Elise Read online

  "I am fine!" she insisted, her eyes sparking fire, her cheeks flushed. "Go on! If anything happens, I'll handle it, just as I could have handled everything at the saloon on my own! I had everything under control!"

  "You had everything under control? You were handling it?" He repeated, his expression mirroring his disbelief at her words as he followed her inside to stand in the darkened hallway. "Don't you realize what Boyd planned to do to you right there in the middle of the saloon?"

  "I would have gotten away from him." Even as she said it, though, she realized she had been helpless before Boyd's brute strength, pinned down as she'd been by his heavy weight. She tossed the wig on a nearby table and faced him.

  "Like hell you would have!" Trace swore, close to losing his temper. He found it hard to believe that Elise honestly thought she could have escaped a man like Boyd. Even now, she wasn't completely safe. Once the man regained consciousness, he was really going to be mad. "You're just lucky I got you out of there before anything more serious happened."

  "I didn't need your help! I was working!"

  "You were working all right! Just like Suzie and Kate!"

  Her temper flared even higher at his remark. "I was doing research for my story! I can't write about it unless I've experienced it!"

  "Good old Ben might have let you put yourself in harm's way, but I am not Ben! I am your new editor. I own the Star! No story is worth getting hurt over."

  "You're right about one thing-you're not Ben! You're not really an editor, either! I know what makes a good story, and you just ruined everything by interfering with your highhanded ways!"

  "Interfering? I saved you from being attacked!" he growled, closing on her. "Or maybe you really wanted to do all the research and make your story completely accurate!"

  "Why, you-" Elise was hurt and angered by his insinuation. Without thought, she slapped him.

  The last of his iron-willed self-control snapped, and he reached back to push the door shut. "Since you think I interfered with your work and you want to do more research, let me help."

  Trace took her by the shoulders and dragged her to him.

  As Elise gazed up at him in the darkness of the night, Gabe looked different to her. No longer was he the mild-mannered boss. Tonight, he looked as he had that day she'd come upon him sitting at Ben's desk. He appeared as some fierce, avenging warrior, and she gasped softly as his mouth claimed hers in a demanding kiss.

  Elise resisted for a moment, angered by his daring, but then his kiss gentled. Instead of dominating her, it became persuasive, coaxing. His lips moved seductively over hers, evoking a response that overruled her outrage.

  She told herself that this was Gabe. He had just carried her bodily out of the saloon. She knew she should be furious with him, but in the back of her mind, the haunting realization came to her that Gabe had rescued her. He had saved her from Boyd and from herself, when she had wanted to stay at the saloon and keep working. Gabe was a mysterious man, a perplexing man. And his kiss aroused her as no other man's ever had.

  When he parted her lips to delve into the sweetness of her mouth, she gave a low moan of sensual surprise, even as she met him tentatively in that more passionate exchange.

  Trace had been beyond angry with Elise, but at the touch of her lips on his, his fury had turned to something else-something far more potent. He wanted her. The realization shocked him even as he deepened the kiss.

  Instinctively, he tightened his arms around her, drawing her closer. It seemed as if she fit to him perfectly. Her breasts were crushed against his chest, her hips firmly nestled against his. The shock of that intimate contact jarred him. He softened his kiss, wanting to gentle her. He began to caress her, his hands moving over her body in a fiery path that ignited the flames of her desire as he sought out her pleasure points.

  Elise had never known that a man's kiss and touch could arouse such feelings within her. She whimpered as she pressed herself more fully against him, seeking more, wanting more. The revulsion she'd felt at Boyd's touch was forgotten as Gabe's caress swept her away in a haze of sensual reverie. Her thoughts grew confused and jumbled as she gave herself over to his practiced ministrations.

  Her unspoken surrender sent a jolt of awareness through Trace. He lifted her in his arms and made his way into the parlor to lay her on the sofa. He drew away for a moment, but she lifted her arms to him in invitation and he was lost. He followed her down, covering her body with his, fitting himself to her, reveling in the heat of her sweet curves pressed so tightly against him.

