Page 9 of Westbound Awakening

Jefferson, who was more than happy to get out from the uncomfortable and bumpy wagon rear, smiled and hurriedly grabbed a small bundle from the rear before climbing onto the bench.

Mae ignored his outstretched hand and climbed into the back of the wagon. The basket Miss Lady had packed caught John's attention, so he grabbed it and took it to the back of the wagon. When he lifted the flap, Mae sat with her back pressed to the bag of feed, her hat removed and head bent. If he didn't know any better, he'd think she was praying. Without a word, he placed the basket into the wagon and left. He'd try to be careful, but regardless, she was in for a bumpy and uncomfortable ride.

The rest of the day progressed without incident. His thoughts constantly went to Mae, and he wondered if he'd misspoken. Her reaction took him by surprise. He'd expected the anger, but the initial reaction was strange. She'd acted hurt, broken, insulted. It was too late now; he couldn't take the words back.

Three days later, the setting sun gave plenty of light for an exhausted John to guide the horses to a clearing next to a stream. He and Jefferson unhitched the horses to allow them to feed and drink before placing blankets on their backs and tying them to low branches for the night.

Looking as tired as he felt, Mae climbed from the back of the wagon and, without a word, walked toward the nearby water.

Over the last three days, Jefferson had become bolder in his attention to Mae. Although she remained cool toward both of them, the male did not seem to be easily dissuaded. Twice John had warned him to keep his distance. Jefferson had only shrugged in response. Even now the young man's gaze followed her retreating figure with rapt interest. John hoped he'd not invited trouble when allowing the volatile man along. "Let's get some kindling for fire," John got his attention. "Then we'll unload our bedrolls. I figure Miss Mae will want to sleep in back of the wagon as usual, for privacy." The young man raised his eyebrows at his comment and nodded before heading toward the stream in the direction Mae went.

Through the trees, John spied them. They exchanged a few words, and Mae moved away, into the trees. She appeared a few moments later and returned to the back of the wagon.

Hours later, the flames danced casting shadows upon the ground. Jefferson lay on his bedroll, seeming to be asleep. John made one last trek to the stream to wash up and then headed to the wagon. "Mae, may I speak with you?" he called without lifting the flap. "Are you awake?"

She pulled the flap up and peered out at him. "What is it Captain?"

"You don't have to remain back in the wagon the entire time we are stopped. Err... if you wish to sleep by the fire, it may be warmer. I can assist you with a bedroll."

Her eyes shifted toward the fire and lingered as if she were tempted. "That won't be necessary. I'm perfectly warm in here."

"Very well," he said moving back to where he'd sleep. "Good night."

"Good night," she replied, her voice soft.

"John!" Muffled sounds woke John. The unmistakable noise of a female in distress jerked him to sit up and scan the area around him. Jefferson was gone. He looked toward the wagon and Mae when a moan cut through the air.

Mae was in trouble.

He jumped to his feet and had taken a few steps toward the wagon when the second noise stopped him. This one was a deeper masculine tone. The groan followed by silence explained enough, so he needed no further explanation as to what occurred. John went back to his bedroll and sunk into it. John let out a breath. No matter how much he fought it, his gaze slid to the wagon. A weight crushed his chest making it hard to keep from growling in anger.

A shuffling noise sounded, and Jefferson hustled down from the wagon and hurried to the stream, not noticing that John watched him.

How could she do this? Did she need the money? No, she did it as an affront. To prove to him he could not order her about. This entire journey was a monumental mistake, one he'd have to endure until the end. He'd keep his word to Miss Lady. Once they arrived in Texas, he'd never see or hear from Mae again, which suited him perfectly.

Moments later, Jefferson crawled into his bedroll while John pretended to sleep.

The fact John felt rested the next morning surprised him since it had been a long while before he'd calmed enough to fall back to sleep. Jefferson was up and keeping busy looking after the horses and afterwards pacing by the stream.

Mae did not come for coffee as she'd made of habit of, and John did not go to her and offer. Finally she emerged from the wagon and went in the opposite direction of where Jefferson was to the stream.

Not able to help himself, John went after her. With graceful steps, Mae bent over the water's edge, presenting a pretty picture. Her head bowed, she pulled her hair back and knotted it at her nape, and then she kneeled to cup water with her hands and held the cool liquid up to her face. She repeated the motion several times.

When John approached, she straightened and shifted away from him. Her hair cascaded past her shoulders, freed from the pins, and Mae had her face turned away.

When he took her by the forearm, she flinched as if his touch burned. That a woman such as her could seem so fragile at times was disconcerting.

"I know what happened last night." He managed to keep his rage controlled, only by a thin hair. "I won't stand for what happened to repeat itself. I thought I made myself clear."

She trembled. Probably from the cold water, maybe she was upset, whatever it was he'd not let the reaction stop him from getting his point across. Mae would have to learn he was not to be toyed with. "Do you understand me Mae?"

Still not looking at him, Mae jerked from his grasp and wrapped her arms around her midsection and began to shake harder. "So we are back to calling me Mae now?" Her words were harsh. "Of course I understand. It will not happen again. Ever." She went to walk away without picking up her skirts. As a result, the clothing caught on a low branch, and she yanked at them with force. The clothing released, and she lost her balance. Before she could tumble to the ground, John caught her against him and almost cursed out loud at the awakening in his body from the feel of the soft plush curves.

"I'm fine. I'll go now," Mae pushed away, but he held her in place.

"Mae look..."

"Don't say another word. There is nothing else I want to hear on the subject. Not now."