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When Louise McCloud had committed herself to
pretending to be a boy and signed up for the Pony
Express, she told herself she wouldn’t get too close
to her other riders. That she’d stick to herself to
preserve her secret and keep her job. She just had
too much riding on this job to screw up and let people
get close to her. Of course, her secret was out when
she got shot on her first ride. Luckily, she’d been
able to talk Kid into keeping her secret from the boys
and found herself becoming closer and closer to him.
In the back of her mind, she kept telling herself she
was falling for him, but she never really believed it.
At least not until the night of the dance, everything
had changed that night. When Kid took her into his
arms for a dance, it was like nothing she’d ever felt
before. It had changed everything. Lou had never thought to look at him that way. They’d been friends for so long and then, Bam!, one day she realized everything she’d been looking for in her life was right in front of her. How did she go about getting him to look at her differently though? Just the thought of him brought a smile to her face. Plus, what happens if it didn’t work out? Would they still be friends? She sighed and threw herself on her bunk. “Might as well forget about him. He’s never going to see me as more than just a friend.” She wished she could throw her disguise out the window, put on a dress, and knock his socks off. More than that though, she wished she could confide in someone. She’d thought about talking to Emma, but then she’d lose her job. If only he hadn’t danced with her when she was feeling so low, then she wouldn’t have realized how sweet he could be. She’d have never looked up into his eyes shining in the moonlight and realized she’d never seen anything so beautiful. Never would she have known how right it felt to be held in his arms. For a fleeting moment she’d even thought he was going to kiss her and she had wanted that kiss so much. Cody and Jimmy had ruined that for her though. It would’ve been her first kiss too. If only they hadn’t burst out of the hall yelling for Lou and Kid she’d have been more than willing to see where one simple kiss could lead. If only… “Rider Coming!” He was back! She jumped up and tried not to look too eager as she rushed out the door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ It had been a long week and Kid wanted nothing more than to just sleep for the next couple days. He hadn’t gotten much sleep while he was on his run. His mind kept wandering back to his regrets for not kissing Lou the night before he left. Emma and Teaspoon had made all the boys go to the dance in town. He had tried to stay home because of his run and Lou had tried so she wouldn’t have to watch the girls in their dresses. When he’d taken her outside to get some fresh air, he hadn’t intended to ask her to dance. It just seemed like the right thing to do. Holding her in his arms had been the most wonderful thing. Just when he’d finally gotten up the nerve to kiss her, Jimmy and Cody had come around the corner of the building looking for them and the moment was ruined.Since he’d first found out she was a girl, he’d started looking at her in a different light. More importantly though, he’d come to think of her as his best friend. He could talk to her about anything and know she wouldn’t judge him until she had all the information. When he needed advice, she was the one he went to. He’d even told her little bits of his life in Virginia. He’d never shared that information with anyone. But in the back of his mind, he worried that if he started a romantic relationship with Lou, their friendship would be over. What if it didn’t work out? How would they stay friends? The debate had been the source of his lost sleep. Was it better to risk the friendship at happiness or leave well enough alone and possibly miss the best thing that would ever happen to him? All week he’d been hoping that she’d be at the station when he came back. Try as he might, he couldn’t remember when her next run was scheduled. She probably was who he was handing off to when he got home, knowing his luck. As the station came into view and he heard the call, he saw her walk out on the porch and could barely contain the grin that was trying to break through. He had to figure out when he could make his next move. “Nice ride Kid?” He looked dirty and tired, but so damn sexy at the same time. “Not bad. Anything exciting happen while I was gone?” Like you decided you thought of me than more than just a friend and are ready to run away with me? “No, been pretty dull. Want me to take care of Katy for you?” Want me to scrub your back in the shower? Hold your hand? Kiss you until we’re breathless? “Thanks Lou.” He turned over the reins and headed for the bunkhouse. A shower and some shut eye…in that order.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ For the next couple weeks, Lou and Kid couldn’t ever seem to find some time alone. Every time they tried to go off on their own, someone decided to tag along. The more he tried to get her alone, the more everyone else got in the way. How was he supposed to find out how she felt about him when he could never get her alone? He thought she might have some feelings for him, but he just wasn’t sure. He needed to get her alone to ask her what was going on between them.