By C.C.
Copyright 2000
A few weeks later
Louise knew when she left the way station that day a feeling was festering in her. She wanted to be free- she wanted to ride horses, wear what she wanted, say what she felt, she was so confused.
Every time she though about marrying Stephen it made her feel so closed in and nauseated.
She hadn’t seen any of the riders for a while and she really didn’t know anyone else in town, feeling very lonely she thought she’d like to see Rachel. She knew her and Rachel could become friends, she also knew that Stephen and the Richardson’s would not approve of her choice of friends. She knew they believed the pony express riders to be below them. But she decided she needed some female companionship, she’d see if Teaspoon would take her to the station.
Of course Teaspoon never could say no to a pretty lady. He retrieved a buckboard from the livery and they headed out. He again told her that she really needed to learn to ride.
Rachel was excited to see the young girl. She too had been anxious to establish a friendship, needing the company of a female after spending most of her time with Teaspoon and her young charges.
They laughed and talked, Louise feeling light-hearted for the first time in a long time. Rachel asked her why she had Teaspoon bring her in a buckboard, why didn’t she just ride out here.
A little embarrassed Louise replied “I really.... I don’t know how to ride” she stated shyly.
“What!” Rachel exclaimed. Although she felt bad for her tone, she should have known a proper eastern girl wouldn’t know how to ride. “Well” she spoke soothingly “you can’t live out here and not know how to ride, it’s a part of life.”
“It’s not a way of life for a very proper young daughter of a prominent businessman in Boston” Louise replied in an exaggerated high-class tone.
Both of the ladies doubled over in laughter. As they were laughing they didn’t notice the door to the house open and Kid walk in.
He immediately regretted coming in when he notice Louise and tried to leave before he was noticed, but he wasn’t quick enough.
“Kid” Rachel called after him, still giggling. “What do you need?”
“Nothin’ Rachel” he replied flatly and tried in vain to leave. Rachel was suddenly hit with an idea. Excitedly she turned back to Louise, “So Louise, do you want to learn how to ride?” she smiled broadly and nodded her head toward the Kid. “Kid here is one of our best riders, been around horses his whole life, has a way with ‘em. Bet he wouldn’t mind teachin’ ya.”
Kid was horrified, the last thing he wanted to do was teach a pampered rich eastern girl to ride western style, his mind reeled looking for an excuse.
“Oh no Rachel, that’s okay, I’m sure Kid’s much too busy for that, besides I’m not so sure it’s such a great idea, learning to ride, I mean.” She noticed Kid’s reluctance to agree to the suggestion.
Kid breathed easier at Louise’s comments. Rachel however was not to be thwarted.
“Kid’s busy I know, but he’s got some free time, haven’t you Kid, you know a girl needs to be able to ride out here for her own good, right Kid?” she glared at him.
Unable to come up with a decent excuse he agreed with Rachel.
“I don’t know Rachel” Lou was hesitant, knowing Stephen would not hear of it. “I don’t think it’s such a good idea” her voice trailed as she though about the verbal lashing she’d received from her fiance’.
Rachel was insistent, “Louise, you can come here for lessons, no one needs to know, it’s good for you, you really need to know how, think about it.”
Rachel was gifted with insight and she knew Louise was worried about her soon-to-be families reaction to her exerting some independence.
Emboldened at the moment by Rachel’s comments she decided to dot it.
“Okay, I’d love to..... that is” she looked at Kid who was looking very uncomfortable, “that is....if you don’t mind.”
Kid looked at her and noticed for the first time the sadness in her beautiful brown eyes, maybe she wasn’t such a snob he thought.
“Well I ain’t never taught anyone before, but can’t see that it’d be too hard, sure if your willing to trust me” he regretfully answered.
Louise was acutely aware that Kid was feeling uncomfortable, but she didn’t care. She had made her decision and was excited about learning to ride, realizing this was part of her longing - longing to be free.
Louise decided to keep her lessons a secret from Stephen and his family; knowing they would disapprove.
She purchased trousers she sighed heavily to herself, I can’t hardly believe I’m going to wear pants. My father’s probably going to roll over in his grave, she thought with a grin.
