Raindance Part 3

Hal stood inspecting her from head to toe, taking in her soiled jeans and her dirt-smudged face. "Well what you gettin' so upset fir? It's just a dang little frog," he tried to reason.
"That dang little frog will be good to have around come summer," she explained to Hal, losing patience. The cowboy had a way of setting her off. A lighted keg - and he was the fuse. A short one at that.
"What? I never heard such a thang. Besides, if I don't kill 'em, Killer will."
Chasity turned to gaze at the dead-looking hound and said, "He wouldn't dare!"
Hal scraped his boots against the ground, appearing a bit uncomfortable in her presence. It was just a frog for gosh sakes! WF had informed him and the other cowboys about the rat episode. What was this woman? An animal lover? Probably didn't even eat steak.
Her eyes flew back to Hal and she told him, "Frogs catch flies and other pests. They-they keep the flowers healthy and strong." And she didn't even want to think about what Killer might do to those.
Great. A plant lover too, Hal tacked onto his wild thoughts. Then, "Well all the same, I'd just as soon kill it. Don't like 'em. Touched one when I was a kid and I still got warts from it."
She raked a stony look over the cowboy, unable to see any damage herself. Don't even think it, she silently lectured herself.
"No. And-and tell the other cowboys that I won't tolerate killing of any sort," she passionately added, her face red from the sun and her anger.
"So be it," Hal relented, but it hadn't pleased him. Then, "With it being Saturday night and all, how about doing the town with me? Little drink and a little dance?"
"Not tonight, Hal - but thanks all the same," she calmly relayed, not wishing to injure his feelings.
"Maybe next week, then?"
"Hal, I don't mix business with pleasure," she managed and as she noticed his sudden displeasure, she tacked on, "but if I did such, I'd certainly be privileged to go out with you."
Her words were the soothing balm that she intended them to be for he cracked a wide smile, then sauntered happily away, forgiving her for being both a plant and animal lover.
Ten minutes later she was disturbed once again. This time the intruder was Lester, the red-headed foreman from Bandera.
Today, he wore bright red pants and a red-checkered shirt and she was almost blinded as she viewed him for he clashed with the sun.
When her eyes drifted onto his boots, she inadvertently commented, "Red boots? Where in the world did you find those, Lester?"
"Yep. Red alright," he smiled. "Dyed hippo."
"Really?" she echoed in a sardonic tone, Lester seeming amused by her reaction. And her heart went out to the poor unfortunate hippo.
"Big bash in Del Rio tonight, Ms. Chasity. Care to come along with me?" he asked, his freckled face trying to support a hint of erotica, only it came off comical and it was with effort that she didn't burst out laughing.
"Lester, that's kind of you to ask," she carefully managed, thinking that the men didn't waste any time here mincing words or in hunting fresh prey. "But I'm staying home tonight."
"Oh? Watching the tube, are ya?"
"Maybe," she evaded, removing one thick glove and shaking the loose black dirt from her fingers than had somehow found its way inside.
"There is a real good documentary on channel..."
Chasity blocked out his voice; he would like documentaries she silently mocked while he continued to ramble.
When he stopped, she told him, "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."
"Yeah. Well, maybe next Saturday," he drawled, delivering another wild-looking smile at her, his eyes rolling up in his head like Killer's often did.
She watched him waltz away and had only just returned to her gardening when she was interrupted yet again. Custar.
"Have ya seen a loud-mouth stick anywhere in these parts?" he wanted to now. "Hair about the color of a mush-melon?"
"Myna?"
"That's the one," he eased out, rubbing his scrubby beard as he grumbled.
"In the house with Little Sparrow," Chasity directed.
"Thanks," he echoed, then he took off towards the house, grumbling with each half-step he took.
Chasity returned to her gardening but paused as White Feather rounded the house and yelled, "Sic' 'um, Killer!"
To her utter amazement, the hound instantly woke and attacked Custar by the pant leg. White Feather flew into a state of hysterics that mingled with Custar's loose tongue. Purple language, too. Lots of it.
He was stomping now, trying to free himself from Killer who had miraculously come to life.
"Turn me loose, you good for nuthin' hound!" Custar yelled as White Feather continued laughing hysterically.
Chasity ran to the porch and pulled the hound free, a section of Custar's jeans lodged in Killer's brown, brittle teeth.
"Stay!" she yelled to him. Then, "Naughty dog!"
At that, Killer whined, tucked a bony tail between his legs and slithered from the porch into the thick weeds nearby.
"He didn't bite you, did he?" she was asking Custar as White Feather still laughed loudly.
"Nope, but when I get through with that hound, he ain't going hunt coons no more!"
Chasity decided not to comment on Custar's threat but she had wanted to assure him that killing of any kind would not be tolerated at The Lucky Horseshoe.
The two men ambled off, each in a different direction. Chasity felt frustrated, her hands still shaking from the episode. What did she need to do in order to have a happy, carefree, uninterrupted afternoon?