  The red satin dress slipped easily from her shoulders, and he unlaced her corset to bare her breasts to his touch. He paused to look down at her. She was beautiful. He bent slowly to press hot, hungry kisses to that sensitive flesh.

  Elise closed her eyes and arched in passionate welcome to the touch of his lips. Where the gropings of the men at the saloon had made her flesh crawl, Gabe's touch was ecstasy. She had never known that a mans caress could affect her this way. She held Gabe close, delighting in his nearness. Excitement built within her womanly depths. When he rose over her, she looped her arms invitingly around his neck and innocently moved her hips against his. Rapturously, she whispered his name.

  "Oh, Gabe-"

  Gabe. Trace went still for an instant as reality returned with a vengeance. This was Elise, and she was offering herself up to him in the throes of her desire. He knew he had to stop her, for she was an innocent who didn't understand the consequences of her actions. He was certain she would come to regret anything that happened between them tonight.

  He kissed her, but his passion was tempered now as he struggled to bring his own desire under control. Trace remembered how she'd talked about her ideal man. He did not want to be her ideal man. He did not want to be the hero who swept her off her feet. He knew he could have her right then and there-Lord knew he wanted to-but if he allowed himself to take her, he would ultimately just end up hurting her.

  There was only one thing that was important to Trace, one thing that drove him endlesslyand that was finding Harris and exacting his revenge. There could be no future for him with Elise. He didn't even know if he had a future, if he would survive his encounter with Harris. He could afford no relationships, no ties. And that included Elise.

  He ended the kiss.

  "Gabe?" Elise was stunned that he'd stopped kissing her. Being in his arms was exciting.

  Trace stood and moved away from the sofa. He glanced back at Elise once, and he immediately regretted doing so, for the sight of her lying half-naked before him sent a white-hot shaft of heat throbbing through his body. He wanted her, but he would not, could not, allow himself to make love to her.

  "Cover yourself," he growled as he turned his back on her again and strode farther away

  "Oh-!" Elise was suddenly all too aware of her situation. Humiliated by his rejection, she quickly sat up and pulled her bodice back into place.

  "Make sure you lock the door after me."

  "You're leaving-now?"

  "It's best that I go. We both know this shouldn't have happened." His tone was flat and emotionless. "Even if I was helping you research your story."

  She was grateful for the cover of the darkness. It hid her embarrassment-and her hurt-from Gabe.

  "But-" she began, confused and wanting to know why he was leaving her so abruptly.

  Trace cut her off, knowing there was nothing he could say that would change anything. For her own well-being, whether she realized it or not, this was the way it had to be. "I don't think Boyd knows who you really are or where you live, so you should be safe, but I don't want to take any chances. Lock this door."

  He let himself out and quickly climbed back into the carriage. He took up the reins, but waited until he heard the lock turn in Elise's door before he drove away.

  Trace was glad to disappear into the night. He would have gone back to the High Time for another drink, but he didn't want to answer any questions and he didn't want to risk running int
o Boyd. He couldn't guarantee how he would react to the man if he saw him again.

  Elise sat alone in the darkened parlor for some time, then slowly got herself together and went to her room to change. She laid the red gown on her bed as she donned her nightgown and wrapper. She paused as she brushed out her hair to stare at the satin garment. Wearing it had taken her into a world she hadn't known existed, and right now she wasn't sure whether that was good or bad. Sometimes innocence was a wonderful thing.

  The confusion she was feeling left her restless, so she got some paper and her pen and ink and went to sit at the kitchen table. She started to write her article for the next edition.

  "What are you doing home so early?" Claire asked as she came into the kitchen to find her so diligently at work.

  Elise had been so caught up in the article that she hadn't even heard her grandmother come in. She looked up, a bit startled, then smiled at her. "Things got a little out of hand tonight, but I got out of there safely enough."

  "What do you mean by `a little out of hand'?" Claire pinned her with a knowing grandmotherly look.