She decided she wouldn’t bother Teaspoon today, she knew how to drive the buckboard. So she carefully packed her britches so Stephen wouldn’t see them if he caught her leaving. She’d just tell him she was going to enjoy the surroundings... if he saw her. She knew that wasn’t likely, he was much to involved in the banks affairs, which suited her just fine right now. She’d be able to take these lessons and he’d never know.
Kid noticed the buckboard approach and watched as Louise knocked on Rachel’s door. He was relieved that she had the sense to dress at least in a plain skirt, but he still furrowed his brow, how do you teach a girl in a dress he wondered.
Groaning he headed toward the barn to saddle Katy, if any horse would make his job a little easier it would definitely be Katy. He saddled Rebel for himself, he was much less predictable, but nothing he couldn’t handle. He was explaining to Katy the situation; telling her not to be jealous, knowing she had a tendency to act up when he rode other horses.
Kid didn’t hear Louise enter the barn, she had been amused by his conversation with his horse. She was still a little uncomfortable, sensing that Kid didn’t like her very much. She knew that he had made his decision about her based on Stephen and his family, she thought, hoped really that he’d change his mind about her once he got to know her a little better. She knew she could be friends with him and really wanted too. She felt some sort of a kinship with Rachel, Teaspoon and the riders she had met so far. She didn’t understand it, she just felt she could be completely herself out here and not have to act the part expected of her.
He sensed her presence and turned to find her standing awkwardly in the door. She was dressed in trousers, a loose fitting man’s shirt and her hair was pulled back into a long ponytail.
Kid thought she looked beautiful, so much more than when she was dressed in her eastern frills.
Realizing he was staring; made know to him by her furious blush, he quickly turned back to Katy and spoke not looking at her. “Ah, well you know there for a minute I thought you were one of the boys.... ..maybe I should call Lou - dressed like that.”
She could tell his comment was not meant as an insult, not the way Stephen had spoken to her regarding her plain skirt.
“I didn’t think” she began to approach Kid and Katy “that it made sense to take lessons in a skirt.”
Kid had to had it to her, maybe she wasn’t too green.
“Yeah, guess you're right”, he patted Katy’s nose. “Katy, this is Louise McCloud, Louise this is Katy.”
She smiled broadly at the introduction. “Nice to meet you Katy”, she reached to rub her nose the way she had seen Kid pet her. Katy nodded her head slightly and whinnied as if to say hello. Louise could tell that Kid and Katy shared something special, but never being around horses didn’t quite understand.
“I’ve never been introduced to a horse before” she grinned at Kid.
“Well” Kid smiled at Katy “she ain’t just a horse..... she’s” he rubbed her ears “she’s special” his voice trailed.
Louise could see the love Kid had for this horse.
“Anyway, you’ll ride her, I don’t really trust any of these others” he indicated the stalls. “Katy will be gentle, “Won’t ya girl?” Katy again nodded her head, Louise was amazed, she could swear Katy understood what he had said.
Kid led the two horses to the corral and instructed Louise in mounting Katy. Katy was as gentle as Kid predicted and after an hour or so of instructions with the reins and some voice commands, Louise was controlling Katy and actually having her obey some of her commands. She was very excited as she and Katy followed Kid and Rebel around the Corral.
“I think that’s enough for your first lesson Lou” he used the name he had earlier dubbed her with. “You’re a quick learner”, he smiled at her. He had begun to realize this afternoon that he like Louise McCloud, however, it troubled him some too, remembering his obsession with her when she first came to town. Life was easier when he wasn’t thinking about her all the time.
Kid was very aware of the stares and snickers from the other riders. They were trying to hide themselves from the scene, but none of them were very good at it. They all got a kick out of Kid’s situation, though none would pass up the chance to spend time with the little beauty, they weren’t envious of trying to teach a greenhorn pampered girl to ride.
After the lesson Lou returned to Rachel’s house and changed back into her skirt. She didn’t have to explain, Rachel understood.
