his surreptitious kisses. He called her ‘his rustler’ which made her bristle with a mix of irritation and amusement. Jim had been to supper at their place, and he invited them again to his estate more than once. He was working up to asking Trixie for a buggy ride, but first getting to know her family. Trixie knew he was courting her properly, and she felt guilty
over Mangan’s advances. But she wasn’t sure that they weren’t in cahoots yet, and she had to find out. So she let them play their game. *** Dan had just entered the bunkhouse, fresh off his shift, to raucous laughter. “Mangan, the saloon opened up the other day. We’re heading down fer a bit of . . . recreation,” Shrimpy grinned. “You game?” Dan sighed. The saloon had indeed just opened and was already crawling with made up women in fancy dresses and hairdos. He knew it was a thin disguise for the brothel. Young women like Madeleine Wheeler would be horrified by the goings-on in such a place. The last thing he wanted right now was to go to the saloon, but he knew the others already thought he was a bit funny. “Not really. Frayne don’t pay us enough to afford women like that.” Dan knew his own substantial bank account was locked away safely in New York. He had been building nicely on it the last few years. “I hear some of ‘em’ll take two men up to the room at once,” Mike Larson, a particularly dumb cowhand in Dan’s opinion, grinned, showing his missing and rotted teeth. “No thanks fellas, I’m pretty tired. I think I’ll just turn in early.” “You ain’t never in fer fun unless it’s gambling, Mangan, why is that?” Shrimpy asked. Dan shrugged. “I don’t see the sense in throwing money away on women who won’t remember your name.” “But that’s the point!” Larson laughed. Dan refrained from visibly rolling his eyes. Dan just smiled and shook his head. “Aw c’mon Mangan. People are starting to think you like boys!” Dan’s eyes widened. “Say that again?” “Couple of the others think you’re into boys!” Shrimpy said quietly. “I know you watch that Belden girl all the time-but it don’t look good. Makes ‘em nervous.” Dan closed his eyes. The last thing he wanted was to go hang out in a noisy saloon, drink watered down beer and play cards in a game that was probably rigged. *** An hour later, Dan was fervently wishing he was at the bunkhouse. He had gotten into a card game and lost two hands. Some powdery smelling woman with black hair was hanging all over him, her fancy gown of velvet and lace and exposed bosom trying to distract him. Another girl in green was draped around Shrimpy. The cheerful pounding of the piano, hubbub of voices and laughter and heavy smoke did nothing to improve his mood. Dan gently pushed her away for the fifth time as the cards were shown. He lost again. “One more?” the dealer asked with a smile. “Last one,” Dan sighed. The girl was trying to play with his hair and he brushed her hand away. There was only girl he would like to run her fingers through his hair, and this was most definitely not her. Shrimpy was withdrawing from the game with the girl in green, and Dan groaned as he lost the hand. He was a good player generally, but he wasn’t in the mood or mindset. “I’m done,” Dan rose. None of the others were visible, and he figured they were upstairs. Heading for the door he had just stepped out when the girl followed him. “Ain’t you gonna stay for some more fun?” she batted her eyes at him in what he knew she felt was a sexy manner. “No,” he said shortly. A year ago, he and his best friend would have had some fun in the place, but not now. “Oh come on,” she sidled up against him. Dan frowned and the hair on the back of his neck stood up. Turning, his heart sunk when he saw Trixie and Di standing not more than ten feet away. The stunned look on Trixie’s face said it all, as Diana grabbed her by the arm and tugged her away. “I said no!” he pushed the woman back. With an irritated expression, she headed back inside as Dan started to go after Trixie. Stopping as he got to the edge of the porch, he realized the girls were already on their horses and gone. He sighed. What would he have said anyway? He wasn’t openly courting Trixie. He really wasn’t in a position to. It would ruin everything. Not to mention piss his employer Frayne off. Kicking the post of the porch, Dan headed for Spartan, to go back to the bunkhouse. This day had been