  Elise would have liked to avoid talking about any of it, but it was better her grandmother heard it from her than anyone else. "One of the men at the bar decided he liked me a little too much. Gabe managed to get me out of there before anything bad happened."

  Claire smiled gently as she thought of him. "Gabe always seems to be there when you need him the most. He's turning out to be quite the hero, isn't he?"

  "Gabe?" She stared at her grandmother in surprise.

  "Well, he saved you from Preacher Farnsworth, and now from this Boyd. I'd say he's quite a good man to have around."

  "I suppose," Elise said noncommittally, but silently she hated the fact that her grand mother was right. Gabe had saved her tonight. She had all but thrown herself at him, and he had walked away. She supposed she was glad that he had. Lord only knew what would have happened if he hadn't stopped when he did.

  "Are you sure you're feeling all right, darling?" Claire went to her side and put a gentle arm around her shoulders. "You are looking a little pale."

  "I'm just a little tired, I guess," she lied.

  "Then why don't you go on to bed and get some rest? You can finish up your article in the morning."

  "There are a few more things I need to get down tonight, while I'm thinking about them, so I'm going to work a little longer."

  "Well, don't work too hard. I'll see you in the morning." Claire pressed a soft kiss to her cheek and headed up to bed.

  "Good night."

  Elise stared after her, lost deep in thought. Her heartbeat quickened as she remembered the sweet heat of Gabe's kisses and caresses. Pleasure flushed through her body at the memories of what it had been like to be held in his arms. And tomorrow she would have to see him again.

  Elise couldn't decide if she was glad or nervous at the prospect of facing Gabe. After the way they'd parted, she wondered if he would even want to talk to her again. She supposed, too, that she owed him an apology. As much as she hated to admit it, her grandmother was right-Gabe did have a knack for getting her out of trouble, and he had protected her from harm at Boyd's hands tonight. She would go to Gabe tomorrow and tell him how much she appreciated his help and how sorry she was that she had slapped him.

  Picking up her pen again, Elise went back to work. It was early morning by the time she finally went up to bed, and when she did, she didn't sleep.

  When Claire came downstairs early the next morning, she found Elise up and dressed and ready for the new day

  "You're up bright and early this morning," Claire remarked as she began to make breakfast.

  "I've got to get down to the office so Gabe can proofread my article."

  "You finished it last night?" She was surprised.

  "Yes. After all that happened, I was too excited to sleep. The ideas were flowing so I just kept writing. I hope he'll be pleased with it. I'm tentatively calling it `Fallen Angels'."

  "Can I read it before you go?" Claire asked, truly interested in what she'd written.

  Elise handed her grandmother the handwritten copy and sat down across from her at the kitchen table. Claire read slowly, not wanting to skim over a thing. When she finished read ing and looked up at her granddaughter, she had tears in her eyes.

  "Is it that bad?" Elise asked nervously.

  "No, darling, it's that good," Claire said softly. "This is very poignant. You did a fine job. I think Gabe will be most pleased with your efforts, and I hope the community responds in a Christian manner. There are any number of ways we could help these girls."

  "Thanks. I wanted it to be good. I wanted everyone to understand what difficult lives the girls lead, and how hopeless it is for them once they're caught up in it."

  "You did just that-and more. In fact, I think I'll bring it up when I speak to the other ladies at our meeting next week. Surely, there is something we can do to aid these young women, some way we can help them."

  "That would be wonderful." Elise thought of Suzie and hoped there was some way to help her start anew.

  "It's our duty. We should help the less fortunate. Not everyone has a good home or a comfortable way of life."

  "I love you," Elsie said with heartfelt emotion as she went to hug and kiss her grandmother. "Now, all I have to do is get the article past Gabe, and our lead story is ready to run."

  "You're sure you don't want any breakfast before you go?"

  "Not today. I'll see you later this afternoon."