Wanting to thank Kid, Rachel told her that she’d probably find him in the bunkhouse. She knocked and he opened the door, several eyes peering at her from behind him. She blushed at the attention.
“Just wanted to thank you for the lesson, you are a good teacher” she spoke shyly. He groaned knowing Cody was gonna have a good time with that one.
“Anytime, it’s mostly Katy though” he tried to save a little face. “I’ll be gone for the next two days on a ride, but then I’ll be around for a few days, just let me know when you’re ready, we’ll go on to lesson two.”
She looked at him, appreciating his kindness, realizing that he didn’t treat her like he didn’t like her anymore, maybe he did realize she wasn’t like Stephen and his parents she hoped.
“Well, how about Thursday then, same time?” she questioned.
“That’ll be fine, Thursday, see ya then.”
She turned to go, Kid realized that she was back in a skirt, he briefly wondered why, but didn’t linger on the thought, guess she has her reasons. He entered the bunkhouse, bracing himself for the barrage of comments and teasing he’d have to endure. He was also trying to shake the thoughts of her from his mind.
Louise drove the buckboard home, smiling at herself. She had enjoyed the day so much. She liked the freedom she felt riding Katy, she liked that she had driven herself to the way station, she liking seeing Rachel, she liked the Kid....... she paused wondering what that meant..... did she just like the Kid like she liked Rachel? She remembered how he had told her he should call her Lou, dressed like a boy and smiled again at the thought. And he had called her ‘Lou’ several times, actually. She liked it, kind of like they shared something special. Realizing what she had been thinking about she chided herself. “Stop it Louise” she stated out loud. You are engaged, you can’t think about him like that, he’s just a friend, she tried to convince herself.
She returned to town and to the lady she was expected to be, but eager for Thursday... to eager, she frowned at her thoughts.
A few weeks later.....
The riding lessons had gone well. Louise would show up dressed in a skirt and transform to Lou before the lessons. She and Kid talked and laughed. He always made it a point to address her as Louise when she was in a skirt, but preferred to call her ‘Lou’ when dressed in her riding clothes. He personally preferred her riding clothes. He had been extremely impressed at her quick learning and her natural ability. Of course, Katy was a pretty instrumental in his success.
Kid decided that today she was ready for some open prairie riding, she had been mostly in the corral and he knew she had enough skill now to handle more.
“You sure I’m ready?” Lou asked nervously, not so sure of herself.
“Yep, Lou.... you’re a natural!” he grinned at her.
She had to once again scold herself internally for the feelings that stirred within her when he smiled.
They rode the open prairie, after the initial nervousness passed Lou felt such joy, she couldn’t hardly believe the feelings this independence gave her. She hadn’t felt this free and unburdened in years, in fact she wasn’t sure she’d ever felt this way.
Kid could see from the look on her face that she had discovered some feelings that she didn’t realize she had. He could see the happiness shine through.
He realized at that point that his feelings for her where deep, and he knew he was in trouble because it was useless, she was to marry Stephen in a few weeks.
He wondered what that meant, how that would change their relationship. They had become very good friends since she began her lessons. During their times together he found himself confiding in her, telling her about his childhood, his father’s abuse and his mother’s death. She too had told him about her life growing up. Oh she was sure people would envy her, being a little rich girl, but she never was very happy, never really enjoyed being forced to act certain ways, always forced into being something that deep down she wasn’t.
Her mother too had died when she was young. Though her father provided for her every need and more, he was not a comfort to her. She grew up in a very cold home, never showing or receiving much emotional support.
Stephen’s father and her father were business partners. She had practically grown up with him, he was only a few years older than she. Even though the marriage wasn’t what one would deem an official arranged marriage, it had been assumed for a long time that she and Stephen would marry.
She didn’t however, tell Kid that she really didn’t want to marry Stephen. She hadn’t quite dealt with her own feelings yet.
Before they came out west, she’d accepted his proposal, realizing that this was what was expected. Her father had been instrumental in the arrangement, convincing her that this family was the kind of family she should be a part of, she needed to marry within her class.
Lou told Kid that her father had gotten ill and died rather suddenly and she was left completely alone and terrified. The Richardson’s immediately took her in and for that comfort she was grateful.
