Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

B eing that this was the second Saturday of the month and pay day, the ranch hands swooped into the barnyard earlier than usual with whoops and hollers, making Jake smile. They so looked forward to heading into town and blowing off some steam. And why shouldn't they? Chasing cattle and horses was hot, tiring work.

As he'd done on other occasions, he'd join his bunkmates at the river. He still wouldn't be joining them when they went to town, though he continued to be invited. He just wasn't interested. The allure of a card game didn't appeal to him anymore. Funny, it hadn't since he arrived here, not even when his bunk mates played poker at the table, though gambling was strictly forbidden in the bunkhouse.

His thoughts flew to Erik King.

Is he still looking for me?

He shook his head, forcing the question from his mind. Best not to think about King.

Besides, he'd much rather think about Evie.

He stole a glance toward the house, wondering if the drawing he'd left for her earlier had been found. His stomach knotted just a bit. He'd never shared his artwork with anyone before, other than Father O'Malley. He kept that hidden talent to himself as he did so many other things, though the good Father had encouraged him to develop it, a much more worthy pursuit than gambling.

"Jake." Teddy dismounted and handed him Soldier Boy's reins, then reached up to help Esmeralda, who had ridden Horatio out to the summer pasture today.

"Afternoon, Teddy." Jake touched the brim of his hat, then grabbed Horatio's reins. "Miss Esmeralda."

She greeted him with just a nod, but her eyes glowed with warmth. He wondered if they planned to head into town as well, but didn't ask. If they needed the carriage, they would tell him, but neither said anything as they walked toward the house. He watched them for a moment, admiring the way they held hands, their heads together. Envy whispered through him for what they had. His jaw clenched as he led the horses into the corral to cool off.

Esteban followed closely afterward, but didn't say much, as was his way. He handed over Fuego to his keeping before following his brother.

Heath and Jenny weren't too far behind. Heath gave him a big grin and a jaunty salute as he brought Goldie to a halt beside him. Jake reached up to help Jenny dismount—she didn't ride much, but she did enjoy going out to the summer pasture on occasion.

"Miss Jenny."

She smiled as she removed her hat to reveal her golden tresses, though most of them were flattened against her head from wearing the hat all day. She ran her fingers through her hair, trying to loosen the strands into their natural curls. "Afternoon, Jake."

Heath handed him the reins. "No need to unsaddle or brush Goldie down. We're heading back out again."

"Yes, sir."

He tied Goldie's reins to one of the fence slats then entered the bunkhouse to collect his clothes, just in time to see Oscar standing beside his bunk, the sketchbook he'd forgotten to hide under his pillow in his hand. Three of his drawings were on the floor, one of them crumpled into a ball.

Instantly, his stomach clenched, and his hands balled into fists as the man ripped another page out of the sketchbook and tossed it on the floor.

Jake stomped into the room, anger making his footsteps heavier than usual. "What the hell are you doing?"

Oscar snarled at him as he ripped out another page and held it out. "You after my woman, pendejo ?"

Jake ignored the taunt and grabbed for the pad of paper, but Oscar snatched it away, hiding it behind his back, and took a step closer. He puffed out his chest and threw his shoulders back to make himself look more intimidating. The impressive mustache on his upper lip quivered with anger. "I saw you with her! Saw you kiss her! She spreading her legs for you, too?" His eyes narrowed and spittle sprayed from his mouth. "Think you could steal her from me, bastardo ? She's mine!"

Oscar's tone and blatant disrespect, not only for Evie, but for his private property, infuriated him, but he held still, though it was an effort. "She's not your woman. And you will not speak of her in that tone."

"Who's gonna stop me?" Oscar scoffed as he jutted out his chin and very deliberately, brought the sketchbook from behind his back and ripped out another page, crumpling into a ball before throwing it at him. "You?"

It grew silent in the bunkhouse. The other ranch hands had stopped collecting their clean clothes and turned all their attention to them. He felt a trickle of anticipation. Not from himself, but from them. For the most part, they all got along fairly well, though there were one or two who didn't like Oscar's attitude. And weren't afraid to say so. In fact, Oscar had been warned a time or two to shut his mouth and keep his opinions to himself. That didn't stop him and he frequently went on tirades about anything and everything, disparaging the ranch, how it was run, and the men he had to work with. Jake, more often than not, became his target. For the most part, he could ignore the younger man, but not now, not after he spoke of Evie with such disrespect. And not ever again.

Oscar dropped the sketch book on the floor and stepped on it, grinding the heel of his boot into the pages, then struck a classic fighter's pose, fists drawn up to protect his face. A smug smile tilted up the corners of his mouth, his dark eyes filled with determination.