nothing but aggravation. *** “Trixie?” Di asked softly. “Hmm?” Trixie looked over at her friend blankly. “Are you all right?” “Of course,” Trixie said tightly. She was essentially being courted by Jim Frayne. Why should she care if Dan Mangan took up with a whore? Diana didn’t press, but she knew her old friend. Trixie liked Dan more than she was willing to admit, even though she suspected he was a cattle rustler. Trixie had looked like she had been slapped when they saw Dan earlier, a whore trying to entice him back inside. Di fell silent as they rode towards their farms. Her father had purchased a beautiful palomino for her, and she named it Sunny for the golden color. Sneaking a glance at her friend’s tightly pressed lips made Diana sigh. Men sure did complicate life. *** Madeleine stood over the display case in the mercantile, studying the small selection of jewelry. Diana’s birthday was approaching and she had no idea what to get her new friend. Frank Lytell, the wrinkled old man who ran the store, eyed her warily. Madeleine stepped over to the books as the bell rang on the door. A tall, slender young man stepped in as Madeline moved across the aisle and they collided. “Oh goodness!’ she gasped. “I’m terribly sorry, I didn’t see you!” “Oh, it’s all right,” the young man’s dark eyes were soft and amused as he smiled at her. Madeleine knelt to help him picks up the books he had been carrying. “No, don’t bother-” he tried to stop her but she gave him a pretty smile, noting he had a very gentle, nice look to him. “It was completely my fault,” she smiled at him as they stood. “No, it wasn’t. Forgive my rudeness, I’m Nicholas Roberts.” “Madeleine Wheeler.” “It’s a pleasure to meet you Miss Wheeler. I’ve seen you around a bit. Your family moved into the Manor House, correct?” “Yes, just recently.” “Watch out for Trixie Belden,” Nicholas smiled. “She’s a handful. I’ve known her since we were kids.” “I find her quite refreshing,” Madeleine’s tone had gone decidedly cool. Nicholas just smiled. “Like I said, she’s a handful. Good day Miss Wheeler.” “Good day,” she gave a quick curtsy, and pushed the door open, walking out into the hot sun, wondering about Nicholas Roberts. *** Trixie grinned at Di when they met to walk to school. Di wore a pretty new dress of lavender and blue, her back hair swept up. The dress clung to her slender figure and her siblings all wore new clothes as well. The Lynch children were all excited about the new clothes and the activity on their land. Of course word had spread quickly about the oil, and Edward had hired local men to build the new house. Everyone was grateful for the extra income. Peter Belden politely refused to have his land drilled on. They did all right, he insisted, and feeding the rest of the people was more important. If they drilled, he wouldn’t be able to farm, and Crabapple Farm had been in his family for several generations. He wouldn’t let it go, nor let the beautiful crabapple trees be torn down for drilling space. Di suddenly had a dozen suitors, dropping by to call her on her. Sweetly she declined them, letting everyone know Mart was officially her beau. *** Trixie rode along, letting Susie go where she wanted. Eventually she looked up to realize she was in the preserve of Madeleine’s estate, which backed up to Jim Frayne’s estate. Maybe
it’s a sign, she thought dejectedly. It’s not like Dan could court me in official capacity-not that I want him to! He can stick to those-those women! Besides, I have Jim! That thought made her smile. Scowling, she heard a rhythmic chopping noise, and realized she was hearing someone chop wood. Curious, she urged Susie ahead. She had no idea where the property lines were. Maybe it was Madeleine’s cousin Regan. He was a brooder if she had ever seen one. Polite, a man of few words, but always willing to escort the girls somewhere, or have Lady saddled for Madeleine. Even with the family he didn’t say much. Madeleine only knew that he had come to live with them when he was seventeen, he didn’t talk about the past, and he had quickly fallen in love with the horses, begging his cousin Matthew to let him take care of the horses. But it wasn’t Regan. To her surprise, and awed delight, it was a shirtless Dan Mangan, suspenders hanging down, chest and face glistening from the heat. His shirt was draped over Spartan’s saddle, who