Before she realized it half of the afternoon had passed. She had enjoyed the day immensely but had to get back to town, not wanting Stephen to become suspicious or begin asking questions. So far he hadn’t noticed her absence on the days she took lessons, she wanted to keep it that way.
“Oh Kid, I’ve got to get back, I’ve rally enjoyed today... thank you” she looked at him gratefully.
He knew he could easily get lost in her and had to glance away from her eyes, eyes which stirred emotions in him, emotions that frightened him.
Almost relieved he turned Rebel and headed back to the station, Lou and Katy close behind.
He needed some time alone, he thought.... I’ve got to straighten myself out!
Lou transformed into Louise as she did after every lesson and after telling Rachel goodbye went to seek Kid, to find out when they would ride again. But she couldn’t find him and she was already running late so she headed back into town, confused by Kid’s disappearance.
She was quite that evening at dinner and politely excused herself right after the meal, saying she wasn’t feeling well. Stephen agreed that she looked flushed (no doubt from the sun she’d been in all day on the prairie) but he though it was from her illness.
She went to her room for the night and found herself crying. Not a heart-wrenching sobbing kind of crying, just a few tears trickling down her cheek and a feeling of sorrow wrapping around her heart. She realized after spending the day with Kid riding and experiencing the total freedom to be herself that she had today, she would never be able to be truly happy. The thought of marrying Stephen sickened her.
She dealt with the knowledge of not loving him when they lived in Boston, but she had accepted it, realizing that the marriages she had seen, her parents, Stephen’s parents, many of the people her father associated with were based on everything other than love. Marrying your equal in class and stature much more important than loving. But since she had gotten out here, people were so different. Where you came from and how much money you or your family had didn’t mean much. She just couldn’t deal with marrying Stephen now. She wished she had someone she could talk to. She knew that she and Kid had talked about a lot of things, sometimes surprised by what each other had revealed, things she wasn’t sure she would have told a close girlfriend and she knew Kid had told her things he had never told anyone else.
But she realized this problem was not one she could take to him. She wasn’t sure how he felt about her, but she knew that if she wasn’t careful she could find herself in love with him, and she couldn’t let that happen!
Kid had headed out to his thinking tree as soon as Lou had gone into Rachel’s to change. He didn’t like the feelings that had slowly but steadily crept into his being today.
He was becoming obsessed with her again, but worse this time. He didn’t like the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness he felt.
When he thought of her and how beautiful she looked riding today, the pure joy that was evident on her face he felt as light as a feather, but almost as quickly that feeling was replaced by the feeling of dread. She was engaged and would marry Stephen soon and he would fee all of the weight of that crushing him.
He was angry, angry at himself for feeling this way, angry with her for not being the highfaluting snob he had originally thought she was, angry with Stephen for her belonging to him.
He didn’t deserve her, he never shoed her respect, he treated her like she was less that him most of the time.
If she was mine, he thought, I’d bring her flower’s everyday, I’d shower her with love, she’d know she meant everything to me.... he sighed she’d know that she way my world.
He had to again yell at himself, dammit Kid “Stop it, she’s not yours and never will be!” he stated out loud. I gotta figure a way out of this, his mind searching for an easy answer to his pain.
He decided he’d ask Hannah Moore to the upcoming church dance, she was cute and before he and Lou had started lessons, he thought about courting her, he’d try to see if that might be the key to freeing him of his infatuation with Louise McCloud.
It was shopping day for Rachel and the boy, Ike drove the buckboard carrying Rachel, while Kid, Jimmy and Noah followed on their horses. Kid was going to try to find Hannah when he got to town, he was inwardly hoping not to see Louise, he had decided that maybe he should stop giving her lessons, maybe courting Hannah and not seeing Louise would be the cure to his feelings for her.
But he knew she’d be hurt. He couldn’t tell her the truth, that was out of the question. He’d tell her but he hoped it wasn’t today, he wasn’t ready for that yet. He didn’t really want to hurt her, but he didn’t know any other way. He realized putting it off wasn’t right, but for now it was easier.
