Jimmy finally reached the outskirts of Devil's Bluff. He'd rode hard for two days, and all he wanted was a bath, a hot meal, and a soft bed, not necessarily in that order.

"Stay with the Scott's," Teaspoon had told him. "Douglas is a good man. Already told him you was comin'."

He made his way through the town, ignoring the looks the town's people were giving the rugged stranger. That's when he saw her. She was dressed in a red and black lace dress. Black ringlets spilled past the middle of her back, a red lace ribbon holding some of it up from her face. Jimmy stared at her, not intentionally, but he did, until her eyes met his.

"Afternoon, ma'am," he said with a tip of his hat.

She blinked slowly. "Sir," she said with a polite smile.

Jimmy didn't want her to leave. "Maybe you can help me."

"I'll try."

"I'm lookin' for the home of Douglas Scott. Are you familiar with it?"

The woman smiled again, and he didn't mind. "Yes," she replied. "It's the white house on the left, just past the end of town."

He couldn't help but return her contagious smile. "Thank you."

"Anytime," she replied and walked into the General Store.

Jimmy watched her leave, and took of for the house. There was something about that girl, not just the fact that she was beautiful, but there was something underneath it. Something that attracted him to her. While he rode, he wondered if he'd ever see her again.

Chapter 2

"Cynthia," Mrs. Scott yelled from the base of the steps. "Supper!"

"Comin', Ma," she shouted back. She'd just gotten back from town and now wouldn't have time to change out of her dress. "Great! Now I'm stuck in this all night!" she said looking into the mirror. After a quick once over, she joined her parents for supper.

Jimmy stood as she entered the room, amazed by his luck.

"Evenin', ma'am," he said, oblivious to the shocked look on her father's face.

"Mister Hickock, this is my daughter, Cynthia," Douglas formally introduced them.

"So, that's your name," Jimmy said, a grin playing at his lips.

Douglas looked from Jimmy to Cynthia. He cringed as he saw their eyes meet. There was a fire between them that he'd never seen in Cynthia's eyes. He wouldn't allow it. She wouldn't fall for the troublemaker.

"Cynthia," he said, his voice strong and firm. "Would you care to explain how my daughter knows Mister Hickock here?"

For the first time, Cynthia realized she was still standing, staring into the chocolate brown eyes of the stranger. "Um, I gave Mister Hickock directions to the house, daddy," she explained taking her seat.

Jimmy tried to use his best table manners through supper. He felt he had to prove himself to both Douglas and Cynthia. It was a feeling he hated. Somehow, her beauty flustered him. Silently he wondered if this was what Cody felt in the presence of a beautiful woman. Probably not!

Finally, after supper had ended, he retired for the evening. Grateful for his full stomach he lay down and let the image of Cynthia Scott fill his dreams.

Chapter 3

Under the cover of the clouds, he rode towards Devil's Bluff. Back to the arms of Cynthia, whether she wanted him to be, or not.

"Whad'dya think, Jake," his companion began. "Ya think she'll take ya back?"

Jake smiled wickedly. "She has no choice," he answered. "At least I won't let her father give her one!"

The two laughed, urging their horses onward.

He knew she'd give him trouble, but Jake was prepared for the fight. He'd have her one way, or another.

On to Chapter 4!