“Gather around boys.” “What’s going on Teaspoon?” “Got an important package that needs to be in Denver by Friday. Kid, Lou, I want to take it.” Teaspoon tried not to grin as he noticed the pair trying not to think of reasons to object. He’d noticed the growing attraction between this pair and thought they could use a helpful nudge in the right direction. With Lou pretending to be a boy, how the other boys hadn’t figured it out Teaspoon didn’t understand, it was hard for their budding relationship to take place. “Now Teaspoon…” “No arguments Jimmy. Lou and Kid are taking the package. I know they’re not up next, but they’re the most rested for this job. The rest of ya will just have to double up until they get back. You boys meet me at my office and I’ll give ya the package.” Teaspoon grinned as he watched the pair rush off to get their horses and gear ready. Maybe he’d just make them wait for a reply before they came back. Those two needed some time alone to let things develop. He knew they hadn’t been able to find any time around the station lately. He’d noticed how each time they tried to sneak off, someone usually ended up tagging along.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ “Now I’m going to need ya to wait at the office in Denver for a reply. It may take a couple days, but think of it as a nice vacation for the both of ya.” Teaspoon grinned as he watched Kid try to keep the smile from his lips and a blush climb up Lou’s cheeks. “Ride Safe.”As Lou and Kid were riding out of town, Emma, the station mistress, walked into Teaspoon’s office. “You think it’s a good idea to send those two off to Denver?” “Emma, that boy knows she’s a girl and those two have been fighting an attraction for the past couple weeks if not longer. I thought they could use the time alone.” Teaspoon and Emma had known Lou McCloud was a girl from the moment she rode up to the station. Neither had found out her reasons for the disguise nor were they going to ask. She’d tell them eventually and until then they’d pretend they didn’t know. “Maybe it’s time for you to let her know that you know she’s a girl. After this trip, she may want another woman to talk to.” “I’ve been thinking about doing that for a while now. I think she’d like to have someone to confide in. I know Kid is her closest friend of the boys. It’s hard to talk about how your feeling for someone when the only person you confide in is the one you’ve got feelings for.” “Ain’t that the truth.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Kid had slowed down a little to watch Lou’s back as she rode and think about the chance he had right in front of him. Before they got back from Denver, he was going to find out how Lou felt about him. The worst thing that could happen was that she wouldn’t be his friend anymore. He didn’t see that happening though. When she had a problem, she came to him. When she wanted to go for a ride, she’d ask him to join her. When she needed someone to treat her like a lady, she went to him. Course nobody else knew she was a girl. He thought that Teaspoon and Emma might know, but he wasn’t sure.“Kid, what’s the hold up?” Why are you hanging back? Do you not want to be on this ride with me? Ever since they’d ridden out of Sweetwater, Kid had been very quiet. Maybe he didn’t like the assignment. Maybe she was just imagining that he was attracted to her. “Just thinking.” About you. About how much I’d like to take you to dinner when we get to Denver. About how much I’d like to see you in a dress…or out of one. Lou wasn’t quite sure how to respond to Kid. Before they had left, she’d been so sure that he had feelings for her. He hadn’t said a word to her until she’d said something to him. Maybe he was just thinking about the ride. She hoped she was just letting her imagination run away from her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ “Lou, I think we should stop here for the night. We’ll get into Denver tomorrow afternoon.” Kid couldn’t figure out what Lou’s problem was. She’d been acting strange most of the ride. She’d barely even talked to Kid. He knew he’d been quiet too, but…“Sure.” She still couldn’t figure out what was going on in Kid’s head. She’d wanted to talk to him so many times, but he’d been so quiet since they left she wasn’t sure she wanted to know what had been on his mind. “You know, you’ve been pretty quiet today. Got something on your mind?” “No. Just haven’t had much to say.” Yes, I want to know what your problem is! “Besides, you’ve been pretty quiet yourself.” “I know. Been doing a lot of thinking.” “Anything you want to talk about?” Here was his chance. He could ask her what she thought about being more than just friends. She’d left the door wide open for him. She just knew he’d ask her. “Not yet. Trust me, you’ll be the first person I talk to when I’m ready.” Kid grinned at her and started thinking about the dinner they’d have when they got to Denver. Where could he pick up a nice dress? “Men are so dumb!” Lou thought to herself. You leave them the perfect opening to let you know their feelings and they do something stupid like tell you you’ll be the first to know. ARGH! The pair worked quietly getting their camp prepared for the night. They stole glances at each other when they thought the other wasn’t looking and jerked away when their eyes met. Much like they’d been doing in the days and weeks since the night of their dance. At times it seemed almost painful to watch. As much as they tried to hide their feelings from everyone, they couldn’t. Teaspoon and Emma had picked up on the growing attraction and the boys had figured out there was something going on between the pair, but couldn’t quite figure out what it was. The only clueless people at the station were Lou and Kid. Being all alone had yet to achieve Teaspoon’s hopes. Dinner was much like the rest of the day had been, quiet. Before they realized, it was time to bed down for the night. “Lou, it’s kinda chilly tonight. Why don’t you bring your bed roll over here next to me?” Kid didn’t think he could be more obvious. “I guess that’s a good idea.” Lou wasn’t quite sure what game he was playing now, but she wasn’t going to pass up the chance to sleep next to Kid. Some nights it was so hard to sleep knowing that the man she wanted most was just a couple feet below her. She moved her bedding and tried to go to sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ They woke up in each others arms and as they became more aware of where they were the blushes were immediate. “Uh…sorry Lou. Must’ve got cold in the night.” Thank God! I can’t think of a better way to wake up.