After picking up the supplies, Rachel set the boys free for a little while. She knew the church dance was Saturday and they wanted to find dates.
She laughed at them, seeking their prey, she thought as she watched them all meander away.
Kid’s wish to not see Louise today however was not granted. As he turned the corner he almost ran she and Stephen over. “Oh excuse me Lou” he stated surprised.
“It’s okay Kid, how are you” she questioned nervously looking at Stephen.
Stephen was eyeing Kid suspiciously, he didn’t realized Louise and Kid were friendly.
“Fine thanks, Sorry but I was in a hurry”, he hurriedly addressed her on continued on his earlier path without so much as a goodbye or indicating that he even noticed Stephen.
“What did he call you Louise?” Stephen spoke harshly to her.
She hadn’t noticed it, Kid almost always called her Lou now, how could she explain that.
“Did he call you ‘Lou’? again speaking harshly.
“Uh well” she fumbled for an excuse “I didn’t notice....he was in a hurry, probably easier than taking the time to say my whole name - you know people out here.... very informal.”
She knew she sounded like an idiot, she prayed silently that he wouldn’t press the issue.
Her prayers were answered; however he made a mental note to watch the two more closely. He knew Louise didn’t love him, but he would be sure that she did marry him. Hell he didn’t love her either, but her daddy had left her all that money that she would inherit when she turned 18. He’d marry her before that, then when he got her money, he didn’t care what she did. She was much to independent for him, he’d prefer a women with much less of her own mind.
“Got to get back to work” he quickly kissed her on the cheek and left her standing alone.
She hated the way she felt right now, irritated at Stephen, hurt that Kid had barely given her the time of day.
What did you expect Louise, she thought than fondly remembered he had absently called her by the nickname he had given her, no one else called her that and it warmed her heart when he did.
She was beginning to walk back toward the hotel when she noticed Kid standing in the street talking to a rather pretty girl. The girl was laughing and Kid was smiling at her. Damn, she thought, I know what that smile can do, that girl sure is lucky.
“Well Hannah, I was looking for you to ask if you would like to come to the church dance with me Saturday night, he asked after the formalities were complete.
“Oh I’d love to Kid, thank you” she looked shyly at him.
“Great” he grinned “pick you up around 6 o’clock then?”
“That’ll be fine, I’ll look forward to seeing you then” she was peering over his shoulder at Louise who was approaching the two.
He turned to follow Hannah’s eyes and groaned. Damn I don’t want to do this now, he thought.
Louise felt a little uncomfortable but she wasn’t about to let him get away with the way he treated her earlier.
“Hello again Kid” she looked at Hannah. “I’m Louise McCloud” she offered her hand for Hannah. “Oh, I’m Hannah” she took Louise’s outstretched hand, “nice to meet you Louise .... ah Kid I’ve got to go... turning back to him “mama’s expecting me. I’ll see you Saturday, and I’m looking forward to it” she smiled and walked away from the two left standing in the street.
“What’s Saturday” Louise questioned him.
“Oh just the church dance” he replied flatly. Trying to figure a way to leave before she brought up lessons.
“Oh a dance” she replied dreamily. “I haven’t been to a dance in ages” her eyes taking on a far away look, imagining the music, the finery....
Kid had to laugh at her, “Don’t think this is what you’re used to” he commented. “Probably the fanciest thing you’ll see at this dance is Teaspoon with a tie!” he chucked. “I’m sure it’s not up to your standards” sarcasm evident in his tone.
He didn’t know why he said it, it was mean. Maybe subconsciously he thought if he made her mad at him it would make thing easier.
Louise was obviously hurt by his accusation, he knew her well enough to know that she didn’t put on airs, but she wouldn’t let him know he’d hurt her.
“Wonder why Stephen hadn’t mentioned it?” she spoke mostly to herself, ignoring Kid’s earlier comment. “I can’t wait” she finished.
“Well I guess I’ll probably see you there then” he turned to leave.
“Wait Kid” she grabbed his arm to stop him. “When do we ride again?” she asked innocently.
He signed heavily, realizing he was gonna have to tell her.