stood grazing calmly. Trixie watched in silence as he hefted the axe, and swung it down cleanly. His muscles rippled as he did it again, and Trixie eventually became aware of how very hot it was today. Dan set the axe down and walked to Spartan to get his canteen. After taking a long drink, he dumped some of the water over his chest. Susie had had enough of standing still, and nickered softly, walking forward. In a flash, Dan grabbed his gun from where it hung around the saddle, and turned. “What are you doing here?” he demanded, shoving it back in the holster. “And don’t sneak up on people, it’s a good way to get shot.” Trixie tried not to notice the way his short, curly hair clung to his head, the same dark hair wet on his chest. Even scowling, she couldn’t deny his appeal. “I wasn't sneaking,” she finally said. “I was out riding and heard you chopping wood. I came to see who it was.” “Well now you’ve seen,” he said crossly, regretting the words the instant they came out. Trixie flinched. “I’ll leave you to it then,” she said tightly, tugging on the rein to turn Susie around. “Trixie, wait!” he called, walking towards her. “Yes?” she looked back at him but the hurt was clear in her eyes. “I didn’t mean to snap at you. I’m just having a bad day.” “I’m sure your lady friend can fix that,” she said coolly, wincing at her words. Why did I have to go and say that? “Not that it’s any of your concern,” he said, angry again, “but she’s no friend of mine. I lost a game of cards, and left. She tried to get me to stay and I refused. I don’t consort with those kinds of women.” Anymore, he added to himself. Trixie swallowed her embarrassment. “I apologize for jumping to conclusions,” she said stiffly. Dan nodded his acknowledgement. Susie tossed her head and began searching for a place to graze. “You can come down,” he invited. “I can take a break.” “Is Jim punishing you?” she asked. Dan laughed, and the sound warmed her. “No. It’s my day off, and Frayne doesn’t care what we do, as long as we stay out of trouble. Besides, someone has to chop wood for the winter. Besides, I like chopping wood. I like being out here. It clears my head when it’s too full.” Trixie swung down from Susie, facing Dan. “What does your head get full of?” she asked curiously. Dan gave her a wry grin. “All sorts of things a lady doesn’t need to know about.” Trixie frowned. “Well, our heads get full of things too.” “Sewing, knitting, things of that nature?” he asked with a teasing smile. Trixie’s china blue eyes narrowed as she stepped forward. “I’ll have you know I have absolutely no interest in sewing, knitting, or any other domestic chores that you men force on us. I happen to have an interest in reading, writing and being a detective. I plan to-” Trixie was silenced as Dan drew her to him without warning, pressing his lips down on hers. Trixie melted against him almost immediately. “You talk too much,” he whispered a moment later, when he finally pulled away. Her blue eyes were dazed as she stared up at him. Trixie just nodded, then reached up and drew him to her for another kiss. Male voices approaching broke them apart quickly, and Trixie took several steps backward towards Susie. Dan’s expression conveyed his displeasure at the interruption, and seconds later, Jim Frayne and Regan appeared. The two men stopped their conversation and stared at Dan and Trixie. Dan was scowling and Trixie hoped she didn’t look disheveled. “Trixie, what are you doing out here alone?” Jim demanded. “I’m not alone. I ran into Mr. Mangan here,” Trixie prayed her voice wasn’t shaking. “You all right?” Regan asked, staring at Dan. Something really bothered him about the young cowhand. “Of course. Susie wanted to eat, so I stopped for a few minutes. I interrupted Dan’s work.” Jim met Dan’s gaze steadily. Trixie noticed the hostility. “Please allow us to escort you back to the main trails,” Jim said, his green eyes moving to Trixie. “These woods can be dangerous.” “Of course.” Trixie didn’t look at Dan as she climbed on Susie’s back. As she joined Jim and Regan, she glanced once over her shoulder, to see a very unhappy looking Dan watching after them. *** Trixie found herself puzzling over her apparent two suitors. Jim Frayne stopped by Crabapple Farm regularly. His emerald eyes lingered on Trixie whenever they met, and he gave her more than one fond