Chapter 5

Gabriella

Gabriella held her breath, waiting in the kitchen as Dirk had asked. She had hoped it was one of Dirk's friends and not the men who had kidnapped her, but when he opened the door, her worst fears had come true—they had found her.

As quietly as she could, Gabriella looked around for anything she could use as a weapon. She finally settled on a huge butcher knife. After pulling it from the wooden block, she held it tightly with both hands as she prayed.

Please, don't let them find me. Please, don't let anything happen to Dirk….

When Dirk closed the door without incident, she whispered a silent thank you.

"Gabriella?" Dirk asked quietly as he headed into the living room. "Gabriella?" When he walked around the corner, she ran to him and wrapped her arms around him. "Here, you'd better let me have that." He carefully took the butcher knife from her hand, laid it on the counter, and then wrapped his big, burly arms around her and pulled her to his chest.

"Thank God you're okay," she breathed as she hugged him tightly to her.

"Gabriella, you're shaking."

For reasons she didn't know, she felt safe in Dirk's arms, as if nothing could harm her, as if everything would be all right. "I'm fine." Gabriella suddenly realized what she was doing and let him go, dabbing at her eyes.

He released her but kept his hands on her shoulders. "Who were those men, Gabriella?"

She just shook her head, unable to speak, unwilling to tell him. What happened if he found out who she was and tried to hold her for ransom himself? Although she sensed he would never do that, she just couldn't take the chance. Over the last few days, she had been through too much.

"Why don't you relax, and eat lunch? The sandwiches will—" Gabriella instructed, still dabbing at her eyes.

Dirk shook his head as he took her hand, looking into her eyes. "Gabriella, I know we just met, but you can tell me anything. I won't judge you, and I will never harm you."

She nodded, tempted to tell him. No, her best bet was to go back to the train station in Laramie and try to make it back to New York without further incident. She knew that in Monaco, she would be expected to marry someone she didn't know for the good of the monarchy, but she would deal with that when the time came.

"Thank you," she replied.

Dirk waited and didn't leave her side, waiting for her to tell him, but she just couldn't. Not now. But when she looked into his eyes, he was sincere. She could probably tell him, but she wasn't ready… not yet.

When she didn't answer, he led her to the table where the sandwiches still sat. "Let's eat these good sandwiches before they go to waste."

Gabriella looked at the food and admitted that they didn't look that appetizing. She sat down, defeated. "I'm sorry, Dirk. I tried my best, but these sandwiches—"

"Look fabulous," he cut her off, then took a bite of a sandwich. Then his face turned red as he gasped. He quickly rose to his feet, poured a glass of water, and downed the whole thing in an instant.

Gabriella couldn't help but laugh. "You were saying?"

He suppressed a smile as his color started to return. "Maybe you used a bit too much mustard," he gasped, and then poured another glass of water. "And was that pepper I tasted?"

Her eyebrows rose almost into her hairline. "You don't sprinkle it on sandwiches?"

He shook his head. "Not that much."

She let out a deep breath as she looked down. "I guess I have a lot to learn about cooking… and cleaning… and living in the west…."

Dirk sat kitty corner from her and squeezed her hand. "Don't worry. You'll learn."

She nodded, feeling a bit better. "Will you teach me?"

"Yes, of course."

Smiling, Gabriella reached for a sandwich, but Dirk placed his hand over hers, stopping her. "Why don't you let me show you how to make sandwiches?"

She let out a deep breath. "You must think I'm pretty helpless."

Dirk smiled as he shook his head. "No, not at all. Just in need of a little… guidance."

Gabriella laughed at his word choice. "So, do you feel better, or do you need another glass of water?"

Dirk laughed. "I'm feeling better, but more water is good, too." He took her hand and she rose to her feet. "Let me show you how to make sandwiches. And after we eat, I'll show you how to clean a stove."

Gabriella nodded, smiling. She loved working beside Dirk. He was so patient and kind. A pang of guilt filled her chest for her behavior earlier. She should be more appreciative of having literally fallen on his doorstep and not someone else's.

And she loved the cabin, too. It was quaint, rustic, and beautiful, but it could definitely use a woman's touch. Maybe a tablecloth with little flowers would brighten the place and make it seem a little more welcoming. Or maybe some elegant décor….

But she quickly pushed the thought aside, knowing that she wouldn't be there long enough to make those changes. A pang of guild gripped her heart.

Dirk set the last of the sandwiches on the plate, and then looked up and smiled. His brown eyes melted hers without realizing it. He appeared to be looking into her soul, trying to figure her out. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," she lied, her heart beating faster at his nearness.