“Well Lou... I mean Louise, you know I’ve been thinkin - you’ve pretty much learned everything I can teach ya’, he searched her face to see if had hurt her. But she didn’t reveal any emotions.
“Come on Kid, you know I’ve got a lot to learn, I haven’t even been up to a full gallop yet. And it’s really you telling Katy how to treat me, not me telling her what to do” she waited for an explanation.
Kid looked at the ground and kicked the dirt. “Maybe someone else can teach you.... Jimmy’s a better rider than me, see of he’d not mind taking over, I’ll ask ‘em if you’d like.”
She knew he was lying, out of all the riders Kid was the best, he had a way with horses and she knew it.
“What are you talking about Kid, what’s wrong?” she pleaded with him for the truth.
“I’m just busy right now” he lied.
She didn’t understand what he was doing, had she done something to offend him. She was not giving in that easily.
“What’s the matter Kid, are you mad at me?” she questioned, the hurt now evident in her eyes.
What should he say, how did he explain this..... No Lou I’m not mad at you, in fact all I think about is putting my arms around you, running my fingers through your incredible hair, kissing you..... But your promised to Stephen, I can never do any of that, and that it’s easier to have you hate me than to be your friend, I can’t be just your friend. I want more - more that you can give. Come on Kid - come up with something, his mind working, trying to come up with a reasonable excuse.
“No Lou, I’m not mad” he sighed “just busy that’s all. Me and Hannah, well... we’re gonna be seeing more of each other....” he lied again “she might not appreciate me spending time with ya.” He felt bad making Hannah out to be the jealous type, lying about them courting. Hell they hadn’t even been on one date yet.
“Oh I see” she answered quietly. “Well then, thank you for all you’ve done” she replied sadly. Turning to go Kid felt her sadness and it hurt him.
“Lou” his voice cracked with emotion.
She turned back to him expectantly.
He looked at her and realized he had to let it go like this. If he tried to smooth things over he’d just go back to going crazy again. No he’d have to leave things just like this.
“Never mind” his eyes traveled back to the ground and she again turned and walked away.
She was surprised at how incredibly hurt she was walking away from him, she realized she was losing a friend, but more than that she felt that familiar feeling of being squeezed to death. Since she had begun riding lessons with Kid that feeling had disappeared, even when she was with Stephen, her thoughts would wander to the last lesson, or the next and that feeling was tucked away somewhere. She didn’t care where it was, as long as it stayed hidden. But now, realizing the lessons were over, the feeling escaped it’s hiding place.
As she struggled she wondered whether it was only the riding lessons that she was going to miss.
But she already knew the answer to that, she had become acutely aware of her feelings for him. Especially after spending the day on the prairie.
She knew that he was much more that a friend....maybe it’s better this way, she thought, feeling tears well in her eyes.
Louise had thought about not attending the dance. She didn’t feel like dancing or being social. And she especially didn’t want to see Kid. But Stephen had insisted, it was more of an obligation to attend than an invitation. They had to set an example, represent the bank well.
She sighed, realizing she wouldn’t be able to get out of it. She chose one of her least fancier party dresses. She realized she had come to hate frills and layers, funny she thought, she was changing so much.
She looked at her reflection in the mirror and was pleased. She hoped Stephen wouldn’t have any rude comments about her, seemed like all he did anymore was insult, try to make her question and doubt herself.
Well, he didn’t even comment good or bad regarding her appearance, in fact he barely acknowledged her. Engrossed in a conversation with his father regarding business. She sighed and tried to convince herself that it didn’t matter.
The family approached the church, the rude comments from Mrs. Richardson regarding the girls and their dresses and the plainness of the hall really irritated Louise. She wanted to ask her what she had expected to find when they got out her, if she didn’t like it out her....why not go back eat..Mr. Richard’s could certainly find a job in Boston. It confused her that this family lived here and seemed to hate it.
Louise was aware of the appreciative looks she got from several of the men and boys at the dance. It made her feel better... so what if Stephen doesn’t notice, at least somebody does , she reassured herself.