"No fightin' in the bunkhouse." That reminder came from Emilio, always the peacekeeper. "Them's the rules."

Jake inhaled deeply, trying to keep his temper under control. Never before had he wanted to punch someone in the mouth as much as he did this man, not just for this offense, but for all of them. "I don't want to fight you, Oscar."

The man sneered as he twisted his heel on the sketchbook a little more, as if daring him. "Why not? You chicken?"

Jake shook his head but didn't move. He remained alert, warily watching the other man, fully aware that he, too, was being watched by his bunkmates. They were probably wondering if he'd take the bait. He never sought a fight, but he never backed down from one either.

He kept his focus on Oscar, sizing him up, studying him. Oscar seemed like the kind of person who would hit someone when they weren't looking. A dirty fighter. He'd seen—and fought—plenty of them. "Not at all. Just don't want to see you get hurt."

Apparently, those weren't the correct words to diffuse the situation. Oscar's fists tightened, his knuckles turning white, as a smile spread his lips. It wasn't a pleasant smile, not in the least. Perhaps he was just immature, but Jake didn't think so. He was a bully, plain and simple. He'd seen others like him his entire life. "If you want to do this, we'll do it behind the bunkhouse. I don't want Miss Evie or the children to see this."

"Afraid she'll see you for the coward you are?"

Jake shrugged and smiled. The first thing to know about fighting: emotion could make you lose your concentration, and you could end up leaving yourself open for a hit you didn't want to take. "No, sir. I'm thinking of you. I wouldn't want you to be embarrassed when I knock you on your ass."

Oscar spit out a word that would have made Father O'Malley wash his mouth out with soap. That emotion, the one that could make one lose complete control? That was Oscar. Already he could see what his comment had done. The man stiffened, his face reddening, causing his thick black mustache to stand out in stark relief. And his eyes? They were so dark, they appeared almost black. And filled with murderous intent.

Jake gave an exaggerated bow and gestured toward the door. "After you."

Oscar strutted across the floor, full of confidence. He may have held his own in a barroom brawl a time or two, but he didn't know he was no match for Jake.

The other men trooped out after Oscar, except for Slick, who waited at the door for him. "Think you can take him?"

Jake said nothing, just looked at Slick as he walked outside and down the two steps from the porch to the dirt.

Slick followed him. "Do me a favor and hit him once for me. I'm tired of him thinking he knows more than anyone else and trying to tell us all what to do."

"I wouldn't mind if you hit him once for me, too." That comment came from Mayhem, accompanied by a wide grin, as he joined them. "He deserves it more than most. Maybe he'll learn some respect, especially for Miss Evie. Ain't the first time he talked about her like that."

Jake still said nothing as he strode behind the bunkhouse, where Oscar waited, arrogant smirk spreading his lips, hands on his hips, surrounded by an air of superiority and just plain meanness. The other men—Cesar, Emilio, even Grub—were there as well, murmuring among themselves, the anticipation palpable. He heard bets being placed on who would win as Slick and Mayhem joined them. Surprisingly, the consensus was evenly split, though one and all were looking forward to a good fight.

"You can still walk away, Oscar," Jake said, keeping his tone even, offering the man the opportunity to save himself.

"No chance. I'm gonna teach you not to mess with your betters." He spit out a crude cuss word, then raised his fists, once again protecting his face, and began rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet. It was obvious this wasn't Oscar's first fight. And probably wouldn't be his last, not with his attitude.

"Have it your way." Jake faced his opponent and took his stance, bringing up his fists, focusing all his concentration on his opponent. "Just remember, you asked for this."

Oscar threw a punch, which Jake neatly side-stepped then threw one of his own. His knuckles slammed into Oscar's face.

And that was all it took. Oscar went down, blood spurting from his nose.

The other men grumbled with disappointment. Jake was certain they were expecting a no-holds-barred brawl. They hadn't expected that with one punch, the fight would be over.

"You broke my nose!" Shock and fury filled Oscar's voice. Apparently, such a thing had never happened before.

Jake lowered his hands and stood over the man. "It's over." Though he said the words, he knew it wasn't true. Oscar, like another man he knew, was not the type to accept defeat. Still, he extended his hand to help the man up. Oscar slapped it away with a sneer, though he accepted the help of others.

"It'll never be over, Hannigan. Watch your back."