glance, to Mart’s amusement. Then there was Dan Mangan, who seemed to be everywhere Trixie was. Cattle were still disappearing; now Matthew Wheeler was a victim of it as well. Trixie wasn’t sure how Dan was orchestrating the thievery when she saw him in town constantly, or when he found an excuse to drop by their place. Trixie wasn’t quite sure if he was trying to court her or not. He was thoroughly puzzling her and she suspected he was doing it intentionally to keep her off guard. Finally one hot day, needing a break from the sea of people that seemed to be around her farm these days, Trixie slipped out of the house and saddled Susie. Taking off, she rode her over the open prairie, slowly down when she saw the herd of cattle approaching. Staying back to avoid the herd, she skirted around them, looking for familiar cowhands. She knew some of them, but the new people drifting through town all looked alike. Except for the dark haired Dan, who always gave her the slow smile that seemed to suggest there was a secret between them. Squinting against the sunlight, she saw the cattle hand, coming towards her. Too late she realized who it was as she recognized the horse. "I figured you'd come looking for me at some point," Dan grinned, reigning in alongside her. "I'm surprised to see you working," she said coolly. "Usually I encounter you following me around town." "Ah, but you follow me as well it appears," giving her the smile that made her heart race. "Aren’t you supposed to have a partner?" she asked, ignoring his comment. "Yes," disgust crossed his face. "But he complained of a bellyache this morning, leaving me to tend several hundred cattle on my own." "I could help," she said uncertainly. Dan's warm brown eyes swept over her, sending a shiver up a spine. "I suppose you could. You ride pretty well. But I wouldn’t want you to get gored." Trixie gave an unladylike snort. Dan laughed. "Sure, I'd appreciate the help," he gave her a
genuine smile and Trixie felt her heart flip flop. How was it possible two men made her feel this way? Jim had a wonderfully crooked smile, and she wasn't sure how to describe Dan, though Di had. "Sexy" she called it, making Trixie blush. Di and her silly Victorian romance novel reading, Trixie thought. They rode together in companionable silence for a few moments, as the cattle settled to graze. "So how do you get your work done if you're always in town?" Trixie couldn't resist asking. Dan's eyes were cool as he answered. "I run some errands for Frayne." Which goes back to my theory of Frayne stealing his own cattle! I bet Dan is helping him! she thought gleefully. Dan knew she was suspecting him and Frayne of working together, or separately, and he really couldn't deny it. He just had to hope she wouldn’t voice the thought. It was best left unspoken, for everyone. "They'll settle for a bit," Dan said, dismounting as the herd had come to a stop and were now beginning to graze. Trixie followed suit. He noted today she wore one of her long skirts, but she rode astride, not sidesaddle. Dan kept the thought of her riding him to himself. Leading their horses, they walked for a couple of minutes and Trixie began to feel nervous. They were out on the plains, albeit still Frayne land, and he was big and strong. Surely he wouldn't hurt her, even though she was sure he knew she suspected him. "So how did you end up out here?" Trixie asked, trying to sound casual. Dan laughed. "You mean, how did I hear about Frayne having a big ol’ herd of cattle, begging to be stolen?" Trixie blushed. "I wander the country quite a bit," he said evasively. "I’ve done a variety of jobs, saw an ad for cowhands on a big ranch, and thought it could be fun. Pays well, and Frayne is a good man." Trixie didn't comment. "So you're not planning on staying?" Trixie asked, wondering why she felt disappointed. "I'll stick around for a while," Dan’s eyes gazed at her. "Kind of a nice sleepy town." "Sleepy is right," she sighed. "Cattle rustling is about the only exciting thing around here." Her foot stumbled then, but Dan was close enough to catch her with his free hand. "All right?" he asked. Trixie nodded, finding her insides churning at being so close to him again. He’s so very handsome, she thought suddenly. Dan stared into her bright blue eyes and without thinking, lowered his head to hers, kissing her