Five minutes later she heard spurs jingling behind her. Lester in his flaming red suit and hippo boots she silently decided. Totally fed up, she eased out as she continued to work, refusing to be interrupted again, "I'm busy so please go away, Lester. Perhaps later, okay?"
"Lester's been here?" Easton eased out and Chasity swiftly turned to view him, then batted her eyes swiftly as his own measured her with amusement.
"Yes," she managed, rising and facing him, acutely aware of her unkempt appearance. "Him and about ten other people. It's a long story, Easton."
She tossed the spade to the half-worked bed, deciding that she'd had enough gardening for one day.
"Could I interest you in having dinner with me this evening at Bandera?" Easton drawled, one corner of his mouth twisted with amusement over her spade-tossing episode. She was attempting to be civil, but he had a good idea that the lady was frustrated. And he didn't blame her; he didn't like interruptions himself.
She paused from dusting the loose earth from her and looked intently at his face. It suddenly lit with a charming smile that twisted her heart into a thousand knots.
"I-I think that I might bore you," she eased out amid her wild thoughts.
"What time should I collect you? How about eightish?"
"Fine," she eased out, knowing that she was playing with fire. But it might not be a bad idea, getting to know the enemy she went on to silently defend. At least she held a small suspicion that Easton was still intent on gobbling up her ranch. And she found that she wanted to get to know more about him.
"And what shall I wear?" she asked him.
"Whatever pleases you. It will only be me and you," he told her, his eyes darting over her pink cheeks covered with specks of dirt.
He arrived promptly at eight, his dark eyes thoughtfully studying her curved shape outlined in the simple white gown. She looked good enough to eat, he decided in silence and he was glad that she'd left her golden locks loose. He liked the way her hair fanned over her slim shoulders.
Chasity was a bit self-conscious, but thrilled that he seemed to approve of her appearance. Granted, it was a remarkable improvement over her gardening outfit.
She invited him inside the house and gave him a guided tour, Easton impressed with her efforts. "I really like the western theme," he complimented. "And you kept your uncle's hat rack," he noticed with a smile. Then, "Congratulations, Chasity. You've worked magic. Looks very warm and cozy - like a home is intended to be."
He grasped a loose tendril of her hair and asked, "What else do you like Chasity?"
She swallowed the sudden lump that had formed in her throat and told him, "Yellow roses. I-I plan to plant a bed of them near the house."
Easton's compliments had sounded genuine enough and she was glad that the atmosphere between them was suddenly calm.
He was a handsome devil, quite charming in the white cotton jeans and the matching pearl-buttoned western shirt. The Stetson was gone and his sun-bleached hair fell in natural folds around his handsome face. Smelled good, too. Like expensive musk.
They walked down the lane to his house, this time veering to the right and when his ranch house mirrored into view, she expelled a delighted gasp as her eyes danced over the beautiful colonial columns supporting the structure. Little Sparrow had described its beauty many times to her, but words hadn't quite done justice.
They dined on steak in a formal dining room, sitting in red velvet wingback chairs, a magnificent crystal chandelier looming over the rich mahogany table and Chasity was glad that she had worn the white gown or she would have felt underdressed.
When she complimented the mahogany table, Easton told her that it had been crafted from a log pulled out of the ocean and the mahogany facing was over six hundred years old.
The meal was thoroughly enjoyable and the glass of wine had relaxed her a bit more than she would have liked. When she commented such to Easton, he laughed and told her, "Wine? Chasity that's grape juice you're drinking."
She giggled as he led her into the large den which was filled with manly-looking leather. One seating area circled around a massive fireplace, and Easton led her there and they both settled in.
"The meal was lovely," Chasity told him. "Myna is a wonderful cook."
"She is that alright," Easton nodded, drawing the cup of after-dinner coffee to his handsome lips. "Say, Ms. Decorator - what do you think about this room? I'm thinking about a few changes, but I'm not sure. Your honest opinion?"
"I'm flattered that you asked," Chasity smiled. She silently noted that she seemed to be doing a lot of smiling tonight, but Easton made her happy for some reason. Her eyes scanned the flawless room and she told him, "It's perfect. I wouldn't change a thing."
"It's boring," he eased out, his eyes curiously attached to her face, a face that he intended to brand with a kiss before the evening was over.
She pinched her lips together and shook her head. "Boring? It's beautiful, Easton."
"Boring," he insisted and like an idiot he tacked on before thinking, "just like the women in this area."
You could have heard a pin drop and Easton wanted to kick himself for his idiotic remark. He'd felt so comfortable in Chasity's presence that the comment had just oozed out.
"Well, I warned you earlier that I would bore you," she reminded, unable to do anything but look into his unfathomable eyes. Here he sat, trying to charm her - like some snake. Obviously, she fascinated him for some reason and hadn't yet made his 'boring' list
He tensed as she continued, "You know, there's a little story about a bored king that's rather....insightful."
"Oh?" It was all he could echo. He'd stepped into it now. Trouble.