Though he slowed as he walked away, Jake didn't stop until he entered the bunkhouse and strode over to his bunk. He picked up the sketchpad from the floor as well as the pages Oscar had ripped from the book. Anger flared, but he tamped it down as he looked at the crinkled and torn drawings. Maybe he could salvage a few.

"I never seen anything like that!" Slick exclaimed as he came to stand beside him. "One hit and the man was down." He laughed. "Serves him right. He shouldn't have been touching your things or talkin' about Miss Evie that way. As if she would have him."

Jake said nothing, just stared at his ruined drawings. His knuckles were a little sore, but not nearly as sore as his heart.

"I'm sorry he ruined your book. Your sketches are pretty good." Slick laid a hand on his shoulder awkwardly, obviously trying to offer some comfort. "Come on, let's head down to the river."

Whatever enjoyment he might have found at the river disappeared. "You go on without me." He tossed the sketchbook as well as the pages in the trash can and left the bunkhouse to take care of the horses. He saw the men leave, their clean clothes bundled under their arms, knowing he was the subject of their animated gestures. Oscar brought up the rear by himself, still pressing a handkerchief to his broken nose. He glared, his eyes fairly glowing with hatred. Jake knew exactly what was going through the man's head. And it wasn't good. He'd made an enemy of Oscar, as the man didn't seem to be the type to forgive.

And it didn't matter. He didn't care. He wasn't a violent man, but he'd never backed down from a bully and Oscar definitely had some come-uppance coming to him. Still, he wasn't happy about the situation as he strode to the corral and grabbed Esteban's horse by the reins and led him into the barn. He removed the saddle and reins, slipped a halter over his head then picked up the brush and began smoothing it over the horse's coat, the simple act soothing his soul.

He heard the men come back from the river as he walked Soldier Boy toward the barn, actually felt Oscar's stare burning a hole into him as they all trooped into the bunkhouse. Antonio showed up a few minutes later with his wooden tray filled with little pay envelopes.

He stayed where he was, not trusting himself to hold back if Oscar should say another word. Next time, he'd do more than just break the man's nose.

He put Soldier Boy in his stall, gave him some oats, and headed back outside to the corral to brush down Horatio, just in time to see his bunkmates head out. Oscar lagged behind and took his time mounting up, his dark-eyed gleam intense, his mouth drawn into a thin line beneath his mustache. He kicked his horse and rode right up to him, coming so close, Jake could see the sweat on the horse's face. He stepped out of the way at the last minute, but never took his eyes from the man.

"We ain't done." Oscar glared down at him, his nose swollen and just a bit crooked.

"Didn't figure we were. Anytime you want your nose broken again, you just let me know."

The man scoffed and called him a word in Spanish Jake didn't know the meaning of, but whatever it was, he was certain it wasn't nice. "It was a lucky punch, and you know it."

Jake shrugged, ignoring the slur as well as the man's attitude. "If that's what you want to think, you go right ahead."

Oscar said nothing more, but his face turned beet red, and his lips pressed together tighter as his hands gripped the reins. His eyes narrowed as he stared at Jake.

Jake wouldn't put it past this man to do something dirty, like kick him in the face from his perch in the saddle. Whatever Oscar planned, he was prepared. He stood his ground, his muscles tense, ready to defend himself and take the man down another notch or two.

A moment passed, then two, then three, and suddenly, Oscar spurred his horse and rode off. Jake watched him go, then continued brushing Horatio, knowing in his heart that Oscar might plan some type of revenge. He would be ready for it.

He finished with Horatio and brought him into the barn, then went outside to grab Clementine.

"Thought I'd find you here." Antonio hooked his boot on the bottom rung of the corral fence, the wooden tray dangling from his hand. "I noticed you didn't come inside to pick up your pay." He held out the envelope, the coins within jingling as he did so.

"Thanks."

As Jake reached for the envelope, Antonio's gaze flew to his knuckles. "Saw Oscar's nose. Knew it was you that busted it."

Jake tucked the envelope into his pocket. He had missed his chance to send Father O'Malley money, but that just meant he'd send double the next time. If there was a next time. "You gonna fire me for fighting?"

"No, son. Slick and Mayhem told me what happened. I don't see how you could have walked away. I wouldn't have been able to." He let out a sigh that stirred his mustache. "I'm considering firing him," he said.

"That would be up to you, sir. Just don't do it on my account."

There was more Antonio was going to say—Jake could see that clearly, but whatever it was, the man must have thought better of it. After a moment of silence, he finally did speak. "When you have a minute, hitch up the carriage and bring it around front."

"Sure thing."