gently. When she didn't slap him, he kissed her again, this time with more pressure. Trixie's lips slid open when his tongue touched them and Dan found himself pulling her up against him, dropping Spartan’s reins as he wrapped his arms around her. For a brief moment, Trixie let the sweet embrace wash over her, before she came to her senses. Trixie pulled away suddenly, and stepped away from him, eyes wide, heart fluttering in her chest. Dan just stared at her, unsure of what to say. When he realized she wasn't going to scold him, he smiled. "Time to circle the perimeter," he said casually, mounting Spartan. She mounted Susie, stunned into silence. Her insides were quivering and her legs felt weak. Yet he was acting so nonchalant, like it wasn't anything. His chest was strong and hard, his arms the same. Yet his kiss had been gentle, and set her on fire. The deep, warm eyes were so intense when they landed on her, she didn’t know how to handle her body's response to him. What was happening? How could he make her feel this way? *** Dan hauled himself out of the cold creek, toweling off before redressing. He had been on fire all day, since kissing Trixie, and as soon as his relief showed up, he had headed for a cold dip in the creek. The girl was too innocent to realize the effect she had on him. It had taken more than a considerable effort to not let his legs go out on him and tumble her to the ground. Another minute of the heat between them and he would have. No distractions, Mangan, he thought. He hadn’t counted on the pretty Belden girl, but she was a liability. He was here to do a job, not court women. Court. There was an odd term. He wasn’t the courting kind. Love ‘em and leave ‘em. In his line of work, that was the best way to go. Courting meant staying in one place, settling down. Not a life for him. With a heavy sigh, he pulled his shirt on and headed to the bunkhouse. *** Trixie tried to relax but she couldn’t. The afternoon was perfect for a buggy ride, and Jim handled the horses admirably, as she had known he would. The seats were soft and comfortable and she leaned back into them, then sat forward. Finally, Jim stopped the horses near the lake. “You’re a bit twitchy,” he smiled. “Yes, well, ah, I’ve never been out on a buggy ride before,” she blurted. “I’m aware of that. I thought about inviting your brother as a chaperone but your mother seems to have faith in my honor.” Trixie blushed. “Yes, you could have talked about farming some more with Brian or Mart.” “I meant Bobby,” he gave her his crooked grin. “He’d try to catch frogs and put them down my back,” she sighed. Jim just smiled. “A little brother like Bobby would be fun.” “You can have him any time,” she smiled back. “Care to walk a bit?” he asked. After helping her out of the buggy, they strolled towards the lake. “We do a lot of ice skating in the winter,” she said, “once the lake is good and frozen. It’s a shame you won’t be around to see it.” “If I don’t find those thieves, I will be,” he replied. “But I’ve been thinking about sticking around anyhow.” “Really? Why? This has to be the most boring place in the country!” Jim laughed. “It’s nice. There are nice people here,” his emerald green eyes lingered on her face as they stood, just a bit closer than was proper. Neither cared about propriety at the moment. “Other than Mr. Lytell,” she said dryly, noting the way the sun bounced off his coppery hair. His pale green shirt hugged his husky frame and she resisted the urge to run her hand over his muscled arm. The dark vest emphasized the solid frame. “I have particular interest in this area,” he continued, his eyes meeting hers. “In addition to being Uncle James only heir, I’ve been seeing if it’s suitable to settle down, raise a family.” Trixie felt sudden panic seize her. “I’ve been observing the families in the area, noting how the children are raised. It’s quite a bit different than New York. Good people out here, lots of values.” Trixie just nodded. “So far I’m quite taken with everything here,” his gaze on her softened. “Particularly with a young woman.” Trixie felt the blood rush to her head and warmth rushed through her as Jim bent his head and very lightly brushed his lips against hers. “I take it you don’t mind me courting you,” he said huskily, “Since you haven’t objected.” Trixie shook her head. “No, I-I don’t,” she murmured, pushing thoughts of Dan Mangan from her head. “I was hoping you wouldn’t,” he smiled at down at her, his hand caressing the side of her face. Dizziness swept over her as she looked up into the emerald green eyes. Jim took her hand and silently, they walked slowly back to the buggy. *** “He kissed you!” Madeleine covered her mouth in shock. “Hush or Mart might hear you!” Trixie hissed. Di giggled. “He has to no room to speak if he does!” Trixie groaned. “I don’t want to know!” “I didn’t think courting properly included