"Yes. The king married a new wife almost every new day. And when he became bored of the new wife, he had her beheaded."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. And....I fear that you're a bit like him," she eased out, noticing how Easton had suddenly stiffened at her comment. "Never satisfied."
"Me? I am?"
"Yes," she assured shaking her head, her golden locks catching his eyes.
Easton didn't want to hear the damn king story; he should have left his comments in his head and just kissed her like he'd originally planned.
Chasity looked like a princess - maybe he could shift her thoughts with that compliment - sort of play on the king story. Naturally blend it into the conversation.
"Chasity-"
"It's the reason that you want my ranch - because you're an unsatisfied soul," she tagged on in an accusatory tone, not wishing to become one of Easton's boring conquests.
Well, forget the kissing he silently decided. Oh, to hell with it - he wanted to kiss her and it now seemed the only way to shut her up!
Chasity was shocked as Easton pulled her to him and dusted her open mouth with a light kiss, instantly extinguishing any words she had intended to toss at him.
He held her back and observed her shocked face. Well, at least she hadn't slapped him - time to move in for a real kiss.
Chasity had never been kissed with such passion before and once her initial shock passed, she rather enjoyed it.
He pulled away, knowing that if he didn't stop now, he might not be able to. And it didn't help that she kept repeating his name, "Oh....Easton....oh, Easton."
Chasity had never been kissed with such passion before and once her initial shock passed, she rather enjoyed it.
He tweaked her nose and told her, "Let's get you home before the full moon rises."
Her beautiful face mirrored disappointment and Easton rushed to rectify the moment before it got out of hand - as his 'boring' comment had done. "We're all alone and I don't trust myself with you. Okay?"
She nodded, inwardly thrilled over his admission.
The walk home was pleasant and she felt like she'd died and went to paradise as he held her hand along the way. If she were ten years younger, she wouldn't have washed it for a week.
Easton was even thoughtful enough to stop along the lane to pick a wild yellow lily and he placed it into her hand before she could protest - not that she would have. She liked it this way between them - like the beach and the gentle waves.
"It's not a rose but it's yellow," he smiled down at her as they continued on their way.
The goodnight kiss was perfect in every way, Chasity swaying against him for strength and then it was over far too soon as if she might have only imagined the moment.
"Night, sweet Chasity," he drawled, opening her front door and gently placing her inside, leaving her in a pool of mixed emotions. She watched him leave, observing him thoughtfully though the new glass panel set inside the front door.
And it was with a smile that she placed the lily into the old family Bible, pressing it shut because it was a memory she wanted to keep forever.
Three weeks passed. Not once had she heard from Easton. She wasn't sure if she should feel relieved or angry - but for the most part, she felt angry.
Myna had been over to visit Little Sparrow dozens of times daily. Even Custar and Lester frequented the ranch, but still not a sign or word from Easton.
"Well good riddance!" she flew out angrily one evening as she walked in the stables. She liked it here; the horses were magnificent, and it was peaceful - only the intermittent grumbling sounds now and then from the horses.
As she reached Caldonya's stall she gave her a thorough study, trying to strip Easton from her thoughts. The stubborn filly had proven quite a thorn in her flesh these past few weeks, taking to her stall and sulking. Obviously, she missed Daemon.
The vet had been out twice, finding nothing wrong - but even so, Chasity was concerned about the hard-headed horse.
Perhaps White Feather had explained it best last week. "She's a fickle filly. It's Daemon that she wants - not Patton."
Unfortunate for both the ranch and Patton, Chasity silently mocked. And Patton was such a magnificent steed.
"You should be ashamed of yourself," Chasity told her, pointing an index finger at Caldonya. "Daemon's no good for you and Patton is quite handsome."
At that, the horse tossed up her head and whinnied as if to argue the point.
Chasity widened her eyes, attributing the horse's gesture to the hay in the stables, which obviously had tickled her nostrils.
"Stubborn hussy," Chasity went on to lecture. "And you've cost me a pretty penny for you're not bred and now, you're no longer in. You know, Daemon is a ringtail - a bit like you," she analyzed.
Chasity widened her eyes as the horse threw open her lips and displayed large square teeth, as if openly threatening her.
"Better listen to her," Easton drawled out, coming to meet her. "She knows prime stock when she see it."
Chasity had longed to see him for three long weeks, and now all she could focus on was her anger towards him because it was obvious that he'd been avoiding her. She was pointing the finger at Caldonya and she was guilty of the same!
"What-what are you doing here?" she managed, her heart beating a thousand notches faster.
He was even more handsome than she had remembered, dressed in faded jeans and a blue shirt that complimented his muscular chest. Her attention was captured by a red bandana tied loosely around his thick neck and in her delirium she fantasized that he had stolen it from Lester because 'it was his style'.
"Rescuing beautiful damsels in distress," he mocked with a short laugh. Then, "Hello Caldonya - you sweet little baby," and the traitor nudged him affectionatelyEaston