Antonio nodded then pushed his hat further back on his head. "You know, any time you want to head into town with the boys, I can take care of the horses. Just let me know."

The offer surprised him, but probably shouldn't have. "I appreciate that, but I'm not interested in going to town."

"Suit yourself, but the offer still stands." Antonio finally walked away, but there seemed to be a bounce to his step that hadn't been there before, almost as if he was proud of what Jake had done. Or maybe it was the fact that he preferred to stay on the ranch instead of raising hell in town. Whatever the reason for Antonio's pride, it made Jake's chest swell just the same.

"Well, that was interesting, don't you think?" He rubbed his hand over Clementine's nose, then reached up and scratched the horse behind the ears. She blew hot air from her nostrils, then tried to bite his hat. He brushed her down, then brought her inside the barn, settling her in her stall. He removed his hat, wiped the sweat from his brow. Two more horses to take care of—Spitfire, who had spent the day in the corral, rolling in the dust, and Cinnamon—and then he could hook up the carriages. Or maybe he should do that now.

Evie was waiting for him at the corral fence as he stepped out of the barn, feeding carrots to Spitfire and Cinnamon. She turned to look at him as he approached, her blue-gray eyes bluer at the moment, a beautiful smile on her face. "Hello, Jake."

He touched the brim of his hat with two fingers as his gaze roamed over her face. She really was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. Oh, maybe not in the eyes of some people, but most definitely his. "Evenin', Miss Evie."

"Come to the house and join us for dinner." She slipped another carrot to Spitfire. "After you're done, of course."

"I would like that. Thank you."

"Say in about thirty minutes?"

He thought she would head back to the house, but instead, she just stood there. Her eyes held so much warmth, it was hard to look away.

A blush rose to her cheeks. "I'll see you at the house," she said finally, then walked away. As usual, he watched her go.

"What do you think about that, Cinnamon? I've been invited to the big house for dinner." He laughed as he brought the horse into the barn.

When he came outside again, it was just in time to see Heath and Jenny ride off toward the summer pasture, a burlap sack tied to Goldie's saddle. She waved. Jake waved in return, then collected the big draft horses used to pull the carriage.

It didn't take him long to finish his chores and hitch up the carriage as he'd been asked, though he did regret not heading to the river with the others to bathe. He washed up with water from the rain barrel as best he could, then changed his clothes, brushed his hair, and left the bunkhouse.

Evie plucked the last strawberry from her plate and popped it in her mouth, then sat back and watched Jake interact with the children. He even teased Ramón in his highchair, making funny faces at the boy to make him giggle and for a short time, he sat with Toughie on his lap. It amazed her that the boy sat still for more than five minutes. It was obvious they liked him, and he returned the feeling. It was also obvious that Felicity and Charley, as well as Hilde and Antonio liked him, too, and that made her heart glad.

"That was the best roast I've ever had, Miss Felicity. Just about melted in my mouth." Jake said.

Felicity blushed. Even the tips of her ears turned red. "Well, thank you, Jake. I'm glad you liked it."

"And Miss Hilde, I've never had a more delicious Angel Food cake, not even in San Francisco." He smiled. "Or anywhere else." He paused and his smile grew a little wider. "Have you ever been to Seattle?"

"No, I have not."

"There's a little café on the waterfront that serves the lightest, fluffiest Angel Food cake I have ever had, but it doesn't compare to yours."

Evie smothered a laugh as Hilde turned bright red, almost redder than Felicity.

"When were you in Seattle?" Antonio asked. "I've never been off the ranch. Never had the bug to travel though." He glanced at his wife, then patted her hand. "I have everything I need right here."

Hilde, her face flushed from the compliments from both men, rose from her seat and clapped her hands. "All right, children, let's get these dishes done."

"Years ago," Jake waved his hand, picking up the conversation, "when I worked on a steamer that delivered supplies and passengers up and down the coast." He sat back in his chair and fiddled with the fork in his hand, but his gaze found her and stayed.

It didn't take long for the butterflies to start dancing in her stomach.

"Where else have you been?" Antonio asked, then turned his attention to Savannah and tugged on one of her long braids as she reached for his dirty plate. He whispered something in her ear. She looked at him and grinned, her smile a little crooked since she'd lost that tooth. She eagerly nodded and left the kitchen at a run. Evie watched her go, then turned to look at Antonio as she, too, rose from her seat to help with the dishes, curious to know what that was all about.

Antonio said nothing as he gestured to Jake to answer the question.

"Too many places to name. Some of them awe-inspiring, like Bridal Veil Falls in Oregon, some not so much. I will tell you, though, out of all the places I've been," he said, his gaze once again finding hers, "I have never seen a place as beautiful as this ranch."