No man had ever caused a physical reaction in her like that before. He was so strong and powerful, yet gentle and protective. His light brown wavy hair just touching his collar, big brown eyes, and thick bands of muscle made him very attractive. Gabriella was surprised that a woman hadn't already snatched him up. Suddenly, her stomach grumbled, giving her away.

Dirk laughed. "I guess your stomach disagrees. Why don't we sit down and eat? We'll clean up the kitchen later."

Gabriella raised her eyes to meet his. "Okay."

He smiled in delight as he led the way to the table and held out the chair for her to sit.

When she took the first bite, her stomach growled in appreciation. Hungry, she left all manners and grace at the door and dug in. All the excitement had left her hungrier than she thought.

"Hungry?" Dirk asked, amused as he poured himself another cup of coffee and sat down in a chair kitty corner from her.

She nodded, taking another bite. "I'm sorry for my manners, but this is delicious."

"There's no need to apologize," he whispered as he placed his hand innocently over hers.

Gabriella looked down at his hand. "When do you think the pass might open up?"

Dirk pulled his hand back inconspicuously and clutched his coffee cup. "In a few weeks. Maybe longer."

Gabriella nodded as she turned her attention to her sandwich. She couldn't let herself get attached to this man. After all, she would be leaving soon. He had his life, and she had hers. Their worlds were very different, and they probably wouldn't have met if she hadn't landed on his doorstep.

"So, you like to read?" Dirk asked, interrupting her thoughts as he set his cup back down.

She nodded as she took another bite of her sandwich and swallowed, remembering his book collection. The titles were impressive. "I love reading, journeying to other worlds and faraway lands."

He smiled. "I love to read, too."

Gabriella arched an eyebrow. "What kind of books do you like?"

He smiled as a faraway look came into his eyes. "I love the works by William Shakespeare, but I think my favorite author is Alexandre Dumas."

Gabriella smiled, surprised that he had read Monsieur Dumas's works. "You do know that he was a Frenchman."

"Yes, of course." His voice turned serious. "Does that surprise you?"

She shrugged. "A little. He wrote in France, and I'm just surprised that his books are here in America, as well."

Dirk rose from his seat and washed out his coffee cup. "Just because we're in a small town doesn't mean we aren't aware of what's happening in the world."

Gabriella realized immediately that she had offended him. "I'm so sorry. That's not what I meant."

He turned around to face her, his muscles bulging as he held on to the counter behind him, causing her heart to flutter. "What did you mean, then?"

"I only meant that France is a long way away." She took another bite of her sandwich and swallowed. "I was just surprised that his books have made it here to America."

Dirk nodded, understanding. "Yes, he's quite popular here. I've read many of his books."

"Which are your favorites?" she asked, surprised to be having a conversation about literature in a small town.

A faraway look came into his eyes as he smiled, obviously remembering. "I liked The Three Musketeers, but I would have to say my favorite is The Man in the Iron Mask. I mean, Dumas's style is so adventurous."

"How so?" Gabriella asked, intrigued, the sandwich forgotten.

"I mean, it's history. The Three Musketeers was based on men who really lived, and then became legend," Dirk began, fiddling with the dishtowel. "I don't know. I guess I just like the stories that Alexandre Dumas's books offer. I love that time period—swashbucklers, adventures, damsels in distress…."

"Have you read his book Le Comte de Monte-Cristo?" Gabriella asked, enjoying the conversation. In Monaco, no one she knew had shared her love of books.

One corner of his lips curled into a smile. "In English, please?"

She chuckled. "The Count of Monte Cristo."

He shook his head. "No, I haven't read it. Have you?"

Gabriella nodded as she finished the rest of her sandwich.

"What's it about?" Dirk asked as he pulled out a chair and sat down, settling in for the conversation.

"It's about a man who is accused of treason on his wedding day. He comes back later to avenge his accusers," Gabriella replied. "He's the first mate of a ship and has lots of adventures."

"Sounds interesting. I'd love to read it," Dirk approved. "As soon as the storm lets up, I'll ask Mr. Carson if he can order it for me."

"Mr. Carson?"

Dirk nodded. "He and his wife own the general store here in Whiskey River." He shrugged. "He can order most books, but if he can't get that one, I'll go to Laramie and will order it there. Who knows? They might even have it in the library. They just opened one up and I go there every week to see what new titles they have."

Gabriella let out a deep breath. "I'd love to open a library one day, but it would take a lot of books."

"You could start off with just a few shelves," Dirk reasoned, intrigued. "Then you could build your collection with donations and books you buy. Also, estate sales are a good place to acquire them."

She shrugged. "Yes. I guess it just depends upon where you open it. How many people here do you think would be interested in a library?"