kisses!” Madeleine said. “Well, sure,” Di said nonchalantly. “Everyone does.” Trixie covered her ears with her hands. “That’s part of the fun,” Di’s violet eyes sparkled. “Not getting caught!” *** Trixie saddled Susie quietly. She was sure things were going to happen tonight. There was such a shiver running down her spine, and she refused to admit it had been caused by Dan Mangan earlier. She had run into him near the General Store, as usual not paying attention to where she was going. Trying to decipher the list she had scribbled at her mother’s request, she walked right into a solid wall that grabbed her by the arms before she could fall. “Slow down there,” Dan drawled. “Someone might think you’re in a hurry to see me.” “Let me go,” she said coolly. His answer was to drop his hands to her waist and whisk her around the side of the building and into the shadows, away from prying eyes. “Sure you want me to let go?” he asked, leaning up against her, his dark eyes burning into her china blue. Trixie opened her mouth but nothing came out. With a slow grin that made her stomach flip over, he lowered his head and pressed his lips against hers, feeling her almost instant melt into him. Running his tongue over her lips, he tightened his hold on her and pulled her up against him as a bolt of heat rushed down his stomach and to the lower regions of his body. Trixie’s hands finally regained movement and her hands slid up to Dan’s shoulders, unable to resist the heat surging through her, where she finally pushed him back. “Problem?” he whispered, savoring the sweetness of her mouth. “You’re no gentleman,” she tried to sound cold but it came out a hoarse whisper. “I never said I was,” he answered mildly, his lips curving up. “I think you like that about me.” Trixie shook her head, blond curls bouncing. Dan stepped back just a little, and the rough hand caught her chin, lifting it up so her blue eyes met his. “You have no idea what a treasure you are,” he said softly. “And I intend to win you over.” Trixie was left speechless as he strolled away, grateful for the support of the building her back was against. Nevertheless, she knew there would be excitement tonight. She could feel it. It had left her antsy at supper. Later that night, she tossed restlessly as her mind raced. Were Jim and Dan working together? Was Jim going to bilk his great-uncle out of money? The cattle thieves had been laying low for almost a week. Which meant they knew Sheriff Molinson and Deputy Webster were trying to track them. But at the rate the town was growing, more deputies would be needed. The saloon would be finished any day now, and already there were women hanging about the construction, wearing nothing but their shifts and bloomers. Finally Trixie got out of bed, being careful to step cautiously on the known loose boards. Buttoning up her blouse, she grabbed her skirt and shook it out, stepping into it. Carrying her shoes, she tiptoed through the house and slipped out the front door. Hurrying towards the stable, it didn’t take long to put on her shoes and saddle Susie. Swinging up into the saddle, she rode towards the Frayne estate, never seeing the figure following her. *** Dan checked his gun for the umpteenth time. The air felt funny tonight. Heavy and dangerous. Everything was coming to a head, and he had to be ready. He’d only have one chance to pull this off. The sound of a horse approaching broke into his thoughts and he frowned, looking through the tree branches. No one was scheduled to be out here tonight. A smile crept over his lips as recognized both horse and rider. Quietly he slid down to the ground and stepped out of the shadows when she stopped the horse, looking around. “Why am I not surprised you’re out here nosing around?” he asked. Trixie turned in her seat and swung down, smiling. “Because