She was not prepared as she noticed Kid and Hannah dancing. He was smiling and she was looking happy. Louise felt a slight tug on her heard. She wished he’d look at her like that again, he had on several occasions, during their riding lessons.
She really just wanted to leave however, she was quickly approached by Cody, she had met him once or twice when she was at the station.
“May I have the pleasure of this dance Miss Louise?” he tried to charm her.
She had to laugh at his attempt, trying to be so proper.
“Why sure Mr. Cody, I’d be honored.”
Stephen didn’t even notice, Louise was aware of his complete disregard for her. Though it didn’t hurt her, it did irritate her, how dare he, she thought.
After the waltz she thanked him and asked if he’d like some punch. He agreed and they approached the refreshment table. Louise noticed Kid pouring two glasses of punch. She wanted to turn back, not ready to confront him yet, but she was too late. Cody broke the silence “Hey Kid, look who I found”.
Kid turned from the punch bowl and saw Louise. She looked stunning and he stared for a long moment.... “Kid” Cody waved his hand in front of Kid’s face.
“Oh....Huh” he was embarrassed.
“Oh, hey Cody, Louise” he nodded to her. “You look lovely” he tried to recover from his temporary loss of control.
She smiled and inwardly rejoiced at his reaction to her, so he isn’t really mad at me, just wish I knew what his problem was.
“Kid, hope Hannah won’t mind if I steal you for at least one dance” and grinned at him.
“Oh I’m sure she’d be happy to have a break” he responded.
“Fine, I’ll find you then” she gazed directly at him.
Cody watched the exchange between the two, his curiosity peaked. What’s goin’ on with those two? He was going to ask the Kid when they got home.
Several men had asked Louise to dance and Stephen didn’t seem to care. He hadn’t even once asked her to dance, it irritated her.
She finally had a free moment and noticed Kid was free too.
She approached him and asked him to dance. Hannah was surprised....She wasn’t used to women asking men, either was Louise really.
Kid agreed and they moved on to the dance floor.
He placed his hand on her small waist and took her other hand in his free hand. His mama had taught him how to dance at a young age and he was extremely grateful for that; especially right at this moment.
Louise blushed as he looked into her eyes, she almost shuddered at the intensity she saw there. She felt like he could look directly into her heart and that he knew her feelings.
Just as she was going to say something Stephen tapped Kid on the shoulder. “Mind if a cut in my good man” he interrupted rudely.
Confused, Kid backed away and Stephen quickly took Louise possessively into his arms.
Lou looked at Kid apologetically.
He wandered back to find Hannah. Wonder what that was all about? Kid had noticed Louise dance with just about every man at the dance and Stephen didn’t pay a bit of attention, but only seconds after their dance began he cut in. What’s that all about, he silently wondered.
Louise was obviously upset with him. “What was that Stephen?” she asked curtly. “You haven’t asked me to dance all night and then you rudely cut in while I’m dancing with Kid...we had just started.”
“Just realized I hadn’t asked you all night and I was feeling bad about it” he lied. “I’m sorry I didn’t realize you had just begun.”
Louise knew he was lying, she wasn’t going to let him get away with it. “That’s not true Stephen and you know it, what’s your problem?” she continued in an irritated tone.
“Not that I have to explain anything to you Louise....” he was speaking to her like she was a child “But that boy has feelings for you and I don’t like it.”
She was surprised, Stephen had never once shown any jealously at all. She often thought she could kiss another man right in front of him and he wouldn’t notice or care if he did. Why does he care bout Kid so much, she wondered.
“Don’t be ridiculous Stephen, we are just friends” she tried to release herself from his embrace, feeling like she was suffocating.
He lowered his voice and spoke threateningly to her. “You are to stay away from him, do you understand me?” his tone telling her this was not a request but a requirement.
She was so angry with him. How dare he, she thought. He can’t control me like that.... but she quickly realized that soon they’d be married and he would have her under his control. Realizing she was going to have to agree with him to get out of his physical hold on her she glared at him “Yes sir.... I understand” she answered.
“That’s my girl” he let her loose and she left the dance.
On to Chapter Nine