  She gathered up her article along with the carefully wrapped dress that Jenny had lent her and Fernada's wig, and left the house. She wanted to be at the office first, so that when Gabe came in, they would have a few minutes of privacy to talk before Andy showed up.

  An hour later, with Andy already there and working, Elise was still waiting for Gabe to arrive.

  "Andy? Did Gabe say anything to you about coming in late today?"

  "No. In fact, I'm kind of surprised that he isn't here yet-especially with him needing to check over your lead story."

  "Well, I think I'll go down to the High Time now, while it's quiet."

  "You're going back there? Why? After last night, I'd think you'd never want to go back again."

  "I have to take back the things they lent me and pick up the clothing I left there."

  "If Gabe shows up, I'll make sure he stays here until you get back."

  "Thanks."

  Elise got the parcel and left the office. The High Time was deserted when she entered, and she was glad. Only Dan stood at the bar. All was quiet and peaceful-a far cry from the night before.

  When Dan saw her, he smiled. "It's good to see that you're safe and sound. Me and Sam were worried about you last night, but Femada said you'd be all right."

  "Gabe took care of me," she told him with a smile. "Is Fernada or Jenny around? I need to return the dress Jenny lent me."

  "Fernada's in back. Let me get her for you."

  He went off to find her. Moments later, the older woman appeared and hurried over to hug her.

  "I am so glad you're all right, but I had a feeling your Gabe was going to get you out of here without a scratch. He was pretty impressive last night, taking care of Boyd like he did. Who would have thought it? He certainly doesn't look the type, does he?"

  "Gabe isn't `my' anything, but he is a surprising man." Elise remarked.

  "I've got your clothes all bundled up for you upstairs. Do you want me to give that to Jenny for you when she gets up?"

  "Please, and tell her I said 'thanks'."

  "I will. Did you get your article written?"

  "I worked on it last night, but I still have to show it to Gabe. I'm not sure what he's going to say about it."

  "I'm sure you did a good job."

  "I hope so. If it changes one heart, then it will all have been worthwhile. Did you see any more of Boyd last night? Gabe was worried that he might come back in and cause some more trouble for you."

&n
bsp; "He came back in, all right. I don't think I've ever known a meaner, more vile drunk than Boyd." Her expression turned grim as she remembered what had transpired after Elise had gone.

  "What happened?"

  "He tried to bust things up pretty good around here. He was threatening to kill all of us at one time or another. Said he was going to find that `Sissy-pants coward who hit him when he wasn't looking,' and teach him how a man fights."

  "Do you think he went looking for Gabe?" she asked.

  A sudden inkling of fear ran through Elise. Gabe had yet to show up at the office when he should have been in hours before. She wondered if Boyd could have tracked him down. The thought frightened her. Gabe had been expecting trouble in the saloon last night, and that was why he'd been able to save her. But if Boyd caught him out at his house all alone, she didn't know if he'd be able to defend himself.

  "Hard to say. Sam and Dan threw him out and told him never to come back. He slunk off into the night like the low-life that he is. I was glad to see him go. I don't want his kind in my place. There's no reason for men like him to get all drunked up and try to hurt people. It's stupid."

  "I think `stupid' is a very accurate description of Boyd."

  "Let's just hope he stays away."

  They shared a look of understanding.

  "I'd better go now."

  "It's been a pleasure to meet you, Elise."

  "You, too, and thank you, Fernada. I couldn't have done this without your help." She hugged the older woman, appreciative of all that she had done for her. "Thank Suzie and Kate and Jenny for me, too, will you?"

  "I sure will, honey. Let me go get the rest of your things for you," Fernada said hurrying off to get Elise's clothes.

  Once she had them, Elise returned to the newspaper office, hoping that she would find Gabe there.

  "Is he in his office?" Elise asked Andy anxiously as she came through the front door.

  "No. I haven't seen or heard from him yet this morning. And look at this!" He held up a telegram for her to see. "Word just came in that the Harris gang has struck again. This time they robbed a bank in Canyon Creek!"