"You'd be surprised." A smile lit Dirk's lips. "Quite a few, I'd guess. You could probably talk to Madison, Wyatt Nash's wife, about it. She's the new schoolteacher in town."

Gabriella nodded.

He rose from his seat and placed his dishes in the sink. "I have lots of books in the living room. You can read what you like while you're here." He walked into the other room.

Gabriella carried the dirty dishes into the kitchen, washed them, and put them away. She hadn't told him, but this morning had been the first time that she had ever washed dishes. It had taken her a bit to figure it out but figure it out she had.

While she was finishing up, Dirk appeared in the doorway wearing his coat.

"Are you going somewhere?" Gabriella hoped he wouldn't be gone long, just in case the men were still lurking about. She couldn't bear it if something were to happen to him.

He put on his cowboy hat and buttoned his jacket. "I'm going to check on the cattle and finish up with the horses."

Gabriella folded the dishtowel and laid it over the counter like she had seen Dirk do earlier. "Don't you have men to work the ranch for you?"

Dirk smiled. "Yes, but I let them have off from Thanksgiving through Christmas. They won't be back until after New Year's Day. Besides, they don't just work for me. I work alongside them."

Gabriella was impressed. "That's very generous of you."

He shrugged. "They're single and most are young with families out of state. Spending the holidays with your loved ones is important."

A crease formed between her eyes. "How many days is it until Thanksgiving?"

"Three," he replied as he headed toward the back door. "Have you ever celebrated it before?"

She shook her head. "It's an American holiday. This will be my first."

Dirk smiled. "Well then, we'll have to make it a good one." He turned to leave.

"Be careful out there," Gabriella called after him.

He smiled, obviously appreciating the sentiment. "Don't worry. Those men are probably long gone by now."

She nodded. "I hope so."

He looked in her eyes and then crossed the room to her and gave her arm a gentle pat. "Don't worry. I'll keep you safe."

Gabriella appreciated the gesture. And she knew it was true, or at least she felt it was. She hadn't ever felt so relaxed with a man in her life.

After he left, she looked around the kitchen. It was clean, except for the stove. She let out a deep breath and decided to tackle it. She filled the basin with water and began scrubbing the stove. Within minutes, it was shiny and clean.

Satisfied, she ventured into the living room. It was getting cold, so she put another log on the fire, and warmth immediately filled the room. She rubbed her arms as she walked slowly around the space, looking at the nice furnishings. They were beautiful, rustic in nature, but fit the cabin to perfection, as if the furniture had been made just for this space. Secretly, she wondered if Dirk had made it himself.

Then she noticed the bookshelf that Dirk had mentioned. He had the works of William Shakespeare, Alexandre Dumas, Thomas Malory, and more. But she was surprised to see Little Women and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland among the titles, which seemed out of place among the books that were obviously his. She wondered if he had a woman in his life.

When she looked around, there was no evidence of such. She had no idea why she was even wondering about it. After all, there was no way that they could ever be together. She was only going to stay until the pass opened up, and then she would be off to Laramie and back to New York, and then Monaco.

She picked up Dirk's copy of The Three Musketeers and sat down in the rocking chair by the fire and started reading. Although she was more accustomed to reading in French, she could read in English, too, but it was a bit more difficult for her. She had read the book before, so reading it in English wasn't so difficult to follow. Gabriella was amazed that as she started reading, she saw the story anew, with new insights after having spoken to Dirk about it. Now, she saw it through his eyes. Soon, she found herself caught up in the world that Alexandre Dumas had created and marveled at the characters so beautifully written.

Adventure. She realized then that adventure was what she had been craving in her life, but the good kind of adventure. Not the kind that the three scruffy men had created. She could go a lifetime without that kind of adventure. No, what she craved was adventures in a new world, perhaps in California or somewhere in the West. Here in Wyoming, maybe? For a moment, she wondered what Whiskey River was like, what the people were like, but she quickly pushed the thought aside.

As she read, thoughts of Dirk entered her mind. His broad shoulders and muscular physique were more than she had ever seen on a man before, but what really captivated her was what was inside—his personality. She closed the book and watched the fire, wondering who he was. He had said he came from the east, but from where exactly?

Gabriella clutched the book to her chest as she thought of him, wondering if he had ever been married before. She was surprised that a woman hadn't snatched him up yet.

It was also surprising that he was well read, even though he was the owner of a ranch and the town livery stables. As she rocked back and forth watching the fire, she was sure that Dirk was full of surprises. He was brash, but attractive and refined in his own way. An interesting combination. But she wouldn't be there long enough to find out. After all, they came from separate worlds. As different as night and day. How could it ever work?