The statement touched her and she was about tell him so when Savannah raced back into the kitchen, making the swinging door bang against the wall, something hidden behind her back.

"This is for you, Mr. Jake." She handed him a sketchpad as well as several pencils sharpened to a precise point. The book wasn't new, but there were plenty of pages left, and the pencils, some short, some longer, still had a lot of life in them.

The look on his face, a combination of confusion as well as gratitude as he accepted the gift, warmed her heart even more. He glanced at her, questions in his beautiful amber eyes. "What is this?"

Evie shook her head. She had no answers, but obviously, Antonio knew. "Antonio?"

"I saw what happened to your old sketchbook. Thought you could use a new one."

Evie closed her eyes for a moment as realization slammed her. It was Jake who had drawn the picture of her. She opened her eyes and simply stared at him.

Color infused Jake's face. "I don't know what to say, except thank you."

"Draw me," Savannah demanded, then plopped in her chair and struck a pose with her elbows on the table, her folded hands supporting her chin.

Jake leaned back in his chair a little and flipped open the cover of the sketch pad to reveal a clean page. He chose a pencil from the handful he'd been given, studied the girl for a moment, then started drawing.

Evie continued to clear the table, but stopped several times to stand behind him and watch with amazement as his pencil flew over the paper. In moments, he captured Savannah's sweet face and charming grin. He ripped the page from the book and handed it to the beaming girl. The expression on her face was priceless.

"I want one, too!" Miguel, not to be outdone by his sister, took a seat next to her and posed as well. Once again, Jake studied the boy and quickly drew him, managing to capture the devilish glint in Miguel's dark eyes.

"That's enough now," Hilde spoke up as she filled the sink with hot water from the kettle and little slivers of soap to make suds. She added cold water from the pump so she could put her hands in the water without scalding herself. "Time to wash the dishes."

"But we were having fun!" Savannah pouted.

"Hilde's right. It's time for dishes." Jake closed the cover on the sketchbook. "Maybe tomorrow, we'll do some more drawings."

Savannah scooted from her chair and rested her hands on the table, her direct gaze on him. "You promise?"

He laughed. "I do."

"Okay." She grabbed a few dishes and brought them to the sink.

Jake rose as well, a slight blush coloring his cheeks. It was the most charming thing Evie had ever seen, and something in her heart shifted.

"I should go. Thank you all." He grabbed the sketchbook and pencils from the table and slipped out the door before she could utter a word.

She followed him outside. "Jake, wait."

Jake stopped and turned to face her.

"It was you who left the drawing for me."

"Yes." His gaze roamed her face, causing those butterflies to flutter in her belly once more. "Do you mind?"

"No, not at all. I was…I am flattered." She studied his handsome face with its boyish charm. "Why did you draw it?"

"I saw you that afternoon and you looked so lovely, I knew I had to capture that moment. I wanted you to see how beautiful you are to me. I'm not sure I fully managed that, but I tried." He reached out with his free hand and smoothed his knuckles along her jawbone then dipped his head and kissed her, his lips warm and inviting. By their own volition, Evie's arms raised and wrapped around his neck, pressing her body close to his as the kiss deepened. She felt the sharp jab of a pencil but ignored it as her toes curled in her boots and a certain excitement rushed through her, making her pulse race and her heartbeat thunder in her ears.

He broke the kiss and smiled down at her as he took a step back, neatly breaking their embrace. Caressing the side of her face with his knuckles once more, he stared into her eyes. "Good night, Evie, and thank you." He left the patio with a swagger in his step.

Evie let out a sigh as she watched him go, suddenly bereft that he wasn't holding her close, though the feeling of his lips on hers remained.

She should follow him, just to steal another kiss.

Be brave, Evie. Take a chance. Not because it would benefit Regina's children or Monta?a del Trueno. Do something for you. Just you.

She took a step off the patio—a small step in one way, but a big one in so many others—then stopped as the back door opened behind her, and a little voice interrupted her thoughts. " Tia Evie, will you read us a story?"

She glanced down at Miguel and sighed. "Of course, mi corazón. After the dishes are done."

"Okay." The boy disappeared into the house. "She said yes!" he exclaimed to his sister, then launched into which story he wanted to hear. She heard Savannah's reply, claiming a different story than the one Miguel wanted amid the clanking of dishes being washed and dried.

Evie watched as light flashed in the bunkhouse window and the door closed. So much for being brave , she scoffed, then turned and went into the house.