“That’s alright Kid. I didn’t even notice.” Yeah right and Lightening sprouted wings so we could fly to Denver. It had been the best way to wake up. Held close in Kid’s arms. “We better get a move on.” Kid rushed to saddle Katy and get on the trail. He wanted to be able to buy Lou a dress in Denver so he could take her out to dinner.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The remainder of the ride to Denver seemed to drag. Lou wanted nothing better than to stop and be held by Kid again. She knew once they reached Denver that she wouldn’t get the chance again until they were headed back home. As much as Lou wanted to slow down the trip, Kid wanted to speed it up. He wanted to get them to Denver and get that dress. Tonight, he’d tell her how he felt about her. If it went the way he wanted, she’d feel the same way.“Lou, when we get to Denver, do you want to drop off the package and I’ll get us some hotel rooms?” And a beautiful dress for you. “Sure Kid.” She thought that he might be up to something, but couldn’t figure out what it might be. She wished she would’ve brought her dress with her for the weekend. Maybe she’d buy one later.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Kid stopped off at a dress shop first and realized he might be in over his head. He wanted to get Lou something, but really had no idea what size it should be. When he had first walked by, he noticed an emerald green dress in the window. He thought it looked like it would fit Lou.“Can I help you sir?” The saleslady had noticed Kid walking in and had quickly figured out his problem. Kid couldn’t believe his luck. The saleslady looked to be around the same size as Lou. “I’d like to see that green dress in the window.” As she brought the dress to him, Kid knew it was perfect for Lou. It just had to fit her. “I’ll take it. Do you have anything to go with it? You know, the undergarments? My sister lost most of her clothing in a fire and I’d like her to have something nice.” “Of course sir, I’ll just wrap it up for you.” Kid hoped that Lou would like his gift. With any luck, tonight could be the start of something special.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Kid was waiting for Lou in the lobby of the hotel to show her to her room. He’d gone in and laid the new dress out for her and hoped she was pleased.“Everything taken care of?” “It’s all set. We’ve got to check back tomorrow for a reply, but they said it could be a couple days.” “I’ll show you to your room, mine’s just down the hall from you, and you can freshen up before dinner. I wasn’t sure if you wanted a bath or not, so I went ahead and ordered one. Here’s your key. Let’s meet down her in about an hour?” Kid was so nervous. What if she didn’t like the dress? “That shouldn’t be a problem and a bath sounds wonderful. Thanks Kid.” Lou headed up the stairs to her room wondering what Kid was acting so funny about. When she opened the door to her room, she knew. The most beautiful green dress was laid out on the bed for her. Her first thought was that she was in the wrong room, then she noticed the note.
Dear Lou, Lou held the note to her chest and thought about what the evening might bring. She quickly realized she didn’t have much time to get ready before she was to meet Kid and rushed into the tub.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Kid was pacing the lobby when Lou came down the steps. He couldn’t believe his eyes. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. “You’re beautiful.”“Thank you. You look very nice yourself.” Lou had seen Kid in a suit before, but something was different tonight. She took Kid’s arm and the pair headed toward the restaurant. After they ordered, Kid decided he wanted to find out how she felt. He couldn’t wait any longer, especially since every man they met tried to catch Lou’s eye. “Lou, I don’t know how this happened, but I’ve got some strong feelings for you. I don’t want to be just your friend. I’ve been feeling this way for a while. Probably since our dance a few weeks ago. I wanted to kiss you so bad that night, but Jimmy and Cody ruined that. Seeing you in that dress, is better than any of the dreams I had of you in one. I understand if you…” ”Kid, I feel the same way for you. I thought I was imagining things were happening between us. I’ve wanted to ask you for so long, but I could never get you alone. Someone was always tagging along.” The waiter brought their dinners, but Lou and Kid hardly noticed. They picked at their food for awhile, but realized they wanted be alone more than they wanted food. Kid paid the bill and they headed back to the hotel. Lou took Kid by the hand and pulled him into her room. Neither left the room until late the next morning when it was time to check on the reply. Luckily, they were told it wouldn’t be ready until the next day. They headed back to the hotel room to talk about the changes in their relationship and how they would hide their new love from the boys. They had agreed that Teaspoon and Emma probably already had figured out something was going on between them. They really didn’t care what happened though. All they wanted was to be together whatever way they could.
THE END
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