I knew you’d be out skulking around.” Dan chuckled. “You do realize if someone sees us meeting your reputation will be ruined and I'll be a dead man when not only your brothers hunt me down, but my employer?” “No one knows I’m here,” she smirked. Dan just shook his head. “You are definitely one of a kind.” “Why thank you Mr. Mang-” “Mangan! You out here?” came a rough voice. Dan swore and grabbed Trixie by the shoulders, shoving her behind the large tree he had been in. Trixie scrambled up into the branches, having learned to climb trees at a young age to keep up with her brothers. “Yeah,” Dan grunted, grabbing Susie’s reins and rubbing her nose. “You talkin’ to a dumb animal again?” Eli, another cowhand, swaggered towards him. “I done heard voices.” “Horses is the best animal to talk too,” Dan drawled, “ain’t squawkin’ like a woman or braggin’ like a man.” Eli guffawed. “You gotta point. I’m going to relieve Rusty.” Dan just grunted, watching Eli wander off. Up in the trees, Trixie was trying not to laugh at Dan’s sudden switch in language again, and infuriated by his comment. Squawkin’ like a woman indeed! When Dan was sure Eli was gone, he stepped around the tree. “Trix?” The rustling noise above him made him look up as he saw Trixie clambering down. To his disappoint her full skirts hid her legs, but when she lost her footing and slid, he was all to happy to catch her, though it tumbled them both to the ground. “Oof!” he exaggerated a groan. Trixie smacked his arm. “Squawking like a woman? You-” Dan cut her off with a searing kiss, rolling her over so she was pinned under him as his hand ran through her soft curls. Trixie eagerly kissed him back without hesitation, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Damn,” he groaned, finally ending the kiss. “That’s about all a man can take in public without serious trouble.” Trixie giggled, wondering why her body got so hot around him. Rashly, she pulled his head down to hers for another long kiss. When his hand dropped to her breast, she pulled away quickly. “What-what are you doing?” she whispered. “Something that I shouldn’t,” he sighed, rolling onto his back. Trixie lay next to him, admiring his lean form. “Something improper?” she asked, with a hint of mischief in her voice. “Extremely improper,” he replied dryly, sneaking a glance at her. “Plenty to earn me the reputation of a cad that you seem determined to prove I have. Not to mention get me skinned alive.” “What really brought you out here?” she asked suddenly. Dan turned his head and looked at her directly. “I told you, I like to travel. I got tired of New York.” “But it’s so boring out here.” “Not always,” he smiled, reaching up to brush a stray curl from her forehead. “Do you-wait a minute-you’re from New York?” Dan’s heart sunk. She wasn’t supposed to know that! How could he have let that slip? Trixie stared at Dan as if seeing him for the first time. Madeleine Wheeler was from New York. Manhattan. Jim Frayne was from Albany, New York. “I’ve lived there,” he said evasively. He prayed he wouldn’t have to lie her. “Where?” she demanded. “Different cities. Trix-” “You’re from Albany,” her eyes narrowed. “I’ve been there,” he admitted. “But I know what you’re thinking-” “You do know Jim Frayne,” she muttered, her eyes staring at the ground as she connected the pieces. “How could I have not thought of that sooner? Of course you knew him in New York!” “I work for Jim Frayne tending his cattle,” Dan said desperately trying to change the
subject. “Trixie, look at me-” he had to get her mind off this train of thought. “Of course you do because you two are in this together! You are out to steal his cattle! He’s going to swindle his great uncle!” her eyes flashed at him. “Now you’re just being silly,” Dan said impatiently. Trixie scrambled to her feet, a horrified look on her pretty face. “I can’t believe I was taken in by you and your-oh you are a cad!” “Trixie, wait-” he grabbed for her but she was already sprinting to Susie. “I’ll prove it’s you two, just you watch and see!” she swung up onto her horse and took off. Dan swore in disgust. This was not good. He had to get to his partner and quick.
 
***
Author's Notes
-Yeehaaw! Stay tuned for the conclusion!
-a Huge thank you to the lovely Julie, my editor!
-Word Count -5,637
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